Stephanie Valberg, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVSMR, has been named the Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Dr. Valberg is an international leader in understanding and managing equine neuromuscular disorders,” said Dan Grooms, DVM, PhD, chairman of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. “Her experience in establishing collaborative relationships across the health sciences will play an important role in driving the research, teaching, and clinical missions of the department and the college.”

The overarching goal of Valberg’s research is to define the basis for neuromuscular disorders in horses; develop accurate, minimally invasive diagnostic tests; and devise optimal methods for preventing or managing these diseases.

Valberg’s work in equine muscle disease has transformed equine clinical practice. Her research has led to the discovery of previously unknown muscle disorders, identification of their genetic basis, and development of nutritional strategies to minimize muscle pain. Valberg’s studies have included collaborations with epidemiologists, nutritionists, geneticists, neurologists, endocrinologists, biochemists, and physiologists