Robert Duquette, PhD, BVSc, MRCVS
(he/him)
Associate Director, Veterinary Professional Services West Area
Dr. Robert Duquette is the Associate Director of the West Zone for Merck Animal Health Veterinary Professional Services. In 2004, he obtained his PhD in veterinary physiology and his doctorate degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Liverpool in England. While abroad, he pursued his academic studies and contributed to the education of others by lecturing and tutoring in the veterinary, medical, and dental faculties. These experiences allowed him to develop his teaching skills and share his knowledge with aspiring professionals in the field of veterinary medicine.
After completing his graduate studies, he continued to gain invaluable experience by working as a companion animal veterinarian. For the next decade, Dr. Duquette practiced medicine, performed surgeries, and specialized in shelter medicine in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Before joining Merck Animal Health, he served as the head veterinarian for a large municipal shelter in California, honing his skills in managing a wide variety of cases and providing care for animals in need. His dedication to animal welfare and expertise in shelter medicine led to significant achievements including decreasing the frequency of canine parvovirus outbreaks, infectious diseases overall and a drastic reduction in euthanasia rates.
“It’s an honor to be part of such a diverse and talented Team. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t learned new and exciting innovations across the veterinary field – not only in companion animals, but for all animals.”
#BeUnconditional
Dr. Duquette has authored and co-authored papers, publications, and book chapters, and has presented his work at numerous conferences in Europe and North America. His practice interests include dermatology, preventative and shelter medicine and he is also a member of ISCAID, AVMA, AAVPT, and PrideVMC. He feels that Merck is an incredible company on many levels. The quality of leadership, its research capabilities, charitable giving, and the message it conveys internally as well as to the public is genuine and thoughful in every aspect.
Outside of his busy schedule, Dr. Duquette enjoys gardening, his aquariums, photography, hiking and spending time with his expanding family and rescue pets. When time permits, he volunteers with a local wildlife rehabilitation center and the Street Dog Coalition.
Education
- Bachelor of Science, University of California-Santa Barbara College of Creative Studies
- Veterinary Medical and Surgical degrees, University of Liverpool, England
- PhD, Veterinary Physiology, University of Liverpool, England
Areas of Interest
- Dermatology
- Preventative Medicine
- Research and Development
- Shelter Medicine
Publications
- Lynn, Randy C. & Duquette, Robert A. (2020) Antiparasitic Drugs. In: Georgis’ Parasitology 11th Edition, ed. Bowman, D
- Duquette, R.A., Shmygol, A., Vaillant, C., Mobasheri, A., Pope, M., Burdyga, T. & Wray, S. (2005) Vimentin-positive, c-kit negative interstitial cells in human and rat uterus: a role in pacemaking? Bio Reprod. Feb; 72(2): 276-283. Epub 2004 Sep 22.
- Duquette, R.A. & Nuttall, T.J. (2004) Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in dogs and cats: an emerging problem? J Small Anim Pract. Dec: 45(12): 591-597.
- Duquette, R.A., Shmygol, A., Vaillant, C., Mobasheri, A., Burdyga, T. & Wray, S. (2004) A novel cell type in the uterus: vimentin-positive, c-kit negative interstitial-like cells in the human and rat myometrium. Society for Gynecological Investigation.
- Duquette, R.A. & Wray, S. (2001) pH regulation and buffering power in gastric smooth muscle. Pflugers Arch. 442: 459-466.
- Bullock, A.J., Duquette, R.A., Buttell, N. & Wray, S. (1998) Developmental changes in intracellular buffering power in smooth muscle. Pflugers Arch. 435: 575-577.
- Duquette, R.A. & Wray, S. (1998) An amiloride-insensitive, bicarbonate- and Cl—independent mechanism of regulation from an acid load in rat gastric smooth muscle. Journal of Physiology.
- Wray, S., Bullock, A., Buttell, N. & Duquette, R.A. (1997) pH and Smooth Muscle Function: Regulation and Functional Effects. In: Regulation of Tissue pH in Plants and Animals: A Reappraisal of Current Technologies, ed., Taylor, E.W., Eggington, S., Raven, J. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
- Duquette, R.A. & Wray, S. (1997) pH regulating mechanisms in gastric smooth muscle from rat and guinea pig: major differences. International Congress of Physiological Sciences IUPS 1997.
- Duquette, R.A. & Wray, S. (1997) An investigation into the role of pH in gastric smooth muscle. Journal of Physiology.