David Hodgson, professor and former head of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 2007, Hodgson’s scholarship focused on the physiology of exercise, respiratory disease, and internal medicine of horses. He has been the principal investigator on 21 research grants totaling $1.5 million and co-investigator on an additional 37 research grants totaling $2.8 million.

Hodgson was the author or co-author of more than 300 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and scientific presentations. He was co-author of two best-selling equine texts, "Manual of Equine Practice" and "Equine Exercise Physiology."

In 2008, Hodgson was an invited member of the international clinical veterinary team servicing horses at the Beijing Olympic Games, a role he also occupied at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Based on his career’s body of work, Hodgson was awarded the Equine Researcher of the Year award given by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, a unit of the Australian government.

Hodgson played a key role in the formation of the Equine Podiatry Center at Virginia Tech, which serves as one of the premiere facilities of its kind locally, nationally, and internationally. He also served as the president of the World Equine Veterinary Association and as a board member of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.

In the classroom, Hodgson taught professional and graduate courses, and he advised more than 25 master’s degree and 10 Ph.D. students. During his career, he received 10 awards for individual and team-based instruction.

He also has provided continuing education for post-graduate professionals and industry personnel by organizing workshops, seminars, and hands-on activities for many sectors of the equine industry.

Hodgson is a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. He received his professional degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Sydney.

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