After a day of educational sessions, participants at the 2006 AVMA Veterinary Leadership Experience stepped outside their comfort zone and into a tree-rope exercise. The VLE took place June 6-11 at the Ross Point Conference Center in Post Falls, Idaho. Students and faculty members from nearly all veterinary colleges in the country—and several foreign colleges—gathered at the event to enhance their leadership skills.
Teaching hospitals short on specialists
A need for more veterinary dental specialists might arise soon in academia, according to a 2005 survey by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. The survey found the greatest needs in anesthesiology, radiology, oncology, and ophthalmology. Shortages might also affect the areas of nutrition, dermatology, radiation oncology, cardiology, behavior, and emergency and critical care.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 229, 3; 10.2460/javma.229.3.337
As veterinary specialists leave academia for practice, teaching hospitals are struggling to provide some parts of clinical education to students as well as residents—the next generation of specialists.
Hospital directors and department heads discussed the issue this spring during the annual meeting of the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians. The AAVC and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges will host a symposium this fall on “Veterinary Teaching Hospitals and the Future of Clinical Veterinary Education.”
“The growth in the clinical specialties, and the demand for those services in the private sector, has driven a market that brings into question the sustainability of our current teaching hospitals,” said Dr. Cecil Moore, president of the AAVC.
Dr. Moore, also chair of the University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, said part of the problem is that universities don't pay specialists the same salary as they can earn at private practices—especially at state schools where revenues aren't keeping up with expenses.
Reviewing the situation
Dr. John A.E. Hubbell, a professor at The Ohio State University in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, said pet owners are willing to spend the extra money to take their animals to specialists. But a specialty practice in town might be more convenient for clients than the university teaching hospital. The result is the teaching hospital loses some of its caseload as well as faculty.
“There's a great concern among colleges of veterinary medicine about maintaining the veterinary teaching hospitals as centers for learning and research,” Dr. Hubbell said.
The AAVMC surveyed veterinary colleges on the subject of specialists in 2005. The survey revealed needs in anesthesiology, radiology, oncology, and ophthalmology.
Dr. Hubbell said many colleges are looking at a distributive model for some part of clinical education. Western University of Health Sciences in California has no veterinary teaching hospital. Other colleges send students off campus to private practices, animal shelters, or farms.
Some specialty practices offer residency programs. In other cases, colleges are operating or partnering with specialty practices to increase the caseload for their residents.
Examples of change
Dr. Mimi Arighi, director of Purdue University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, said the School of Veterinary Medicine has an affiliation with an emergency clinic in another area of Indiana. The hope is to hire specialists for the clinic, which would allow Purdue specialists to consult and Purdue residents to see a broader caseload.
And Purdue is trying other solutions to address the loss of specialists in academia and simultaneous growth of the specialties. The veterinary school shares specialists with the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, for instance, and sends some students to the Indianapolis Zoo to learn exotic animal medicine.
In general, Dr. Arighi said, more and more students receive a portion of their clinical training in private practice. Most residency programs are still at teaching hospitals, though. The challenge remains to recruit and retain teachers from among the specialists.
A 2005 survey of diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons explored why many members of that group prefer private practice to academia.
The surgeons cited salary and location as reasons to work in private practice. Surgeons also indicated that university administrators recognize research and teaching but not clinical service, and being excellent in all three areas is difficult.
“Some people just don't want to do research,” Dr. Arighi said. “They prefer just teaching and surgery, and some of them just like to do surgery.”
The ACVS survey found that, between 1995 and 2005, 219 respondents changed from academia to practice and only 147 changed from practice to academia—including 14 who went to academia to complete residency programs.
Looking ahead
The symposium on veterinary teaching hospitals, from Nov. 9-11 in Kansas City, Mo., will bring together specialists and other stakeholders. The topics will fall under three headings—the teaching hospital of the future, the scope of clinical education, and meeting the demand for clinical educators.
More information is available through the AAVMC Web site at www.aavmc.org. Presentations about clinical education from the AAVC meeting are available at www.craiggroup.com/AAVC/reports.htm.
—KATIE BURNS
Risks associated with NSAID use described in drug label, package insert, client handout
The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine has received reports of adverse effects in pets that have been prescribed popular nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.
