[April 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA] – Penn Vet’s Dr. David Galligan, VMD, MBA, and Dr. Raymond Sweeney, VMD, have been named to the Marilyn M. Simpson Professorship and the Mark Whittier and Lila Griswold Allam Professorship, respectively. Candidates for endowed professorships are selected for their expertise, research, and high regard in the academic community.
“Both Drs. Galligan and Sweeney are creative and energetic teachers, and have made significant impacts in veterinary medicine through their research and the training of professional and post-graduate students,” said Joan C. Hendricks, VMD, PhD, the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “Dr. Galligan has contributed to agricultural communities through his research in dairy management and milk production, and addresses the important issue of food security in the global arena. Dr. Sweeney has made significant contributions to veterinary medicine in his research of Johne’s Disease in cattle and the pharmacokinetics of antibiotics in horses.”
The Marilyn M. Simpson Professorship was established in 1983 in memory of Marilyn Simpson. Simpson was a long time benefactor of the School and New Bolton Center and was instrumental in establishing the Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society at Penn Vet in 1979.
“I am deeply honored to hold the Marilyn M. Simpson Endowed Chair Professorship in Large Animal Clinical Studies,” said Galligan. “This appointment was possible because of the wonderful colleagues I have been fortunate to have worked with over many years at New Bolton Center. I hope to carry forward their shared passion for the important role of animal agriculture in meeting global food security needs.”
Galligan is currently Professor of Animal Health Economics and Director of the Center for Animal Health and Productivity at Penn Vet. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1976 and his veterinary degree from Penn Vet in 1981. Galligan entered dairy practice with Gap Veterinary Associates, and in 1982 returned to Penn Vet to complete a residency in clinical dairy nutrition. During this time he developed the DAIRYLP program to formulate rations for dairy cows, which won a Lotus award for innovative spreadsheet use. Galligan graduated in 1985 from the Wharton School with an MBA with a focus on decision sciences. He also mentors students enrolled in the newly endowed VMD-MBA degree program at Penn Vet and the Wharton School.
Galligan’s area of research is in understanding the economic value of veterinary and associated technologies applied to animal production systems, including products and management strategies. He is keenly interested in helping veterinary medicine position itself in a manner that promotes economic and environmental efficiency, and animal health. Galligan’s current economic research includes the development of a number of visual analytical tools to facilitate management decision-making in dairy production.
The Mark Whittier and Lila Griswold Allam Professorship was established in 1980 by Elizabeth R. Moran in honor of Dr. Allam, who was Penn Vet’s eighth Dean and co-founder of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Moran has been a friend and client of New Bolton Center for over 38 years. In 2014 the Elizabeth R. Moran Award for Exceptional Service was created to honor her many contributions to the School and her support in the creation of one of the most renowned equine clinics in North America.
"Dr. Allam was a remarkable leader in veterinary medicine and a great role model early in my career,” said Sweeney. “He and Mrs. Allam were tremendously influential in advancing the mission of New Bolton Center, and it is a great honor to hold an endowed chair in their name."
Sweeney earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and graduated from Penn Vet in 1982, followed by an internship and residency at New Bolton Center. He has spent his entire 35-year career at New Bolton Center, where he is currently Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Section of Medicine and Ophthalmology. Sweeney has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the University of Pennsylvania’s Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. He is a four-time winner of the Carl Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award and was awarded the North American Outstanding Teacher Award by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.
Sweeney’s clinical specialty is Internal Medicine of large animals, and his research is focused on paratuberculosis and other infectious diseases of cattle, as well as studies in the pharmacokinetics of antimicrobial drugs in horses, the results of which guide rational treatment regimens for these patients. He teaches in all four years of the veterinary curriculum, including lectures, hands-on laboratories, and clinical instruction of fourth-year students.
About Endowed Professorships at Penn
Endowed professorships maximize Penn’s momentum in recruiting and retaining the best and brightest faculty. As part of University of Pennsylvania President Amy Gutmann’s initiative to create up to 50 endowed professorships by 2018, these Professorships enable Penn Vet to advance the strategic priorities of the Penn Compact 2020.