Where to draw the line?
Rural practitioners debate role of veterinary technicians
By Malinda Larkin
Dr. W. Mark Hilton is big on delegating responsibility to well-trained veterinary technicians.
“It makes them happier, because they're doing a higher level of work than they were doing before. The client is positively impacted, and someone is doing the job just as good as I was, maybe even better,” Dr. Hilton said. “And I'm allowed to do more veterinary medicine and not as much technician work…. We don't use (technicians) to their fullest capacity. We have them doing jobs that an unlicensed assistant could be doing.”
The professor of food animal production medicine at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine points to his farm calls processing beef cattle with his technician, Danielle Glynn, as a good example. They have two chutes running—cows are walked through one chute and calves through another. He palpates, and she vaccinates and provides whatever else is necessary.
“We're done in half the time, and everything gets done properly,” Dr. Hilton said.
He continued, “We get so busy doing the routine things that we don't take time to consult with an owner, like (saying), ‘You've been buying more calf scours medicine lately; let's talk about that.’ But if we have another call to go to palpate 100 cows, we'll talk about it next time. Whereas a technician, if she's dehorning and castrating while you're palpating cows, then you have another 30 minutes to talk to the owner about something that's very much going to impact his business.”
Filling in the gaps
The demands on today's food animal producers are different from even a decade ago because of changes in livestock density as well as location and numbers of farms. This has translated into a more geographically dispersed clientele for some rural veterinarians, sometimes leaving them to struggle to maintain practice viability and client profitability.
A recommendation in the National Research Council's study for the National Academy of Sciences, “Workforce Needs in Veterinary Medicine,” released May 30, stated: “… to increase the value of veterinary services in large, intensive livestock and poultry producers, the education of food-animal practitioners should be reoriented toward herd health and improving the productivity of farm operations. In rural areas, where primary veterinary care is needed but there are too few farms to support full-time veterinarians, a system of animal health care involving rigorously trained technicians under the supervision of veterinarians could be developed.”
Dr. Sheila W. Allen, dean of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and member of the NRC report committee, said the idea is to allow paraprofessionals to have more responsibility the way nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the human health field do now, handling more routine aspects that don't require the knowledge of a veterinarian, such as collecting blood samples or administering vaccines. Meanwhile, veterinarians would be freed up to talk with producers about such things as becoming more feed-efficient, analyzing records, and controlling infectious diseases.
The report recommends “the AVMA and the professional associations of food-animal practitioners will need to enter a dialogue with officials to modify state practice acts to permit credentialed veterinary technicians to administer livestock health services provided that they are subject to oversight by (and in constant communication with) licensed practitioners who may be in distant locations.”
Dean Allen said, “This is not new. It's something we've been talking about for a long time. Maybe now is the time we pull the trigger and do it. It will require leadership in saying, ‘Let's draft a model practice act’ and all states could do it. States could convince legislators so the needs in rural areas could be met.”
Flexibility needed
Currently, definitions, lawful duties, and corresponding levels of supervision vary among states, from those that don't delineate duties that require a license to those that recognize and define registered veterinary technicians.
The AVMA has stated in its 2012–2015 Strategic Plan, under the “Advocate Oversight of Veterinary Medical Procedures” goal, that one of its objectives is to “support and develop models, in consultation with state associations, for legislation and regulations that require veterinary oversight of paraprofessional training and paraprofessionals' performance of designated veterinary medical procedures.”
That said, Adrian Hochstadt, AVMA assistant director of state legislative and regulatory affairs, is not aware of any immediate plans to change AVMA policy in this area. He noted that the existing AVMA Model Veterinary Practice Act provides flexibility in the type of supervision that a state may choose for technicians working with veterinarians. For example, Section 6 of the model act provides an exemption for “any credentialed veterinary technician, veterinary technologist, or other employee of a licensed veterinarian performing lawful duties under the direction and supervision of such veterinarian who shall be responsible for the performance of the employee.” Under this language, Hochstadt said, a state may require less than direct supervision, if the legislature concludes that a veterinary shortage exists in certain areas.
In some cases, legislation has been introduced to allow credentialed veterinary technicians—a broad term that can indicate the person is licensed, registered, or certified—to work on their own in providing certain veterinary services for existing clients of their employing veterinarians. The rationale is that allowing such veterinary paraprofessionals to provide certain animal health services differs from allowing laypersons to do the same, because credentialed technicians have applicable knowledge beyond laypersons. Plus, they generally are in direct communication with a veterinarian.
Veterinary technician Danielle Glynn castrates a calf while her employer, Dr. W. Mark Hilton, looks on. (Courtesy of Dr. W. Mark Hilton)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Veterinary technician Danielle Glynn castrates a calf while her employer, Dr. W. Mark Hilton, looks on. (Courtesy of Dr. W. Mark Hilton)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Veterinary technician Danielle Glynn castrates a calf while her employer, Dr. W. Mark Hilton, looks on. (Courtesy of Dr. W. Mark Hilton)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
AVMA President Douglas G. Aspros told JAVMA News that credentialed veterinary technicians are an integral part of veterinary practice today and that it's clear they can extend the reach of veterinarians in providing services to animals in a variety of situations. How they are used will develop over time, he said.
“The flexibility of the model practice act is appropriate because different states and different practice settings and animal settings are going to require different solutions,” Dr. Aspros said.
Observing versus diagnosing
A few states have taken the initiative to allow greater responsibility for their credentialed veterinary technicians. Maryland's legislature passed a bill in 2011 that excludes from the practice of veterinary medicine the performance of certain procedures by a registered veterinary technician when under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, including administering anesthesia and medications, extracting teeth, and suturing.
The Alaska Board of Veterinary Examiners approved several changes in the past few months to its veterinary practice act regulations, including allowing a veterinary technician to provide care to an animal under “remote direction” in communities that do not have an established veterinary practice.
Indiana, in 2009, went one step further and passed an amendment that allows registered veterinary technicians to perform routine food animal management practices under direct or indirect supervision of a veterinarian if a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists. That means a technician has the legal ability to work within the clinic or farm, for example, without a veterinarian actually being physically there.
“The veterinary technician, then, is acting as an extension of the veterinarian for routine farm care, but in our law … the veterinarian already has a relationship with the livestock producer, and it's important that is already established. So, it's not that the technician is going in place of the veterinarian, especially if a diagnosis, prescription, or surgery is required. That's the responsibility of the veterinarian,” said Dr. Pete Bill, director of the Purdue University Veterinary Technology Program and a former member of the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.
He chaired the Indiana Veterinary Practice Act Committee at the time and strongly advocated for the amendment. Dr. Bill acknowledged that veterinarians have to be careful with how technicians are deployed so they understand their role as observer of clinical signs versus a provider who makes a diagnosis or prescribes treatment.
“One of the big fears (of veterinarians) is that technicians will go off and start their own business or do veterinary medicine without being properly supervised. There is this fear that we are giving away services. If you think about it, we're not. If we do this right, we're expanding and leveraging the ability of veterinarians to reach those folks in under-served areas at a little more cost-effective rate,” he said.
Veterinary technician students at Purdue University practice their phlebotomy skills during a dentistry laboratory. (Courtesy of Dr. Pete Bill)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Veterinary technician students at Purdue University practice their phlebotomy skills during a dentistry laboratory. (Courtesy of Dr. Pete Bill)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Veterinary technician students at Purdue University practice their phlebotomy skills during a dentistry laboratory. (Courtesy of Dr. Pete Bill)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Ideally, the technician would have completed a bachelor's degree program rather than an associate's degree program, Dr. Bill said, so they would have had more opportunities to receive additional experience and education in herd health. Of the 203 veterinary technology programs accredited by the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, 22 offer four-year degrees, including Purdue.
“The key things are veterinary technicians having the education to do it, having the legislation to allow them to do it, and getting a system in place that's acceptable to both veterinarians and the public for being able to implement that service,” Dr. Bill said.
Potential drawbacks
Some states haven't bought into the arguments for allowing paraprofessionals to provide services on the farm without direct supervision.
A few years ago, a proposal in Colorado would have created a category of “certified food animal veterinary assistants” to deliver livestock health care and diagnostic services as approved by, and under the direction of, a veterinarian, without requiring the practitioner to be on site.
Colorado's state veterinarian, Dr. Keith A. Roehr, and his office laid out their opposition to the proposal in a February 2010 Colorado Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division newsletter.
They said that individual animal and herd health might actually be adversely affected by allowing paraprofessionals to perform veterinary procedures, because paraprofessionals would not be as well-trained as veterinarians. Plus, certain concurrent diseases or conditions might go unnoticed by a paraprofessional until clinical signs were more obvious to the producer or until a veterinarian were involved. Further, his office said that sending paraprofessionals in place of veterinarians would decrease surveillance for livestock diseases, because veterinarians are the eyes and ears of the state veterinarian's office.
“If paraprofessionals are allowed to take away some of the veterinary work, the veterinarian's role in providing that first line of defense to protect the food supply will be diminished,” according to the newsletter.
Passive range-of-motion exercises being performed by registered veterinary technicians Abby Rafferty and David Sessum after removal of a splint. (Courtesy of Scott Birch/Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Passive range-of-motion exercises being performed by registered veterinary technicians Abby Rafferty and David Sessum after removal of a splint. (Courtesy of Scott Birch/Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Passive range-of-motion exercises being performed by registered veterinary technicians Abby Rafferty and David Sessum after removal of a splint. (Courtesy of Scott Birch/Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Further, Dr. Roehr argued, producers would not get the advantage of the veterinarian's education and expertise when veterinary procedures were performed and might discover it harder to find a veterinarian when they needed one.
As for veterinarians, Dr. Roehr's office contends they would suffer, too, because allowing paraprofessionals to perform veterinary procedures and practices would reduce livestock veterinarians' income. He also rejected the notion that veterinary medical practice can be compared with medical practice in which licensed paraprofessionals are used successfully, because the U.S. health care system is based on a third-party payer system.
“Veterinary incomes are greatly influenced by supply and demand. Loss of revenue for veterinarians will have a negative impact,” according to the newsletter.
The Colorado VMA also opposed the proposal, saying that the notion that a paraprofessional could perform all procedures with the same skill and competence as a veterinarian is unrealistic. Another argument brought up in the CVMA's position statement published Sept. 14, 2010, stated: “It is unlikely that confined animal feeding operations, which already train their own employees to perform some of the procedures described in the proposal, would pay more for these procedures to be done by a paraprofessional and schedule work around the paraprofessional. (The Colorado Veterinary Practice Act) clearly allows employees of the animal owner to perform these procedures.”
Ultimately, the proposal to allow paraprofessionals to perform routine livestock procedures and practices did not make it into the state practice act. But more recently, the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine promulgated a regulation defining situations in which “indirect supervision” is acceptable, so long as there is a suitable written protocol established by the licensed veterinarian designated as responsible.
Taking another look
Other states have yet to decide on the issue. For the past few years, veterinarians in Texas have wrangled over whether to allow laypersons to float horses' teeth. Ultimately, a bill was passed in the legislature allowing for state-licensed “equine dental technicians” to operate under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
David Sessum, president of the Texas Association of Registered Veterinary Technicians, said that law has spurred interest in further changes to the Texas Veterinary Practice Act.
The Texas VMA created a task force this past year to look into whether the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners should start licensing veterinary technicians. Currently in Texas, credentialed technicians are classified as registered veterinary technicians, which is a voluntary registration. The task force is looking into licensing technicians and requiring them to be licensed to call themselves a licensed veterinary technician.
Sessum gave a presentation on the task force's findings at the September TVMA board of directors meeting. If the TVMA gives the go-ahead, the TVMA and Texas State BVME will start lobbying to modify the practice act during the 2013 state legislative session.
Other changes the two groups are considering are whether to allow credentialed veterinary technicians to supervise noncredentialed technicians or to allow for indirect supervision of a technician by a veterinarian.
“We're trying to make it advantageous to be a credentialed technician and for a veterinarian to employ credentialed technicians without changing the scope of practice as it is now,” Sessum said.
Undecided but interested
Dr. Brian J. Gerloff, president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, said there's no consensus within his association's membership on this issue. The AABP considers the topic important enough, though, that it had two sessions on the use of technicians in cattle veterinary practice during its annual convention Sept. 20–22 in Montreal.
“Some veterinarians feel strongly that the use of veterinary technicians, to large degree, will only dilute the opportunities for veterinarians to earn income. On the flip side, a number of veterinarians look at this as a way for veterinary practices and rural veterinarians to leverage their time more effectively and enhance their ability to offer services and make an income,” he said. “Part of the key is being paid by the producer for that vaccination more than you're paying the technician, yet have it done in a way that's cost-effective for the producer.”
Dr. Gerloff said feedlot practitioners have been a step ahead in their approach to the new reality of production medicine. They have been using technicians to walk the hospital pen or transmit necropsy pictures back to the central office.
He himself used to own a veterinary practice but now works full time as a nutritionist. He said that nutritionists generally work on a retainer basis, charging per head of cattle per day, which he thinks is something food animal veterinarians could consider.
“It's still uncertain and evolving, the shape of successful rural practices in the future, that is,” he said, adding that the AABP recently sent out an economic survey form to its members. “From that data, maybe we can identify successful practices that might open further discussion that will include technicians or not.”
Further considerations
Even if veterinarians agree that increased use of veterinary technicians will help their practices, they may have another problem on their hands: finding and retaining credentialed technicians.
Deana Baker, a certified veterinary technician and president of the Wyoming Veterinary Technician Association, said the same problems that affect veterinarians in rural areas also affect technicians. These include low wages, poor housing choices, being on call 24/7, a lack of work for a spouse in the area, a veterinarian who is “difficult” to work with, underuse of the technician's skills, lack of quality child care in the area, and inadequate large animal training through their particular program.
“You also have to remember that many new techs have student loans. Many techs have gone through private programs. Some new grads have $20,000 to $25,000 loans,” Baker said. “While this doesn't seem like much when compared to graduate veterinarian loans, keep in mind that most techs in rural areas seem to start out at close to minimum wage.
“Plus, many technicians are attached to a spouse. In many cases, the technician is not the primary breadwinner. So, unless they are moving back to the area because they have family ties, they most likely will move to an area that has a better job market.”
At this time, a number of practices in Wyoming are having difficulty hiring credentialed technicians, as there are not enough to serve all of the veterinarians in the state. Baker knows of four practices in Casper that are actively seeking CVTs as well as one practice in Jackson and one in Sheridan.