Staff veterinarians with the CVM have asked the AVMA to help them heighten the awareness of veterinarians and pet owners about the risks associated with NSAIDs.
Communicating information about the benefits and risks of medications helps pet owners make informed decisions about therapy and empowers them to monitor for adverse signs that should be reported promptly to their veterinarian.
Veterinarians will find useful information on the drug insert and label, and in client informational handouts furnished by manufacturers.
Spending on pets projected to hit all-time high
Consumer spending on pets has more than doubled from $17 billion in 1994 to an estimated $38.4 billion in 2006, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.
The APPMA, a trade association for pet product manufacturers and importers, expects Americans' spending on pets this year to be the highest to date.
The association projects $15.2 billion will be spent on food, $9.3 billion on supplies and over-the-counter-medications, $9.4 billion on veterinary care, $1.8 billion for animal purchases, and $2.7 billion for other services.
Veterinary care and other services had stronger than anticipated performances in 2005, when total pet-related expenditures were $36.3 billion. New and expanded veterinary services, such as joint replacement surgeries and ophthalmic procedures, helped to increase total spending by nearly 8 percent over 2004 levels, according to the APPMA.
Pet spas and hotels and similar innovative services continue to increase market penetration.
“Both of these segments should maintain strong performances this year as pet ownership continues to increase especially among key demographic sectors, including baby boomers and young, professional couples,” said Bob Vetere, APPMA president.
Growth in the pet food sector performed as forecasted at 3.5 percent during 2004. “It is interesting to note that food continues to show growth not only in the expected high-end areas with vitamin-fortified formulas, gourmet lines, and natural/ organic food, but with the value-priced portion of the segment as well,” Vetere added.
A trend in the humanization of pet products continues to fuel further retail growth. “Both baby boomers whose children have moved on with their lives and young professionals who are delaying having families in favor of careers are turning to pets to fill the void at home,” Vetere said.
Because these families have higher-than-average disposable incomes, their pets are enjoying expensive products as well as innovative products designed for pet owners' convenience, Vetere explained.
Because this base is contining to expand, the APPMA is projecting total industry spending to grow by 5.7 percent this year for a total of $38.4 billion.
Disaster planning for pets moves forward
Congress, states taking steps to account for all family members
Congress and state legislators hope to avoid a repeat of the animal welfare problems experienced during the past year's hurricane season. Thousands of pets, like these shown here, were abandoned by their owners after Katrina struck.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 229, 3; 10.2460/javma.229.3.337
Hoping to avoid another Katrina-like debacle, lawmakers in Washington, D.C., and around the country are working toward requiring the inclusion of pets in emergency-preparedness plans.
In May, the House passed the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. The PETS bill, introduced by Rep. Tom Lantos of California, would require state and local preparedness offices to take into account pet owners, household pets, and service animals in their disaster preparedness program.
“The devastation last year in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama brought unbelievable images into every American home night after night,” Lantos said after the bill's passage.
“The loss of life and property was staggering,” he continued. “But on top of all that, the sight of evacuees choosing between being rescued or remaining with their pets, perhaps even having to leave behind the service animals they rely on every day, was just heartbreaking.”
The PETS bill is a critically important piece of legislation, according to the AVMA, since many Gulf Coast residents would not evacuate because there was nowhere to go that would accept people and their pets. Federal disaster relief organizations prevent animals from boarding rescue vehicles. The Red Cross bars all animals, except for service animals, from evacuee shelters for reasons of public health and safety.
The law would also have a positive effect on animal welfare; the Humane Society of the United States estimates that as many as 50,000 pets and other animals were abandoned after Katrina.
The Senate is considering similar legislation. Sponsored by Ted Stevens of Alaska and Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, the Senate bill goes further than the House version by authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist in the planning process, allowing financial aid to create emergency shelters for pet owners, and requiring the provision of essential assistance for pet owners and their animals following a major disaster.
“We learned many important lessons from hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma,” Stevens said. “One of these lessons was that we must put procedures in place to evacuate not only residents in areas impacted by a natural disaster, but also pets and service animals. This legislation is an important step forward in our efforts to mitigate personal suffering during times of disaster.”
