Published April 2, 2024, via Research News
Dear Colleagues,
I am delighted to announce that Dr. Francis Sun, DVM, DACLAM, MBA, has accepted our offer to serve as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Veterinary Affairs and Director of the Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM). Dr. Sun brings a wealth of experience to this role. Currently, he is the Senior Associate Director in the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at Duke University Medical Center.
Dr. Sun earned his B.S. in Zoology and DVM from North Carolina State University, and an MBA from East Carolina State University. He is board-certified by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine and accredited by USDA Aphis Veterinary Services.
Since joining Duke University Medical Center in 2002, Francis has made remarkable progress in his career. Currently, he oversees the veterinary and technical staff responsible for clinical care, surgical services, rodent species management, and diagnostic veterinary programs. Francis’ extensive career spans various facets of veterinary medicine, including clinical practice, research, regulatory compliance, and management. His deep understanding of research models, compliance standards, IACUC, operations, safety protocols, and animal welfare will undoubtedly enhance our animal research program.
Notably, Dr. Sun had served as an ad hoc consultant for the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) for over a decade. In 2023, he was elected to become a member of the AAALAC Council, leading site visits and contributing to the organization’s mission.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Ken Boschert, DVM, who is serving as Interim Director, Dr. Todd Pavek, DVM, Dip. ACLAM, who is serving as the Interim Attending Veterinarian, and Dr. Michael Drake, DVM who is helping Drs. Boschert and Pavek manage DCM. They started last May shortly before the move to the Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building. During the move and since, their exceptional leadership has been invaluable.
Dr. Sun will join us in August. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Francis Sun to this critical role within our institution.
Sincerely,
Mark Lowe, MD PhD
Vice Chancellor for Research
Senior Associate Dean of Research at WashU Medicine
Harvey R. Colten Professor of Pediatric Science
Washington University in St. Louis