LSU Vet Med names new director of Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine has appointed Rhett Stout, DVM, PhD (LSU 1994, 2003), DACLAM, as the new director of the Division of Laboratory Medicine (DLAM), effective July 1, 2023. He has served at LSU Vet Med for nearly 30 years; since July 1997, as an instructor and then associate professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences and since 2013, as associate director.¹

Rhett Stout, DVM, PhD (Photo courtesy of LSU Vet Med).

“Dr Stout's remarkable journey at LSU Vet Med, culminating in his appointment as the director of DLAM, is a testament to his exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, and profound expertise” expressed Oliver A Garden, BVetMed, PhD, FHEA, FCPP, FRCVS, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, dean of LSU Vet Med.¹ “His extensive background and demonstrated commitment uniquely position him to lead DLAM into a new era of growth and excellence."

The DLAM director serves as the central administrative division for the operation of LSU's research animal holding facilities to maintain the care and well-being of Baton Rouge campus teaching and research animals. The program is accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC).

In his new role, Stout will oversee the facilities under DLAM's management and maintain LSU's AAALAC accreditation. As DLAM director he will also be a resource for the university's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, which oversees and reviews all research and teaching activities involving vertebrate animals. He will oversee the laboratory animal residency program as well which educates and mentors veterinarians looking for accreditation in this veterinary medicine specialty.¹

What’s more, Stout will take on the role of LSU's attending veterinarian, which includes overseeing the care of Mike VII, LSU's beloved live tiger mascot.

“As we head into a time of significant research and teaching growth, both at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and at LSU, I look forward to leading our division though these exciting advancements. We are fortunate to have strong support from the administration, and I look forward to working as a team with administration, faculty, staff, and students,” stated Stout.¹

Reference

LSU Vet Med announces new director of Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine. News release. LSU Vet Med. August 10, 2023. Accessed August 11, 2023. https://www.lsu.edu/vetmed/news/2023/stout_dlam_director.php