June 14, 2023; Philadelphia, PA – Andrew M. Hoffman, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet) announced professorship appointments for two faculty members. Klaus Hopster has been appointed the Marilyn M. Simpson Associate Professor of Large Animal Anesthesia and Holly Stewart has been appointed the Charles W. Raker Assistant Professor of Equine Orthopedic Surgery. The appointments will go into effect on July 1, 2023.
Klaus Hopster, DVM, PhD
Klaus Hopster, DVM, PhD, serves as chief of the Anesthesia Service at Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center (NBC). Hopster joined Penn Vet’s faculty in 2016 as assistant professor, clinical educator track; and in 2021 he was promoted to associate professor. His research explores equine cardiopulmonary physiology as it relates to homeostasis during anesthesia, to minimize the negative effects of anesthesia on peripheral tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. He is the author of 79 peer-reviewed research papers, and his research program has become integral to other disciplines at NBC.
Hopster spent his initial academic career at Germany’s University of Hannover in Germany. In 2006, he obtained his veterinary degree from Hannover; he completed his internship and residency in veterinary anesthesiology while at Hannover; and he defended two theses during his time there. Hopster then went on to become senior lecturer and chief of the Equine Anesthesia Service at Hannover in 2012. Hopster is board-certified by the ECVAA, with an additional certification as specialist in Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine. He serves on the Executive Committee of the ECVAA and is a board member for the International Initiative to Improve Pain Management in Horses.
The Marilyn M. Simpson Professorships are awarded to outstanding faculty members at the School of Veterinary Medicine whose work is dedicated to equine medicine.
Holly Stewart, VMD, PhD
Holly Stewart, VMD, PhD, joined Penn Vet’s faculty in 2023 as assistant professor of Large Animal Surgery, clinical educator track. Stewart was a post-doctoral fellow in the Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory at Colorado State University (CSU), where she also received her PhD in Orthopedics in 2021. Prior to this, Stewart completed an internship in private equine practice, followed by a residency in Large Animal Surgery at NBC.
Stewart obtained fellowship funding through CSU’s NIH Institutional National Research Service Award T32 Training Grant for her project on the development and imaging optimization of an in vivo ovine model of bone marrow lesions, an area in which she continues to study. Her research program provides valuable support for other researchers at NBC, including a collaboration with the Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory. Stewart has 15 original publications in refereed journals, seven manuscripts currently submitted for publication, and has written six refereed reviews and book chapters. She is actively involved and board-certified in the American College of Veterinary Surgery (ACVS); and she is also affiliated with the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, Orthopedic Research Society, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
The Charles W. Raker Professorship is intended for a faculty member at the School of Veterinary Medicine engaged in orthopedic research and clinical service, and mentoring. This professorship is designated for exceptional, early-career faculty.
“Doctors Hopster and Stewart are the consummate blend of scientist, teacher, and mentor that our endowed professors should embody,” said Dean Hoffman. “The two of them reflect the values and dedication that are vital to the mission of Penn Vet. I am delighted to have them on our faculty; their curiosity, their areas of research, and their mentorship are unquestionably fitting for these professorships.”
The awarding of a named professorship is the highest honor bestowed upon faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. Endowed professorships reflect excellence in scholarly achievement, clinical excellence, mentorship, and service.