Dr. Margaret Masterson Named 2026 Mentor of the Year by Merck and AABP

Dr. Margaret “Martey” A. Masterson, DVM, has been honored as the 2026 Mentor of the Year by Merck Animal Health and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP). The award was announced during the AABP Annual Conference held from August 27 to 29, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

This recognition highlights Masterson's nearly forty-year dedication to The Ohio State University (OSU), where she has been instrumental in training and inspiring countless bovine and large animal veterinarians.

A graduate of OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Masterson primarily worked with OSU Large Animal Services in Marysville. Throughout her career, she taught thousands of veterinary students, focusing on real-world, practical veterinary medicine in bovine, dairy, small ruminant, and other large animal practices.

Dave Sjeklocha, DVM, a technical services manager at Merck Animal Health and former president of the AABP Board of Directors, praised Masterson for her exceptional commitment to mentorship. He noted her practical teaching methods and dedication to student success, which have produced confident veterinarians ready to meet the needs of livestock producers.

Eric D. Gordon, DVM, a professor at OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, remarked on Masterson’s extensive influence in veterinary education, stating that her mentorship has led to a significant number of successful professionals in the field.

Nominators recognized Masterson as a no-nonsense educator who demands excellence while fostering growth and confidence in her students, particularly encouraging women to pursue careers in large animal veterinary medicine. Her mentorship has also impacted interns, residents, and faculty members, shaping their teaching and professional paths.

Masterson's contributions include developing clinical skills training and the Large Animal Spectrum of Care Summer Externship, ensuring that future veterinarians are well-prepared.

Merck Animal Health supports education and the veterinary profession through partnerships with organizations like AABP, providing over $1.4 million in veterinary scholarships annually and significant funding for educational initiatives.

The AABP, established in 1965, is an international organization comprising over 5,000 veterinarians and students dedicated to enhancing cattle health and productivity.