Keepin’ McGrath Runnin’

Richard Rego, Department of Comparative Pathobiology
Senior Coordinator – Veterinary Anatomy
McGrath Veterinary Teaching Laboratory

What does your job entail and what is your favorite part of it?
I manage/coordinate the McGrath Anatomy Laboratory and I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of the entire facility. My job is to ensure an adequate supply of quality specimens for teaching the first-year small and large animal anatomy course, preparation of materials for the course, adding and building our specimen collections, and collaborating with both university and outside partners and entities to benefit the program and its content.

My favorite part of this job is the students! They come here with the goal of becoming a veterinarian from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Getting to know them and learn from them is rewarding. Teaching them something new, or helping them to master a new skill, such as dissection, is also a rewarding part of my job. I know this will help them as they journey through veterinary school.

How long have you worked at Cummings School and what makes it a special place to work?
I’ve worked here for just over two years and the support I receive from the administration, both in my department and from the university overall, is fantastic. I work with talented staff and faculty in my department, and I have a great relationship with other campus departments. From the animal hospital to the facilities department, having a good working relationship benefits me and my department in many ways.

What brings you the most joy?
At work, it is students first and everything else second. If there were no students, there would be no Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Working with them both professionally in the lab, or casually with them at a fun campus event, brings me joy to know I helped them in some way once they leave here and start their careers. Personally, I enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning … and salamanders!