Efforts to make provisions for pets and livestock during emergencies are also under way in several states. Such legislation has been adopted in Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Florida, while bills are currently pending in California, New Jersey and New York.
Leadership conference spotlights learning, awareness
Students and faculty members from nearly all veterinary colleges in the country—and a few foreign colleges—gathered for the 2006 AVMA Veterinary Leadership Experience. The event was held June 6-11 at the Ross Point Conference Center in Post Falls, Idaho.
The third annual VLE offered participants an experiential and highly interactive curriculum involving an array of learning formats. Participants learned about leadership, communication, and collaboration during the event, which was coordinated through the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Recently, the AVMA made a commitment to contribute $75,000 annually for four years to the VLE, allowing organizers to focus on developing the curriculum rather than raising money.
Along with the AVMA, the following organizations sponsored the event: American Animal Hospital Association; AVMA Group Health & Life Insurance Trust; AVMA PLIT; Banfi eld, The Pet Hospital; Cutting Edge Products; Fort Dodge Animal Health; Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.; Novartis Animal Health; Pets Best Insurance; Pfi zer Animal Health; Simmons Educational Fund; U.S. Army Veterinary Corps; VCA Antech; Washington State University; and Washington State VMA.
During one activity, each group attempts to build the tallest structure possible, using a roll of tape, paper, and fl at cardboard boxes. The activity is meant to encourage selfawareness and to help participants learn to work well with various personalities.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 229, 3; 10.2460/javma.229.3.337
Participants practice for the tree-rope exercise by clipping on to a ground-level rope. The activity is designed to push individuals out of their comfort zone.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 229, 3; 10.2460/javma.229.3.337
A dinner cruise on Coeur d'Alene Lake allows participants time to develop relationships with their colleagues.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 229, 3; 10.2460/javma.229.3.337
What is the AVMA? Brochure has the answers
The AVMA has created a brochure that explains to the public what the AVMA is and all the ways the Association helps promote the health and safety of animals and society. “What is the AVMA?” lists AVMA resources available to pet owners and educators and refers interested people to the AVMA Web site for information about the Association, animal health, and careers in veterinary medicine.
Designed to be distributed in public venues, the brochure will be valuable as a handout at conferences in which the AVMA participates, such as those hosted by the National FFA Organization and National Science Teachers Association.
AVMA officers and volunteers are welcome to mention the availability of the free brochure to appropriate institutions or venues where takehome information about the AVMA would be of interest to visitors.
Copies of “What is the AVMA?” are available at www.avma.org/about_avma/whoweare/whatisavma.asp.
call out
Company to fund research on porcine circovirus
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. has launched a new research program targeting porcine circovirus-associated diseases.
The PCVAD Research Award Program will award $75,000 annually to three research efforts. The goal of the program is to fund efforts that will lead to practical solutions for preventing or managing the diseases and associated conditions in swine.
Boehringer Ingelheim will award the first grants this September, and the company is accepting proposals until Aug. 15. An independent board will consider the proposals on the basis of criteria that include potential impact on the swine industry, scientific quality, probability of success in achieving research goals, and originality.
Instructions and forms for submitting proposals are available at www.pcvadresearch.com or by contacting Trudy Luther at (816) 236-2780.
news update
Court rules in drug compounding case
Compounded preparations for humans are not new, unapproved drugs, according to a recent ruling from a federal district court judge in Midland, Texas.
The judge's verbal order from the bench was in response to a lawsuit filed in September 2004 by 10 compounding pharmacies against the Food and Drug Administration.
Two other issues in the case— FDA's broad authority to inspect pharmacies' records, and the ability of pharmacies to compound from bulk active ingredients for non-food-producing animals—are still being considered by the judge.
college news
Pennsylvania receives grant for large animal hospital
The University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine has received a $13.5 million state grant for its George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals.
Gov. Edward G. Rendell said that, despite the demand for veterinarians, the state of Pennsylvania has a shortage of large animal veterinarians.
The veterinary school will use the funds toward the completion of new medical facilities on the New Bolton Center campus—including an isolation building, colic barn, and chemical digestion facility.
