Looking back on 2024

Dear VMCVM Community,

As we close another remarkable year at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, I'm reminded of wisdom that has resonated throughout 2024: "Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand." These words from Confucian philosopher Xun Kuang reflect what makes our college extraordinary — the way we learn, serve, and advance medicine together.

I value the countless examples of excellence and dedication I've witnessed this year. Our graduate students and faculty continue to advance groundbreaking research while our teaching hospitals deliver compassionate, cutting-edge care. The expansion of our public health programs and the tireless work of our staff who maintain daily operations demonstrate our shared commitment to being international leaders in veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences, and public health.

A significant milestone this year was the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors' approval of $4.3 million for the planning and design of our teaching hospital expansion project. This critical step will help us better serve our patients, clients, and students in the years ahead, advancing our capacity for clinical excellence and education.

I am pleased to recognize the outstanding new faculty who have joined our college this year, including Ela Austin as Associate Dean for Public Health Programs and Ira Blader as Department Head of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, as well as the promotion of Tanya LeRoith to Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Their appointments strengthen a community of excellence, where achievements like John Rossmeisl's selection as the inaugural recipient of the Jacob A. Lutz III Award for Eminent Scholars, and X.J. Meng's prestigious NIH MERIT Award demonstrate our continued impact in advancing veterinary medicine and research.

I sincerely appreciate the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center team as we celebrated the center’s 40th anniversary this year in Leesburg. They have delivered outstanding equine medicine and surgery for four decades while advancing innovation in clinical care, research, and teaching. Their dedication exemplifies our college's commitment to excellence and service.

The Equine Medical Center unveiled its new 21,000-square-foot Jane and Stephen Hale Equine Performance Evaluation Center in late 2023, taking its first patients in early 2024.  The center features three specialized riding surfaces and an indoor arena that enhances diagnostic capabilities for horses across the mid-Atlantic region.

Our students continue to demonstrate exceptional innovation and dedication to advancing veterinary medicine and public health.  Graduate students like Abdullahi Jamiu earned recognition for groundbreaking research on emerging viruses, while our Summer Veterinary Student Research Program participants developed innovative solutions to complex medical challenges.

Our clinical teams consistently demonstrate their commitment to compassionate, cutting-edge care. Through innovative treatments and dedicated teamwork, our Veterinary Teaching Hospital teams have restored health to beloved animal companions. The collaborative spirit between our specialists, staff, and students has enabled us to tackle increasingly complex cases while maintaining the highest standards of patient care and clinical education.

This year has brought its share of challenges, from managing increased Veterinary Hospital caseloads to adapting to transitions. Yet, in every instance, our college has responded with resilience and dedication, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement.

What makes me particularly proud is how our college has supported each other through every transition and challenge. Our Licensed Veterinary Technicians exemplify this spirit, playing critical roles in teaching the next generation, providing compassionate patient care, and advancing innovation. Whether through faculty mentoring their colleagues, staff working tirelessly during holiday emergencies, or students supporting their peers — it is clear that our greatest strength lies in our people. The establishment of our Intern and Resident Oversight Committee reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting every member of our college.

As we look ahead to 2025, I'm excited about the opportunities before us. Our strategic planning efforts are laying the groundwork for continued growth and innovation. Most importantly, our commitment to service, fueled by a passion for education and focused on innovation, remains stronger than ever.

In this brief message, I cannot recognize all the outstanding achievements, dedicated service, and meaningful moments that have shaped our year. From our students' academic achievements to our staff's tireless support of college operations, from our faculty's research breakthroughs to our alumni’s continued engagement – every member of our college has contributed to our success in large and small ways.

Thank you for all you do to make our college a place of excellence, compassion, and discovery. I wish each of you a refreshing holiday season and look forward to the impact we'll continue to make together in the new year.

Dean M. Daniel Givens