Dr. Mark Oyama received his DVM from the University of Illinois in 1994, completed an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, and a residency in cardiology at UC-Davis from 1995-1997. He was boarded in cardiology in 1998, and spent two years in private practice in Portland, Oregon before returning to the University of Illinois as a faculty member in 1999. In 2005, Dr. Oyama accepted a faculty position at the University of Pennsylvania where he is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Studies and the President of the Specialty of Cardiology of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Dr. Oyama’s major research interests continue to focus on animal models of human disease and translational research, in particular, he is involved in research concerning dilated cardiomyopathy and mitral valve disease, and cardiac biomarkers.
“Dr. Oyama’s dedication to the field of cardiology research and his efforts to encourage newly graduated veterinarians to pursue a career in research make him stand out among his peers. His interest in both clinical and laboratory research is allowing pet owners to have immediate treatment options for those animals who need it today, as well as providing researchers with information to help them prevent disease in the future,” stated Dr. Terry Warren, CEO and General Counsel for the AKC Canine Health Foundation. “Our thanks to Dr. Oyama for his dedicated work, he is a true member of the AKC Canine Health Foundation team.”
Upon accepting the award, Dr. Oyama noted, “I am deeply honored to be selected as the 2009 recipient of the Asa Mays Award. In accepting this award, I do so on behalf of my fantastic team of veterinarians and colleagues at the Penn Cardiology Service, as well as the countless number of pet owners and breeders that have participated in so many clinical trials over the years. I was not fortunate enough to personally know Dr. Mays, but his pioneering commitment to canine health is reflected in the mission and efforts of today’s AKC Canine Health Foundation.”