The isolation building will provide additional biosecurity for the treatment of animals with infectious disease, while the colic barn is for the treatment of horses with a variety of high-risk abdominal conditions. The chemical digestion facility will contain technologic advances and equipment to dispose of infectious waste.
Each year, Widener Hospital treats more than 7,000 patients. New Bolton Center Field Services makes more than 21,000 patient visits annually, serving farms throughout the region. The center's diagnostic and avian pathology laboratories help protect the local agriculture industry from the threat of emerging and infectious disease.
assemblies
Massachusetts VMA
Event: Annual meeting, May 17, Marlborough
Awards (presented April 29 in Framingham): Distinguished Service Award: Dr. James Q. Knight, Ware. A 1973 graduate of Michigan State University, Dr. Knight is director of animal sciences at Becker College in Leicester. Recently, he initiated a drive to help re-establish veterinary services in Afghanistan, and he currently is on a two-month sojourn to educate veterinary faculty in Kabul. Merit Award: Dr. Scott Handler, Sterling; Dr. Gary Patronek, Boston; and the Massachusetts members of Veterinary Medical Assistance Team 1. A 1988 graduate of Tufts University, Dr. Handler works for Webster Veterinary Supply in Sterling. He has assisted with the MVMA's public relations efforts, helped develop its strategic plan, and acted as a liaison with the industry. A 1984 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Patronek is former director of Tufts University's Center for Animals and Public Policy. He now serves as an adjunct faculty member at the center. Dr. Patronek was recognized for his contributions to animal welfare and promotion of the human-animal bond. The Massachusetts members of VMAT-1 were honored for their service to animal welfare and the human-animal bond.
Dr. James Q. Knight
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 229, 3; 10.2460/javma.229.3.337
Dr. Julie E. Haller
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 229, 3; 10.2460/javma.229.3.337
Dr. David J Schwarz
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 229, 3; 10.2460/javma.229.3.337
Officials: Drs. Julie E. Haller, North Andover, president; David J. Schwarz, Ashland, president-elect; Mary Anna Labato, North Grafton, vice president; Kathleen M. Reilly, Plymouth, secretary; Gail C. Hartman, Leicester, treasurer; and James N. Ross, Buzzards Bay, past president
Student wins a year's tuition
On June 1, during the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum in Louisville, Ky., Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. announced that Sarah Judd, a third-year veterinary student from the University of Florida, won the Hill's Big Win Scholarship Challenge. Judd will receive a scholarship for one year's tuition to the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, up to a maximum of $25,000.
Judd said, “Because of this great honor, I am now in a better financial position to begin my career as a veterinary professional after my graduation next year.”
Students participated in the Scholarship Challenge short-answer quiz, and the school names of the winners were posted at the Hill's student portal, www.HillsVet.com/vetstudent. Fellow students had the opportunity to go online and cast their vote for their school. The University of Florida received the most votes, winning the scholarship for Judd.
Dr. Hein Meyer, director of Hill's academic affairs, said, “In addition to the many ways Hill's already supports veterinary students, we are excited to offer this scholarship to further encourage students to succeed.”
The event is scheduled to be held for the 2006-2007 academic year.
Michael E. Doty
Dr. Doty (COR '52), 82, Honeoye, N.Y., died May 7, 2006. From 1954 until retirement in 1994, he owned Wellsville Veterinary Hospital, a mixed practice, in Wellsville, N.Y. Earlier in his career, Dr. Doty practiced in Batavia, N.Y. He was a member of the New York State VMS. A World War II veteran, Dr. Doty served in the Army Air Corps. He was a member of the American Legion. Dr. Doty's two sons and two daughters survive him.
Richard R. Eckman
Dr. Eckman (MSU '45), 88, Bedford, Ind., died Feb. 9, 2006. Prior to retirement in the late 1970s, he served as Indiana state veterinarian. Earlier in his career, Dr. Eckman owned a practice in Cedar Springs, Mich. His wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters survive him.
William P. Johnson
Dr. Johnson (KSU '42), 87, Manhattan, Kan., died May 1, 2006. In 1953, he joined American Cyanamid, retiring in 1981 as director of international animal industry product development. Earlier in his career, Dr. Johnson owned a practice in Slater, Mo. He authored and co-authored several articles, and established and managed the endowment fund for Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Johnson was an Army veteran, attaining the rank of major. His wife, Virginia; three daughters; and a son survive him. Memorials may be made to the KSU Foundation, College of Veterinary Medicine 1942 Endowment Fund, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502.