Because of this situation, many veterinarians have hired assistants and trained them to act as technicians, she said. This is legal in Wyoming, and even with proposed changes to the state veterinary practice act, it will be legal. The WyVTA is lobbying for regulatory changes so that the credentialed technician title would be defined, but with no specific duties identified, other than a statement that no surgery, prescribing, or diagnosing would be allowed. The WyVTA would also like to hand over the credentialing process to the state.
In need of study
At its core, the debate over use of veterinary technicians involves both medicine and economics. The veterinary community and animal owners strive for healthy animals. Yet, this common goal is sometimes hindered by veterinarian availability, underuse of veterinary services, or unfavorable cost-benefit ratios.
The AVMA Executive Board, recognizing that the Association needs to further address workforce and economic issues such as this, has taken steps to do so. In April, the board approved using up to $330,000 from the AVMA National Economics Strategy Fund for a workforce study proposed by the AVMA Veterinary Economics Strategy Committee. The study will identify, quantify, and evaluate various economic, demographic, technologic, and sociologic factors influencing the supply and demand for veterinarians and veterinary services across the nation.
AVMA: Animal welfare recognized as veterinary specialty
American College of Animal Welfare readies for first exam
By R. Scott Nolen
The recent AVMA Executive Board vote granting the American College of Animal Welfare provisional recognition clears the way for prospective members to become diplomates of the nation's newest veterinary specialty organization.
The Aug. 1 vote was the culmination of an approximately seven-year journey that in recent months saw the AVMA Board of Governors overturn an AVMA Council on Education decision opposing recognition of the American College of Animal Welfare. For Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver, a member of ACAW's organizing committee, the AVMA action was a long time coming.
“As with all other disciplines within the veterinary profession, there are multiple levels of expertise, and it's important for the profession to have individuals who are highly trained in the broad aspects of animal welfare and who understand the related science,” said Dr. Beaver, a professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and former AVMA president.
ACAW is only the fourth organization in the world that certifies animal welfare specialists. The other entities are in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia-New Zealand.
The scientific study of animal welfare has grown exponentially in the past two decades, causing the field to evolve into a distinct discipline within veterinary medicine, according to Dr. Beaver. ACAW diplomates will have received advanced training in all aspects of animal welfare science, including ethics, so they can offer the public, general veterinary practitioners, and other stakeholders accurate information and advice.
American College of Animal Welfare representatives initially submitted a letter of intent to the American Board of Veterinary Specialties in 2006. Three years later, the college submitted a petition for recognition to the ABVS Committee on New Specialties, and the petition was then opened to public comment. In 2011, the committee forwarded the petition and comments to the ABVS for consideration. The ABVS submitted the documents to the COE with a recommendation for recognition for the new specialty organization.
The council conducted an initial review at its March 2011 meeting but postponed a decision pending a review by a specially appointed subcommittee. Following a report by the subcommittee and presentation by ACAW representatives, the council did not recommend provisional recognition. ACAW petitioned the COE for reconsideration. After further review, the COE found insufficient evidence to reverse its decision during a January conference call.
Under the General Appellate Procedures of the AVMA, ACAW appealed to the Board of Governors, which comprises the AVMA president, president-elect, and Executive Board chair. On May 1, the BOG overturned the COE decision, resulting in the council's recommendation to the Executive Board granting ACAW provisional recognition.
“The Board of Governors felt that the ACAW had met all the requirements for provisional recognition,” said Dr. Ted Cohn, former Executive Board chair and BOG member.
The council would not comment about its objections to the new organization, but Dr. Beaver thinks some council members questioned whether animal welfare qualifies as a specialty practice within veterinary medicine. “It is often difficult to appreciate what you don't know unless you are exposed to the breadth of the science,” she said.
“When we sent the petition to ABVS, we felt we had not only met but exceeded all the requirements,” Dr. Beaver added. “Many of us on the organizing committee have been involved in other specialties and participated in ABVS, so we had a good understanding of what was required.” Among the 27 charter diplomates of ACAW are AVMA staff members Drs. Gail Golab and Sheilah Robertson, director and assistant director of the Animal Welfare Division, respectively.
ACAW is preparing to offer its first credentialing examination. The application deadline is Nov. 1, and the test will be given in July 2013. For more information about the American College of Animal Welfare and the credentialing process, go to www.acaw.org.
In new role, Sabin focuses on foreign, diversity initiatives
Executive staff position underscores AVMA priorities
By R. Scott Nolen
In August, Dr. Beth Sabin began a new position in the AVMA Office of the Executive Vice President, coordinating the Association's foreign affairs and efforts to promote diversity within the veterinary profession.
Dr. Sabin sees her dual roles as AVMA associate director for international and diversity initiatives as related. “A lot of what we do globally is building a better understanding of our colleagues throughout the world. If we can do that for the Association, then that openness will translate to the American population as well,” she said.
Dr. Sabin has been with the AVMA for 14 years, most of them as assistant director in the Education and Research Division. In that time, she served as staff consultant to the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates, American Board of Veterinary Specialties, the Research and Education councils, and the Committee on International Veterinary Affairs.
In 2007, Dr. Sabin represented the AVMA at the first National Convention of the Afghanistan Veterinary Association, in Kabul. Two years later, the AVMA Executive Board named her staff coordinator for international affairs in the Office of the Executive Vice President. Since then, she had balanced those duties with her responsibilities as an assistant director in the Education and Research Division. She says her new role allows her to focus exclusively on the AVMA's global outreach and diversity initiatives.
“Dr. Sabin has been an exceptional employee, so it is great to have her move into this new position,” Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA executive vice president, said. “In her new role, we will continue to take advantage of her expertise and interest in international veterinary activities while we will also benefit from her energy and interest in promoting diversity initiatives for the profession.”
Several AVMA divisions and representatives are engaged in global veterinary medicine, according to Dr. Sabin, who added that such work should be organized. “It's important to coordinate these activities so we don't repeat efforts, and that we understand what our various volunteer entities and leaders are doing so that we make sure we're always promoting our strategic plan,” she said.
Similarly, the AVMA's ongoing outreach to underrepresented populations in veterinary medicine was not being internally coordinated. “There's a lot being done in AVMA through our volunteer leadership and staff in this area,” Dr. Sabin said. “I want to get my head around what's happening with diversity in our profession and identify areas where the AVMA can get involved.”
The need for a full-time AVMA staff position dedicated to diversity was first identified in “Unity Through Diversity,” the 2006 report of the AVMA Task Force on Diversity. “Dr. Sabin's appointment represents a significant organizational step in fulfilling that recommendation,” said Lisa Greenhill, Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges associate executive director for institutional research and diversity. “I eagerly look forward to working closely with Dr. Sabin as AAVMC and AVMA continue to support efforts to expand and embrace diversity throughout the profession.”
Dr. Beth Sabin (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Beth Sabin (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Beth Sabin (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Sabin expects to work closely with the AAVMC as well as the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in American and the Student AVMA. In August, she attended the Diversity Symposium at the AVMA Annual Convention in San Diego to begin conversing with leaders in the field. She hopes to sit in on the Member Services Committee meeting this fall during its review of the diversity task force report to measure the AVMA's progress toward implementing the report's recommendations.
Eventually, Dr. Sabin would like to play a part in developing continuing education sessions for the AVMA convention that focus on the financial rewards of reaching out to a diverse clientele. “We need to do a better job of making our members aware of the economic benefits of diversity by designing CE that makes the value of diversity more tangible,” she said.
AVMA: Education council schedules site visits
The AVMA Council on Education has scheduled site visits to four schools and colleges of veterinary medicine for the remainder of 2012.
Site visits are planned for the University of London Royal Veterinary College, Oct. 14–18; University of Montreal Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nov. 4–8; and Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, Dec. 2–8.
A consultative site visit is planned for the University of the West Indies School of Veterinary Medicine, Oct. 28-Nov. 1.
The council welcomes written comments on these plans or the programs to be evaluated. Comments should be addressed to Dr. David E. Granstrom, Director, Education and Research Division, AVMA, 1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Comments must be signed by the person submitting them to be considered.
AVMA offers posters on responsible pet ownership
The AVMA has created educational posters with messages from the new AVMA Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership.
The colorful posters, available in English and Spanish, present all the basic messages from the guidelines. The posters are available for purchase by visiting www.avma.org, clicking on the “Store” link at the top of the page, then clicking on “Veterinary Practice Resources.”
The cost is $3 per poster for AVMA members and $8 per poster for nonmembers. A flier version is available for free download.
The Student AVMA seeks practitioners to serve as hosts for its international exchange opportunities for foreign veterinary students. Information is available by visiting www.avma.org/hostavetstudent.
convention coverage
Excellence in veterinary medicine
AVMA bestows awards for contributions to profession
The AVMA conferred a number of awards in August during the AVMA Annual Convention in San Diego for efforts to advance veterinary medicine as well as animal welfare and public health.
Dr. James F. Peddie received the AVMA Award, and Dr. Thomas E. Catanzaro received the Leo K. Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award (see JAVMA, Sept. 15, 2012, pages 666 and 667). Fifteen other veterinarians, three nonveterinarians, and two groups also received awards. Following are some achievements of these recipients.
The AVMA is accepting nominations for many of next year's awards. Information and nomination forms are available at www.avma.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/Awards.
| Student AVMA Community Outreach Excellence Award | Dr. Wilke (WIS ′98), a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, teaches small animal surgery at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. |
| The Student AVMA gives this award to recognize a professor who goes beyond collegiate responsibilities within the community. | She is a co-organizer of, and has served for more than three years as faculty adviser for, the student organization Veterinary Treatment Outreach for Urban Community Health, which provides preventive health care for the pets of homeless and low-income families. She has served as a veterinary professional on two Latin American service learning trips with University of Minnesota veterinary students through Volunteers for Intercultural and Definitive Adventures and has volunteered for spay-and-neuter clinics through the Student Initiative for Reservation Veterinary Services. |
 Dr. Vicki L. Wilke assistant professor, University of Minnesota | Dr. Wilke also is a member of the AVMA Committee on the Human-Animal Bond and the Minnesota VMA Small Animal Welfare Committee. |
| Student AVMA Teaching Excellence Award | Dr. Wamsley (WIS ′00), a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists in clinical pathology, teaches and serves as coordinator of residencies in clinical pathology at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. |
| The Student AVMA gives this award to recognize a professor who educates, inspires, and strongly impacts veterinary students. | Since 2004, Dr. Wamsley has been active in international continuing education at several annual conferences and via online distance education. She also performs outreach by volunteering for the veterinary college's public radio show, “Animal Airwaves–Live,” and with local public schools as a judge for numerous science fairs and as a classroom speaker for elementary and middle school students. |
 Dr. Heather L. Wamsley assistant professor, University of Florida | |
| Veterinary students have selected Dr. Wamsley for a number of teaching awards. Her research focuses on culture in tick cells of zoonotic bacterial pathogens of the family Anaplasmataceae. | |
| AVMA Animal Welfare Award | Dr. Bushby (IL ′72), a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, is chair of humane ethics and animal welfare at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. |
| This award recognizes an AVMA member for achievements in advancing the welfare of animals. | Dr. Bushby brings third- and fourth-year veterinary students to 16 animal shelters in north Mississippi to provide basic wellness care and spay-and-neuter services for adoption-eligible animals. The program increases the adoption rates of participating shelters, provides students with experience in surgery, and sensitizes students to the plight of shelter animals. This past summer, the program had a display in the Smithsonian Institute's FolkLife Festival. |
 Dr. Philip A. Bushby professor, Mississippi State University | Dr. Bushby serves on the boards of PetSmart Charities Inc., Mississippi Spay and Neuter, and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. He is a member of the organizing committee that is developing the proposal for a specialty in shelter medicine. |
| AVMA Humane Award | Dr. Heleski and Adroaldo Zanella, PhD, developed the annual Intercollegiate Animal Welfare Judging and Assessment Competition. The first competition, in 2002, involved 18 undergraduate students. The competition has grown in size and scope, attracting strong participation from veterinary students. |
| This award recognizes a nonveterinarian for achievements in advancing the welfare of animals. | For the past decade, Dr. Heleski has been involved in the International Society for Equitation Science. In 2007, she was in charge of hosting the society's conference at Michigan State University. For the past few years, she has been a board member, and currently she serves as the procedural adviser. More recently, she became chair of the scientific committee working on revisions to the Equine Welfare Code of Canada's National Farm Animal Care Council. |
 Camie R. Heleski, PhD coordinator, two-year horse management program, Michigan State University | Dr. Heleski's research relates to equine behavior, equine welfare, horse-human interaction, and the role of working equids in developing countries. |
| AVMF/AKC Career Achievement Award in Canine Research | Dr. Feldman (CAL ′73), a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, teaches and conducts research at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. He has served as a department chairman, on personnel committees, and as chief-of-service and associate director of the teaching hospital. |
| The American Veterinary Medical Foundation and American Kennel Club established this award for an AVMA member who has contributed to canine research. | He was a founder and president of the Society for Comparative Endocrinology and has been a member of the board of directors for Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Western Veterinary Conference. He is co-editor of “The Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine” and co-author of “Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction.” |
 Dr. Edward Feldman professor, University of California-Davis | Dr. Feldman established the University of California's veterinary school as a center that treats and studies dogs and cats with hormonal disorders and provides compassionate caring for pets and pet owners. |
| AVMF/Winn Excellence in Feline Research Award | Dr. Pedersen (CAL ′67) is director of the Center for Companion Animal Health and the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. |
