Bob Peterson ’70, DVM, was recognized with the “Birth of a Purebred” award at the MSU Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences Reception during the 2017 Michigan Veterinary Conference. This award is presented to an alumnus of the College or a private practitioner in Michigan who works primarily in the food animal medicine and has demonstrated zeal for advancement in clinical/production medicine as well as excellence in student mentorship.

Peterson earned his DVM from the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 1970. He worked at Lannen-Beach Animal Hospital (now Ovid-Elsie Animal Clinic) for 30 years with Drs. Brenner and O’Bryant. The food animal portion of the O-E Animal Clinic collaborated with Clinton Veterinary Services, where Peterson continued providing service to the dairy industry. In 2006, Peterson traveled to Russia as a volunteer for ACDI/VOCA, a non-profit organization which helps other countries with agricultural-related issues. During this time, Peterson mentored six veterinarians, instructing them on the use of ultrasound, feet trimming, and nutrition. In 2014, he began teaching students at the College’s Training Center for Dairy Professionals until he retired in 2015 after 45 years of practice. He continues to do nutrition consulting with the goal of helping dairy farmers become more profitable through proper nutrition.

“Besides being an outstanding and innovative practitioner, Bob has been a mentor to numerous DVM students,” said Dr. Dan Grooms, chair of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. “His contributions to student learning through his involvement with the Practice-Based Ambulatory Program, internships, and his service to the Training Center for Dairy Professionals have been wonderful.”

Peterson has been a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and MVMA for more than 30 years.  

“Without doubt,” said Grooms, “Dr. Peterson is a very deserving recipient of this award.”