Dr. Loïc Déjardin has been appointed as the Brinker Endowed Chair in Veterinary Surgery effective August 1, 2020, for a 5-year term. Déjardin was broadly supported by the faculty and brings considerable research and mentorship skills to his new position.

More than 1,200 contributors established the Brinker Endowed Chair in veterinary surgery in the late 1980s, to commemorate and perpetuate Dr. Wade Brinker’s exemplary contributions to the field of veterinary surgery. Wade Brinker was patient, elegant, and innovative, and had a strong commitment to mentoring. He was particularly interested in fracture fixation, was a founding member of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, and is regarded as one of the fathers of veterinary surgery. Déjardin had the unique opportunity to work with Dr. Brinker personally and he also was a research associate with Dr. Steven Arnoczky, the first Brinker Chair.

Déjardin has a strong research foundation in orthopedic surgery and describes himself as a surgeon, engineer, scientist, inventor, and mentor. His research focus is on biomechanics, implant and instrument design, total joint replacement (elbow, hip, knee, ankle), and robotics. His research is increasingly well-funded (> $5.5M) and recognized nationally and internationally. Building on his existing funding and his recent award from the AO Innovation Translations Center’s Strategy Fund to develop a robotics integration system for sacroiliac luxation/fracture reduction and fixation, provides further recognition of his expertise and ability to continue to elevate veterinary orthopedic surgery at MSU.

Déjardin is an astute orthopedic surgeon and compassionate clinician, highly regarded for the quality of his patient care and client communication, innovation in clinical practice, devotion to mentorship, and highly effective clinical and classroom instruction of professional students. As former AO trustee he has contributed substantially to the expansion of the College’s footprint as a leader in veterinary orthopedics. He is a dedicated mentor of graduate students in research, and is committed to mentoring junior faculty, postdoctoral trainees, residents, and visiting scholars.

Congratulations, Loïc, on your recognition as the Brinker Endowed Chair in Veterinary Surgery.