Paws and profits: Recent veterinary promotions

Veterinary enterprises and organizations play a large role in ensuring the well-being of pets by combining medical expertise, care, and effective management. Effective leadership in this sector directly impacts the quality of pet care and fosters the professional development of staff. Additionally, industry leaders create an environment that encourages innovation and keeps pace with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.

Various veterinary businesses and organizations recently announced new promotions and appointments. The following individuals are among those making career advancements:

John Tegzes, MA, VMD, Dipl ABVT, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University Health Sciences

John Tegzes, MA, VMD, Dipl ABVT. (Photo courtesy of Western University of Health Sciences)

Stepping into the role of dean of Western University Health Science’s (WesternU) College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), in Pomona, California, is John Tegzes. He has more than 30 years of experience in clinical practice, academia, research, and leadership roles. Tegzes taught at the university since 2003 and also taught toxicology at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and the College of Pharmacy. He has also held positions as the director of WesternU's Interprofessional Practice & Education (IPE) program. As a frequent researcher and author, his research focuses on interprofessional education, toxicology, and animal health.¹

"I am deeply honored to lead [CVM] at a time when the veterinary profession, and how we educate future veterinarians, is expanding and evolving. I truly believe that it has never been a better time to become a veterinarian, and I am completely devoted to supporting our current and future students in their professional journeys and supporting and nurturing our faculty and staff," said Tegzes in a news release.¹ "I genuinely believe that our future, as a college and as a profession, will be forged through a collaborative spirit as we approach the challenges ahead. I hope to bring together diversity of thought and perspectives as we navigate our pathways."

As a major advocate of IPE, Tegzes has held leadership positions in the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC), and the Interprofessional Professionalism Collaborative to promote IPE. Currently, Tegzes is a fellow of the National Academies of Practice and a member of the ASPIRE executive board for the Association of Medical Educators of Europe (AMEE). He is also a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology and is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in California.¹

Brady Beale, VMD, DACVO, and Barbara Dallap Schaer, VMD, DACVS, DACVECC

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) School of Veterinary Medicine has welcomed 2 new associate deans at UPenn. Brady Beale will be the new associate dean of Clinical Enterprise. Additionally, Barbara Dallap Schaer is stepping into the associate dean role for Clinical Education and Operations for its New Bolton Center .

Beale is an associate professor of ophthalmology and the director and chief medical officer of Ryan Hospital. As the new associate dean, Beale will manage and oversee the operations of Ryan Hospital, including the development and execution of strategic plans. Her responsibilities will also include ensuring patient-centric care that upholds high clinical training standards for students, interns, residents, and fellows, as well as fostering an environment that supports clinical research and trials.²

Schaer is a professor of surgery and emergency, as well as critical care medicine. She is also the hospital director for New Bolton Center. In her new role, Schaer will guide the strategic planning for the large animal hospital, emphasize competency-based veterinary education, and enhance the educational experiences of clinical rotations at New Bolton Center, according to UPenn.²

Emmanuelle Soubeyran, director general of the World Organization for Animal Health

Emmanuelle Soubeyran director general of the World Organisation for Animal Health. (Photo courtesy of the World Organisation for Animal Health)

Soubeyran was appointed director general of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) by the World Assembly, which consists of national delegates from all WOAH member countries. Soubeyran began her 5-year term on August 1, 2024. She is the 8th Director General of WOAH. Soubeyran has experience in veterinary medicine and specializations in veterinary public health and epidemiology. Her background offers a wealth of experience in tackling animal health issues on national and international scales, according to WOAH.³

Soubeyran has played a pivotal role in managing major health crises such as avian influenza and bluetongue disease. She also led the creation of emergency response strategies and preventative measures for influenza, African swine fever, and other zoonotic diseases. Soubeyran is also a dedicated proponent of one health initiatives, focusing on antimicrobial resistance and zoonoses.³

During Soubeyran’s 5-year tenure, she will concentrate on enhancing WOAH’s visibility, animal health and welfare issues, and veterinary services actions. She will also make strides towards strengthening veterinary services, as only 7% of WOAH members have optimal veterinary capacities as of 2024. Given the rapid state of the world’s evolution and modernization, Soubeyran will also be focusing on modernizing the organization by enhancing diversity, advancing digitalization, and implementing data-driven strategies by utilizing big data and emerging technologies to improve disease surveillance and response.³

Brian Dooher, MRCVS, MVB, chief veterinary officer for Northern Ireland

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) announced Brian Dooher’s appointment as Northern Ireland’s new chief veterinary officer. In his role, he will offer evidence-based professional advice to DAERA, executive ministers, and other government entities, as well as external organizations. Dooher will also lead the Veterinary Service and Animal Health Group team of more than 650 staff that fulfill field, operational, policy, and administrative duties.⁴

“I am honored to have been selected for this role and it will be my privilege to lead my veterinary colleagues to support our farming and food industry,” said Dooher, in a news release.⁴ “I will work constructively and collaboratively with DAERA staff and stakeholders, delivery partners and colleagues in other administrations, in Ireland and in the [European Union] on areas of common interest and to meet the future challenges across animal health and welfare and public health,” he continued.

Dooher earned his degree in veterinary medicine from University College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland in 1998. He joined DAERA in 2005 after spending 7 years in private practice. Since 2018, he has served as DAERA’s deputy chief veterinary officer.⁴

References

1. WesternU selects Dr. John Tegzes as College of Veterinary Medicine Dean. News release. Western University of Health Sciences. August 1, 2024. Accessed August 9, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/westernu-selects-dr-john-tegzes-as-college-of-veterinary-medicine-dean-302212720.html
2. The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine announces two new associate dean appointments. News release. University of Pennsylvania. August 7, 2024. Accessed August 9, 2024. https://www.vet.upenn.edu/about/news-room/news-stories/news-story-detail/the-university-of-pennsylvania-school-of-veterinary-medicine-announces-two-new-associate-dean-appointments
3. Director general. World Organisation for Animal Health. Accessed August 9, 2024. https://www.woah.org/en/who-we-are/structure/director-general/
4. Appointment for chief veterinary officer (CVO) for Northern Ireland. News release. Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. March 7, 2024. Accessed August 9, 2024. https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/appointment-chief-veterinary-officer-cvo-northern-ireland