The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) annually presents the Director’s Excellence Award to individuals who embody the agency’s mission. Each year, TVMDL employees nominate peers they believe exemplify excellence through testing services, quality assurance, technological advances, and overall dedication to TVMDL.
TVMDL is pleased to announce Michael Trapp, as a 2020 recipient of the Director’s Excellence Award in the technical category.
Trapp has been a loyal employee of TVMDL for nearly six years. He initially joined the agency as a technician in the histopathology section but transitioned to the necropsy section approximately three years ago. He now serves as the lead necropsy technician.
In his role, Trapp assists pathologists perform necropsies. This role is a challenging, yet crucial, position as it requires patience, attention to detail, and a thorough depth of knowledge. Trapp possesses all these qualities and is frequently commended for his dependability on the necropsy floor.
The necropsy section regularly processes high-volume submissions, such as deer herd depopulations, that Trapp handles and manages efficiently. Most recently, Trapp was part of a team that performed a necropsy on an elephant. Although a unique challenge, Trapp’s assistance during this case proved to be integral.
Since assuming the role of lead necropsy technician, Trapp has been instrumental in training six pathologists and two technicians on necropsy protocols. In addition to necropsy staff, Trapp has cross-trained three histopathology technicians to provide additional support during necropsies.
Furthermore, Trapp assisted in establishing and implementing an after-hours necropsy receiving program. This program provides an important service to TVMDL clients as it allows carcasses to be received after business hours. Knowing this, Trapp manages this program with confidence and professionalism and frequently trains new participants.
“Michael has been a huge asset both to the necropsy section and to TVMDL,” Necropsy Assistant Section Head Erin Edwards, DVM, MS, DACVP, said. “Michael doesn’t just do what is required of him. He is highly motivated to do well and is always striving for improvements both personally and for the section and lab. He is the epitome of excellence and is highly deserving of this recognition.”
Please join TVMDL in congratulating this year’s Director’s Excellence Award recipients.