University of Saskatchewan alumnus returns as veterinary medical centre director

Hockley, who is originally from Saskatchewan and a 1992 graduate of the WCVM's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, is returning to his alma mater with a broad range of experience in private veterinary practice, the animal health industry and in veterinary research.
Hockley's most recent position was a four-year period as director of global veterinary services at Bioniche Life Sciences in Belleville, Ont. Through his previous roles, he has had the opportunity to visit veterinary colleges and hospitals around the globe.
"Those experiences always impressed on me how fortunate I was to be a graduate of the WCVM where the quality of people, education, facilities and technologies is second to none," said Hockley, who began his new role on March 1.
"I'm very grateful to the WCVM for my successful career in veterinary medicine, and I have a strong desire to help this college expand its role as a world leader in veterinary education, clinical services and research."
After graduation, Hockley spent five years as a veterinarian and co-owner of a mixed animal veterinary clinic in southern Saskatchewan. His interest and expertise in bovine embryo transfer techniques led to international opportunities and new roles in the animal health industry as a veterinary researcher and senior leader for several animal health companies.
Hockley's experience includes research and development on products and services for large animals as well as companion animals.
"We're very excited to have Dr. Hockley join our leadership team. He brings a fresh perspective on how the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre can expand its caseload and how we can forge stronger links with referral veterinarians across Western Canada as well as the region's animal owners," said WCVM Dean Dr. Douglas Freeman.
"As a former student, Dr. Hockley also has innovative ideas about how the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre can contribute even further to the training of our veterinary students and graduate students—our future veterinarians and specialists."
Reporting to the WCVM dean, Hockley will be responsible for administering the WCVM's veterinary medical facility that serves as Western Canada's referral centre and offers the latest diagnostic and treatment options for animal health care.
More than 160 staff and specialized faculty work at the VMC where over 13,000 animals are cared for each year. The VMC's veterinarians annually treat an additional 30,000 animals through field service visits.
The veterinary medical centre is an integral part of the WCVM, the regional veterinary college for Western Canada and a key member of Canada's veterinary, public health and food safety networks. More than 450 students are enrolled at the internationally recognized veterinary college that also includes a provincial diagnostic laboratory and large-scale research facilities.
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For more information, contact:
Myrna MacDonald
Communications
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
(306) 291-9950
myrna.macdonald@usask.ca