Raphael Malbrue has been named the next Director, Center for Comparative Medicine and Attending Veterinarian. Dr. Malbrue is a native of Baton Rouge, LA. He completed his undergraduate and veterinary school training at Tuskegee University. He then went on to complete a residency program in Laboratory Animal Medicine at Louisiana State University. In conjunction with his residency program Dr. Malbrue also completed a Master of Science degree in Biomedical and Veterinary Medical Sciences through the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at Louisiana State University and became a Certified Aquatic Veterinarian (WAVMA). He also has an extensive background working in veterinary private practice and emergency medicine. Prior to his position at Nationwide Children’s hospital Dr. Malbrue served as a Clinical Veterinarian and Director of Large Animal Experimental Surgery at The Ohio State University.
He comes to the University of Virginia from his position of Associate Director for The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Animal Resources Core) where he oversees the veterinary clinical medicine, husbandry, and training programs. The AWRI at NCH animal care unit supports an extensive and comprehensive research program including 14 total Centers of Emphasis (“departments”) comprised of ~75 principal investigators and ~175 active IACUC protocols. The Institute is AAALAC-accredited, OLAW-assured, and USDA-registered.
Dr. Malbrue additionally has served as an assistant professor-adjunct in the Department of Preventative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine for The Ohio State University. In this role he has taught and trained numerous veterinary students, interns, and residents. He has been a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion through his efforts on the College’s diversity committee and as the immediate past president for the National Association for Black Veterinarians (NABV). Within these spaces Dr. Malbrue has assisted in creating several pipeline programs securing access for minorities and underrepresented groups into biomedical research and veterinary medicine.
Dr. Malbrue has also served our country proudly as an officer (rank-Captain) in the United States Army Reserve (7356th Veterinary Detachment). His research interest includes methods to improve diversity and wellness in veterinary medicine, aquatic animal medicine, and implementation of the three R’s (replacement, reduction, and refinement) in biomedical research. Dr. Malbrue is a dedicated educator, mentor, scientist, and animal welfare advocate whose unique background will serve the center well.