Meet the Professor: Vet medicine is McCue's passion

Patrick M. McCue is the Iron Rose Ranch Professor of Equine Theriogenology and a faculty member in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Colorado State University.

McCue coordinates the Mare and Stallion Clinical Services at the Equine Reproduction Laboratory, in addition to attending equine reproduction cases at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

He answers a few questions about his work:

Question: What project are you currently working on that has you most excited?

Answer: I want to embrace new technology for education. A majority of students now read off of iPads or other tablet devices. We are finishing an eBook on clinical cases in reproductive medicine of horses that has videos of horses, videos of ultrasound scans, laboratory test results and other relevant material embedded in each chapter.

Q: The equine lab is about two years old now. How has it helped you do more and better work?

A: We were able to design and build a facility to optimize clinical service, education and research. The biggest beneficiaries are the students who can take advantage of learning in a program with a high clinical case-load and state-of-the-art technology.

Q: You've saved the lives of a number of horses. Where do they go once your team does its job? And do you hear from new caretakers often?

A: Our clients are people and their horses. We often see horse owners in subsequent years and it is not unusual to receive photographs or other updates of our former patients through the years.

Q: Why are you passionate about what you do?

A: I love my work. I have an opportunity to work at a high-end reproduction center for horses with an outstanding and caring staff. I truly enjoy working with our clients and their beloved horses and the constant educational interactions with students keeps me motivated.

Q: What's one piece of advice you consistently share?

A: Do the right thing for our clients and always strive to do your best.

Q: What other types of research do you do? What else should we know you for?

A: Our team is working on incorporating molecular biology techniques to enhance our ability to detect uterine infections in mares, which is one of the leading causes of infertility.

Q: What's the last thing you Googled, and why?

A: ESPN College Basketball. (Sunday was) Selection Sunday for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. I was crushed to see that the Rams were not selected…. Kudos to Coach (Larry) Eustachy and the entire team for an outstanding season.

Q: What's your go-to lunch spot in Fort Collins?

A: I'm blue collar and usually bring a lunch. However, my go-to spot is Lupita's for a stuffed chicken sopapilla.

Q: What's the one word you use too often?

A: I probably talk about fly fishing too much. And I am not that good at it. Did I mention that the caddis fly hatch on the Arkansas River should start in a few weeks?

Q: What are you most proud of?

A: First and foremost, I am proud of my family. I am also very proud to be on the faculty of one of the best colleges of veterinary medicine in the world.