Thomason Named Interim Head of CVM Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine
College of Veterinary Medicine Professor Dr. John Thomason has been named interim head of the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine.
At the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, the work happening behind the scenes in diagnostic laboratories and teaching hospitals plays a critical role in advancing animal health and training the next generation of veterinarians. For Dr. John Thomason, that work has been the foundation of a career dedicated to education, clinical service, and collaborative leadership.
In addition to his leadership role, Thomason remains actively involved in teaching and clinical diagnostics, particularly in the area of hematology, a discipline he described as essential to understanding disease at the fundamental level.
“Hematology allows us to tell a much larger story about what’s happening in the patient,” he said. “It’s not just numbers on a page. It’s about interpretation, context, and connecting clinical signs with underlying disease processes.”
Thomason’s approach to veterinary medicine is rooted in problem-solving and critical thinking, skills he works to instill in students both in the classroom and in clinical settings. At MSU CVM, he teaches future veterinarians how to analyze diagnostic data, ask the right questions, and apply foundation science to real-world cases.
He emphasized that diagnostics are not separate from patient care, but an integral part of it.
“Our goal is to help students understand the why results look the way that they do,” he said. “That understanding ultimately makes them better clinicians, regardless of the path they chose within the profession.”
This philosophy aligns closely with MSU CVM’s mission to produce practice-ready graduates who are confident, capable, and prepared to serve diverse animal populations.
Throughout his career, Thomason has worked closely with clinicians across specialties, supporting complex cases that require a team-based approach. He credited that collaboration was one of the most rewarding aspects of working in an academic veterinary hospital.
“No single person has all the answers,” he said. “Veterinary medicine works best when clinicians, diagnosticians, and researchers are all working together for the benefit of the patient.”
As interim department head, Thomason brings that same collaborative mindset to leadership, focusing on supporting faculty, fostering innovation, and maintaining a strong education environment for students.
He believes veterinary education must continue to evolve alongside the profession itself. Advances in diagnostics, technology, and research demand that students graduate with both technical knowledge and adaptability.
“Veterinary medicine is constantly changing,” he said. “Our responsibility is to prepare students not just for their first job but for a lifelong career of learning and growth.”