The 2020 Bartlett address - David E. Bartlett Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theriogenology

I wish to thank the American College of Theriogenologists, Society for Theriogenology, and Theriogenology Foundation for bestowing this award on me. As I remember, this award was originated to honor our forefathers responsible for creating our specialty college. The members that founded the Rocky Mountain Society for the Study of Breeding Soundness comprised most of this group. Their vision and perseverance are legendary to our members. They set the bar high. As such, I can't help but feel that my professional career doesn't approach this standard.

My interest in Theriogenology was peaked when I was in the US Peace Corps in the Philippines. I was recruited to help develop artificial breeding strategies in the native water buffalo (carabao). Funds available for this project were delayed for some time, and I was asked to teach animal science and preveterinary college students. I discovered that I really enjoyed teaching.

I am reminded that no one has a meaningful career uninfluenced by others. I was fortunate to be selected for a large animal reproduction residency with Bob Kenney at New Bolton Center. While at New Bolton Center, I was also mentored by Wendell Cooper, John Hurtgen, and Marolo Garcia. These amazing mentors were the beginning of many that suffered through my presence and instructed me patiently and tirelessly. Other mentors that greatly influenced my career include my graduate advisor Ron Elmore, Bob Youngquist, and Clarence Bierschwal at the University of Missouri. On my return to New Bolton Center, I was fortunate to work with Dickson Varner, Katrin Hinrichs, and Stan Brown. While earlier in their academic careers, I believe I learned more from them than they from me.

I later joined Dickson at Texas A&M University. This was the beginning of a long and storied career shared with Dickson. He has always been the visionary that brought me along for an amazing ride. I also would not have enjoyed a meaningful career without the enduring support of Ron Elmore, Ron Martens, and Bill Moyer at Texas A&M University. Finally, veterinary students and residents I taught that have become lifelong friends as well as colleagues include Jim Moorehead, Charlie Love, Steve Brinsko, and Margo Macpherson and numerous others.

Again, I reiterate my gratitude to the American College of Theriogenologists, Society for Theriogenology, and Theriogenology Foundation for this award.

This manuscript was originally published in the journal Clinical Theriogenology Vol 12(3) Sept 2020.  Clinical Theriogenology is the official journal of the Society for Theriogenology (SFT) and the American College of Theriogenologists (ACT).  This content has been reproduced on the IVIS website with the explicit permission of the SFT/ACT.