Texas A&M University Professor Michael Deveau Named Katherine and Rebecca Rochelle Chair in Oncology
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Dr. Michael Deveau, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), has been named to the Katherine and Rebecca Rochelle Chair in Oncology in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (VSCS).
“As an exceptional radiation oncologist and medical physicist Dr. Michael Deveau has served our college through his service and leadership,” said Eleanor M. Green, the Carl B. King dean of veterinary medicine. “His dedication to supporting the growth of our radiation therapy services, to obtaining funding for the development of new approaches in the detection of cancer in canines, and to developing new ways to deliver radiation has been beyond remarkable. We are proud to recognize Dr. Deveau as the Katherine and Rebecca Rochelle Chair in Oncology.”
The MARK Foundation, established by the Rochelle family of Austin, knows first-hand the impact the care provided by the Small Animal Hospital at the CVM. Their late boxers, Bugsie and Sarge, received treatment from the Oncology Service (among others). This treatment and the compassion and care they were shown inspired the family’s unanimous decision to fund the Katherine and Rebecca Rochelle Chair in Oncology to further research and treatment options for other dogs like Bugsie and Sarge. “We are so appreciative of the service we have received at Texas A&M’s Small Animal Hospital. We have worked with a stellar group of clinicians, and Dr. Deveau is no exception. His contributions to the oncology department have already been immeasurable, and we are honored to be partners with the College of Veterinary Medicine in supporting his successes.”
“We are proud and honored to have the Katherine and Rebecca Rochelle Chair in our college, supporting an excellent faculty member and recognizing the generosity of the Rochelle family,” Green said.
In the fields of veterinary and human oncology, Deveau will utilize the funds to grow his work in radiation oncology and the presence of Texas A&M.
“Dr. Deveau nearly singlehandedly built our college’s radiation therapy program while innovating state-of-the-art treatment strategies. In addition to these activities, he has engaged in highly impactful translational research. Given the time constraints associated with being our only radiation oncologist, his ability to excel in clinical care, teaching, and research is very impressive,” said Dr. Jonathan Levine, department head of VSCS. “
“The intellectual and financial investment by the College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, and the Katherine and Rebecca Rochelle Chair will provide me a unique and nurturing infrastructure, which will help me—and fellow colleagues collaboratively—to redefine our current clinical strategies and mold our future veterinary clinical and research landscapes,” said Deveau. “This honor will contribute immensely not only to enhance my own personal growth and development as a clinical scientist, but also the ability to provide greater clinical service for our patients and teaching opportunities for our students through the introduction and application of novel radiotherapeutic techniques often absent in modern cancer patient management.”
Deveau added, “In addition to the positive impact for our veterinary companion animals, there is a symbiotic relationship between advancing human and veterinary medicine through translational research especially within the field of radiation oncology. Hopefully, our efforts and techniques will not only continue to demonstrate flagship veterinary healthcare at the CVM, but positively impact our human counterparts’ quality of life as well.”
###
Contact Information: Megan Palsa, mpalsa@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216, 979-421-3121 (cell)
