Assoc ProfessorSusan Rackard

I graduated from the University College Dublin with a degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1989. After a short period in small animal practice in the UK I returned to UCD as a junior lecturer in small animal surgery where I commenced my PhD studies and grew my clinical experience. After many years as an academic clinician and clinical teacher, my focus shifted to educational development, initially in the CPD arena for Veterinary Practitioners and more recently in teaching and assessment of undergraduate Veterinary Medical Students. I am currently School Head of Teaching and Learning at the School of Veterinary Medicine in University College Dublin (2014-present) with responsibility for curriculum review, curriculum design and enhancement of the veterinary medicine programme (MVB) which is AVMA, RCVS, AVBC, EAEVE and VCI accredited.

From 2017-2022 I was Vice-Principal for Teaching and Learning (VPTL) in UCD's College of Health and Agricultural Sciences. This College comprises five schools, the School of Agriculture and Food Science, the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, the School of Medicine, the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sport Science and the School of Veterinary Medicine. In this role I supported and developed teaching and learning in a variety of contexts engaging at institutional and national levels. As Chair of the College's Education & Training Group for 5 years I, with colleagues, shaped the College's educational strategy in alignment with institutional strategy and delivered sustained collaboration between constituent Schools.

In 2019 I was awarded a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) having demonstrated through peer review, a thorough understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning in Higher Education.

In 2021 I was awarded Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA) having demonstrated through peer-review, the highest level of professional recognition in Higher Education for a sustained record of effective strategic leadership in academic practice and academic development.

In 2023 I established the UCD Centre for Veterinary Education (Research and CPD centre) to advance the scholarship of veterinary education and I am Director of this Centre. This innovation aligns with progressive practice in leading international veterinary schools and demonstrates my leadership in advancing emerging areas of pedagogy relevant to educating veterinary/health professionals.