Queen’s University veterinarian Andrew Winterborn was recently named Veterinarian of the Year by the Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS/ACSAL).

This award recognizes the dedication of Dr. Winterborn within the CALAS/ACSAL organization who supports and encourages excellence in laboratory animal science both locally and nationally. Candidates are judged according to their dedicated support of CALAS/ACSAL through volunteer efforts, as well as mentorship of other veterinarians, managers and technical staff within the laboratory animal science field.

“I am passionate and dedicated about being a veterinarian and, in particular, about being a laboratory animal veterinarian,” says Dr. Winterborn. “Animal welfare is extremely important to me and is a major component of my position as the university veterinarian. To be recognized by my colleagues for this work is extremely validating and motivating. I am also very fortunate to work with very dedicated staff, students and colleagues here at Queen’s that are also dedicated to animal welfare.”

This latest honour comes one year after Dr. Winterborn earned the Charles River Prize for his contributions to the field of laboratory animal medicine from the Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Medicine (CALAM).

The Charles River award is based on a consideration of innovations or refinements that improve the care and welfare of laboratory animals, advancement of public knowledge or veterinary education with respect to care and use of animals in research, or advances or innovations in facility management or regulatory oversight processes.

“As the University Veterinarian and Director of the Office of Research Ethics at Queen’s, Dr. Winterborn has made outstanding contributions to the care of animals within the Queen’s Animal Care Facility,” says Dr. John Fisher, Interim Vice-Principal (Research). “Beyond his role at Queen’s, his work has impact nationally and internationally: Dr. Winterborn has played an important role in developing novel treatments, enhancing housing, and in advancing academic veterinary medicine. These accolades are well deserved.” 

A graduate of the University of Montreal in 2005 with the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, Dr. Winterborn was hired as the University Veterinarian/Director of Animal Care in 2009 after completing his residency at the University of Rochester Medical Centre.

As the director of the University Animal Care Committee, Dr. Winterborn is responsible for the direction of the care and use of animals at Queen’s. This includes monitoring animals and animal care facilities and providing veterinary services when necessary. During his time at Queen’s, Dr. Winterborn, an acknowledged expert in the handling and care of nopre-clinical models, has led a program of enhancements that have resulted in significant renovations including enlarged rooms and housing units. He is also engaged with the animal care staff to discuss their thoughts and ideas.

Internationally, Dr. Winterborn participated in Goats for Widows and Health in Harmony, two programs running in Borneo that focus on providing education on the health management of goats and work with locals to preserve habitat for the continued existence of the orangutan species.