The VDIC’s chair is Dr. Michelle Larsen, Head of Diagnostic Medical Platforms, Education and Scientific Studies for Zoetis Diagnostic Medical Affairs.
Zoetis Announces Formation Of Pan-European Veterinary Diagnostics Innovation Council
3 months ago 
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- The new council will address the evolving role of advanced diagnostics in supporting veterinary teams, enhancing patient care, and delivering value to pet owners.
- Dr. Michelle Larsen, Head of Diagnostic Medical Platforms, Education and Scientific Studies for Zoetis Diagnostic Medical Affairs, will chair the council.
DUBLIN, IRELAND – September 3, 2025 – Zoetis, the world’s leading animal health company, today announced the formation of the Veterinary Diagnostics Innovation Council (VDIC). The new pan-European Key Opinion Leader (KOL) group brings together nine distinguished veterinary experts dedicated to advancing veterinary diagnostics across the region. The group’s specialities span general practice, clinical pathology, internal medicine and oncology. Members represent a broad European footprint, including Benelux, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Austria, and the United Kingdom.
The VDIC’s chair is Dr. Michelle Larsen, Head of Diagnostic Medical Platforms, Education and Scientific Studies for Zoetis Diagnostic Medical Affairs.
“The Veterinary Diagnostics Innovation Council reflects our dedication to working in partnership with the veterinary community to deepen understanding and develop solutions that address real clinical challenges,” said Dr. Larsen. “Each member is a respected expert in their field, bringing more than 100 years of combined experience and extensive regional insight from across Europe. Zoetis is committed to being a true partner to the clinic, and we look forward to working with the VDIC to inform technologies that align with the realities of practice.”
In response to rising pet ownership, growing client expectations, and mounting veterinary workforce pressures across Europe, the VDIC has been established to provide expert clinical and scientific insight into the evolving role of veterinary diagnostics, offering a strategic platform to enhance efficiency, support informed decision-making, and improve patient outcomes. Members will guide diagnostic innovation and research, consult on testing guidelines and help align new technologies with the practical needs of veterinary teams. By engaging specialists with broad expertise and clinical settings, Zoetis aims to drive meaningful innovation that empowers veterinary teams, advances patient care, and delivers measurable value to pet owners.
The Veterinary Diagnostics Innovation Council comprises of:
- Dr. Sander van der Wal, DVM, Veterinarian, Clinic Owner, the Netherlands
- Dr. Catherine Trumel, Professor, DVM, PhD, ECVCP, France
- Dr. Francesco Cian, DVM, DipECVCP, FRCPath, FRCVS European and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Italy
- Dr. Silvia Rossi, DVM, Dipl, ECVCP, EBVS Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Italy
- Dr. Patricia Ibarrola, DSAM, DipECVIM-CA MRCVS, Spain
- Dr. Fränze Hering, DVM, IAVC, Practice Owner, Germany
- Dr. Ilse Schwendenwein, DVM, Austria
- Dr. Maximilian Pagitz, DVM, Austria
- Dr. Rory Cowlam, MRCVS, United Kingdom
The VDIC held its inaugural meeting on July 30, 2025, where members discussed point-of-care diagnostics and the real-world challenges and opportunities they each see for Vetscan OptiCell and emerging technologies. The group also recognised the development and utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) within the veterinary diagnostics field. The VDIC will next meet in Madrid in September 2025, diving deeper into clinical applications, workflow integration, and the role of emerging technologies in diagnostics – supporting the continued evolution of tools that empower veterinarians to deliver the highest standards of care.
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