Dr. John Dodam decided to become a veterinarian due to the positive experiences that he had working for a mixed animal practice during high school. His initial experiences revolved around the areas of maintenance, landscaping and painting. However, he was eventually exposed to the veterinarian’s role in production medicine, disease prevention, medicine, surgery and diagnosis. He learned that the veterinary profession was a great way to apply his interest in biology, medicine, and agriculture in a way that allowed him to be an active and positive member of the community.

He attended Veterinary College at The Ohio State University, graduating in 1985.  He was a member of Alpha Zeta (agricultural fraternity), Pre-veterinary medicine club, and the Student American Veterinary Medical Association.

After graduation from The Ohio State University, he became an associate veterinarian in mixed practice in Ohio.  His goal was to work in two or three practices and then either start his own practice or buy into an existing hospital. Instead, he moved to North Carolina where he completed an anesthesia residency, graduate programs, and a postdoctoral fellowship at North Carolina State University. He then joined the faculty at the University of Missouri as a member of the anesthesia and emergency/critical care faculty. In 2005, he took on an administrative role as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. In 2008, he became Chair of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. In addition to his administrative duties, he continues to practice clinical medicine, and teach in the classroom.

He now practices at Veterinary Health Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO

His list of awards are as follows:

Honors/Awards:

Phi Zeta (1985, 1998, 2001-present)-Veterinary Research/Honor Society

Sigma Xi (1997-2013) Science and Research Honor Society

Aesculapius Teaching Award, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri – Presented by the Class of 1999 (1998); Presented by Class of 1998 (1998); Presented by Class of 2003 (2002); Presented by Class of 2004 (2004); Presented by the Class of 2006 (2005). In recognition of outstanding dedication and achievement in the fine art of teaching.

Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, (1999, 2005).  This award recognizes an outstanding teacher who through ability, dedication, character, and leadership, contributes significantly to the advancement of the profession. Presented by the graduating class.

Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association Teaching Award for Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri (2000, 2001, 2002)

Dadd Award. College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, this award is for excellence in the quality of teaching veterinary medicine as judged by peers (2004)

Gold Chalk Award. Presented by the Graduate/Professional Council in association with MU for excellence in graduate student education, training, and development (2005; also nominated in 1997 and 2001)

President’s Academic Leadership Institute-Leadership Development Program UM System (2008-2009)

Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges Leadership Academy (2012-2013)

                       Missouri Academy of Veterinary Practice                        Honorary Member (2013)

Memberships/Organizations:

American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (1990-present)-served as President-elect, President, and Past President (2003-2009)

            American Veterinary Medical Association                        (1985-present)

            Missouri Veterinary Medical Association                          (1995-present)

            International Veterinary Emergency and Critical              Care Society (1997-present)

He married his wife Ginny in 1987.  They have two daughters and two grandchildren.