James L. Cook
Associate professor of veterinary medicine
William C. Allen Endowed Scholar for Orthopaedic Research
Director, Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory
Columbia, Mo
A leader in the field of minimally invasive surgical techniques, Jimi Cook, DVM ’94, PhD ’98, also is a pioneer in comparative medicine, collaborating with peers in human medicine to benefit both species. Six years ago he founded MU’s Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory, which has grown from a two-member team with $6,000 in funding to a $2 million multidepartmental lab with more than 30 researchers and an international reputation of excellence. His research accomplishments include developing an FDA-approved meniscal regeneration biomaterial that has changed the standard of care in medicine and working on a model for the study of osteoarthritis. His work has attracted the public’s interest as well. He’s been featured on National Public Radio, Animal Planet and major network news programs and newspapers. Students enjoy Cook’s passion for orthopedic surgery during one of their most demanding rotations. He has earned 12 awards for superior teaching, including the Norden Distinguished Teacher Award in 2000 and 2006. President of the MU College of Veterinary Medicine’s class of 1994, Cook was named CVM Alumnus of the Year in 2005. Currently, he serves as president of the Veterinary Medicine Alumni Organization. He and his wife Cristi, DVM ’93, MS ’98, are members of the Mizzou Alumni Association and Jefferson Club.