| The American Veterinary Medical Foundation and Winn Feline Foundation established this award for contributions to feline research. | Dr. Pedersen was active in clinics for 17 years, specializing in infectious and immunologic diseases of dogs and cats. He taught infectious diseases, clinical immunology, and feline medicine for 22 years before focusing on various administrative, developmental, and research duties at the veterinary school. He has authored textbooks on feline husbandry and feline infectious diseases. |
 Dr. Niels Pedersen professor, University of California-Davis | His lifelong interest has been with feline infectious peritonitis. His most satisfying achievements involved creation of the Center for Comparative Medicine, the Center for Companion Animal Health, and the Koret Shelter Medicine Program. His single most rewarding experience has been directing the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory since 1997. |
| Charles River Prize | As AAALAC International global director, Dr. Bayne (WSU ′87) directs the organization's accreditation program worldwide and travels extensively to advance the program and laboratory animal welfare. |
| Charles River Laboratories established this award for an AVMA member who has contributed to laboratory animal science. | Previously, Dr. Bayne worked at the National Institutes of Health leading a research program on psychologic well-being of nonhuman primates and environmental enrichment for primates, dogs, cats, and pigs. She has published many articles on these subjects and is a certified applied animal behaviorist. |
 Dr. Kathryn Bayne global director, Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International | Dr. Bayne has been president of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, the Association of Primate Veterinarians, and the District of Columbia VMA. She is a past chair of the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee and was the inaugural chair of the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners' Animal Welfare Committee. |
| AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award | Dr. Adams' research experience began at Texas A&M University when he led teams in Colombia developing diagnostic assays and vaccines for anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and trypanosomiasis. Dr. Adams (TEX ′64), a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, returned to the university to teach pathology and continue studying infectious diseases, eventually spending time as associate dean for research in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. |
| This award recognizes a veterinarian for lifetime achievement in basic, applied, or clinical research. | His teams' research has contributed to the scientific basis of U.S. animal health regulatory programs for brucellosis and tuberculosis. He has been active in initiatives in biodefense and research on emerging diseases, and he served on the AVMA Council on Research. He now serves on the Texas Forensic Science Commission and AVMA Council on Education. Dr. Adams' laboratory currently studies salmonellosis, brucellosis, Johne's disease, Rift Valley fever, and African swine fever. |
 Dr. L. Garry Adams professor, Texas A&M University | |
| Royal Canin Award | After graduating from veterinary college, Dr. Acker (COL 79) started his career with the Sun Valley Animal Center in Ketchum, Idaho. He has been owner and medical director of SVAC since 1982. |
| The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet sponsors this award to recognize a veterinarian whose recent work in clinical research or the basic sciences has contributed to small animal medicine and surgery. | Dr. Acker's special interest is the medical and surgical care of sporting and working dogs. This interest has become an essential part of his practice over the past decade, and SVAC has become a national referral center for several orthopedic surgical procedures. Dr. Acker also is an instructor for courses on orthopedic surgical procedures. |
 Dr. Randall Acker owner and medical director, Sun Valley Animal Center, Idaho | After his yellow Labrador Retriever, Tate, developed severe elbow dysplasia, Dr. Acker worked to create an elbow replacement system. Ten years in the making, the Tate elbow replacement system combines ease of implantation with minimal trauma to the patient. |
| AVMA Public Service Award | Dr. Currier (MIN ′67) practiced large animal medicine before pursuing a career in public health. He spent time in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Epidemic Intelligence Service. |
| This award recognizes an AVMA member for outstanding public service or contributions to public health and regulatory veterinary medicine. | He became Iowa state public health veterinarian in 1975 and has worked on health problems including trichinosis, West Nile infection, brucellosis, and foodborne illnesses. He initiated a surveillance project on injuries in farm workers. He distinguished himself by assisting with episodes of lice in schools and scabies in hospitals and long-term care facilities. |
 Dr. Russell W. Currier Iowa state public health veterinarian | Dr. Currier has served as president of organizations that promote public health, rural health, and hearing and speech health and as executive vice president of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. He retired from the U.S. Army Reserve Veterinary Corps. He is president of the American Veterinary Medical History Society. |
| AVMA Meritorious Service Award | Dr. Hanfelt (COL ′92), a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, spent six years in rural mixed animal practice in Wyoming and Nebraska before being commissioned into the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. She commands the 463rd Medical Detachment (Veterinary Service) at Fort Benning in Georgia. |
| This award recognizes a veterinarian who has contributed to the profession through activities outside organized veterinary medicine and research. | Dr. Hanfelt's previous military assignment was as commander of the U.S. Army's Public Health Command District-Japan. Following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, her unit provided veterinary support for U.S. Forces Japan and coordinated with U.S. and Japanese governmental agencies on veterinary service–related activities and public messages. |
 Dr. Margery Hanfelt lieutenant colonel, Army Veterinary Corps | Dr. Hanfelt serves on the executive board of the American Association of Food Safety Veterinarians. She is a co-author of papers in Environmental Microbiology, Applied Environmental Microbiology, Mammology, and the Army Medical Department Journal. |
| AVMA Advocacy Award | Stabenow was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, representing Michigan's 8th Congressional District. In 2000, she was first elected to the U.S. Senate, representing Michigan. |
| This award recognizes an AVMA member or a nonveterinarian for advancing the AVMA legislative agenda and advocating on behalf of the veterinary profession. | Stabenow is the chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. She backs passage of the Veterinary Services Investment Act and the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act to bolster veterinary services in areas of need. She understands the roles of veterinarians in protecting animal health and welfare, food safety and security, and international health certification and trade. She also supports policies to give veterinarians the tools they need to carry out roles in disease surveillance, detection, and eradication. |
 Debbie Stabenow U.S. senator representing Michigan | |
| XIIth International Veterinary Congress Prize | Dr. Kimberling (COL ′59) grew up with animals on a farm during the Depression and in the center of the Dust Bowl in Chase County, Neb. His experiences inspired him to enter veterinary medicine to help people in disease prevention and in raising healthy animals. |
| This award recognizes an AVMA member who has contributed to international understanding of veterinary medicine. | In 1965, Dr. Kimberling joined the faculty of the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. In 1970, he became the university's extension veterinarian. He also traveled the world to improve livestock health in developing countries in Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe. |
 Dr. Cleon V. Kimberling retired extension veterinarian, Colorado State University | Dr. Kimberling has focused on herd health management for dairy cattle as well as beef cattle and sheep on the range. He retired from Colorado State University in 2005. He currently works with Optimal Livestock Services in Fort Collins, Colo. |
| Karl F. Meyer—James H. Steele Gold Headed Cane Award | Dr. Kaplan (AUB ′63) spent time as an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before going on to practice small animal medicine in Louisville, Ky. He later worked for the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service as a regional public affairs specialist in California and as staff officer at the Office of Public Health Science in Washington, D.C. |
| The American Veterinary Epidemiology Society established this award for advancement of human health through veterinary epidemiology and public health. The sponsor is Hartz Mountain Corp. | Dr. Kaplan has written newspaper columns on pet care, scientific articles on canine and feline medicine and surgery, book chapters on food safety, and a JAVMA News column on food safety. |
 Dr. Bruce Kaplan member, One Health Initiative team | Currently, Dr. Kaplan devotes his time to promoting the one-health concept as a member of the autonomous pro bono One Health Initiative team. He is primary content manager for the One Health Initiative website at www.onehealthinitiative.com, among other efforts. |
| Karl F. Meyer—James H. Steele Gold Headed Cane Award | Dr. Noah (OSU ′85), a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, is deputy commander of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. |
| The American Veterinary Epidemiology Society established this award for advancement of human health through veterinary epidemiology and public health. The sponsor is Hartz Mountain Corp. | Previous positions have included deputy assistant secretary of defense, deputy assistant secretary within the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Southern Command's deputy command surgeon, Department of Defense liaison to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, liaison to the Central Intelligence Agency, and public health officer at Kadena Air Base in Japan. |
 Dr. Donald L. Noah colonel, Air Force | In addition, Dr. Noah worked in large animal practice in Ohio for three years. Along with other awards, he received recognition from what was then the Republic of Zaire for his efforts to control an Ebola outbreak. |
| World Veterinary Association honorary membership | Dr. Russell (MO ′56), a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, joined the faculty at Texas A&M University in 1959 to start an epidemiology course for veterinary students and has been there ever since, now as a professor in several disciplines. |
 Dr. Leon Russell professor, Texas A&M University | He has dedicated his life to teaching and researching important issues in public health, epidemiology, medical mycology, zoonotic diseases, and food toxicology. He has traveled the globe to advance the role of veterinarians in protecting animal, public, and environmental health. |
| Throughout his career, Dr. Russell has been active in organized veterinary medicine. He has been president of the Texas VMA and the AVMA. He has been a councilor and president of the World Veterinary Association. As WVA president, he paid special attention to promoting increased WVA participation with other international organizations. | |
| AVMA President's Award | Dr. Wise has been associate executive vice president of the AVMA since 2004. He helps coordinate strategic planning and supports the chief executive officer, Executive Board, and House of Delegates. He recently provided primary staff support to the Strategic Planning Committee, 20/20 Vision Commission, and Economic Vision Steering Committee. He currently provides primary staff support to the Veterinary Economics Strategy Committee. |
| The AVMA president gives this award to individuals or groups who have made a positive impact on health, veterinary organizations, and the profession. | Dr. Wise has held several key positions and advanced many programs at the AVMA. He established the AVMA's economic surveys as the staff economist from 1977–1986. He spent time as an industry research consultant before rejoining the AVMA as director of information management in 1990. From 1999–2004, he fostered a variety of AVMA programs as director of membership and field services. |
 J. Karl Wise, PhD AVMA associate executive vice president | |
| AVMA President's Award | In 2009, the Wisconsin VMA learned that Wisconsin was leading the nation in drug residues in beef from dairy cattle. The WVMA and the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin joined together on educational outreach to producers and veterinarians. This educational outreach has developed into the WVMA's hazard analysis and critical control points for proper drug use. |
| The AVMA president gives this award to individuals or groups who have made a positive impact on health, veterinary organizations, and the profession. | The six-step plan addresses not only food safety but also long-term proper drug use on dairy farms. The six steps involve the veterinarian-client-patient relationship, a drug list, protocols, standard operating procedures, records, and veterinary oversight. Since implementation of the plan, Wisconsin has seen a reduction in drug residues in beef from dairy cattle. |
 Wisconsin VMA Residue Task Force | |
| AVMA President's Award | The U.S. Army Veterinary Corps comprises more than 700 veterinarians as well as 80 warrant officers and 1,800 enlisted soldiers on active duty and in the Army Reserve. Gen. David H. Petraeus said of military working dogs, “The capability they bring to the fight cannot be replicated by man or machine. By all measures of performance, their yield outperforms any asset we have in our inventory.” |
| The AVMA president gives this award to individuals or groups who have made a positive impact on health, veterinary organizations, and the profession. | At home and abroad, U.S. Army veterinarians and military working dogs work side by side in defense of the nation. They have been called on repeatedly to face challenges during more than a decade of deployment to war zones. |
 U.S. Army veterinarians and military working dogs | |
| 1991 AVMA President's Award | Dr. Broderick (KSU ′69) received one of the first AVMA President's Awards in 1991 for providing medical assistance to people who were aboard a South American airliner that crashed in his backyard in an isolated section of Long Island, New York. He said, “Veterinarians care for all species, including humans.” |
| The AVMA president gives this award to individuals or groups who have made a positive impact on health, veterinary organizations, and the profession. | Dr. Broderick did not receive notification of the award at the time, but he received recognition during the 2012 AVMA Annual Convention for his act of compassion. |
 Dr. Geoffrey Broderick companion animal practitioner | |
AVMA: AVMA inducts honor roll members
The House of Delegates granted honor roll status to the following 528 AVMA members this year, and the AVMA recognized them Aug. 3 at the opening session of the 2012 Annual Convention in San Diego. These members have maintained membership for a period of 40 years or more and have reached the age of 70, or have reached the age of 72 and maintained continuous membership since graduation. Earlier this year, the new honor roll members were sent their gold honor-roll membership cards.
Adrian Alexandru, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Neal C. Andelman, West Bridgewater, Mass.
John E. Andresen, Laurel, N.Y.
Lawrence W. Bartholf, Greenfield Park, N.Y.
Richard C. Bartholomew, Fairfax, Vt.
Peter M. Bassignani, Holbrook, Mass.
R.G. Broderick, Huntington, N.Y.
Jack Burke, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
Eric Clough, Kennebunk, Maine
Donald R. Collins, Berwick, Maine
Christopher S. Donner, South Orleans, Mass.
Herbert S. Freiman, Plantsville, Conn.
Edward B. French, Westport, N.Y.
Harold P. Gill, Bolton, Mass.
Edward M. Goglia, Cheshire, Conn.
Mark R. Graves, Norwich, Conn.
Richard W. Greene, New York
William A. Haines, Newington, Conn.
Raymond S. Hayes, Ossining, N.Y.
Herbert R. Holden, Seneca Falls, N.Y.
David A. Jefferson, New Gloucester, Maine
Frederick W. Johnson, Cranston, R.I.
Frederic S. Julius, Rhinebeck, N.Y.
Jon D. Krause, Palmyra, N.Y.
Clifford A. Kruger, Monson, Mass.
Lawrence A. Lamb, Manchester, Mass.
James M. Leahey, Lee, Mass.
E.T. Lewis, Brattleboro, Vt.
Harry T. McMillan, Watertown, N.Y.
Stephen E. Morrone, North Stonington, Conn.
Melvin G. Pollock, Machias, N.Y.
Harvey Rhein, Huntington, N.Y.
Brian I. Rind, Great Neck, N.Y.
Kenneth H. Rockwood, Farmington, Maine
Dale L. Rogers, Levant, Maine
F.R. Sava, Beacon Falls, Conn.
Carmen S. Scherzo, Brewster, Mass.
Ralph S. Schoemann, Guilford, Conn.
David B. Sequist, Stowe, Vt.
Martin P. Shapiro, Northport, N.Y.
Phillip B. Stewart, Middletown, N.Y.
Molly R. Swails, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Richard E. Thoma, Akron, N.Y.
Robert G. Tremblay, Marion, Mass.
Ricardo Valle-Buitrago, Glastonbury, Conn.
Michael Wolland, Perham, Maine
C.P. Zimber, Rochester, N.Y.
DISTRICT I
James R. Armstrong, Lancaster, Pa.
Francis W. Babik, Murrysville, Pa.
Malcolm J. Borthwick, New Hope, Pa.
Daniel L. Bowman I, Huntingdon, Pa.
Paul H. Bramson, Murrysville, Pa.
Bruce H. Brown, Windsor Mill, Md.
Carl G. Brown, Sunderland, Md.
Ronald M. Bush, Silver Spring, Md.
Errol J. Cady, Pemberton, N.J.
Salvatore M. Cirone, Riva, Md.
William C. Cole, Lansdale, Pa.
Reuben R. Cowles, Earlysville, Va.
Susan P. Cropper, Wyckoff, N.J.
Gordon R. Currey, Potomac, Md.
