Lab News by DHZ

Dr. Brodersen Retires from the University of Nebraska 

A familiar face at the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center (NVDC), Dr. Bruce Brodersen, retires this month after an affiliation with the laboratory that has lasted 38 years.  The lab is located on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.  Brodersen came to the Center as a graduate student trainee and leaves as a tenured Professor and Director of the NVDC.   As a diagnostic and research pathologist, he has had a special interest In respiratory diseases of cattle (BVD especially).  He has taught a variety of systemic pathology subjects in the University’s professional veterinary college curriculum including respiratory, urinary, musculoskeletal, and alimentary diseases.

When asked what sparked his initial interest in diagnostic veterinary medicine, he shared that he greatly enjoyed the diagnostic lab rotation while a student at Iowa State University.  Faculty members such as pathologist John Anderson and toxicologist Gary Osweiler impressed him so much that he signed up for a second rotation through the ISU VDL.  Also, he enjoyed the company of ISU diagnostic trainees such as Greg Stevenson, Bill Van Alstine, Dale Miskimins, and Regg Neiger. 

Bruce has seen a lot of transition in the approach to diagnostic work during his career.  Fluorescent antibody testing has moved to IHC work.  Virus isolation has transitioned to PCR and genomic sequencing.  Overall, less dependence on pathology alone, and better tools for pathologists and case coordinators to identify microbes.

One memorable case for Bruce was being called to the Omaha’s Henry Doorley Zoo to perform an necropsy on an elephant.   It was an all-day job which required chain saws for opening the thorax and hoists to lift the legs.  Bruce did not take the easy route… the brain was removed!  “The spleen was longer than my assisting intern was tall”! 

Bruce offers the following advice to young diagnosticians:

• Never say never to career options.
• Pick an area of interest to make your mark.
• Keep reading.

In the future, Bruce looks forward to more family time. His wife and him have 3 grown children and 6 grandkids in Nebraska, Texas, and North Dakota.   He likes to bicycle to stay in shape.

On behalf of all AAVLD members, we say congratulations on a highly successful career, and we wish Dr. Bruce Brodersen a long and happy retirement!