Spectrum - Volume 19 Issue 15 December 12, 1996 - Veterinary colleges to hire anatomic pathologist

A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor , a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

Veterinary colleges to hire anatomic pathologist

By Jeffrey Douglas

Spectrum Volume 19 Issue 15 - December 12, 1996

The Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and the Maryland Department of Agriculture have signed a cooperative agreement to jointly hire an anatomic pathologist who will work equally in the MDA's Frederick Animal Health Laboratory and at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center at Morven Park in Leesburg.

Under terms of an agreement signed November 14 by VMRCVM Dean Peter Eyre and Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Lewis R. Riley, a pathologist, will be hired immediately to serve both facilities. The pathologist will assist in the instruction of fourth-year veterinary students and conduct gross anatomical examinations (necropsies) of various species of animal carcasses.

Pathology plays a critically important role in understanding animal disease and protecting the public health. "This is an important milestone in the history of the regional college," Eyre said. "This collaborative program is an example of how creative partnerships can be formed between state agencies and universities to meet the needs of the people we serve."

The agreement will also strengthen the relationship between the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the Avrum Gudelsky Veterinary Center at the University of Maryland at College Park, and the Blacksburg campus of the regional college.

"In times of budgetary restraints, it is more important than ever to seek innovative ways to increase our effectiveness in support of agriculture," Riley said. "I applaud the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine for joining forces with us to protect animal and public health in our region."