Mark J. Dallman, Blacksburg, Va.
Gordon S. Davis, McLean, Va.
Richard G. DeLaney, Elizabethtown, Pa.
Robert H. Garman, Murrysville, Pa.
Jerry L. Grimes, Winchester, Va.
Stuart S. Gutman, Long Valley, N.J.
Terence J. Hayes, Upper Montclair, N.J.
Ronald K. Herring, Clearfield, Pa.
James T. Herron, Canonsburg, Pa.
James L. Hill, Midland Park, N.J.
G.T. Holder, Salisbury, Md.
D. Ray Hostetter, Hopewell, N.J.
Ronald G. King, Harrisonburg, Va.
Herbert C. Kratzer, Morgantown, Pa.
Gunther Lill, Cranberry Township, Pa.
Jeffrey M. Linn, Boothwyn, Pa.
Robert K. Lynch, Oakland, Md.
Werner K. Margenau, Doylestown, Pa.
Charles G. McLeod, Hunt Valley, Md.
Lewis N. Michaels, Herndon, Va.
Clifford G. Muddell, Clifton, N.J.
Fredric D. Nisenholz, River Edge, N.J.
Joseph C. Paige, Rockville, Md.
Richard E. Pearson, Brick, N.J.
Diana Post, Silver Spring, Md.
William J. Price, Virginia Beach, Va.
Michael J. Reardon, Eggleston, Va.
Earl H. Rippie, Pennsauken, N.J.
David E. Roffey, Elk Garden, Va.
Dale F. Schwindaman, Rockville, Md.
Gerald M. Snyder, Hoboken, N.J.
Robert A. Spangler, Mifflinburg, Pa.
Neale D. Stock, Abington, Pa.
Edward O. Swartz, Hershey, Pa.
David J. Tate, Bland, Va.
Samuel W. Tate, Yorktown, Va.
Michael D. Treger, Lutherville, Md.
Orville R. Walls, Philadelphia
Robert H. Whitlock, Kennett Square, Pa.
James M. Woodward, Springfield, Va.
DISTRICT II
Louis T. Anderson, Waverly, Tenn.
Edwin J. Andrews, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Jerry L. Bancroft, Cleveland, Tenn.
Louis A. Bounds, Columbus, Miss.
William C. Bowe, Rutherfordton, N.C.
James C. Brown, Burlington, N.C.
Jay R. Bryan, Decatur, Ala.
M.R. Byrd, Louisville, Miss.
Albert Corte, Daphne, Ala.
Donald A. Courtney, Graham, N.C.
Thomas M. Dantzler, Goose Creek, S.C.
John W. Davis, Darlington, S.C.
Albert S. Dorn, Knoxville, Tenn.
Emory L. Duren, Alabaster, Ala.
Jerry L. Eskridge, Kings Mountain, N.C.
Janet P. Gamble-McLin, Raleigh, N.C.
Dallas O. Goble, Strawberry Plains, Tenn.
Ernest C. Harland, Oxford, Miss.
Lewis G. Harrelson, Shelby, N.C.
Marnie R. Hook, West Columbia, S.C.
Joel K. Jensen, Arden, N.C.
Dennis K. Johnson, Greenville, N.C.
Kenneth G. Kagan, Charlotte, N.C.
Joseph Kendrick, Knoxville, Tenn.
E.C. Lowry, Gastonia, N.C.
Frederick B. McCashin, Southern Pines, N.C.
James B. Moe, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Roy D. Montgomery, Starkville, Miss.
Dennis D. O'Hara, Charlotte, N.C.
Paul L. Plummer, Brentwood, Tenn.
Jerome B. Ramey Sr., Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Paul F. Rumph, Auburn, Ala.
Robert C. Schmidt, Burlington, N.C.
Glenn F. Sexton, Guntersville, Ala.
Sondra A. Wand Tornga, Kingsport, Tenn.
Jerry A. Truitt, Collierville, Tenn.
George S. Ward, Seabrook, S.C.
DISTRICT III
Juan L. Armstrong, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
John K. Augsburg, Tarpon Springs, Fla.
Richard E. Bernard, Cocoa Beach, Fla.
James R. Bloodworth, Elko, Ga.
Frank A. Bonsack, Tampa, Fla.
George R. Brinson, St. James City, Fla.
Henry A. Brunz, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Charles W. Byron, Margate, Fla.
Thomas J. Campbell, Miami
Walter E. Colon-Lilley, Caguas, Puerto Rico
Billy D. Connolly, Snellville, Ga.
Alvin L. Dale, Treasure Island, Fla.
Jon F. Dee, Hollywood, Fla.
Thomas D. Earley, Canton, Ga.
Gustave E. Fackelman, Green Cove Springs, Fla.
Eduardo Garcia, Tampa, Fla.
Cesar Gonzalez Jr., Carolina, Puerto Rico
William L. Harris, Miami
William E. Harrison, Powder Springs, Ga.
Ross A. Hendry, Wauchula, Fla.
Glen F. Hoffsis, Gainesville, Fla.
James R. Holt, Cocoa, Fla.
David P. Jennings, Peachtree City, Ga.
John E. Kittrell, Miami
Richard A. Klein, The Villages, Fla.
William H. Laughlin, West Palm Beach, Fla.
Charlie L. Martin, Watkinsville, Ga.
Patrick P. McCallum, Osprey, Fla.
John A. Miller, Winter Garden, Fla.
Christopher R. Mladinich, Gainesville, Fla.
Bernardino Ortiz-Santiago, Caguas, Puerto Rico
Walter A. Patterson, Homestead, Fla.
John L. Peterson, Ocala, Fla.
William N. Reeves, Americus, Ga.
Robert T. Rochfort, Miami
Stephen A.N. Shores, Gainesville, Fla.
William D. Swartz, Naples, Fla.
Harold T. Taylor, Alpharetta, Ga.
James E. Varley, Tallahassee, Fla.
James P. Wylie, Calhoun, Ga.
Ferrell D. Young, Fruitland Park, Fla.
DISTRICT IV
Kenneth A. Achterberg, Haslett, Mich.
Thomas M. Adams, Rudolph, Ohio
Thomas S. Albers, Kent, Ohio
Paul E. Armstrong, Laura, Ohio
Earl F. Arnholt, Olmsted Falls, Ohio
James D. Auvil, Cincinnati
Duane R. Baker, Paw Paw, Mich.
Richard R. Bennett, Grand Rapids, Mich.
James K. Boutcher, Versailles, Ky.
James C. Cleveland, Georgetown, Ky.
Charles R. Daily, Albany, Ky.
Jon M. Day, Chester, W.Va.
Duke L. Deller, Frederiksted, Virgin Islands
Donald G. Denton, Bowling Green, Ky.
Hubert R. Doerr, Louisville, Ky.
Joseph J. Ellingwood, Fair Haven, Mich.
Richard J. Feldmann, Crescent Springs, Ky.
Carol L. Geake, Northville, Mich.
Kenneth E. Gertsen, Highland, Mich.
R.D. Glauer, Loudonville, Ohio
Donn W. Griffith, Dublin, Ohio
Ronald H. Grothaus, Toledo, Ohio
Richard J. Havas, Troy, Mich.
Philip F. Hecht, Berrien Springs, Mich.
Bruce L. Hull, Westerville, Ohio
Ronald H. Isaacson, Madison Heights, Mich.
Terry A. Jackson, Kalamazoo, Mich.
James P. Kelley, Grand Rapids, Mich.
John L. Kroh, Kirtland, Ohio
Dennis E. Lehman, Elyria, Ohio
John A. Maike, Bellevue, Ohio
Robert K. Matthews, Canton, Ohio
Donald D. McKean, Richland, Mich.
Robert D. McMillin, Greenwich, Ohio
Michael J. Miller, Wheeling, W.Va.
Carol A. Neal, Vicksburg, Mich.
C.M. Offutt, Georgetown, Ky.
Terry L. Owen, Carrollton, Ohio
Jeffrey J. Peacock, Strongsville, Ohio
Carlen Pippin, Shelbyville, Ky.
James A. Purvis, Middletown, Ohio
Billy B. Reynolds, Bluefield, W.Va.
Jay K. Richardson, Ravenna, Ohio
Lora J. Robbins, Midland, Mich.
Rodney L. Robison, Traverse City, Mich.
Ronald G. Rohr, Powell, Ohio
David B. Royer, Canfield, Ohio
David H. Schmidt, Upper Sandusky, Ohio
Fawzi B. Shaya, Wixom, Mich.
Richard D. Slemons, Columbus, Ohio
John B. Smith, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Ralph R. Snodgrass, Philippi, W.Va.
Michael C. Snyder, Newark, Ohio
Richard A. Soldner, Springfield, Ohio
Patricia L. Speck, McArthur, Ohio
Paul A. Strong, Flushing, Mich.
Hal H. Taylor, Powell, Ohio
Thomas J. Taylor, West Unity, Ohio
Kermit O. Walter, South Lyon, Mich.
Donald R. Watson, Bancroft, Mich.
Gayle M. Weirich, Pentwater, Mich.
DISTRICT V
Aurelio H. Almazan, Skokie, Ill.
David G. Aul, Arlington Heights, Ill.
Dean Barnett, Evansville, Ind.
James M. Carey, Highland, Ill.
Roger A. Casbon, Hebron, Ind.
L.K. Clark, Columbus, Ind.
Roy A. Coolman, Fort Wayne, Ind.
John R. DeVries, Dyer, Ind.
Gary Eckhoff, Delavan, Wis.
Victor L. Eggleston, New Glarus, Wis.
James H. Finnell, Gilman, Ill.
Joseph J. Foerner, Plano, Ill.
Bill R. Garlich, Nashville, Ill.
John S. Gilpin, Wabash, Ind.
Fred E. Goldenson, Naperville, Ill.
Daniel F. Grimm, Evansville, Ind.
Richard A. Harper, Johnston City, Ill.
Keith A. Honegger, Bluffton, Ind.
Roy G. Hubert, Evergreen Park, Ill.
Ronald L. Hullinger, West Lafayette, Ind.
Raymond T. Huston, Roseville, Ill.
George D. Ihrke, Buckley, Ill.
Jerald S. Jacobsen, Lawrenceburg, Ind.
Jerry D. Jobe, Darien, Ill.
John A. Johnston, Indianapolis
John T. Kelly, Elk Grove Village, Ill.
William C. Kerley, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Joseph T. Lowry, Davis Junction, Ill.
C.D. McLaughlin, Huntley, Ill.
Edwin L. McLaughlin, Murphysboro, Ill.
James R. McVicker, Energy, Ill.
Terry D. Messamore, Joliet, Ill.
Williamson T. Newsom, North Judson, Ind.
Paul J. Nordman, Lebanon, Ind.
John H. Overleese, Lynn, Ind.
Dean H. Peterson, Janesville, Wis.
Michael M. Pullen, Madison, Wis.
David A. Rhoda, Evansville, Wis.
Harold W. Richardson, Hudson, Wis.
Robert E. Rigney, North Vernon, Ind.
Wallace W. Rogers, Dodgeville, Wis.
Robert A. Schafer, Newton, Ill.
Ralph H. Stauffacher, Sun Prairie, Wis.
Timothy L. Swiecki, Stevens Point, Wis.
Herbert L. Thacker, Lafayette, Ind.
David E. Thoma, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Kent D. Truckenbrod, McHenry, Ill.
Thomas J. Welsh, Hines, Ill.
Robert C. Whitney, Bartonville, Ill.
Hedrick A. Wiley, Mauston, Wis.
William H. Wright, Rochester, Ill.
DISTRICT VI
Larry W. Allen, Potosi, Mo.
Larry A. Borg, Rapid City, S.D.
Dennis A. Brewer, White Bear Lake, Minn.
Ronald E. Brown, Appleton City, Mo.
Michael R. Buchheit, St. Peters, Mo.
Delia M. Burchfield, Bayard, Neb.
Dario T. Cappucci Jr., Hatfield, Mo.
Victor S. Cox, St. Paul, Minn.
Gerard A. Dahl, Park River, N.D.
John P. DeGarmo, Monroe City, Mo.
Roger G. Dozier, Jefferson City, Mo.
Donald D. Draper, Ames, Iowa
Ray D. Drefke, Marcus, Iowa
Theodore Evans Jr., Tecumseh, Neb.
Wayne L. Fawver, Hollister, Mo.
Ronald T. Ford, Lemmon, S.D.
David A. Garlie, Northfield, Minn.
Charles F. Gehrman, Minnetonka, Minn.
James B. Gray, Spring Grove, Minn.
Kenneth L. Greiner, Elbow Lake, Minn.
Ronald L. Grier, Ames, Iowa
Carroll A. Gustafson, Forest City, Iowa
Gaylen G. Hill, Kirksville, Mo.
Ian B. Hobbs, Council Bluffs, Iowa
William D. Hoefle, Ames, Iowa
Harry T. Holcomb, Adel, Iowa
Alan J. Lipowitz, Peterson, Minn.
Patricia M. Luedders, Hallsville, Mo.
Ronald M. McLaughlin, Fulton, Mo.
Max A. Mekus, Mount Ayr, Iowa
Daniel E. Pearson, LaPorte, Minn.
Kenneth B. Platt, Ames, Iowa
Thomas J. Poindexter, Ree Heights, S.D.
Kenneth G. Reimer, Elkader, Iowa
David A. Richie, Mountain Grove, Mo.
Patrick H. Robertson, Bowman, N.D.
Clair D. Sauer, Lewiston, Minn.
Conrad B. Schmidt, Worthington, Minn.
Gary L. Sears, Hyannis, Neb.
Ian G. Shaw, St. Paul, Minn.
E.T. Thurber, Roca, Neb.
John A. Tiessen, St. Charles, Mo.
William H. Torrence, Lee's Summit, Mo.
Rodney F. Wartig, Wisner, Neb.
Peter D. Westenburg, Omaha, Neb.
Donald G. Wilson, Kimberling City, Mo.
Jonathan L. Wilson, Chesterfield, Mo.
Arlen V. Zierke, Hubbard, Iowa
DISTRICT VII
Leslie G. Adams, College Station, Texas
Thomas M. Armstrong, Longview, Texas
Murl Bailey Jr., College Station, Texas
Bobby G. Barham, Corsicana, Texas
Thomas B. Blount, San Augustine, Texas
Garry L. Bounds, Dallas
James E. Broussard, Kaplan, La.
