Granstrom to head AVMA Education and Research Division

The AVMA has hired Dr. David E. Granstrom, currently an associate director at the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, as director of the Education and Research Division. He is expected to begin his work at the AVMA this March.

Dr. Granstrom's responsibilities as division director will include overseeing and helping formulate the AVMA's policies, objectives and programs concerning education, research, accreditation of veterinary schools and colleges, certification of graduates of foreign colleges of veterinary medicine, and veterinary medical specialties.

"It is difficult to imagine anything more important to the profession than ensuring the transfer of new and existing knowledge to the next generation of veterinarians. I welcome the opportunity to serve the profession in this critical capacity," Dr. Granstrom said. "My primary goal is to work collaboratively with stakeholders and AVMA staff to help ensure a bright future for the profession and those we serve."

Dr. Granstrom is returning to the AVMA after seven years with the USDA. He previously was an assistant director of the AVMA Education and Research Division from 1997-2001.

In addition, Dr. Granstrom was a professor of parasitology at the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky from 1988-1997. He has also served as an environmental health officer for the U.S. Air Force Biomedical Science Corps and public health officer with the Kentucky Air National Guard Biomedical Science Corps.

"Dave ... has an impressive background in practice, academia, research, private business, and government. His broad base of experience and knowledge of AVMA will serve him very well as our new division director," said Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA executive vice president.

Dr. Granstrom received his DVM degree in 1978 from Kansas State University, where he later earned a Ph.D. degree in parasitology.