This week nearly 2,000 attendees had the privilege of honoring two of these veterinarians, Roger J. Panciera, DVM, and Keith E. Sterner, DVM, at the annual Cattle Production Veterinarian Hall of Fame (CPVHOF) awards ceremony during the 49th American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Annual Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Panciera and Dr. Sterner were selected by their peers – including members of AABP and the Academy of Veterinary Consultants (AVC) – from a group of five beef and dairy veterinarian nominees. 

“The beef and dairy industries have been fortunate to benefit from the knowledge and contributions provided by these two outstanding veterinarians,” said Brent Meyer, DVM, beef cattle technical services, Merck Animal Health. “Dr. Panciera and Dr. Sterner have contributed to the cattle industry through scientific advancements and disease control, however, their biggest contribution may be the legacy they leave through the students they taught.”

2016 beef inductee – Dr. Roger J. Panciera (Stillwater, Oklahoma)

Roger Panciera received his DVM from Oklahoma State University (OSU) in 1953 and a M.S. and Ph.D. from Cornell University. Panciera then returned to OSU where he achieved international recognition by influencing generations of students, residents, practitioners and pathologists. He has had an extraordinary influence on beef cattle production and disease control by providing both scientific contributions and education to veterinarians and producers. 

Jerry W. Ritchey, DVM, professor and head at the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology Center for Veterinary Health Sciences at OSU, said, “Dr. Panciera has a well-documented list of academic accomplishments related to decades of productivity in research, teaching and diagnostic pathology. However, what is truly remarkable and immeasurable is his impact on generations of practicing veterinarians and the inspiration he has provided to hundreds of veterinary pathologists currently working all over the world.”

The hallmark of Panciera’s teaching philosophy was developing thought processes rather than relying on memorization. He is legendary on the necropsy floor, working with students and trainees, and squeezing every possible learning opportunity from each necropsy case.

There are two important testimonies to Panciera’s distinction as an educator. First, he has been recognized over the years by students and faculty colleagues as a recipient of many teaching awards. Secondly, he has inspired many others to become educators as well. 

Panciera is a founding member of the Academy of Veterinary Consultants, a member of the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame, a distinguished member of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and a distinguished alumnus of OSU. He is a member of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association Hall of Fame and he was the first person chosen distinguished alumnus of OSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

2016 dairy inductee – Dr. Keith E. Sterner (Ionia, Michigan)

Keith Sterner is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he completed his DVM degree in 1969. He served in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps from 1970 to 1972. Sterner then went into private veterinary practice in Ionia, Michigan, with his father, the late Dr. Edward F. Sterner, where he became an owner and partner until his retirement in late 2011. He still remains active as a consultant and a backup for the practice.

In 1982, Sterner collaborated with Dr. Jorgen Grymer in developing the Grymer/Sterner toggle suture method of left displaced abomasum (LDA) repair. 

Sterner had many great achievements during his time as a veterinary career, but some of his fondest memories were experienced during his time as a teacher. “One of the most memorable aspects of our practice, outside of our clients and their animals, were the hundreds of veterinary students that we mentored from all over the world. Their presence provided a constant stimulus for our own continuing education. Many long time friendships have been forged and we consider a great number of them as family,” said Sterner. 

From his private practice base, Sterner has been active in organized veterinary medicine including several national leadership roles. Sterner was president of AABP in 1989, and his leadership within the AABP was crucial in the development of the extralabel drug use policies.

He also served as chairperson for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee when the FDA framework document on antimicrobial drug categories was developed.

Sterner also has been a champion of quality assurance for beef and dairy and currently serves on the NCBA Beef Quality Assurance Advisory Board as a dairy representative. He continues to pursue his interest in organized veterinary medicine, veterinary devices and inventions in his “retirement.”

About the Cattle Production Veterinary Hall of Fame

Established in 2011, CPVHOF honors the traditions of production veterinary medicine and the individuals who have made a lasting impact on the profession. Through early mornings, late nights and harsh weather conditions, veterinarians are a steadfast and essential part of cattle production.

The CPVHOF celebrates the rich traditions of cattle production veterinary medicine by honoring the exceptional men and women who have made lasting contributions to their profession. Inductees are true pioneers whose achievements span their entire careers. The Hall of Fame is sponsored by Merck Animal Health, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the Academy of Veterinary Consultants, Bovine Veterinarian magazine and Osborn Barr.  

—From Osborn Barr news release