Each year since 1977 the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) has recognized outstanding swine practitioners who demonstrate exceptional service to their veterinary clients. The Award is the Association’s highest honor. Dr. Sheridan is a partner and owner of Sheridan, Heuser, Provis Swine Health Services with offices in Steinbach and Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mike, along with his three veterinarian partners, five associate veterinarians, and eight support staff provide veterinary care and management advice to a large portion of the swine farms throughout Manitoba.

Dr. Sheridan started his career in Selkirk, Manitoba in 1977 after graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College that same year. Mike worked in a mixed, large animal practice until 1988 when he and Dr. Walter Heuser formed a partnership focused on swine disease and management. A new concept at the time, the specialized swine practice grew involving clients throughout western Canada and internationally.

Throughout his career, Dr. Sheridan recognized the value of being involved in providing leadership to his profession and the industry. As early as 1982, Mike was preparing home study courses on herd health for the Manitoba Department of Agriculture. Finding like minds in innovative swine management lead Mike to be one of the founding members of the VIDO Swine Technical Group. Mike has served on the Manitoba Pork Council Welfare Committee, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Welfare Committee, as a member of the Board of Directors for AASV for 6 years, and most recently Dr. Sheridan serves on the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association executive.

We asked Mike what was his secret to success in his practice. “Having the answers when your clients need them is important. I have a very good liaison with the other swine practitioners in Canada and the US, this is an invaluable resource for our client base.”

Mike and his partners are very passionate about continuing education, devoting time and energy to stay informed in their industry and providing opportunities for their clients to access information readily through meetings organized at their clinic, producing courses and even videos. Sheridan, Heuser, Provis Swine Health Services continue to be actively involved in the evolution of the industry, serving on committees, contributing their energies and financial resources to new projects like the Pork Interpretive Gallery. Dr. Sheridan notes “After years of creating biosecurity barriers to visitors going into pig barns for herd health protection, we jumped at the opportunity to support the PSC to allow the public to see our industry from the inside. The P.I.G. showcases what we feel is a great industry.”