David M. Vail, DVM, professor in the Department of Medical Sciences at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine has been awarded the position of Barbara A. Suran Chair in Comparative Oncology.

Vail, a dedicated clinician and scientist, has accepted the chair and will continue his work to develop new and innovative cancer therapies.

The endowed chair was established at the request of Barbara A. Suran to allow the school to recognize a distinguished expert in oncology. Two of her beloved champion standard poodles succumbed to cancer. Jamie died of osteosarcoma and Donna LaRose died of acute leukemia.

The funds provided by Barbara Suran through the gift of her estate provide funding to establish the Barbara A. Suran Comparative Oncology Research Institute with its associated endowed Chair and endowed laboratory. 

“Barbara was passionate about the School of Veterinary Medicine and the school’s potential for impacting both animal and human health in the field of oncology,” said Mark Markel, DVM, PhD, Chair of the Department of Medical Sciences and the Associate Dean for Advancement at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine. “Dr. Vail is an exceptional selection for Suran Chair. He has committed his career to investigation of naturally occurring cancers in veterinary species in order to develop therapeutic modalities that have the possibility of benefiting both our veterinary patients and humans.”