Charles R. Butler, Bossier City, La.
Larry B. Cummins, Pipe Creek, Texas
Bobby A. Daggs, Fort Worth, Texas
Robin R. Domer, Burleson, Texas
Gary Edwards, Newark, Ark.
Larry W. Edwards, Sherman, Texas
Harold R. Emerson, Waco, Texas
Herbert L. Ernst, San Antonio
Don D. Farst, San Benito, Texas
Larry E. Franks, Magnolia, Ark.
David C. Fuchshuber, Fort Worth, Texas
Richard H. Galley, Willow Park, Texas
Lionel G. Garcia, Seabrook, Texas
Hashim M. Ghori, Little Rock, Ark.
Jerry D. Gleason, Levelland, Texas
Garry L. Guilloud, Houston
Homer H. Harroff Jr., San Antonio
Ronald P. Hendrick, Spring, Texas
Robert I. Hughes, Center, Texas
Dennis W. Jensen, Houston (deceased)
Walter E. Legg, Flower Mound, Texas
John B. Malone, Baton Rouge, La.
Dennis M. McCurnin, Baton Rouge, La.
Bill J. McDougal, Houston
Dennis K. McIntosh, San Antonio
Syed A. Naqi, College Station, Texas
Gary L. Norwood, McKinney, Texas
Allan C. Oltjen, Canyon, Texas
Patrick D. Parker, Grand Prairie, Texas
Brian A. Reeves, Tyler, Texas
William R. Roberson, Little Rock, Ark.
James W. Rundell, Monroe, La.
James E. Schroeder, Fort Worth, Texas
J.M. Sherwood, Beaumont, Texas
Jerry L. Simmons, El Paso, Texas
Samuel C. Spangler, Austin, Texas
John D. Speir, San Antonio
Ira L. Stephens, Jacksonville, Texas
John C. Treadwell, Austin, Texas
Hsi-Tang Tung, Grand Prairie, Texas
Fehrlin E. Tutt, Sugar Land, Texas
Gary A. Van Gelder, Houston
Henry E. Weir, Universal City, Texas
Billy R. Westbrook, Houston
Gene E. White, Roanoke, Texas
Darr F. Wilson, Boerne, Texas
Leslie W. Yarbrough, Helotes, Texas
DISTRICT VIII
Clell V. Bagley, Hyde Park, Utah
Harvey D. Bailey, Peoria, Ariz.
Lloyd D. Barker, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Douglas C. Barton, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Don W. Beavers, Faxon, Okla.
Grant W. Boam, Murray, Utah
Thomas S. Boggess, Camp Verde, Ariz.
Edgar C. Buck, Tucson, Ariz.
Kenneth M. Capron, Tulsa, Okla.
Harve R. Chappell, Grand Junction, Colo.
Ed K. Daniels, Concordia, Kan.
Stephen K. Derwelis, Albuquerque, N.M.
Barbara J. Divers, Edgewood, N.M.
Deborah D. Ebert, Sierra Vista, Ariz.
William C. Edwards, Stillwater, Okla.
Robert A. Eiermann, Tucson, Ariz.
James Emmett, Greeley, Colo.
William H. Foster, Turpin, Okla.
Earl G. Frie, Sapulpa, Okla.
Fredrick D. Halls, Orem, Utah
Homer L. Hamby, Silver City, N.M.
Robert L. Hatch, Litchfield Park, Ariz.
Thomas A. Hawn, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Kay K.H. Helms, Coalgate, Okla.
Charles A. Helwig, Edmond, Okla.
Paul L. Huff, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Kenneth L. Jeffery, Mesa, Ariz.
Peter F. Jezyk, Tucson, Ariz.
William R. Lance, Fort Collins, Colo.
Duane R. Lemburg, Littleton, Colo.
Philip L. Linnemann, Norman, Okla.
Roger L. Lukens, Medicine Lodge, Kan.
Andy Maierhofer, Centennial, Colo.
Roseann P. Marshall, Stillwater, Okla.
Dennis B. McAfee, Westminster, Colo.
Ulysses McElyea, Las Cruces, N.M.
Wesley V. Metzler, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Delbert G. Miles, Greeley, Colo.
Gloyd R. Miller, Muskogee, Okla.
Dianne M. Nail, Broken Arrow, Okla.
Roger J. Nelson, La Junta, Colo.
Warren K. Newby, Coffeyville, Kan.
Larry H. Ringel, Alma, Kan.
Jeremiah N. Sbarra, Green Valley, Ariz.
Polly R. Schoning, Manhattan, Kan.
Jagdev M. Sharma, Tempe, Ariz.
Yvonne E. Smith, Prescott Valley, Ariz.
Judith H. Spurling, Parker, Colo.
Steven F. Swaim, Geuda Springs, Kan.
George M. Thomas, Ninnekah, Okla.
Gerald L. Vetter, Centennial, Colo.
Richard E. Webber, Overland Park, Kan.
Norbert Zander, Oberlin, Kan.
DISTRICT IX
Darrell C. Allison, Honolulu
Alexander A. Ardans, Davis, Calif.
Lee R. Baker, Ventura, Calif.
Robert E. Bell, Pasadena, Calif.
Eldon L. Bower, Sacramento, Calif.
Michael Brown, San Diego
Andrew S. Burnett, Sparks, Nev.
Errol D. Burr, Downieville, Calif.
William T. Cleghorn, Kula, Hawaii
Gary C. Cranney, San Marcos, Calif.
Dennis E. Dettmer, Cypress, Calif.
W.J. Dodds, Santa Monica, Calif.
Edward W. Dykstra, Pinon Hills, Calif.
Stephen J. Ettinger, Beverly Hills, Calif.
Mylon E. Filkins, Bakersfield, Calif.
Raymond F. Foster, Carmel, Calif.
Laszlo A. Frics, Alhambra, Calif.
Robert V. Hagaman, Newhall, Calif.
Roger A. Hanes, Windsor, Calif.
Robert C. Hargreaves, Bakersfield, Calif.
John R. Hartwick, Chatsworth, Calif.
John T. Hoyme, Chino, Calif.
Harold D. Ivie, San Mateo, Calif.
Joel A. Jern, Clayton, Calif.
Merrie L. Kelley, Somis, Calif.
Michael D. Kelley, Somis, Calif.
Fred W. Koning, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
Diederik J. Lagerwerff, Aptos, Calif.
Edward B. Leeds, Torrance, Calif.
Carl W. Lind, Bishop, Calif.
Herbert E. Little, Fort Bragg, Calif.
Richard T. Marshall, Sacramento, Calif.
Maurice F. Metcalfe, Lincoln, Calif.
Frank A. Mongini, Petaluma, Calif.
Frank L. Moore, Cypress, Calif.
Robert B. Olds, Los Angeles
Michael D. Passovoy, Chico, Calif.
Paula M. Pattengale, Copperopolis, Calif.
Clifford R. Roberts, San Francisco
Derek D. Skaife, Los Altos, Calif.
Ted S. Stashak, Santa Rosa, Calif.
Michael E. Steppe, Chino, Calif.
Stephen C. Talbot, Minden, Nev.
Franklin N. Walton, Corona, Calif.
Thomas D. Williams, Monterey, Calif.
Alyce A. Wolford, Carmel, Calif.
DISTRICT X
Robert K. Addington, Central Point, Ore.
Bruce C. Anderson, Nampa, Idaho
Loren H. Appell, Roundup, Mont.
Mack T. Bischoff, Sheridan, Wyo.
Douglas D. Booth, Torrington, Wyo.
John H. Cisco, Summerville, Ore.
Martin R. Connell, Billings, Mont.
Jerry R. Cox, Tigard, Ore.
James G. Dagley, Ravensdale, Wash.
David B. Edge, Cochrane, Ontario
Leonard E. Eldridge, Olympia, Wash.
Charles S. Farrow, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Kent J. Freer, Oak Harbor, Wash.
John W. Harpster, Canby, Ore.
Gerald L. Henriksen, Depoe Bay, Ore.
Keith E. James, Evansville, Wyo.
Stephen M. Jones, Seattle
Dietrich L. Jung, Duvall, Wash.
William H. Keatts, Kennewick, Wash.
Frederick W. Labavitch, Portland, Ore.
David W. Law, Anchorage, Alaska
Robert F. Mannisto, Manhattan, Mont.
Wayne H. Martin, Battle Ground, Wash.
Robert L. Monroe, Kimberly, Idaho
William R. Morton, Edmonds, Wash.
Robert C. Mowbray, Port Angeles, Wash.
Asad E. Muallim, North York, Ontario
James O. Murray, Livingston, Mont.
Donald R. Myrtue, Lebanon, Ore.
Del F. Orchard, West Linn, Ore.
Jean B. Smith, Bellevue, Wash.
Stanley L. Swartz, Hamilton, Mont.
Jack O. Tuomi, Anchorage, Alaska
Paul R. Weber, Riverton, Wyo.
Lawrence P. Williams, Seattle
Wallace W. Wolf, The Dalles, Ore.
DISTRICT XI
USDA offering training at conferences
Supplemental training offered at some veterinary conferences can help veterinarians maintain their Department of Agriculture accreditation.
For example, the 2012 AVMA Annual Convention, which ran Aug. 3–7 in San Diego, included 16 sessions that provided details on the roles of veterinarians accredited by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and related continuing education on animal travel, disease surveillance, and disease risk reduction. Veterinarians who choose to become accredited with the agency can perform some duties related to those topics.
Dr. Gary L. Brickler said APHIS will continue offering such educational presentations at state and national veterinary association meetings, and attending those presentations can help veterinarians fill educational requirements for renewing their accreditation with the department. Much of the information also is available at www.aphis.usda.gov/nvap.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service revamped its National Veterinary Accreditation Program in the past several years, changing the program from one that gave lifetime accreditation to one that requires CE and renewal every three years. The old program gave the same accreditation status to all veterinarians, whereas the new program has two tiers of accreditation with different educational requirements.
While Dr. Brickler thinks most veterinarians understand the program well, he said many still have questions about the accreditation process.
APHIS will offer presentations similar to those given at the AVMA convention at state and national veterinary association meetings. For example, the agency plans to offer educational sessions at the American Association of Equine Practitioners meeting in early December in Anaheim.
AVMA: SAVMA wants a seat at the table
Stronger ties to veterinary organizations being formed
By Melissa Andritz, The Vet Gazette Editor
The Student AVMA House of Delegates has been hard at work strengthening its connections with other veterinary organizations. And SAVMA leadership has demonstrated that integrating student opinion with organized veterinary medicine will continue to be a main goal in upcoming months. Students are ready to get more involved in the tough conversations affecting the profession, and the SAVMA HOD is stepping up as the voice for its members.
The SAVMA HOD met Aug. 5–6 during the AVMA Annual Convention in San Diego. SAVMA President Bridget Heilsberg (COL ′13) presided over the meeting and emphasized the importance of SAVMA's strong bond with the AVMA. She reminded fellow veterinary students that they not only are the future of the profession, but also have the ability to bring fresh ideas to the field and should be looked on as a resource for such.
Heilsberg addressed the AVMA House of Delegates to share SAVMA's positions on legislation regarding student debt and bankruptcy, workforce surveys, and AVMA policies. Issues such as economics and workforce demand are omnipresent concerns for most veterinary students, she said.
Nathaniel Vos (COL ′14) spoke to the SAVMA HOD as veterinary economic issues liaison. Vos reported on the connections made earlier this year with key allies such as the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges' Student Debt Advisory Group, the AVMA Veterinary Economics Strategy Committee, and the Veterinary Business Management Association.
Caitlin Pohlit (OSU ′14), chair of the SAVMA Economics and Professional Development Committee, shared with the SAVMA House the AVMA's current focus on economic issues, including devoting $330,000 for a veterinary workforce study to assess current and future supply of and demand for veterinary services, as well as the creation of the AAVMC Student Debt Advisory Group. The committee then brought forth a motion to create a veterinary economics ad hoc position as a source of advice for the SAVMA HOD and SAVMA Executive Board. Pohlit explained that the committee wanted SAVMA to step up and create its own voice, as veterinary students and recent graduates are acutely feeling the effects of rising debt-to-income ratios and shifting workforce demands. The motion was approved.
The Student AVMA House of Delegates is visited by Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), a veterinarian who encouraged students to get involved in the political world; veterinarians need to be at the table when legislation affecting animal health and the veterinary profession is under consideration, he said. Rep. Schrader told the SAVMA HOD that veterinarians have a great background for political involvement because of their ability to persuade people to be part of the solution and for having the transferable skill of reading body language—like knowing when one is going to be kicked, bitten, or scratched. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
The Student AVMA House of Delegates is visited by Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), a veterinarian who encouraged students to get involved in the political world; veterinarians need to be at the table when legislation affecting animal health and the veterinary profession is under consideration, he said. Rep. Schrader told the SAVMA HOD that veterinarians have a great background for political involvement because of their ability to persuade people to be part of the solution and for having the transferable skill of reading body language—like knowing when one is going to be kicked, bitten, or scratched. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
The Student AVMA House of Delegates is visited by Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), a veterinarian who encouraged students to get involved in the political world; veterinarians need to be at the table when legislation affecting animal health and the veterinary profession is under consideration, he said. Rep. Schrader told the SAVMA HOD that veterinarians have a great background for political involvement because of their ability to persuade people to be part of the solution and for having the transferable skill of reading body language—like knowing when one is going to be kicked, bitten, or scratched. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Another topic of discussion was the increasing interest in the 2+2 system of veterinary education. This system has students complete two preclinical academic years at a satellite campus. They then transfer to the campus of a partner veterinary school to complete their academic course work and clinical rotations. As an example, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln partners with the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine; the program began in 2006 and graduated its first students in 2010. Ben Schmidt (ISU ′14) made a motion to create a new class of nonvoting membership for delegates from these satellite campuses, so that they can contribute a voice to SAVMA discussions. The motion passed, and two Nebraska veterinary students were welcomed as the first satellite chapter delegates to the SAVMA House.