William E. Keeler
Dr. Keeler (COR '52), 76, Columbia, S.C., died Jan. 21, 2006. Prior to retirement, he worked for the Department of Agriculture. Earlier in his career, Dr. Keeler owned a small animal practice in Syracuse, N.Y. He served in the Army Veterinary Corps. Dr. Keeler's two daughters and a son survive him.
James G. Logsdon
Dr. Logsdon (ILL '63), 69, Hot Springs, Ark., died May 27, 2006. Prior to retirement in 1997, he practiced equine medicine for more than 30 years, at Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Ill., and at Oaklawn Park Racetrack in Hot Springs. A member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Dr. Logsdon also served as an on-call veterinarian for the ESPN and ABC television networks. He was a veteran of the Marines.
Dr. Logsdon is survived by his wife, Linda; two sons; and two daughters. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 213 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901.
Bill J. Machart
Dr. Machart (KSU '66), 63, Clearwater, Kan., died Dec. 13, 2005. He owned Clearwater Veterinary Clinic, a mixed practice focusing on dairy herd health, for 30 years. Dr. Machart was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He attained the rank of captain. Dr. Machart is survived by his wife, Natalie; a son; and a daughter. His cousin, Dr. John R. Hess (COL '75), is a veterinarian in Parker, Colo. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 306 E. Ross, Clearwater, KS 67026.
Luis V. Melendez
Dr. Melendez (CHI '50), 78, Blacksburg, Va., died Dec. 14, 2005. From 1984 until retirement in 1995, he served on the faculty of Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, Dr. Melendez worked as a virologist with the Instituto Bacteriologico de Chile in Santiago for 12 years. Following his immigration to the United States, he served in various capacities at Harvard Medical School, New England Regional Primate Research Center, and the Pan American Health Organization. During his career, Dr. Melendez also served with the Office International des Epizooties in Paris.
The second edition of “Who's Who in Veterinary Science in Medicine” lists him as the researcher/discoverer of leukemogenic herpesviruses of primates: herpesvirus samarai and herpesvirus ateles. Dr. Melendez was a member of the American Society of Tropical Veterinary Medicine, United States Animal Health Association, American Academy of Microbiology, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
James W. Patterson
Dr. Patterson (AUB '53), 82, Bryant, Ark., died Dec. 10, 2005. Prior to retirement in 1992, he worked for the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service for 28 years. Earlier in his career, Dr. Patterson worked for the state of Louisiana in the diagnostic laboratory at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston. He was a member of the National Association of Federal Veterinarians.
Dr. Patterson served as a pilot and flight instructor in the Navy from 1943-1947 and in the Navy Reserve from 1951-1957. He attained the rank of lieutenant junior grade. Dr. Patterson's wife, Dorothy; a son; and two daughters survive him.
Duane R. Peterson
Dr. Peterson (KSU '45), 84, Stillwater, Okla., died May 31, 2006. He was professor emeritus at Oklahoma State University since 1986. Following graduation, Dr. Peterson taught at the Kansas State University and University of Missouri-Columbia colleges of veterinary medicine. He joined Oklahoma State as a charter faculty member in 1948, presenting the first lecture in the school of veterinary medicine. During Dr. Peterson's 38-year career at the college, he served as regents service professor, department head of anatomy, and interim dean. He was renowned as the developer of the Peterson eye block procedure.
A past president of the American Association of Veterinary Anatomists and Oklahoma VMA, Dr. Peterson was a representative to the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges and a member of the International Association of Veterinary Anatomists and served on the executive board of the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology. His many honors include the Oklahoma State University Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, Norden Distinguished Teaching Award, and Oklahoma VMA Veterinarian of the Year and President's awards. Dr. Peterson was honored by the naming of the Peterson Centennial Garden at the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine and was co-honored by the naming of the Peterson-Friend Residence Hall at Oklahoma State University.
