Veteran faculty educators and clinicians Michael Henson and Scott Madill were tapped this summer to co-lead the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) on an interim basis.

For more than 20 years, Henson, DVM, PhD, DACVIM Oncology, has treated VMC cancer patients by working in partnership with leading researchers in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Masonic Cancer Center. He remains a part of the VMC’s Animal Cancer Care and Research program while taking on the leadership role.

For his part, Madill, BVSc, DVcs, DACT, has years of experience in reproductive medicine. He has spent most of his 25 years at the VMC working with horses, but is also frequently called in to consult on other large animals experiencing reproductive issues.

Together, Henson and Madill oversee three hospitals plus an ambulatory equine practice, which annually see nearly 40,000 patients visits and have a staff of over 300. Their combined experience makes them well-suited to leading the busy operation that is integral to the College’s teaching, service, and research missions.

Leading during the COVID pandemic has presented challenges and opportunities.

“The staff have pivoted in amazing ways, especially as we’ve seen dramatic increases in our caseload,” Henson says. “We’re also making greater use of technology, especially in the area of telemedicine.”

“Keeping everyone healthy, our patients, our clients and our staff,” Madill says, “has driven a lot of changes we want to see come to an end. We look forward to interacting with our clients again in the future.”