Dr. David Anderson named recipient of 2024 AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award
(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) June 13, 2024—The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) today honored Dr. David Anderson, professor and associate dean for research and graduate programs at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, as the winner of the 2024 AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award.
Established in November 2005, this award recognizes a veterinary researcher on the basis of lifetime achievement in basic, applied, or clinical research. Winners are selected based on the total impact their career has had on the veterinary or biomedical professions.
"Dr. Anderson's dedication to advancing veterinary science and his contributions to animal health through his groundbreaking research are truly remarkable," said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the AVMA. "His work has not only expanded our understanding of veterinary medicine but has also significantly improved the care and treatment of animals. We are honored to present him with this award."
Dr. Anderson has made groundbreaking contributions to veterinary research throughout his distinguished career spanning over three decades. His research has focused on critical areas such as bone regeneration, antibiotic delivery devices, and biomaterials in soft tissues, advancing our understanding and treatment approaches in these fields.
Dr. Anderson has authored or co-authored 220 peer-reviewed journal articles and 106 textbook chapters, and edited 3 textbooks during his career. His extensive body of work covers a wide range of clinical topics--from orthopedics and bone regeneration to surgical techniques for food animals to regenerative medicine and biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery--demonstrating his depth of expertise and the breadth of his research interests.
One of Dr. Anderson's notable achievements is his mentorship of numerous PhD students, guiding them through innovative research projects. Under his guidance, students have explored cutting-edge topics such as graphene-based nanomaterials for nerve regeneration, mesenchymal stem cell use in acute tendon injury, and the development of rapidly collapsible anastomotic guides for intestinal surgery.
In 2021, Dr. Anderson was elected as a Fellow into the medical sciences division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the highest honors in the scientific community. This prestigious recognition highlights Dr. Anderson's seminal work in biomedical research and technology, especially in surgical diseases and biomaterial composites for tissue regeneration and drug delivery.
Among his other major accolades are the 2022 Inventor Award from the University of Tennessee Research Foundation for his biodegradable intestinal anastomosis guide, the 2020 Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, the 2018 ACVS Honored Mentor award from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the 2017 ACVS Founding Fellow for Minimally Invasive Surgery, the 2015 Continuing Educator of the Year for Food Animal at the Western Veterinary Conference, and the 2011 Food Animal Speaker of the Year by the North American Veterinary Conference.
Anderson earned his bachelor’s degree and doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) at North Carolina State University, master’s degree from Kansas State University, and is a board-certified specialist in large animal surgery and a Founding Fellow of Minimally Invasive Surgery (Large Animal Soft Tissue) with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Prior to his time at Tennessee, Anderson served as professor and head of agricultural practices at Kansas State University, and professor and head of food animal medicine and surgery at Ohio State University.
“Receiving the AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award is an incredible honor," said Dr. Anderson. "I am deeply grateful to the AVMA for this recognition and to all my colleagues and students who have supported and collaborated with me throughout my career. Together, we have made strides in veterinary medicine that I hope will benefit animals and their caregivers for years to come."
To learn more about the AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award and past recipients, visit www.avma.org/awards.
Serving more than 105,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members' unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.