Two veterinarians from Camden area have been honoured by the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW for their outstanding contributions to animal health, research and education, taking two out of the three major honours in the 2025 Centenary awards.
Sydney University adjunct professor Dr Ian Lean, pictured above, has received the Professional Practice Award for his nationally and internationally recognised work supporting dairy cattle health and sustainable livestock production.
Sydney University associate professor Dr John House has been awarded the One Health Award for his leadership in herd health, disease prevention, antimicrobial stewardship and mentoring future veterinarians.
Both have played a long-standing role in supporting local farming communities and shaping veterinary science from Camden.
Dr Lean is the managing director of Scibus and Cows R Us. In addition to significant contributions to the peer-reviewed scientific literature in agriculture and veterinary science, he is acknowledged nationally and internationally as a leading dairy scientist and has received numerous awards, including the Gilruth Prize in 2009.
“Production animal practice isn’t very visible to the public anymore, but it remains one of the most important parts of our profession because it supports animal health, rural livelihoods and the wider Australian economy. This award means a great deal because this has been my life’s work: improving herd health, farm viability and the integrity of the food chain,” Dr Lean said after receiving the award.
Dr John House was recognised for his outstanding contributions in the advanced veterinary diagnostics, disease prevention, herd health, animal welfare and food system resilience.
The committee noted, in particular, his contributions to research, antimicrobial stewardship, education, and mentorship.
“For me, this award acknowledges not just the work with animals but also the relationships with people and the constant learning that continues throughout a veterinary career,” said Dr House, pictured below.