His wife, Janet, and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to the Oklahoma State University Foundation/Dr. Duane Peterson Memorial Fund, c/o College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, OK 74078.
Antonio O. Rodrigues
Dr. Rodrigues (BOM '52), 84, Kaneohe, Hawaii, died Dec. 11, 2005.
Edward C. Scollon
Dr. Scollon (MSU '61), 70, Cass City, Mich., died Feb. 24, 2006. He owned a practice in Cass City since 1964. Earlier in his career, Dr. Scollon practiced in Deckerville and Marlette, both in Michigan. He was a member of the Michigan VMA. Dr. Scollon served as Tuscola County (Michigan) commissioner for 10 years, was a member of the county health board, and served as president of the Cass City Schools board of education for eight years. He was also active in the 4-H Club. In 1994, Dr. Scollon was named Cass City Citizen of the Year. He is survived by his wife, Dotty; three daughters; and two sons. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Edward Scollon Foundation, c/o Tuscola County Community Foundation, 317 S. State St., Caro, MI 48723.
Ralph C. Scott
Dr. Scott (CAL '52), 87, Woodland, Calif., died Jan. 30, 2006. Prior to retirement in 1979, he was a partner at Yolo Veterinary Clinic in Woodland. During retirement, Dr. Scott volun-teered in Nicaragua. A World War II veteran, he served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. Dr. Scott was a prisoner of war for more than a year, escaping twice during that time. His wife, Elaine; a son; and a daughter survive him.
Brian J. Smith
Dr. Smith (MSU '83), 48, McBain, Mich., died Jan. 20, 2006. He owned Stoney Corner Vet Service in McBain for 23 years. Dr. Smith was a member of the Michigan VMA. His wife, Marcia; two daughters; and five sons survive him.
Lisa M. Tedora
Dr. Tedora (VMR '00), 37, Manassas, Va., died April 22, 2006. She practiced at Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center in Leesburg, Va. A member of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, Dr. Tedora also founded Creature Comforts Veterinary Care, a home-based acupuncture business.
Memorials (with checks payable to “VA Tech Inc.” and the memo line notated “Memorial—Lisa Tedora/Vet Med”) may be sent to the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Development Office-0442, Blacksburg, VA 24061.
Wendy A. Wallner
Dr. Wallner (FL '89), 53, Loganville, Ga., died March 13, 2006. She was the founder of At-Home Veterinary Services, a small animal house-call practice, servicing the metro Atlanta area. Dr. Wallner also owned a kennel, Whirlwind Boxers, breeding and showing Boxers. Earlier in her career, she practiced in Gainesville, Fla.
Dedicated to health and welfare issues of Boxers, Dr. Wallner conducted research and wrote several articles on the subjects. She served on the board of trustees of the American Boxer Charitable Foundation and was a member of the American and Georgia Boxer clubs. Memorials may be made to the Wendy A. Wallner Memorial Scholarship Fund, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100125, Gainesville, FL 32610; or American Boxer Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 8667, Spokane, WA 99203.
John E. Whitehead
Dr. Whitehead (UP '52), 82, Spring Hill, Fla., died June 10, 2006. From 1954-1976, he was chief of staff and director of the Henry Bergh Memorial Hospital of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York. During his tenure at the hospital, Dr. Whitehead developed an internship/residency program, established a department of laboratory animal medicine and a laboratory animal technician training program, and published a laboratory animal newsletter, Vivarial News.
A charter member and past president of the American Society for Veterinary Ophthalmology, he was also a founder and past president of the Society for International Veterinary Symposia. Dr. Whitehead was a member of the New York State VMS, New Jersey VMA, and VMA of New York City. He also served as president of the Northern New Jersey VMA. In 1998, Dr. Whitehead received the VMA of NYC's Distinguished Life Service Award.
A World War II veteran, he served in the Army Air Corps. Dr. Whitehead's wife, Eileen, and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Hernando-Pasco Inc., 12107 Majestic Blvd., Hudson, FL 34667.
Lori E. Wolf
Dr. Wolf (CAL '87), 47, Wellington, Fla., died March 21, 2006. An equine practitioner, she split her practice between Wellington and Mount Albert, Ontario, Canada. A member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Dr. Wolf was a competitive dressage rider.
