Dr. David E. Granstrom - DVM 1978

2014 Distinguished Alumnus Award

Dr. David E. Granstrom, Schaumburg, Illinois, was the recipient of the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Alumni Association. This award recognizes Dr. Granstrom for his outstanding achievements, humanitarian service and contributions to the veterinary profession. The award was presented during the 76th Annual Conference for Veterinarians on June 1, 2014.

In 2013, Dr. Granstrom was promoted to his current position as associate executive vice president and chief operating officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). He was previously the director of the Education and Research Division. He received his DVM and Ph.D. degrees from the K-State in 1978 and 1988 respectively, and he is a charter diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiology (parasitology).

"I owe so much to the great mentors at K-State who taught all of us much more than the basics of veterinary medicine," Dr. Granstrom said. "Their dedication to teaching and love of the profession has been an inspiration throughout my career."

"This is a second opportunity for us to recognize Dr. Granstrom with an award from our college," said Dr. Ralph C. Richardson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. "We presented an alumni recognition award in 2009 at the North American Veterinary Conference. Since that time, Dr. Granstrom has taken on a more important leadership role with the AVMA. Since he continues to serve at the top of our profession, we think that it is truly fitting to name Dr. Granstrom as our distinguished alumnus for 2014."

Dr. Granstrom joined the Air National Guard while attending graduate school at K-State and served 21 years as a Public Health Officer in Air Guard units in Kansas and Kentucky. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2005. Early in his career, Dr. Granstrom built a successful solo mixed practice in Laurie, Missouri.

Dr. Granstrom provides staff support to the AVMA's House of Delegates, House Advisory Committee and Judicial Council. He also works with the Education and Research, Membership, Communications and other divisions.

From 2001 to 2008, Dr. Granstrom was associate director of the Animal and Natural Resources Institute, USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Beltsville, Maryland, where research is conducted in animal health, animal production, food safety, sustainable agriculture, air quality and watershed management.

From 1997 to 2001, Dr. Granstrom was assistant director of the Education and Research Division at the AVMA, where he provided professional staff support for several AVMA Councils and Committees. He was an assistant and associate professor of veterinary parasitology in the Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, from 1988-1997. His primary area of research was equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), a debilitating neurologic disease of the horse. He is recognized as an international authority on EPM and has given numerous invited presentations at national and international meetings. His research resulted in development of the first effective diagnostic test; identification of the method of disease transmission; development of the first FDA approved treatment; and development of effective guidelines for the prevention of EPM. Two patents, a successful university-start-up company, and more than 75 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and books have resulted from his work.

Dr. Granstrom is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists, EPM Society, AVMA, Illinois Veterinary Medical Association and the National Guard Association of the United States.