Page 46 - eclipse - Autumn 2018

CLASSNOTES
US Department of Agriculture’s
Food Safety and Inspection Service
By Felicia Thompson, OPACE
Faces of Food Safety
Dr Gregory McDermott: Born to Serve and to Help Others
Dr Gregory McDermott protects
the public’s health in America and Afghanistan. He completes this task by wearing two hats — one as a supervisory public health veterinarian (SPHV) in
the Philadelphia district and the other
as a Lieutenant Colonel and brigade veterinarian in the US Army Reserve.
McDermott knows he plays a crucial role as an FSIS veterinarian in keeping people safe, as he is the deciding factor in whether or not animals are slaughtered or if processed products make it into commerce.
He says, “It would surprise people if they knew what field employees do to keep food safe. Most consumers don’t know the physical or pathological condition of animals that enter the slaughter plants, or about the pathogens that can make them sick. FSIS ensures food is safe to consume on a daily basis.”
In 1986, McDermott graduated from Delaware Valley College, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Two years later, McDermott completed Infantry training. He was
first in his class and was recognized
as the Company Honour Graduate.
A year later, McDermott was selected for Officer Candidate School and eventually became an officer in the Marine Corps.
After being honourably discharged from the Marine Corps, McDermott returned to school. In 1996, he obtained a Master of Science degree in Large Animal Reproduction and Physiology from Pennsylvania State University. McDermott headed overseas to England, and in 2001,
he obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the RVC. Returning to the States, McDermott completed an internship in large
animal surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center in 2002. Upon completion of his veterinary medical education, McDermott
worked as an equine and small animal practitioner for 11 years.
Food Safety and the Military
In 2008, McDermott donned a military uniform once more and became a veterinary corps officer in the US Army Reserve. He says that he wanted to continue serving his country as
a veterinarian. And, he does just that.
“I was stationed in Afghanistan as
an Army Special Forces veterinarian where I met with village elders to discuss my mission of educating Afghan farmers on the latest agricultural processes. I provided veterinary
medical assistance for their livestock, such as wormers, anti-parasitic drugs and feed supplements. At times, I also discussed and provided equine dental care,” McDermott said. “The work can be dangerous, but it’s very rewarding
to me and I know it’s valuable to the people of that country, and who knows, maybe it’ll have a positive impact on US - Afghanistan relations.”
Dr Gregory McDermott completes a report
in his office. Photo by Marie Phillips, OFO.
The Road to FSIS
Dr Gregory McDermott in full military attire while stationed in Afghanistan.
Photo courtesy of Dr Gregory McDermott.
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