Iams Co. hires OSU's Hoffsis

Dayton-The Iams Company has hired Glenn F. Hoffsis, DVM, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University (OSU), as director of veterinary services. Hoffsis will take on the new position April 1.

Iams says this is the first time a pet food company has hired a dean of a veterinary school.

"Dr. Hoffsis has dedicated his career to improving animal health, so we are delighted he will be joining the Iams team," says Jeffrey P. Ansell, president of The Iams Company. "The Iams Company is committed to enhancing the well-being of dogs and cats and the veterinarian plays a crucial role in this equation. Dr. Hoffsis' knowledge, experience, character and genuine commitment to the profession make this a great fit."

Dr. Glenn F. Hoffsis

Hoffsis has spent 34 years at OSU. As an educator, he has had a hand in the lives of more than 3,500 veterinarians who have graduated from OSU during his tenure. It all began with his own graduation from OSU, after which he became board certified in internal medicine following an internship at Colorado State University. He became an instructor at OSU veterinary school in 1970, and was promoted to dean in 1993.

Long history

"There has never been a better time to be a pet because of all veterinarians and pet owners can do to improve the length and quality of the lives of dogs and cats," Hoffsis says. "My goal with The Iams Company is to help forward and expand the great partnerships the company has begun with veterinarians and pet owners. The Iams Pet Imaging Centers and the Pet Health Insurance program demonstrate the ability of Iams to be a leader in helping veterinarians do what they love most - practice the best medicine possible for their pet patients. Iams will help shape the future by partnering with the veterinary profession.

According to the company, hiring Hoffsis comes on the heels of "an innovative expansion into service-based veterinary partnerships." Iams launched initiatives in Iams Pet Imaging Centers and in pet health insurance to work with veterinarians beyond food to enhance the health care of dogs and cats. These programs make cutting-edge medicine more available and more affordable to pet owners, according to the company.

Innovative expansion

Company statistics show more than 2,000 pets have been successfully diagnosed at The Iams Pet Imaging Center in Vienna, Va., and thousands of dogs and cats have been protected and more affordably treated through Veterinary Pet Insurance policies, says the company. Iams/Eukanuba became the No. 1-recommended over-the-counter pet foods among graduating veterinary students, according to a 2003 company survey.

Hoffsis will lead the company's work with veterinary schools and clinical trial research and direct the company's veterinary technical services team. He also will help in communicating to the veterinary community about pet insurance and the expansion of The Iams Pet Imaging Centers, which will open a second center this spring in cooperation with North Carolina State University.

Duties