C. Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc (DVM), PhD, DSc, FRCVS,
Dr. med vet (hc), Diplomate ACVS, Diplomate ACVSMR,
University Distinguished Professor,
Barbara Cox Anthony University Chair in Orthopaedics, and
Director of Orthopaedic Research Center

Research Interests: Equine orthopaedic surgery, joint disease (arthritis) research as well as osteoarthritis therapy (including gene therapy and stem cell therapies), articular cartilage repair, and early diagnosis in osteoarthritis and pre-fracture disease using imaging and fluid biomarkers. Dr. McIlwraith received his veterinary degree (BVSc) in 1971 from Massey University, New Zealand. After time spent in private practice, he did a surgical internship at the University of Guelph in Canada, followed by a surgical residency at Purdue University. He also completed MS and PhD degrees in the area of joint disease (arthritis) research while at Purdue. Dr. McIlwraith became Board certified as a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1979, and joined the faculty at Colorado State University that same year. He became a full Professor in 1986. He received the Dr. med. vet (h.c.) degree from the University of Vienna in 1995 and a Doctor of Science degree from Purdue University in 2001; a Doctor of Science (honoris causa) from Massey University in 2003; a Laurea Dr. (honoris causa) from the University of Turin, Italy in 2004; and a Dr. vet. Med (honoris causa) from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London in 2010.

Dr. McIlwraith, a University Distinguished Professor, has made significant strides in advancing the Orthopaedic Research Center Laboratory's reputation through publications, scientific presentations at key meetings throughout the world, and fundraising efforts. He is a Past-President of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and a recognized leader in the field of equine orthopaedic research and surgery. He consults worldwide as a specialist equine surgeon and has received national and international media attention for his contributions to joint research. Dr. McIlwraith is the co-author of five textbooks, over 400 textbook chapters and refereed publications, and has given 600 presentations and workshops.

Honors Include: Colorado State University AAEP Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching Equine Medicine and Surgery, 1981-82; Colorado State University Alumni Outstanding Faculty Award, 1983; DLT Smith Visiting Scientist, University of Saskatchewan, 1992; Inducted into the George H. Glover Gallery of Distinguished Faculty and Alumni, CSU, 1993; Awarded the Tierklinik Hochmoor Prize at Equitana, 10th Equine Veterinary Conference, Essen, Germany, 1993, for international contributions to Equine Orthopaedics; the Schering-Plough Award from World Equine Veterinary Association for Equine Applied Research for outstanding research work in equine locomotor disorders in Yokohama, Japan, 1995; Jacques Jenny Lecturer, Veterinary Orthopaedic Society, 1997; John Hickman Award for Equine Orthopaedics for leading work in arthroscopic surgery and equine joint disease research, British Equine Veterinary Association and Equine Veterinary Journal, Harrogate, England, 1997; Past President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners; Winners Circle Award for Outstanding Achievements in American Quarter Horse Racing, 2002; Barbara Cox Anthony University Endowed Chair in Orthopaedic Research, 2002; Honored Researcher, Colorado State University Research Foundation, 2004; Inducted into University of Kentucky Equine Research Hall of Fame, October 2005; Frank Milne Lecturer (Lifetime Contribution Award), American Association of Equine Practitioners, December 2005; Wade O. Brinker Lecturer, Michigan State University, January 2006; John Hickman Memorial Lecturer British Equine Veterinary Association Congress, Birmingham, United Kingdom, September, 2006; Founders Award for Lifetime Achievement, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, October 2006; Scholarship Impact Award, Colorado State University,  “In recognition of the impact of your research on the University, the Nation and the World,” 2007; Elastikon Award for Equine Research (with Dr. M. Peterson) – Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation, 2008; Eclipse Award from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (accepted on behalf of the American Association of Equine Practitioners “On-Call” program) Miami, FL 2009; Telly Award 2009 for documentary “Majestic” (featuring Dr. CW McIlwraith and LR Bramlage), produced by Foundation for Biomedical Engineering;  Distinguished Life Member, American Association of Equne Practitioners, 2009; Life member, New Zealand Equine Veterinary Association, 2011.