John Tegzes, MA, VMD, Dipl. ABVT, has taken over as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the Western University of Health Sciences from July 15. Dr Tegzes’s career spans over three decades and encompasses clinical practice, academia, research, and leadership roles. He began his tenure at Western University as associate professor of toxicology for the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003, the year of the college’s inaugural class. He has also taught toxicology for the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and the College of Pharmacy. He served as director of Western University’s Interprofessional Practice & Education programme and as the College of Veterinary Medicine’s interim dean. He is a prolific researcher and author whose research interests include interprofessional education, toxicology, and animal health.
Western University of Health Sciences (www.westernu.edu), located in Pomona, California, and Lebanon, Oregon, is an independent nonprofit health professions university, conferring degrees in biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences, dental medicine, medical sciences, nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine, and veterinary medicine.
“We are excited about the future of the College of Veterinary Medicine as we move forward with this appointment,” said Western University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Paula M. Crone. “We are confident that Dr Tegzes will provide the expertise, stability, and guidance needed to achieve our goals.”
Dr Tegzes said he is committed to fostering a community where every student, faculty and staff member feels valued, supported, and empowered to excel. Together, the College of Veterinary Medicine will pursue academic excellence, promote interprofessional collaboration, and enhance the veterinary care of animals.
“I am deeply honoured to lead the College of Veterinary Medicine at a time when the veterinary profession, and how we educate future veterinarians, is expanding and evolving,” the new dean said. “I truly believe 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. 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.”
Dr Tegzes earned his Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris, or doctor of veterinary medicine, degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Master of Arts in Applied Psychology from the University of Santa Monica, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing, magna cum laude, from Thomas Jefferson University. His dedication to research, teaching, and leadership makes him an influential figure in veterinary medicine and interprofessional collaboration. He has served on advisory committees for the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, Association of Medical Educators of Europe, and Veterinary Education Worldwide, or ViEW.
He is a Fellow of the National Academies of Practice and serves on the ASPIRE executive board of the Association of Medical Educators of Europe. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology and holds a veterinary licence in California. Dr Tegzes has contributed to over 50 publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, abstracts, and book chapters. He has presented his work at national and international conferences. He has also made appearances on television and radio to discuss animal health and toxicology.
Dr Tegzes is an avid champion of interprofessional education, and a significant portion of his career has focused on developing and advocating for such education. He has held leadership positions in numerous organizations promoting interprofessional education, including the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, the Interprofessional Education Collaborative, and the Interprofessional Professionalism Collaborative.
SOURCE: PR Newswire
