Meet Scott Dudis ‘06
Scott Dudis ‘06, also known as MAJ Randal “Scott” Dudis, DVM, MPH, DACLAM, DACVPM, earned a dual degree in Zoology and French & International Studies from the Ohio State University in 2009. Soon after finishing his undergraduate career, he received a Master’s of Public Health from the University of Minnesota and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University before joining the US Army.
Scott has been on active duty for almost ten years. He started his journey with the Army as a clinical field veterinarian, completing two overseas tours in the Middle East and Europe. “Half of the job was veterinary care for military and Secret Service working dogs, or the pets of military and State Department families,” says Scott, “The other half was food inspection and food defense, avoiding intentional attacks through food from foreign factories that wanted to sell to the Department of Defense.” Using this experience, Scott now exclusively works in biomedical research as a laboratory animal veterinarian, supporting researchers and caring for animals involved in research that ‘protects or treats the warfighter.’
Scott’s past work has supported the development of vaccines and antibiotics, the prevention and treatment of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, and novel medical care for injuries inflicted on service members due to explosive blasts. He recently accepted the position of Attending Veterinarian at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Oahu, Hawaii. There, he will help train general surgery resident physicians in the acute care of massive hemorrhage and poly-trauma while continuing with his research.
Scott takes the most pride in having provided veterinary medical care for the ‘patrol and explosives detection’ military working dogs. “These animals do important and dangerous work, for free, yet seem to enjoy every minute. I have extremely fond memories of so many of them, especially Jop the Belgian Malinois who was the sweetest, hardest-working dog I have ever met. Even Laika– the Dutch Shepherd who dislocated my shoulder– still earns her moniker of being a ‘good dog.’”
Scott was an incredibly active member of Sig Ep and the campus community as an undergraduate. He served as Junior Marshal, VP of Communications, and started the chapter’s Very Share-y Halloween program along with fulfilling the roles of resident advisor, orientation leader, little league soccer coach, Ohio State’s 2008 Homecoming King, and a variety of volunteer efforts. Scott’s involvement with Sig Ep didn’t stop after graduation. He has worked at the national level to help shepherd changes related to Ritual, focusing on how the content is published and presented. Also the previous Chapter Counselor and Balanced Man Steward for NY- Beta, Lt. District Governor for the state of New York, and AVC member for WA-Beta, he currently serves on the Fellows Task Force and regularly facilitates at Carlson Leadership Academies.
“Looking back, one of the reasons why Sig Ep has always been so important to me is that– when I joined– I was desperately searching for a family that would not only accept me for who I was but would also help me become the best version of myself. I attribute most of the accomplishments I’ve made in my adult life to the lessons I learned during my time at OH-Gamma. I am who I am today because of Sig Ep,” says Scott of what the chapter means to him. He gives the same advice to any current undergraduates that he gives to his Soldiers. “Success in life directly correlates with your willingness to have difficult conversations about things that truly matter. Very few problems improve with time, so learning to be honest and forthcoming is important for effective leadership, meaningful relationships, and your mental health.”