Charles “Chuck” D. Heinze, DVM

Dr. Heinze served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Heinzethe Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1953. Dr. Heinze began his career at a veterinary farm practice in Pocahontas, Iowa, before joining the faculty at the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, now called the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, as assistant professor in 1958. Three years later, he arrived at Purdue University and served as associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine until 1967, when he entered private equine practice. He continued working as a private equine practitioner until his retirement in 1990.

During his career, Dr. Heinze authored or co-authored more than 50 scientific articles on equine surgery and treatment. He also was actively involved in numerous organizations, serving as section officer and Honor Roll member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, founder and general chairman of the Indiana Association of Equine Practitioners, and president of the Thoroughbred Association of Indiana. In addition, he served on the executive board of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association and was involved in the U.S. Trotting Association and Indiana Trotting and Pacing Horse Association.

During his time at Purdue, Dr. Heinze received the honor of membership in the Society of Phi Zeta, the Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine; and Gamma Sigma Delta, the Honor Society of Agriculture.

Mentee Comments

Dr. Chuck Heinze, along with my mother Maxine, was my greatest personal mentor. He also was my greatest professional influence. He was at heart a teacher and, after leaving Purdue, he had a nearly endless parade of pre-vet and veterinary students come through his equine hospital outside West Lafayette. He demanded excellence from himself and from those he worked with. He used his teaching skills to induce students to answer their own questions using knowledge they already possessed. He called that “learning them.” He spoke at numerous meetings always educating and informing practitioners as well. Dad was committed to organized veterinary medicine at every level and served in numerous capacities to give back to the profession he loved so much.

– David Heinze, DVM