Dr. Joshua Stern, associate dean for research and graduate studies at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, has received the 2024 American Veterinary Medical Foundation’s Career Achievement in Feline Research Award.
The award recognizes an American Veterinary Medication Association member for their long-time commitment to feline health through their research.
“Dr. Stern’s groundbreaking research in feline cardiology has significantly advanced our understanding and treatment of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, offering hope and improved quality of life for countless cats,” said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the AVMA. “His dedication to both clinical practice and research embodies the spirit of this award.”
Stern, who has contributed to more than 135 research publications in his career, studies veterinary cardiology, specifically inherited heart disease and how to use genetic data to guide treatment and prognosis. His translational cardiology laboratory at NC State is principally focused on the treatment of feline cardiac disease and developing novel disease insights and therapies. He is also dedicated to training clinician scientists through mentorship and programs such as the Veterinary Academic Leaders Program.
“I’m so thankful to the AVMA for recognizing and supporting feline research,” Stern said. “I am incredibly fortunate to lead a team of talented graduate students and researchers striving to make an impact in feline cardiology. Cat-focused research represents a clear area of need for continued support in research and development. I’m really proud to have feline cardiology and cardiac genetics as a main focus of my laboratory team at NC State and to work at an institution with a dedicated Feline Health Center.”
Stern, previously associate dean for veterinary medical center operations and professor of veterinary cardiology at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, became the head of research at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. He received his doctorate of veterinary medicine from the Ohio State University and later received a Ph.D. from Washington State University.
“His dedication to scientific research while also balancing clinical practice has positioned him at the forefront of feline cardiology research, with his latest research leading to a disease-modifying treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which has hallmarked his career as achieving something few researchers can hope for in their lifetime – a new therapeutic treatment due to years of scientific contribution,” Dr. Kate Meurs, dean of the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, wrote in support of Stern’s recognition.
Read the AVMA’s full announcement
This post was originally published in Veterinary Medicine News.
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