MSU VDL welcomes inaugural Diagnostic and Client Services Veterinarian (DCSV) 

On January 17, 2023, Dr. Rachel Whitesell, DVM joined the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory as the Lab’s inaugural diagnostic and client services veterinarian.

Dr. Whitesell earned a Bachelor of Arts in German studies from Pennsylvania State University (2002) and completed the post-baccalaureate pre-health program at the University of Pennsylvania (2009). She then went on to earn her DVM from the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine (2013). During her time in the DVM program, she was both a summer necropsy student (2011) and a student researcher (2011 - 2013) at the Laboratory.

After completing her DVM, she worked in small animal practice as an associate veterinarian, most recently at Westarbor Animal Hospital in Ann Arbor where she practiced for five years. She comes to the MSU VDL from Chewy Health where she was a veterinary consultant, providing education, support, and recommendations to clients via remote chat and video tele-triage consultation.

Dr. Whitesell will serve in a newly created role at the Laboratory. As the diagnostic and client services veterinarian, she will oversee both the Receiving and Client Service sections, working to ensure that client needs are met, facilitating case coordination across laboratory sections, and performing outreach to the Lab’s diverse clients and stakeholders. Dr. Whitesell will be an advocate for VDL clients while striving to provide a seamless and hassle-free client experience.

MSU VDL Associate Director

In January 2023, VDL’s Quality Manager Dave Korcal was appointed as associate director of the Laboratory. Dave has worked at the VDL for the last 34 years, and through his deep knowledge of the Laboratory, its operations, and processes, he is uniquely prepared to step into this role. Dave has dedicated his career to the important work performed daily here at the VDL and will continue to play a key role in ensuring the Laboratory’s continued success.