Zoetis gives $250,000 for newly established Center for Outcomes Research and Education in College of Veterinary Medicine
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015
Zoetis has given $250,000 to establish the new Center for Outcomes Research and Education at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. From left are Annette Bouwer, associate director, outcomes research, Zoetis; Ralph Richardson dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine; Sabina Gasper, senior director, outcomes research, Zoetis, David Renter, director of the Center for Outcomes Research and Education; Rob Holland, director of outcomes research, Zoetis; and Frank Blecha, associate dean of research in the College of Veterinary Medicine. | Download this photo.
MANHATTAN — A $250,000 gift from Zoetis to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University helps establish the new Center for Outcomes Research and Education, also known as CORE. The center is an interdisciplinary research and training center focused on the application and extension of outcomes research in animal health both in the U.S. and from a global perspective.
"We are extremely grateful to Zoetis for supporting the CORE and for sharing our vision for enhancing the implementation of outcomes research for animal health," said David Renter, professor of epidemiology and director of the center. "Our CORE group has been very fortunate to have developed partnerships and support through a variety of private and public sources. However, this foundational support from Zoetis is remarkable as it enables us to really enhance the leadership and infrastructure for outcomes research, and thus be a unique resource for the veterinary profession and others focused on enhancing animal health."
With a goal of improving effectiveness and efficiency in animal health care and its associated impacts on human health, the center's activities will demonstrate the value of animal health interventions — including treatment, prevention or diagnostic activities that are intended to improve health. The center will generate and synthesize evidence on health interventions and train animal health professionals on how to best utilize that evidence to influence health care decisions.
The discipline of outcomes research involves applied clinical- and population-based research that seeks to study and optimize the end results of health care practices and interventions in terms of benefits to the patient and society. Evaluation of economic factors, comparative clinical effectiveness, risk analysis and health-related quality of life assessments are key areas of focus.
"Zoetis has been a leader in the field of outcomes research and their support of this center is critical for its development," said Ralph Richardson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. "By providing this gift and becoming the first founding partner of CORE, Zoetis has again demonstrated their commitment to veterinary medicine and the greater animal health community."
"Supporting CORE aligns with our vision and strategy for outcomes research," said Clint Lewis, executive vice president and president of U.S. business for Zoetis. "As the leading animal health company, we are committed to demonstrating both the clinical and economic value of therapies and services to veterinarians, producers and pet owners."
Sabina Gasper, global head of outcomes research for Zoetis, will be on the advisory board for the Center for Outcomes Research and Education.
"This is an exciting opportunity to expand outcomes research to the global animal health community," Gasper said. "By supporting the creation of CORE, K-State has clearly demonstrated its commitment to veterinary medicine and animal health and we are pleased to be at the forefront of this effort. The center will focus on the projects that have U.S. and global reach to strengthen the impact of outcomes research in animal health."
The center involves several faculty at the university with existing collaborative programs, as well as experts at other institutions. It provides leadership and infrastructure for effective collaboration among practicing veterinarians, industry partners, government agencies, and others in academia, in order to optimize animal health approaches.
Zoetis, pronounced zō-EH-tis, is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services. In 2014, the company generated annual revenues of $4.8 billion. With approximately 10,000 employees worldwide at the beginning of 2015, Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in 120 countries. For more information, visit http://www.zoetisUS.com.
