For more than 15 years of impact across clinical, academic and research efforts, the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association recently recognized Chris Stauthammer with the Outstanding Faculty award. 

This award is given to a faculty member of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine who provides outstanding service to Minnesota veterinarians, who gives them their time and talent to the veterinary profession, a leader who makes a difference to the profession, and a dedicated contributor to organized veterinary medicine. 

Stauthammer is a professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine and head of the Cardiology Service at the Veterinary Medical Center. 

“He's developed the Cardiology Service into our most productive receiving specialty, and consistently demonstrates clinical excellence, productivity, innovation, resilience and leadership,” nominators CVM Dean Laura Molgaard and professor Cathy Carlson wrote in a statement. 

Stauthammer first joined the College in 2009 and has built his service into one that is advancing cardiac care through innovative procedures and groundbreaking research, in turn drawing clients from around the U.S. and Canada. He has improved not only the health of patients but also the availability of educational opportunities for veterinary professionals. Stauthammer has mentored 14 clinical cardiology residents, providing an outstanding clinical training program by expanding the caseload and continuing to incorporate advanced techniques.

Through his work, Stauthammer also has forged relationships with referring veterinarians from around Minnesota and beyond. His clinical excellence and record of publishing results in peer-reviewed journals make him an in-demand speaker, and he regularly gives continuing education presentations. 

“Dr. Stauthammer is excellent at everything he does, but nevertheless, he's consistently striving to improve in his skills,” Molgaard and Carlson write. “He has developed into a valuable leader at the College of Veterinary Medicine and is an exemplary candidate for this prestigious recognition.”