Guests who addressed the SAVMA HOD included AVMA Congressional Science Fellows Reid Harvey, Richard Smiley, and Matt Doyle, who serve as scientific advisers to members of Congress; Dr. Cheryl Eia, assistant director of the AVMA Scientific Activities Division, who gave a presentation on disaster preparedness materials that the AVMA is making available to student chapters; and Michael Cathey, executive director of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, who shared the success of the scholarship program through which the AVMF partners with Pfizer Animal Health; 331 students from the 28 U.S. veterinary schools were awarded scholarships totaling $827,500 in 2012. Frederic Lohr, president of the International Veterinary Students' Association, spoke on the benefits of being an IVSA member (which all SAVMA members are) and enumerated some of the partner organizations in research and medicine to which the IVSA gives its members access.
The SAVMA House also welcomed Dr. Walter R. Threlfall as the incoming AVMA vice president. Dr. Threlfall addressed the delegates and named student debt, salaries, and demand for veterinarians as top issues. He wanted students to know that he is a vessel for them to bring their concerns to the AVMA.
In other business, the SAVMA Executive Board welcomed newly elected members Caitlin Pohlit, secretary-elect; Al Claiborne (TEN ′14), treasurer-elect; Kyle Donnelly (FL ′14), The Vet Gazette Editor-elect; Chase Crawford (TEX ′14), information technology officer-elect; and Nate Vos as the first veterinary economics ad hoc officer.
The SAVMA House of Delegates will next meet March 21–23, 2013, during the SAVMA Symposium at Louisiana State University.
Stepping up to one-health challenge
By Andrew Stas, SAVMA global public health officer
Twenty-two veterinary colleges took on the challenge to educate students, faculty, and the public about vector-borne diseases this past year. Most events focused on educational programming, but some included charitable components.
This collective effort was a student initiative through the AVMA student chapters and was overseen by the SAVMA One Health Project, a program created and run by the SAVMA House of Delegates and SAVMA Executive Board to stimulate awareness of the global one-health movement. Every two years, this group chooses an initiative and encourages students to organize and participate in events to increase community awareness and collaboration within the health professions.
Funds for this challenge have been donated by the AVMA Group Health and Life Insurance Trust, which has contributed $20,000 annually to the effort over the past five years.
Themes for the SAVMA One Health Challenge have included rabies and obesity awareness. In 2011 and continuing into 2013, the focus is vector-borne disease.
Of the schools that hosted events, the following five received recognition for their achievements from SAVMA in August during the AVMA Annual Convention in San Diego.
• The University of California-Davis was honored with the Most Vet School Student Participation award for its Dog ‘n’ Jog Human/Animal Health Fair in October 2011, through which 100 students raised $3,192.
• Ross University received the Most Community Participation award for its seventh-semester students' sale and annual open house in January, during which the island's residents were invited to visit the campus. Community education focused on ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, leptospirosis, and ringworm infection.
• The University of Pennsylvania earned the Greatest Impact award for its One-Health Lecture Series in February focusing on the research of leading scientists in vector-borne disease, including malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and Lyme disease. Events involved collaboration among medical, veterinary, public health, and nursing schools.
• Purdue University was honored with the Most Creative award. In October 2011, students created a vector-borne–themed haunted house to raise awareness in the community and among children about the dangers of vector-borne diseases in this country.
• St. George's University won the Most Focused on Theme award for its Vector-Borne Disease Symposium in February. The veterinary, medical, and public health schools put on the event, which drew 200 students, 50 faculty members, and nearly 10 government officials to learn about diseases such as ehrlichiosis, dengue fever, and West Nile infection in Grenada and other Caribbean areas.
The SAVMA One Health Working Group has selected “Food Safety, Security, and Health: The Veterinarian's Role” as its theme for 2013–2015.
AVMA: Military, volunteer service are themes for AVMF at convention
$140,000 raised for charity's causes
By Greg Cima and Malinda Larkin
At this year's AVMA Annual Convention, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation paid tribute to host city San Diego by sending volunteers to two local animal shelters and by honoring military service members who work with animals.
Kicking things off, several dozen convention attendees—mostly veterinarians and students—sanded and repainted nearly 1,000 linear feet offence, carried and sorted hundreds of bags and boxes of pet food, and cleaned the grounds Aug. 4 at the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility south of downtown San Diego and to the east at The Horses of Tir Na Nog in Pine Valley. The activities were part of the fifth annual AVMF Our Oath in Action shelter project.
Cindy Rutkowski, manager of services and special projects for the AVMF, said 50 folks worked at the two shelters.
“The animals that are in the shelters are the neediest of them all, and I think Our Oath in Action is a small way to help those animals,” she said.
Linda Septon, who has worked at the Chula Vista shelter for six years, said the time-consuming cleaning and organizational work done by the volunteers would help the shelter's staff control disease and learn which supplies were needed. The shelter has about 240 animals, consisting primarily of dogs and cats but including a few rabbits and ducks.
Charlet Hubertus swept the concrete floor of a fenced play area at the Chula Vista shelter while Jennifer Hurley raked leaves and cleaned the hedges along one side of that pen. Both are third-year veterinary students at Texas A&M University.
Dr. Darci Murphy of Salem, Ore., hands a fellow volunteer a box of dog food during the AVMF Our Oath in Action shelter project. (Photo by Greg Cima)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Darci Murphy of Salem, Ore., hands a fellow volunteer a box of dog food during the AVMF Our Oath in Action shelter project. (Photo by Greg Cima)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Darci Murphy of Salem, Ore., hands a fellow volunteer a box of dog food during the AVMF Our Oath in Action shelter project. (Photo by Greg Cima)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Hubertus said animal shelters are a great help, and she feels that those in the veterinary profession should help them as well. She has suggested that her friends and family donate to shelters and volunteer labor at the facilities, and she expects she will make similar recommendations to clients.
The Foundation anticipates nationally launching the Our Oath in Action program next year so affiliated events can take place beyond convention, said Michael Cathey, AVMF executive director, during the AVMF Impact and Partnership Breakfast on Aug. 5.
Also at the breakfast, Cathey recognized service members who “honor the animal mission,“ including a few of the dozen military veterinary technicians whom the AVMF sponsored to attend the convention. Spc. Christopher Szewc and Spc. Lee Iyin came from Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. Spc. Szewc works in the veterinary clinic on base and sees mostly fellow military members' pets, while Spc. Iyin deals at the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Hospital with working dogs that are used for border patrol and customs enforcement at San Antonio International Airport.
Other military personnel at the breakfast were Cpl. Carrie Diaz and Maj. Katie Barry with the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps and Rick Yount, executive director of Warrior Canine Connection, with his Golden Retriever Huff.
Warrior Canine Connection is a therapeutic program that teaches service members with post-traumatic stress disorder skills needed to help train mobility service dogs to be partnered with veterans with mobility impairments.
Yount and Huff work with the wounded warriors at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. He said his program uses the most loving dogs to help the soldiers reintegrate into society. “We've found the human-animal bond is very important,” Yount said.
These military members also attended and were honored at “An AVMF Special Event on Board the USS Midway” Aug. 5. The fundraising event allowed the 1,151 attendees to go on docent-led tours, view historic aircraft carrier exhibits, and experience simulated flight adventures aboard the USS Midway.
The event, which was the best-attended in the Foundation's history, raised about $140,000 for AVMF initiatives and was sponsored by Merial, Nestlé-Purina, and Dr. René A. Carlson, then AVMA president.
Cpl. Dennis Hall and Sita (foreground) and Cpl. Michael Davis and Astor from the U.S. Marine Corps wait to give a presentation on the USS Midway as AVMF Chair Richard P. Streett Jr., stands nearby. Sita is an explosives and patrol military working dog whose skills allow her to conduct bite work, search personnel, and perform basic obedience on and off the leash. Astor, meanwhile, is a patrol and drug detection military working dog. Both are Belgian Malinois. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Cpl. Dennis Hall and Sita (foreground) and Cpl. Michael Davis and Astor from the U.S. Marine Corps wait to give a presentation on the USS Midway as AVMF Chair Richard P. Streett Jr., stands nearby. Sita is an explosives and patrol military working dog whose skills allow her to conduct bite work, search personnel, and perform basic obedience on and off the leash. Astor, meanwhile, is a patrol and drug detection military working dog. Both are Belgian Malinois. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Cpl. Dennis Hall and Sita (foreground) and Cpl. Michael Davis and Astor from the U.S. Marine Corps wait to give a presentation on the USS Midway as AVMF Chair Richard P. Streett Jr., stands nearby. Sita is an explosives and patrol military working dog whose skills allow her to conduct bite work, search personnel, and perform basic obedience on and off the leash. Astor, meanwhile, is a patrol and drug detection military working dog. Both are Belgian Malinois. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
AVMF scholarship winners announced
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation announced Aug. 5 during its board of directors meeting in San Diego the 18 recipients of scholarships it handed out this year through its 2012 Veterinary Student Scholarship program. Each student won $1,000.
The awardees and their career interests are as follows:
• Kristin Bohling (ISU-UNL ′14), food animal medicine—cattle.
• Sharon Ostermann (CAL ′13), shelter medicine.
• Travis Vlietstra (ISU ′14), mixed animal medicine.
• Candace Wimbish (OKL ′14), U.S. Army Veterinary Corps.
• Samantha McGill (WIS ′14), mixed animal medicine.
• Kathleen Kraska (ORS ′13), public health.
• Chelsea Crawford (WIS ′15), food animal medicine.
• Todd Marlo (IL ′13), mixed animal medicine.
• Katrina Castaneda (CAL ′13), small animal medicine.
• Dana Lieu (WSU ′15), production animal medicine.
• Heidi Pecoraro (COL ′14), academia—clinician and researcher.
• Danielle Botting (MIN ′14), swine medicine.
• Braidee Foote (CAL ′13), equine medicine.
• Lu Dao (UCD ′13), food animal medicine.
• Kelsey Shaw (COR ′14), public health.
• Julia Herman (COL ′15), research and community outreach.
• Heidi Broadley (TUF ′13), shelter medicine.
• Megan Mathias (NCU ′14), mixed animal medicine.
The Winn Feline Scholarship, awarded by the AVMF in the amount of $2,500, went to Alison McKay (ORS ′13), who is interested in feline medicine.
The scholarship is paired with the AVMF/Winn Excellence in Feline Research Award, presented Aug. 7 during the AVMA Annual Convention (see page 833). Dr. Niels Pedersen won this year's award and the accompanying $2,500.
The two awards are designed to promote and encourage feline health studies by established veterinary research scientists and those entering this field of study.
And the AVMF/American Kennel Club Career Achievement Award in Canine Research went to Dr. Edward Feldman of Berkeley, Calif.
For more information about the AVMF's scholarship programs, visit www.avmf.org.
AVMA: Workforce study authors discuss unmet needs
By Malinda Larkin
Authors of the National Research Council's report for the National Academy of Sciences on “Workforce Needs in Veterinary Medicine” provided details about unmet needs in public practice, academia, and industry Aug. 5 during the AVMA Annual Convention in San Diego.
Dr. Bonnie J. Buntain, former chief public health veterinarian of the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, expounded on one of the report's recommendations that urges state and federal governments to re-examine their policies on remuneration, recruitment, and retention of veterinarians.
Dr. Buntain pointed to the Veterinary Medical Officer Talent Management Advisory Council as a positive step the federal government is taking to address this recommendation. The council, which was formed in summer 2010, is tasked with identifying the current and future needs of the federal veterinary workforce and ways the federal government can better meet those needs. It is also tasked with creating an outreach plan to involve the entire veterinary community, including state and local governments, academia, and veterinary organizations.
Dr. Buntain said the council is moving forward on a strategic workforce plan for veterinarians in federal government and has already identified core competencies and skills required of the veterinary workforce in federal agencies.
Drs. Sheila W. Allen, dean of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, and Gay Y. Miller, professor of epidemiology and preventive medicine at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, talked about the potential for a serious shortage of veterinary faculty members.
The total current U.S. veterinary faculty is slightly fewer than 4,000 individuals. The NRC report projects a 14 percent increase in the number of students from 2007–2016 and an 18 percent growth in faculty during that same time.
However, Dr. Miller said, the pipeline of veterinary educators appears inadequate for a number of reasons. These include the decreasing availability of stipends, growing student debt, and unpredictable research funding streams.
Veterinary colleges may need to consider alternatives, such as taking on faculty who have not come from residency training programs. On the one hand, these veterinarians would be cost-effective, be easier to recruit, and have practice-ready skills. On the other hand, Dr. Allen said, doing so would not foster advancement of clinical research.
Other options could include sharing faculty among veterinary colleges and enticing residents with an agreement that they would be hired on as faculty after finishing their program.
Finally, Dr. Gary L. Cockerell, president and founder of Cockerell Alliances, spoke about the need for veterinarians in corporate practice. According to a survey of industry conducted by the NRC committee, respondents indicated 15.7 percent of currently employed industry veterinarians would be 65 or older by 2016. Those future openings will only add to the numerous positions currently open within industry.
The NRC study also found that 70 percent of anticipated open positions from 2008–2016 would require certification beyond a DVM/VMD degree.
Dr. Gary L. Cockerell speaks about corporate practice's struggles and ways to attract specialized veterinarians. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Gary L. Cockerell speaks about corporate practice's struggles and ways to attract specialized veterinarians. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Gary L. Cockerell speaks about corporate practice's struggles and ways to attract specialized veterinarians. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Cockerell touted the Coalition for Veterinary Pathology Fellows created by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and the Society of Toxicologic Pathology for helping fill positions within corporate practice for the past few years.
Created in 2005, “The coalition provides a unified mechanism for the ACVP and STP to solicit and allocate funds to establish new training positions in response to the current and continued future shortage of well-trained veterinary anatomic and clinical pathologists,” he explained.
Financial commitments, primarily from corporations, have increased from $1.1 million in 2005 to $6.8 million in 2011. As a result, 17 anatomic pathology, three clinical pathology, and nine post-DVM residencies were funded just this past year.
Dr. Cockerell said he hopes the coalition will serve as a model for other veterinary fields.
Veterinary education constantly evolving
By Malinda Larkin
Veterinary education has evolved with the changing times and will continue to do so to remain relevant, according to speakers at a daylong session on the topic Aug. 4 during the AVMA Annual Convention.
“Veterinary Medical Education in a Global Environment” was organized by the AVMA Committee on International Veterinary Affairs and sponsored by the 31st World Veterinary Conference.
Dr. Donald F. Smith, former dean of veterinary medicine at Cornell University, spoke about four eras of veterinary medicine in the United States: the dominance of the horse and ties to human medicine (1850–1920); the land-grant system with its focus on agriculture and public health (1890–1960); companion animal medicine, clinical specialties, and women veterinarians (1960 to present); and biomedical research, information technology, and the re-emergence of zoonotic diseases (1980–2000).
