LSU names veterinary education alumni honorees

Photos courtesy of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Oliver Garden (left), BVetMed, PhD, FHEA, FCPP, FRCVS, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, dean of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and Tammy Dugas, PhD, associate dean for Research and Graduate Education (right), congratulate Judy Pawlusiow, DVM (LSU 1992), MS (LSU 1981), DACVIM (SAIM), and Cyril Clarke, BVSc (RSA), PhD (LSU 1987), DACVP, on their awards.

The Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine (LSU Vet Med) has named its 2023 Distinguished Alumnus Award recipients. They are Jay Addison, DVM (LSU 1983); Cyril Clarke, BVSc (RSA), PhD (LSU 1987), DACVP; and Judy Pawlusiow, DVM (LSU 1992), MS (LSU 1981), DACVIM (SAIM).

Ellen Addison (left) and Jay Addison, DVM (LSU 1983), celebrate at the Louisiana Veterinary Medicine Winter Meeting, where Dr Addison received his award.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes LSU Vet Med alumni for outstanding professional and personal achievements. Any graduate of the university is eligible for the award. Candidates are recognized for their accomplishments in veterinary medicine or science and/or contributions to the community through public service.

Clarke and Pawlusiow received their awards from Michael Graziano, MS (LSU 1981), PhD— LSU Vet Med’s first master’s graduate and a recipient the 2022 Distinguished Alumnus Award—on April 3, 2024, at LSU Vet Med in Baton Rouge. Addison was presented with his award earlier in the year by LSU Vet Med Dean Oliver Garden, BVetMed, PhD, at the LSU Vet Med Alumni Reception during the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association Winter Meeting. The reception was held on January 27, 2024, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Jay Addison, DVM (LSU 1983)

Addison has become a prominent figure within equine veterinary medicine and environmental conservation over his 40-year career, according to the university. He works as a private equine practitioner and partner at Equi-Vet, LLC, based in New Orleans, using cutting-edge technology to contribute and advance the thoroughbred racing industry. He introduced the use of ultrasounds, digital radiology, and endoscopy, into the racing world at a time when these technologies were in their infancy. His impact extended beyond the clinic as he developed a unique relationship with the LSU Equine Health Studies Program, bringing clinicians, equine residents, and students to the racetrack, fostering mentorships and preceptorships. He continues to share his expertise through professional presentations on topics such as video endoscopy for detecting upper airway diseases in racing thoroughbreds and new techniques for correcting dorsal displacement of the soft palate.

Beyond veterinary medicine, Addison founded and served as CEO of Land Trust for Louisiana, a non-profit organization protecting and enhancing the state's land and water resources. His contributions to the establishment of the Cherokee Beach Research Forest and the Justin Addison Memorial Research Fund showcase his commitment to education and research in biological sciences. His extensive involvement in professional associations, such as the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the Land Trust Alliance, further attest to his leadership in the field. Overall, Dr. Addison's career reflects a multi-level commitment to veterinary medicine, environmental conservation, and community service.

Cyril Clarke, BVSc (RSA), PhD (LSU 1987), DACVCP

Clarke earned his veterinary degree from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and earned his PhD in veterinary pharmacology from LSU Vet Med. After completing his doctorate in 1987, Clarke joined the veterinary faculty at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater. He became the academic department head and then associate dean for academic affairs at the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. He became certified as a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology and completed a master’s degree in higher education at OSU. Clarke taught veterinary pharmacology while performing research and received the Pfizer Award for Research Excellence.

In 2007, he was appointed as the Lois Bates Acheson Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University. Dr. Clarke continued to teach veterinary pharmacology, receiving the Certificate of Excellence in Teaching Award and the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association’s President’s Award. He joined Virginia Tech in 2013 as dean of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and currently serves as executive vice president and provost of Virginia Tech.

Dr. Clarke's academic service includes the Board of Directors of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), membership on the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education, responsible for accreditation of North American veterinary medical institutions, president of the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology, as well as other prominent and important professional organizational leadership positions.

Judy Pawlusiow, DVM (LSU 1992), MS (LSU 1981), DACVIM (SAIM)

Pawlusiow was the second student to graduate from the LSU Vet Med master's program in 1981 and has since built a strong and lasting connection with the school. Among her accomplishments is the establishment of the Pawlusiow Scholarship, which is an endowed program for out-of-state students with financial need.

After earning her master’s degree in toxicology of veterinary clinical science in 1981 and her DVM in 1992 at LSU, Pawlusiow completed an internship and her residency for small animal internal medicine and surgery in 1995 at The Ohio State University, Columbus. Pawlusiow then received diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in small animal internal medicine. She also is an active member in several veterinary medical associations and an instructor in training programs for veterinary technicians, veterinary medical students, and area veterinarians who wish to gain more ultrasound skill and experience.

She has more than 25 years of experience as a small animal internal medicine veterinarian and works as the founder of Advanced Veterinary Mobile Diagnostics, PC, in Long Island, New York. This diagnostic service provides ultrasound, echocardiography, and endoscopy at veterinary hospitals. Pawlusiow is also owner and founder of BAER Mobile Testing Service, an evaluation system for deafness among canines and felines. Using brain auditory evoked response testing, the service is on-site for breeders and pet owners.

Reference

LSU Vet Med announces Distinguished Alumnus Awards. News release. Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. April 11, 2024. [email]