Dr. Charles D. Heinze
American Association of Equine Practitioners 2009
Dr. Charles D. Heinze, Hot Springs Village, Ark., was selected to receive a 2009 Alumni Recognition Award at the American Association of Equine Practitioners annual conference in Las Vegas on Dec. 7, 2009. Dean Ralph Richardson presented the award on behalf of the Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Alumni Association.
Dr. Heinze has worked as a practitioner, assistant professor at Oklahoma State University, associate professor Purdue University, and as owner of the Equine Veterinary Clinic in West Lafayette, Ind. He founded the Indiana Association of Equine Practitioners in 1997. Dr. Heinze has been the author or co-author of more than 50 scientific articles dealing with equine surgery.
“We are pleased to have an opportunity to recognize Dr. Heinze for his distinguished career in equine health,” Dr. Richardson said. “He has been a real leader and innovator. Dr. Heinze is also very committed to organized veterinary medicine and veterinary education. Over the years, he has had more than 85 veterinary students go through an internship and externship program at his clinic and he has been very involved with local, state and national veterinary organizations.”
Dr. Heinze, a native of Wilson, Kan., earned both a bachelor’s degree and DVM from K‑State in 1953.
As the founder of the Indiana Association of Equine Practitioners, Dr. Heinze has served as the general chairman, secretary, treasurer and on the executive board. He is also a lifetime member of Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, Indiana Association of Equine Practitioners and American Association of Equine Practitioners. Dr. Heinze is an honor roll member and has served as a section officer for the American Veterinary Medical Association. He was the president of the Thoroughbred Association of Indiana, West Central Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, on the executive board for Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Heinze served in the Army in World War II for two years before attending K-State. His other civic involvements include being a lifetime member of the American Legion and serving as Commander for several years. He was the president of Kiwanis in two different cities and master of the Masonic Lodge West Village.
Dr. Heinze’s honors include the Kiwanis George F. Hixson Award in 2001 and Legion of Honor Award in 2002. He was also awarded the Indiana Grand Lodge Award of Gold in 1996. At Purdue University, Dr. Heinze was selected for the Society of Phi Zeta in 1962 and Gamma Sigma Delta in 1984.
Dr. Heinze and his wife, Maxine, have three children: Korryn, David and Theresa, and three grandchildren.