Perhaps one of the biggest shifts for the profession came in the 1920s. The veterinary profession nearly collapsed as the horse was replaced by the automobile as the dominant mode of transportation. As a result, veterinary schools moved from the cities to the country with the land-grant colleges and focused on rural livestock and public health. When this happened, the veterinary schools separated from medical schools and comparative medicine, Dr. Smith said.
Dr. Deborah Kochevar, dean of the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, talked about changes in veterinary education within the past decade or so.
She noted that, even in this relatively short period, the craft of veterinary education has changed immeasurably, and she cited examples such as outcomes assessment, tools of the trade, the learning environment, and even the students and educators themselves.
AVMA convention attendees listen to Dr. Deborah Kochevar, dean of Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, speak about recent trends in veterinary education. (Photo by Matt Alexandre/Robb Cohen Photography)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
AVMA convention attendees listen to Dr. Deborah Kochevar, dean of Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, speak about recent trends in veterinary education. (Photo by Matt Alexandre/Robb Cohen Photography)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
AVMA convention attendees listen to Dr. Deborah Kochevar, dean of Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, speak about recent trends in veterinary education. (Photo by Matt Alexandre/Robb Cohen Photography)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Previously, a traditional, instructor-centered lecture with a PowerPoint presentation would be given to prepare students for an examination. Now, the trend is to use a blended education delivery system, which places less importance on having an instructor convey all the educational content, in favor of emphasizing multiple methods for students to obtain information.
“We all learn differently, so now we've come from a curriculum that comes from ‘telling’ to a multimodal one taken at a pace where you demonstrate mastery and move on. Is that an ideal outcome?” Dr. Kochevar asked. “Education specialists say it would be a good thing. We have more evolution to go.”
Part of the future of veterinary education may involve greater use of online resources, according to Dr. Julie A. Funk, director of the online professional Masters of Science in Food Safety program at Michigan State University.
She cited the Babson 2011 Survey of Online Learning that found the number of students enrolled in at least one online course increased from 1.6 million in 2002 to 6.1 million in 2010.
Dr. Funk lauded the growing popularity of sites that provide online courses that are free and open to anyone. Examples are the Khan Academy, Udacity, and Coursera. Some of these sites allow users to create student groups or offer to send resumes of top-performing users to potential employers.
AVMA: Leading the profession
by Greg Cima
Dr. Debbye L. Turner Bell has been startled by some people's perceptions of veterinarians.
While she has met many who had positive perceptions of veterinarians' kindness, intelligence, and caring spirit, she also recalls being asked why she didn't want to be a “real doctor” and having to explain the effort required to become a veterinarian. She also described “maddening” complaints about service costs, even though equivalent procedures in human medicine are far more expensive.
She said veterinarians need to stop being modest, self-effacing, and invisible. Perceptions will dictate their future success.
“It is critical that we portray an image of responsibility, an image of capability, and an image of expertise,” she said. “The public balks at charges because they associate the cost with the perceived value of the animal instead of the value of you—your education, your experience, and your expertise.”
Dr. Turner Bell was crowned Miss America in 1990 and has worked as a broadcast journalist for CBS News and as a contributor on Animal Planet's “Dogs 101” program. She was the first of three speakers in a series of AVMA Annual Convention sessions on leadership development.
Dr. Bell noted that, because she was a pageant winner, some people also had perceptions of her as a “dumb blonde” dedicated to world peace.
The leadership sessions were organized by the inaugural class of the AVMA Future Leaders Program, which gives participants one year of mentoring on leadership and problem solving connected with organized veterinary medicine. Participants are veterinarians who have graduated within the past 15 years.
Dr. Turner Bell indicated that veterinarians should become part of their communities' news through efforts such as contacting reporters to serve as sources of information and participating in community events.
Dr. Andrew Roark describes the need to collaborate and understand others' perspectives during a session on leadership.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Andrew Roark describes the need to collaborate and understand others' perspectives during a session on leadership.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Andrew Roark describes the need to collaborate and understand others' perspectives during a session on leadership.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
She urged those in attendance to portray an image of responsibility, capability, and expertise, which will encourage the public to consider the cost of veterinary care as it relates to veterinarians' education and experience rather than the pet's perceived monetary value.
Leadership among colleagues
Dr. Andrew Roark, another speaker in the series, said he sees folly in the traditional image of a leader who pushes and motivates others through top-down leadership, and trying to fit that image burns out many veterinarians. He thinks practice owners who want leadership among associates actually want enthusiastic collaborators and partners.
Dr. Roark is a companion animal veterinarian, columnist for DVM Newsmagazine, and consultant.
Dr. René A. Carlson, then-AVMA president, advised attendees to grow into their leadership roles with experience and confidence, reminding them they will need to deal with emergencies while planning for the future.
“You'll never be prepared to be a good leader,” Dr. Carlson said. “You've got to keep preparing.”
Those who want to become leaders need to learn to trust others and themselves, Dr. Carlson said. Involvement in veterinary organizations' governance helps influence others toward a common goal, inspire others, and provide a role model.
Next class announced
The AVMA also announced during the convention that the following veterinarians would be members of the second class in the Future Leaders program: Dr. Jenifer A. Chatfield, a zoo animal veterinarian from Florida; Dr. Jennafer Glaesemann, a mixed animal practitioner from Nebraska; Dr. Karen B. Grogan, an academician and consultant from Georgia; Dr. William A. Hill, a laboratory animal practitioner and academician from Tennessee; Dr. Blair J. Hollowell, a companion animal practitioner from Virginia; Dr. Jason W. Johnson, a professor and academician from New Jersey; Dr. Virginia R. Kiefer, a companion animal practitioner from North Carolina; Dr. Douglas D. Kratt, a companion animal practitioner from Wisconsin; Dr. Rebecca Stinson-Dixon, an equine practitioner from North Carolina; and Dr. Kelvin G. Urday, a mixed animal practitioner from Missouri.
Dr. Glaesemann said after the announcement that veterinarians have obligations to be leaders and animal advocates because of the respect they have in communities and their ability to influence public opinion on topics such as animal health and welfare, food safety, animal agriculture, and the human-animal bond.
Dr. Jennafer Glaesemann is one of the 10 veterinarians in the second class of the AVMA Future Leaders program. (Photos by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Jennafer Glaesemann is one of the 10 veterinarians in the second class of the AVMA Future Leaders program. (Photos by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Jennafer Glaesemann is one of the 10 veterinarians in the second class of the AVMA Future Leaders program. (Photos by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Universities, industry start new online CE offering
A new Web-based, peer-reviewed continuing education program has been launched by a public-private partnership involving the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, and Pfizer Animal Health.
Known as Veritas, this online educational experience offers veterinarians convenient learning opportunities that incorporate the latest advances in educational technologies.
Mark Cassetta, director of Veritas, explained that the program made its first public appearance at the AVMA Annual Convention in San Diego but officially launched in September. Veritas, he said, provides cross-species educational content that combines the veterinary colleges' expertise in medicine and teaching with Pfizer Animal Health's capabilities in information delivery and customer service.
Many Veritas courses are offered for certified CE credit to help practitioners maintain their state licensure.
Its first offerings are two full-length courses—Canine Hyperadrenocorticism (3 hours) and CPR: Basic Life Support (5 hours)—with four additional full-length courses to be released during the fall and more to follow in 2013.
Additionally, about 10 short courses (1 hour or less) will be released in coming months.
According to a press release, Veritas courses are designed to be more immersive and interactive than other online educational offerings. In addition to courses, Veritas features interactive case studies that provide a digital “hands-on” approach, allowing learners to test themselves and demonstrate their knowledge throughout the process.
Content experts from Cornell and Texas A&M as well as other veterinary institutions will participate in the online CE venture.
The partnership plans to introduce new courses on a regular schedule to help veterinarians stay current with the latest discoveries. “Over the next few months, as we add new technical functionality to Veritas, we'll launch additional content offerings such as interactive case studies, procedural videos, and a recurring monthly series on specific topics. In addition to content, we'll be launching an interactive online community” where learners can connect with one another and exchange knowledge, tips, and lessons learned, Cassetta said.
To learn more, visit www.VeritasDVM.com.
AVMA: Veterinary technicians hold town hall meeting
By Katie Burns
The role of veterinary assistants and the increase in the number of veterinary technology programs were among the topics during the Technician Town Hall Meeting on Aug. 7 at the AVMA Annual Convention.
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America hosted the event, with Elanco Animal Health as the sponsor. The participants were NAVTA leaders and various veterinary technicians; the moderator was Dr. Tony Rumschlag, Elanco director of technical consultants and a past member of the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.
One of the first topics of discussion was a relatively new NAVTA initiative. In late 2010, NAVTA established a program to approve educational programs for veterinary assistants. Graduates of approved programs who pass a national examination become approved veterinary assistants.
Dr. Rumschlag said being a veterinary assistant is a career path, not necessarily a road to becoming a veterinary technician. “This is an alternative for those individuals that really have a passion for being involved in veterinary medicine.”
Andrea Ball, NAVTA executive director, said NAVTA board members view the approval program partly as a way to delineate the role of a veterinary assistant.
“What they have seen in their professional lives is a lot of assistants didn't really have a proper and recognized place in the profession,” Ball said.
Ball said the intent is to ensure that educational programs for veterinary assistants teach the skills necessary for veterinary assistants, but not skills that are the purview of veterinary technicians.
Julie Legred, immediate past president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, speaks during the Technician Town Hall Meeting at the AVMA Annual Convention. (Photo by Katie Burns)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Julie Legred, immediate past president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, speaks during the Technician Town Hall Meeting at the AVMA Annual Convention. (Photo by Katie Burns)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Julie Legred, immediate past president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, speaks during the Technician Town Hall Meeting at the AVMA Annual Convention. (Photo by Katie Burns)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
After the meeting, Ball reiterated that “NAVTA has found a way to make sure that the lines between a veterinary assistant and a veterinary technician aren't blurred.”
As of late August, NAVTA had approved 11 veterinary assistant programs. At that time, 200 graduates of approved programs had become approved veterinary assistants.
During the town hall meeting, members of the audience also raised the subject of the increasing number of veterinary technology programs.
Julie Legred, NAVTA immediate past president and a past member of the CVTEA, said the CVTEA cannot turn down programs that meet the standards. She said the CVTEA has approved more than 200 programs in all, with about 20 new programs on the calendar for next year.
Audience members spoke about the varying availability of veterinary technology programs across the country.
“There are some areas that are just overinundated with vet tech programs, and then there are some areas where there is nothing,” Legred agreed.
Dr. Rumschlag concluded the discussion by asking how NAVTA can provide better continuing education. Audience members said they would like to see CE on certain topics ranging from rabies prevention to career transitions. Ball noted that the NAVTA Annual Conference in November will feature a panel on career options.
FDA scrutinizes jerky treats linked with canine illness
By Katie Burns
The Food and Drug Administration has received more than 2,000 complaints in the past five years of illnesses in dogs following consumption of jerky pet treats from China.
More than 50 percent of the complaints involve gastrointestinal signs of illness, such as vomiting and diarrhea; almost 30 percent involve renal illness; and the remainder involve hepatic, hematologic, and neurologic signs as well as sudden death.
Dr. Tracy DuVernoy of the FDA Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network spoke Aug. 7 at the AVMA Annual Convention about the agency's increasing scrutiny of the situation.
“FDA is really not able to issue any sort of recall or issue an import alert because we have no evidence of adulteration,” Dr. DuVernoy explained.
Dr. DuVernoy said the problem came to light in mid-2007. Some dogs that ate chicken jerky pet treats originating from China became ill, sometimes developing disease signs similar to Fanconi syndrome. The FDA issued a cautionary warning in September 2007.
In response to persistent complaints and similar cases in Australia, the FDA issued a preliminary animal health notification in late 2008.
In 2009 and 2010, complaints to the FDA decreased. In 2011, similar cases arose in Canada and complaints to the FDA increased. The agency issued a cautionary update in November 2011.
Dr. DuVernoy described how the FDA has performed extensive testing on jerky pet treats from China to rule out a long list of contaminants. The agency also has performed nutritional analysis of the jerky treats.
As of early August, the FDA had received more than 2,000 reports of dogs of various breeds and ages becoming ill after eating jerky pet treats from China, with the agency receiving more than half the reports in 2012. A small proportion of reports now involve duck and sweet potato jerky treats.
Submitting specimens from dogs
The Veterinary Laboratory Resource Network, a program of the Food and Drug Administration, is seeking antemortem and postmortem specimens from dogs that experienced an adverse event following consumption of jerky pet treats. Assistance in submitting specimens is available by calling Vet-LRN at (301) 210-4024.
“Two thousand complaints since 2007 is an incredibly small subset of the 15 million animals estimated to consume these treats,” Dr. DuVernoy said. “Therefore, it seems that this may very well be some sort of intermittent issue, or it might be just an idiosyncratic reaction within that individual animal.”
The FDA is actively following up on a small subset of recent cases of canine illness. The agency inspected certain Chinese manufacturers of jerky pet treats earlier this year and will conduct additional inspections later this year. The FDA also has increased sampling of jerky treats entering the United States from China.
Dr. DuVernoy encouraged veterinarians to report complaints about jerky treats to both the FDA and the manufacturer.
“Hopefully, we'll be able to collect some additional samples—samples of product and samples from affected animals—and try and find out what the cause of this might be,” Dr. DuVernoy said. “Again, since a lot has been ruled out, it might be a very intricate sort of biological response.”
After her presentation, Dr. DuVernoy mentioned plans for a half-day session during the 2013 AVMA Annual Convention on the problem with jerky pet treats. Questions and answers about the situation, including information about how to submit a complaint, are available at www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth by clicking on “Product Safety Information.”
Issues: Making progress one meeting at a time
Student debt, workforce discussed by AAVMC, AVMA leaders
By Malinda Larkin
At the third joint AVMA-Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges Economic Meeting, held during the AVMA Annual Convention in San Diego, attendees learned more about the AVMA workforce study and an AAVMC-sponsored proposal to launch an initiative aimed at providing students with debt planning and management tools.
Dr. Link Welborn, AVMA Veterinary Economics Strategy Committee chair, said meeting participants also discussed other areas of potential collaboration, such as a profession-wide effort to increase funding for veterinary colleges, new career opportunities for veterinarians, and a wide-scale teaching strategy for low-demand veterinary careers.
