The Dean’s Perspective

An established community makes possible new paths

As a faculty member for more than 30 years, I am well acquainted with the intellectual and clinical resources we possess at the College of Veterinary Medicine. In my former role as associate dean for Research and Graduate Studies I came to know the individuals from each department and the service centers that together create our vibrant community. Now, as dean of the college, I recognize that we face some exciting possibilities both internally and in our external relationships. The extraordinary talent across the College and our affiliated departments provide us with opportunities to take that talent beyond the corridors of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

In this issue of Perspectives, you will read about the ways in which our community is advancing methods of teaching surgical procedures by developing silicon models, as well as new pedagogical research that aims to improve the ways we teach and evaluate clinical learning. These projects are led by some of the College's well-established creative and engaged minds. You will also read about premiere, long-standing programs that have been advancing the scope of veterinary research and the advancement of an inclusive profession.

The commitment to teaching, clinical sciences, and research that I see in this College is what prepares us as we ready the community to join together and to expand our reach in the ways we contribute to the health and wellbeing of animals, humans, and communities.
As readers you are familiar with the concept of One Health, and the importance of the framework as we face new and emerging diseases that challenge the limits of scientific knowledge. The emphasis of One Health on interdisciplinary and collaborative research is required to face these challenges.

The college is recommitting to telling more often and more clearly the ways in which we are contributing to local health and global health. From responding to a Leptospirosis out- break in Detroit to the current and continuing Ebola outbreak in West Africa, current members of the college as well as our alumni are at the forefront of animal and human health. We will continue to forge new ground.

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