Abstract
The E. P. Pope Memorial Award is presented in memory of Dr. Edward P. Pope who was one of the founders of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) and who served with distinction as its Secretary-Treasurer from 1950 to 1972. The award was established in his honor in 1974. The Pope Award is the highest award given by the Association and is presented to an individual who has made noteworthy and significant contributions to the Association in regard to implementing and advancing the recognition of the specialty of veterinary diagnostic laboratory medicine.
The 2019 E. P. Pope Memorial Award was presented to Dr. David Steffen during the 63rd Annual Meeting of the AAVLD in Providence, Rhode Island. Dr. Steffen has distinguished himself as a diagnostic pathologist, providing comparative and veterinary research services as well as consulting on bovine congenital diseases. He is highly regarded throughout Nebraska and the United States for activities that advance animal health.
Native of Nebraska, Dr. Steffen earned an undergraduate degree in animal science from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and a DVM from Iowa State University. He practiced veterinary medicine for 1 y in Iowa then began work on a doctoral degree at Kansas State University. After earning his PhD in pathology and pathobiology, Dr. Steffen joined North Dakota State University as a diagnostic pathologist and assistant professor (1991–1995). During this time, he became ACVP board certified in anatomic pathology. Dr. Steffen returned to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1995 as a faculty member in what is now the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and a diagnostician in the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center (NVDC).
The NVDC is a full-service diagnostic laboratory with an emphasis on food animal diagnostic services and disease surveillance. Dr. Steffen served as director for 8 y. Currently, he provides leadership in diagnostic pathology and as the quality control section head of the NVDC. As a diagnostic pathologist, he provides services to the livestock and pet industries, contracts for comparative and veterinary research services, and consults on bovine congenital defect cases.
Throughout his career, Dr. Steffen has dedicated his time and expertise to advance animal health and veterinary pathology at state and national levels.
Within Nebraska, Dr. Steffen has served on the Poultry Health Committee (2004–2009), the State Lab Response Network (2004–2008), and the Johne’s Disease Committee (2003–2007). Nationally, he is an active member of AAVLD and has served as an associate editor for the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation (1996–2013).
Since he joined the AAVLD in 1996, Dr. Steffen has served as vice president (2007) and president (2009). As vice president, Dr. Steffen organized the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the AAVLD for the 2008 Annual Meeting. He chaired the Pathology Committee (1997–1999 and 2015–2017), served on the Executive Board (2005–2007), and on the Executive Committee for 8 y.
Dr. Steffen’s activities as a member of AAVLD have been wide ranging. He served on the Constitution Bylaws Committee for 14 y, 6 as chair. He was parliamentarian for the House of Delegates meeting for multiple years and was the Nebraska delegate for over a decade. Dr. Steffen served on the Publications Committee for 15 y, 6 as chair, and was web-editor for 5 y. He also was a member of the Program Committee (11 y), Editorial Board (19 y), NAHLN Steering Committee (4 y), and Government Relations Committee (5 y).
As an associate editor for the JVDI, Dr. Steffen served under editors Lenn Harrison, John Kreeger, and Jerry Saliki and provided editorial reviews for scores of manuscripts.
His own publishing record includes contributions to over 60 refereed publications on topics ranging from diagnostics to comparative medical sciences. He has contributed to over 80 scientific presentations and regularly contributes to lay articles regarding bovine health.
Dr. Steffen’s contributions to veterinary pathology have been recognized through the following awards: Charles Louis Davis Foundation for Advancement of Veterinary Pathology Award, Kansas State University; Industry Service Award, American Red Angus Association; and Distinguished Service Award, AAVLD.
A word from Dr. Steffen
I extend my sincere gratitude to the many who came before me and provided friendship and mentorship within AAVLD and the profession. I am grateful to my contemporaries with whom I work closely to advance diagnostic science and the broad goals of AAVLD. I also am grateful to those who follow and build on these foundations.
It is a blessing to work using scientific knowledge to help others. Every day I am provided the opportunity to develop meaningful, productive relationships with clients and scientists as we partner to improve the economic vitality of animal agriculture, the emotional health of pet owners, and the general health of animal populations and all people. The relationships built while addressing these challenges together give meaning to the work. The AAVLD is an excellent vehicle for advancing relationships, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities afforded by the partnerships I have with members of AAVLD and USAHA. It is a treasure.