New head of UCD veterinary school named
Professor Rory Breathnach has been appointed Dean and Head of the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM). Professor Breathnach takes over the role from Professor Michael Doherty, who has held the position since September 2016.
Following the announcement of his appointment, Professor Breathnach reflected on “the tireless efforts of all previous Deans that have allowed me to now embrace this unique experience.” Acknowledging the significant contributions made by his predecessor, he commented: “I am particularly grateful to Professor Michael Doherty for the incredible work he performed over the past seven years, and for the constant support and encouragement he offered to all stakeholders within the UCD Veterinary Community, most especially in the area of One Health.”
Looking forward to his term as Dean, Professor Breathnach added: “The current and future challenges facing veterinary educational establishments and the wider profession have been well documented. However, surrounded by a team of formidable colleagues within UCD, and with the support of collaborators in cognate roles, I am confident we can successfully address these challenges. I look forward with huge excitement, dedication and commitment to the role, ensuring that we continue to deliver an exceptional student experience at UCD whilst fostering innovative initiatives to address the needs of all societal stakeholders.
Professor Breathnach graduated from the UCD SVM in 1986. Following an internship in Small Animal Clinical Studies in UCD, he obtained an MSc in Drug Toxicology from the University of London. After 4 years in small animal practice, he returned to the UCD SVM as a lecturer in 1991 and subsequently obtained a PhD in Clinical Dermatology. He was appointed Clinical Director of the UCD Veterinary Hospital in 2015.
In addition to his roles in UCD, Professor Breathnach is a member of the Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), having previously been a member of the Advisory Committee on Veterinary Medicines (Health Products Regulatory Authority) and Chair of the Veterinary Scientific Advice Working Party (EMA). He is also a member of the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine’s Advisory Committee on Companion Animal Welfare and the Scientific Committee of the Irish Greyhound Board.
