Michael Lairmore has established himself as a researcher at Ohio State and was recently named to the Institute of Medicine. But he said being a good father is his greatest accomplishment.

“I have a good relationship with my kids,” Lairmore said. “They’re all leading productive lives.”

Lairmore, the associate dean for research and graduate studies with the College of Veterinary Medicine at OSU, is married with five kids who are all in college, graduate school or have recently graduated.

He said balancing his personal life is sometimes a struggle, but he could not have accomplished what he has without his family.

“I have a really supportive home environment,” Lairmore said. “My wife gave up her job to raise and help the children.”

Lairmore said it is hard not to take his work home with him. He said he has to “disengage,” which he does through hobbies, such as playing Nintendo Wii and traveling.

Lairmore has a doctoral degree in experimental pathology from Colorado State University, as well as two degrees from the University of Missouri — a doctorate in veterinary medicine and a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Lairmore’s biography on the Center for Microbial Interface Biology’s website lists more than 70 groups, memberships and titles he has held since 1977. He is still active in some.

“I’m very active in ones related to the disciplines I’m currently doing,” Lairmore said.

His most prestigious professional accomplishment came recently when he was named to the Institute of Medicine, one of the highest honors in the biomedical field. Those who are nominated by members of the Institute of Medicine have distinguished themselves in their fields of research. Lairmore said he was humbled by his induction.

“I was blown away,” Lairmore said. “I knew how important it was. You really feel like you have an obligation that people thought that much of your work, you need to really respect that. I thought it was a long shot. I thought, ‘It’s fine to be nominated,’ but I thought it was never going to happen.”

Kate Hayes-Ozello, grant specialist for the College of Veterinary Medicine at OSU, has known and worked with Lairmore for about 20 years. She knows how important the Institute of Medicine induction is to him.

“We’re very excited about him being elected to the Institute of Medicine,” Hayes-Ozello said. “As a researcher myself, I am very aware of what an incredible accolade that is.”

His recognition further establishes OSU in the field of cancer research.

“That’s an elite group,” said Michele Morscher, program coordinator for research and assistant to Lairmore. “It’s a feather in our college’s cap to know he was elected into it when he was on staff here.”

Other highlights of Lairmore’s career include being named an American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow and receiving the Hero of Hope Research Medal of Honor from the American Cancer Society.

Lairmore said his research, which involves a virus that causes cancer, is important to him because his mother died of cancer.

“It brings it down to a personal level,” Lairmore said. “Whatever small amount I can contribute in the knowledge base of a virus that causes cancer, it makes me feel better to know that I’m adding something with that knowledge.”

Lairmore is also a professor. He teaches virology to veterinary students and graduate students in medical school.

Laurie Millward, clinical assistant professor in shelter medicine to the department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at OSU, was a student of Lairmore’s. Millward said Lairmore tries to help further others’ careers, including her own.

“He provided a place for me to learn, for me to get my graduate degree,” Millward said. “He helped me in a professional way, but I feel I grew a lot, personally, under his direction. He taught me how to be a good leader. It meant so much to me that he cared about my career and personal advancement.”

To students, Lairmore said, “You’re our students today, our colleagues tomorrow. Follow your passions. If you can follow your passions and not worry too much about your earning level, things tend to fall into place. Being able to get out there and believe in yourself, it’s really important.”