Veterinary companies 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 promotes the professional development of staff. In addition, industry leaders create an environment that encourages innovation and keeps pace with the latest advances in veterinary medicine.

Various veterinary companies and organizations have recently announced new promotions and appointments. Among those making career advancements are the following individuals:

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

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

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

“I am extremely honored to take the helm of CVM at a time when the veterinary profession and the way we educate future veterinarians is expanding and evolving. I firmly believe there has never been a better time to become a veterinarian, and I am fully dedicated to supporting our current and future students on their professional journeys and supporting and advancing our faculty and staff,” Tegzes said in a press release.¹ “I firmly believe that our future as a university and as a profession will be characterized by a collaborative spirit as we address the challenges ahead. I hope we can bring together diverse thoughts and perspectives along the way.”

A key proponent 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 Board of the Association of Medical Educators of Europe (AMEE). He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology and is licensed as a veterinarian 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 two new associate deans to UPenn. Brady Beale will be the new associate dean for Clinical Enterprise. In addition, Barbara Dallap Schaer will assume the role of associate dean for clinical education and operations at the New Bolton Center.

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

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

Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health

Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General of the World Organization for Animal Health. (Photo courtesy of the World Organization 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 five-year term on August 1, 2024. She is the 8th Director General of WOAH. Soubeyran has experience in veterinary medicine and specializes in the fields of veterinary health and epidemiology. Her background provides a wealth of experience in tackling animal health issues at national and international levels, according to WOAH.³

Soubeyran has played a central role in tackling major health crises such as avian influenza and bluetongue. She has also led the development of emergency strategies and preventive measures against influenza, African swine fever and other zoonoses. Soubeyran is also a committed supporter of One Health initiatives with a focus on antimicrobial resistance and zoonoses.³

During her five-year term, Soubeyran will focus on increasing WOAH’s visibility, addressing animal health and welfare issues and veterinary services actions. She will also make progress in strengthening veterinary services, as only 7% of WOAH members will have optimal veterinary capacity in 2024. As the world rapidly develops and modernizes, Soubeyran will also focus on modernizing the organization by increasing diversity, driving digitalization and implementing data-driven strategies by leveraging big data and new 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 the appointment of Brian Dooher as Northern Ireland’s new Chief Veterinary Officer. In his role, he will provide evidence-based professional advice to DAERA, Ministers and other government departments, as well as external organisations. Dooher will also lead the Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group team of more than 650 staff carrying out field, operational, policy and administrative roles.⁴

“I am honored to have been selected for this role and it will be a privilege to lead my veterinary colleagues in supporting our agriculture and food industry,” Dooher said in a press release.⁴ “I will work constructively and cooperatively with DAERA staff and stakeholders, supply partners and colleagues in other administrations, in Ireland and the (European Union) in areas of mutual interest and to address future challenges in animal health and welfare and public health,” he continued.

Dooher graduated in Veterinary Medicine from University College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland in 1998. He joined DAERA in 2005 after working in private practice for 7 years. He has been DAERA’s Deputy Chief Veterinarian since 2018.⁴

References

1. WesternU Selects Dr. John Tegzes as Dean of College of Veterinary Medicine. Press release. Western University of Health Sciences. August 1, 2024. Retrieved 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 the appointment of two new associate deans. Press release. University of Pennsylvania. August 7, 2024. Retrieved 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 Organization for Animal Health. Retrieved 9 August 2024. https://www.woah.org/en/who-we-are/structure/director-general/
4. Appointment of Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Northern Ireland. Press release. Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. 7 March 2024. Retrieved 9 August 2024. https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/appointment-chief-veterinary-officer-cvo-northern-ireland