Roger Ramirez-Barrios, clinical associate professor of veterinary parasitology, has been awarded the 2024 Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award. 

The Zoetis Award for Veterinary Teaching Excellence is presented annually to recognize outstanding instructors at each veterinary school who demonstrate leadership and character in veterinary medical education. The award celebrates educators who show dedication to their students' success and significantly contribute to advancing veterinary medicine through exceptional teaching methods and mentorship.

"Teaching is not what I do – it's who I am," said Ramirez-Barrios, whose family background in education spans generations. "My energy changes when I enter a classroom. The students' enthusiasm and curiosity energize me."

As the college's principal parasitologist, Ramirez-Barrios teaches parasitology content across all four years of the veterinary curriculum. This unique position allows him to witness and support students throughout their entire journey to becoming veterinarians.

One of the aspects he values most about teaching is watching students develop their professional identity. 

"The transformation is amazing," he said. "By their fourth year, our conversations have evolved from basic course questions to sophisticated clinical discussions. Seeing that growth and being part of their journey is incredibly rewarding."

Roger Ramirez-Barrios (at center) speaking with students (at right and left) while they do laboratory work. The student at left is holding a pipette.
Roger A. Ramirez-Barrios (at center) answering questions for students as they work on laboratory research. Photo by Andrew Mann for Virginia Tech.

Students praised Ramirez-Barrios's dedication to their success, noting his availability for review sessions, after-class questions, and additional office hours. 

"Dr. Ramirez goes above and beyond to assist his students," one nomination stated. "He makes it a point to assure his students that he will always be there for them and has certainly upheld his word."

The award committee recognized his exceptional ability to connect with students. 

"While Dr. Ramirez has many talents as a teacher, his superpower is his ability to establish trust with students. He quickly creates an atmosphere of mutual respect," noted one recommendation.

His teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of applied research in veterinary education. Ramirez-Barrios regularly incorporates real clinical cases into his lectures, helping students understand the practical applications of their coursework. Recent examples include his work on drug-resistant parasites and emerging parasitic diseases in the eastern United States.

"Knowledge alone isn't everything," Ramirez-Barrios said. "It's about connecting with students and helping them understand how this knowledge applies in the real world. That connection makes the learning experience more meaningful for everyone."

This award adds to Ramirez-Barrios's recent recognitions, including the 2023 Zoetis Research Award for Veterinary Research Excellence and the 2023 Virginia Veterinary Medical Association Mentor of the Year award.

For Ramirez-Barrios, the recognition reflects the supportive environment at the college. 

"The administrators in this college really 'see' the faculty," he said. "They know when we are doing a good job and that recognition is important when we are investing time in going the extra mile."

Share this story