| RICHARD M. DEBOWES, DVM, MS, DACVS, currently serves as a professor at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine where he has helped to establish curricular offerings in leadership, clinical communication and veterinary practice management. A 1979 veterinary graduate of the University of Illinois, Dr. DeBowes has both small animal and extensive equine academic clinical and administrative experience including service as the Clinical Sciences department chair at both Washington State and Kansas State Universities. He has twice served as president of the NAVC (now VMX), president of the American Association of Academic Clinicians, a member of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Board of Regents and served on the boards of the WSVMA and KVMA. Based on his experiences across the profession and his passion to help his colleagues live into their full potential, he partnered with adult education and psychological counseling professionals to design experiential curricula for the development of leadership skills and positive organizational cultures. Dr. DeBowes has led the development of numerous programs for clients in veterinary and human medicine as well as for a host of small businesses, academic groups, school systems, animal health industry companies and collegiate athletic teams. Along with Kathleen Ruby (PhD Psychology), Rick worked to fund, develop, promote and host, the Cougar Orientation and Leadership Experience at WSU and the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Experience (VLE) program for the global veterinary profession. An engaging speaker, interactive educator and mentor/coach, Rick has presented over 400 programs in 28 countries on 4 continents. His record of innovation and accomplishment has garnered him numerous awards from the Washington State VMA (Veterinarian of the Year), University of Illinois (Erwin Small Distinguished Alumnus), VSIPP (Innovation Award), Kansas State University (Norden Teacher of the Year), the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Honored Mentor) and the AVMA (President’s Award). Rick and his wife Pamela have two adult children and are blessed to be a part of their lives. Rick’s hobbies include general aviation, marksmanship, amateur radio and boating in all forms. |
