AASV announces Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year

The American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) announced during the 55th AASV Annual Meeting held in Nashville, Tennessee the recipient of the AASV Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year Award was Dylan Lape, DVM. The award is presented to an AASV member who graduated veterinary school within 5 years and who demonstrates the ideals of exemplary service and proficiency early in the recipient’s career.

"I am shocked and honored to be selected for this award! I 100% wouldn't be the veterinarian I am today without the mentorship I've received from many members of AASV, but especially my boss Dr Matt Ackerman!" expressed Lape.¹

Dylan Lape, DVM, 2024 AASV Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year Award recipient (Image courtesy50 of AASV)

According to an organizational release from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine,² Lape is from Lebanon, Pennsylvania where he was raised exhibiting poultry along with his father and brother. He then attended the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) in 2014 to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree. After graduating, Lape then went to Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2018.

During his time at Penn State, Lape developed an interest in swine medicine at the Penn State swine farm, leading him to continue to foster his interest during his time at Purdue.² He then joined Pork Veterinary Solutions in July 2018 and works with independent swine producers, contact growers, and large integrators. In this position, he oversaw the production of approximately 1 million pigs per year.

Lape participated in multiple foreign animal disease planning and preparedness exercises and finished the Swine Veterinarians Public Policy Advocacy Program that was through the National Pork Producers Council and AASV.

Those who nominated Lape for the award described his infectious positive personality as an ideal of exemplary service. The nominations said that despite situations being challenging or stressful, Lape continues to be happy, making him a crucial part of the team as well as a joy to clients and fellow colleagues.

Currently, Lape is raising exhibition poultry locally and in his spare time, enjoys showing across the Midwest.¹

References

1. AASV Honors Awardees at Annual Meeting. News release. American Association of Swine Veterinarians. February 27, 2024. Accessed March 1, 2024. https://www.aasv.org/news/story.php?id=16444
2. AASV recognizes Purdue Veterinary graduate as 2024 Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year. News release. Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. March 1, 2024. Accessed March 1, 2024. https://vet.purdue.edu/news/aasv-recognizes-purdue-veterinary-graduate-as-2024-young-swine-veterinarian-of-the-year.php