Dr. Brian Petroff, DVM, PhD, professor in the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, will serve as the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) interim director effective August 1. 

Petroff’s career in animal health began in the field—as a herdsman at a dairy farm in Ohio. He earned his BS, DVM, and PhD at Ohio State University and spent his early clinical career as a mixed-animal veterinarian.

Petroff joined the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine and VDL in 2014 after 13 years at the Kansas University (KU) Medical Center, where his research focused on endocrinology and prevention of endocrine cancers.  He was a program leader in cancer prevention at the KU Cancer Center as the University of Kansas was awarded status as an NCI-designated cancer center. 

Petroff served as the MSU VDL’s Endocrinology section chief from October 2014 through June 2023. Since that time, he increased his research efforts while providing diagnostic service in the Endocrinology Section. His service in Endocrinology will continue while serving as interim director.

During his time at MSU, Dr. Petroff has represented the VDL at national and international veterinary conferences, engaged in collaborative research activities, and contributed to the educational mission of the College through teaching and mentorship. He also served as the faculty excellence advocate for CVM and on multiple committees in the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation. In his role as interim director of the VDL, he will provide leadership and administrative oversight for Laboratory activities. “When I joined MSU, my role as Endocrinology section chief was like coming full circle for me. I am honored to be selected to lead the VDL at this time”, said Petroff.

“I have enjoyed working with Dr. Petroff over the past three years, and I am looking forward to working with him in this new capacity as the leadership at CVM and the VDL transition in the coming weeks. The College and Laboratory are grateful to have him assume this leadership role,” said Kimberly Dodd, current VDL director and incoming dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

A national search for a permanent VDL director is underway. Dr. Kimberly Dodd starts as dean on August 1, but will continue to lead the VDL until September 1, which will allow a seamless transition for Dr. Petroff and the Laboratory. She also will continue to be actively engaged in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and in managing the response to the ongoing H5N1 influenza outbreak until those responsibilities are transitioned to the next permanent director.