My name is Gordon Woods and I
am the new Director of the
Equine Reproduction Laboratory
and I also hold the John Alexander
Chair in Large Animal Reproduction. At a
time in my life when I thought things
were pretty well in place (as did my wife),
the opportunity to return to Colorado
State University presented itself and I just
couldn’t resist the prospect of working
with some of the world’s most renowned
experts in equine reproduction. It has
proven to be a happy homecoming.
During my senior year in the Professional Veterinary Medical Program at Colorado State University, I still wasn’t quite sure what my path would be when I graduated. That spring, I went to the Equine Reproduction Laboratory for a one-week rotation and found my life’s work. Dr. Ed Squires’ passion for equine medicine was infectious. I switched an elective rotation for a second rotation at the ERL, and then spent my spring break there as well. Dr. Squires went the extra mile, lining up mares for me to practice pregnancy palpations on, putting up with my incessant stream of questions, and making sure that I had every opportunity to experience first-hand cases in which he thought I might be interested.
After graduating from CSU in 1978, I went on to complete a residency in large animal reproduction from the University of Pennsylvania. On Dr. Squires’ advice, I studied with Dr. O. J. Ginther at the University of Wisconsin. During that time,and in the following years, I kept up with what was happening at the Equine Reproduction Laboratory and was constantly amazed at the string of breakthroughs advanced by the scientists here. When I returned in January to take on my current position, I couldn’t believe how much the program had grown and how the caliber of the faculty and staff had somehow continued to improve beyond its already excellent reputation for cutting edge work in equine reproduction.
Today, we have Dr. Elaine Carnevale, who specializes in improving reproductive outcomes for aging mares through assisted reproductive techniques and research into reproductive hormones. Dr. Jason Bruemmer heads up the stallion division and his research focuses on semen preservation as well as understanding early pregnancy in the mare. Dr. Patrick McCue, our master teacher, focuses on reproductive pathology and embryo transfer, control of follicular development and ovulation, and also heads up the Clinical Reproduction Service. His extensive teaching activities include undergraduate, graduate and veterinary levels, and continuing education for practicing veterinarians and horse owners/farm managers. Dr. Ed Squires continues to conduct research in assisted reproduction and teach continuing education courses.
But our work doesn’t stop there. We are establishing the horse as a model not only for reproduction problems in humans, but also for comparative oncology work. This notion of “One Medicine” is creating a whole new area of research for us where the work we do not only benefits horses, but people as well. To that end, we are collaborating with other institutions inside and outside of the University, including the College’s own Animal Cancer Center, and look forward to a vigorous research program that will help bring about healthier lives for horses and the people who love them.
I hope you enjoy the first edition of the Equine Reproduction Laboratory magazine. I look forward to meeting each of you, our friends and benefactors who have supported this program with so much conviction and dedication for so many years. Thank you.
Gordon Woods, DVM, PhD
Director, Equine Reproduction
Laboratory
John Alexander Chair in Large Animal Reproduction