Relative to the AVMA veterinary workforce study, the veterinary leaders heard how those conducting the study will assess the current and future supply of and demand for veterinary services, determine the degree of geographic imbalance in supply and demand, conduct research on key factors and trends affecting veterinarian workforce decisions, and create a model for “scenario planning.” Plus, they learned the study will quantify implications of key trends and factors related to the demand for veterinary services, the economic viability of practice, and models of care delivery.
The study seeks, in part, to “fill in the gaps” in the National Research Council veterinary workforce study, released in May, by conducting a survey of more than 11,000 veterinarians—a substantial increase from the 3,000 initially planned—and looking at questions such as shifts in retirement patterns and how the number of hours worked reflects the age and gender mix of the profession.
Dr. Welborn said that in addition to analyzing a spectrum of data sources, the study contractor (IHS Global Insight) is interviewing subject matter experts. And, many of the concepts discussed at the first two joint economic meetings have been considered in the design of the study.
So far, the AVMA Workforce Advisory Group has reviewed the first interim report, which primarily addressed supply, he said. Additional interim reports are expected in October and December, with the final report and scenario planning model due in April 2013.
As for the AAVMC student debt initiative, in April, the association contracted with Dr. Donna Harris as a project manager to research and develop recommendations for improving veterinary students' ability to manage their educational debt, including financial aid counseling. Dr. Harris teaches business and career development topics at the Michigan State University and St. Matthew's University veterinary schools.
She has worked with the AAVMC Student Debt Initiative Advisory Group to recommend specific steps that schools can take to educate and assist students, and she issued a report in August. It has data and best practices for assisting veterinary students with their large educational debt, and salary data broken down into three time periods for debt management education: as a preveterinary student, veterinary student, and early-career veterinarian.
For preveterinary students, the advisory group recommends updating the “Options for funding your veterinary medical education” section of the AAVMC website in the coming months and allowing Dr. James Lloyd, associate dean for budget, planning, and institutional research at Michigan State University, to record a video to post on the Veterinary Medical College Application Service website in the near future. It would touch on career choice, salary, and loan repayment options for preveterinary students.
In addition, the advisory group offered to develop for VMCAS prototypes of a “cost of applying” calculator and an interactive map of veterinary schools highlighting tuition at each. A technology company would have to ultimately create the online tools, but the prototypes would allow bids to be obtained. The group estimates the cost at $10,000.
Further into the future, the report recommends looking into the feasibility of a preveterinary course focused on careers options and how they relate to potential lifetime earnings, perhaps offered online.
For current veterinary students, the advisory group wants the AAVMC to commit resources to develop a four-year financial literacy curriculum for shared use among veterinary colleges. Web-based learning modules would be housed on the AAVMC website. According to the report, the key to success would be creating guides for small group discussions, homework assignments, and assessments.
“This would create an active learning environment and would be critical to students' abilities to relate the information to their own situations. Recent graduates and/or content experts would ideally moderate these discussions so that individual real-life stories would be part of the learning process,” according to the report.
The advisory group noted that the curriculum should have the flexibility to be used in a variety of courses (core or elective), clinical rotations, or workshops. Or, it could be included as part of the student-run Veterinary Business Management Association's business certificate program (see JAVMA, Feb. 1, 2012, page 250).
And finally, the group recommends developing and maintaining an online private organizer for students to input and track their educational loans. This type of program could be developed internally with a project manager and experts at member institutions.
The AAVMC will now consider the report's recommendations and implement them accordingly.
Dr. Andrew Maccabe, executive director of the AAVMC, said, “Education debt management is best presented as part of a financial education package with the goal of helping students become economically successful veterinarians by making informed financial decisions.”
The AAVMC and AVMA plan to continue meeting and working cooperatively, with plans to reconvene at the North American Veterinary Conference in January 2013 in Orlando, Fla.
Forum explores factors key to new graduate success
Recent veterinary graduates, employers, and college deans convened this summer during the AVMA Annual Convention in San Diego to identify the components necessary for success during a veterinarian's first year in small animal practice.
Approximately 10 individuals from each group participated in the invitation-only roundtable forum, titled “Educating and Employing Successful Graduates,” hosted Aug. 6 by the AVMA Veterinary Economics Strategy Committee. The concept for the forum was raised at the second AVMA-Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges Joint Economic Meeting during a conversation on veterinary student debt.
“The basic idea is that in order for recent graduates to earn more so that they can pay down their debt more quickly, they need to be able to generate more revenue for the practice in which they work. The critical time frame for enhancing this productivity is the last year of veterinary school and the first year of employment, and this is the focus of the roundtable,” said Dr. Link Welborn, chair of the Veterinary Economics Strategy Committee.
The forum was limited to small animal practice because it represents the largest segment of the veterinary profession, Dr. Welborn explained. Similar roundtables for other segments will be considered if this initial project is successful, he added.
Forum participants agreed that veterinarians beginning a career in small animal medicine will be most successful if they are equipped with the most relevant skills and competencies, are able to create a profit for their employer, receive a sufficient compensation package, and are capable of promoting the value of the veterinary profession.
Input from each of the three groups at the forum will be used by the AVMA Veterinary Economics Strategy Committee to develop and publish materials in three categories: employer expectations for recent graduate skills and competencies, opportunities for local employer-educator partnering to optimize the student-to-employee transition, and mentoring guidelines and resources for employers.
The groups will continue working through the fall with a goal of creating a progress report by late November.
Issues: AAVMC lends voice to affirmative action court case
By Malinda Larkin
The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges has joined an amicus brief filed in a case before the Supreme Court dealing with affirmative action.
The Association of American Medical Colleges joined nearly 30 other health education and professional organizations to file the amicus brief Aug. 13 in the case of Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin. Oral arguments are scheduled for Oct. 10.
The case addresses UT-Austin's policy of using race to evaluate in-state applicants who are not guaranteed admission by virtue of being in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class.
Abigail Fisher, a white female, applied for undergraduate admission to UT-Austin in 2008. Because she did not qualify for automatic admission under Texas's Top Ten Percent Law, she was competing against other in-state applicants under a system by which the university considered race as one factor in admissions to increase enrollment of Hispanic and African-American applicants. UT-Austin denied her application.
As of press time, 70 amicus briefs had been filed in support of the university while 15 had been filed supporting Fisher.
In deciding this case, the Supreme Court may revisit Grutter v. Bollinger, according to an AAMC press release. This was a 2003 lawsuit brought against the University of Michigan Law School, which held that the law school could properly consider race as one of many factors in its admissions processes.
In the brief, the AAMC urges the court not to overturn the 2003 Grutter decision, saying that doing so could jeopardize the holistic review process used by medical schools across the nation to diversify their student bodies.
The association argues that medical schools have an obligation to redress current disparities in health care, whereby minority patients tend to receive less and lower-quality care than others, and to serve all of society. Medical schools, it says, have learned over many decades of experience that these goals cannot be accomplished unless physicians are educated in environments that reflect the ever-increasing diversity of the society they serve.
Race is only one of a multitude of factors considered when evaluating applicants, the AAMC wrote. Further, test scores and grades help determine merit; however, “The goal is not mechanically to admit students based on numerical criteria or to mirror the country's demographics, but rather to produce a class of physicians that is best equipped to serve all of society…. Medical school administrators have found no other proxy that could substitute for individualized consideration of an applicant's entire background.”
The AAMC also made mention of research that shows when physicians understand more about the diverse cultures of their patients, physician decision making is better informed, patients are more likely to follow their physicians' advice, and medical outcomes improve.
Dr. Andrew Maccabe, AAVMC executive director, echoed the AAMC's sentiments, saying, “The AAVMC affirms the value of diversity within the veterinary medical profession, and we support the use of holistic evaluation in admissions as one of many ways of achieving diversity in all of its aspects, including race and ethnicity. Admissions processes based on a holistic evaluation of candidates will help us to build cohorts of students with the experiences, backgrounds, and skills that will position the profession for continued success.”
The AVMA was not asked to join the amicus brief.
Grant addresses biodefense threats, outbreaks
This past June, the Department of Health and Human Services established three new centers tasked with responding to the threat of future pandemics and biological attacks. Based in Maryland, North Carolina, and Texas, they will aid in bringing new medical countermeasures to the market faster and help to train the biopharmaceutical workforce needed in the future, according to an HHS press release.
The centers will use rapid and flexible approaches to develop and manufacture vaccines to protect against pandemic influenza; provide therapies in the event of chemical, biological, radiologic, and nuclear threats; accelerate the preclinical and clinical development of vaccines and other biosecurity products; and train the next generation of professionals in areas required to sustain this national capability.
Created as public-private partnerships, the three Centers for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing are the result of a review of federal public health emergency medical countermeasures concluded by the HHS in 2010. The review highlighted improvements needed to effectively fight disease outbreaks, such as H1N1 influenza virus in 2009, or a bioterrorism attack, such as the anthrax attacks of 2001. The HHS issued a request for proposals last year, and the following contracts, amounting to roughly $400 million, were awarded in June:
• $163 million over eight years to Emergent BioSolutions in Maryland to expand its lab facilities in Baltimore and Gaithersburg. Emergent collaborates with researchers at Michigan State University; Kettering University in Flint, Mich.; and the University of Maryland.
• $60 million over four years, in addition to previous HHS investments, to Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics to expand its lab facilities in Holly Springs, N.C., to include a pandemic flu center and an emerging-disease center. Novartis will work with North Carolina State and Duke universities.
• $176 million over five years to the Texas A&M University System for laboratory improvements and research at its 27 public and private partner organizations. Texas A&M will also construct a center devoted to pandemic flu research. The university has also secured $109 million from private and academic partners and will receive $40 million in state funding.
The HHS' Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority will oversee all three centers, with the option to renew their contracts for up to 25 years.
Under the contracts, each consortium will retrofit existing facilities or build new ones to incorporate flexible, innovative manufacturing platforms that can be used to make more than one product. The facilities will use modern cell- and recombinant-based vaccine technologies that have the potential to produce vaccines for not only pandemic influenza but also for other threats more quickly and in a more affordable way.
The government agency projects that the centers will be able to produce 25 percent of the country's pandemic flu vaccine supply within four months of an outbreak, with the infrastructure in place by 2014 or 2015. Comparatively, in 2009, only one company had manufacturing facilities solely in the United States to produce H1N1 pandemic flu vaccine.
Slaughter plant briefly shut down on handling allegations
Federal authorities temporarily halted inspections at a California slaughterhouse where workers were accused of inhumanely handling cattle.
The Department of Agriculture removed its inspectors from the facility Aug. 19, leaving employees unable to slaughter animals for human consumption. A USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service spokesman said Aug. 27 that the agency allowed the company to resume processing that morning, and the company plans to provide training on humane handling and implement safeguards to ensure that only ambulatory animals are processed.
FSIS officials had announced Aug. 21 that department teams were investigating and responding to “disturbing evidence of inhumane treatment“ at Central Valley Meat in central California. That evidence was provided through video secretly recorded in June and July by an investigator with Compassion Over Killing, an animal advocacy organization.
Central Valley Meat did not respond to requests for additional information.
Rep. Jim Costa, whose district includes the facility, had urged the USDA to expedite its review process, while U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, and Rep. Jeff Denham, all of whom also represent California districts, sent Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack a letter that urged him to send the inspection personnel needed to supervise the plant and allow hundreds of employees to resume operations.
The video shows what appears to be repeated attempts at captive bolt euthanasia as well as suffocation of one cow by a worker who stood on the animal's nose and mouth, repeated electrical prodding of other animals, and movement by at least one ineffectively stunned cow while it was hoisted for slaughter.
The AVMA condemned the mishandling shown in the video and urged the USDA to determine whether its inspectors were providing adequate oversight. Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA CEO, said in an announcement that the video showed unacceptable and inhumane treatment of livestock, and he hopes the punishment for those responsible will serve as a reminder that such abuse will not be tolerated.
Community: American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Dr. Richard W. Nelson
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Richard W. Nelson
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Richard W. Nelson
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Joseph Taboada
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Joseph Taboada
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. Joseph Taboada
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. A. Ray Dillon
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. A. Ray Dillon
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Dr. A. Ray Dillon
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 7; 10.2460/javma.241.7.822
Event: 2012 ACVIM forum, May 30-June 2, New Orleans
Program: Of the registered attendees at the meeting, 2,664 were veterinarians, 310 were veterinary technicians, and 129 were veterinary students.
Awards: Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence: Dr. Richard W. Nelson, Davis, Calif., for outstanding achievements and dedication to the veterinary profession. An ACVIM-certified specialist in small animal internal medicine, Dr. Nelson is a professor in the Department of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. He is known for his expertise on canine and feline diabetes mellitus. Dr. Nelson is the co-author of the textbooks “Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction” and “Small Animal Internal Medicine.” Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Joseph Taboada, Baton Rouge, La., for outstanding and dedicated volunteer service. An ACVIM-certified specialist in small animal internal medicine, Dr. Taboada is a professor of small animal internal medicine and associate dean for student and academic affairs at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. From 2006–2007, he served as interim director of the university's veterinary teaching hospital and clinics. Dr. Taboada is a past president of the ACVIM Specialty of Small Animal Internal Medicine and a past associate editor of the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. ACVIM Foundation Distinguished Service Award: Dr. A. Ray Dillon, Auburn, Ala., was the first recipient of this award, given in recognition of an ACVIM diplomate who has supported the foundation's efforts both monetarily and as a volunteer. An ACVIM-certified specialist in small animal internal medicine, Dr. Dillon is a professor of small animal surgery and medicine in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He also holds the Jack O. Rash chair in internal medicine at the university. Dr. Dillon served as the first president of the ACVIM Foundation from 1998–2001, helping recruit several charter members and supporters. Resident Research Award: Dr. Marisa Ames, cardiology resident, North Carolina State University, for “The effect of high dose pimobendan on the furosemide-induced renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS)”; Dr. Michaela Beasley, neurology/pharmacology resident, Mississippi State University, for “The pharmacokinetics of single dose extended release Keppra® with and without food in healthy adult dogs”; Dr. Celeste Blumerich, equine resident, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, for “Comparison of airway response of recurrent airway obstruction affected horses fed steamed versus non-steamed hay”; Dr. Allison Bradley, infectious disease resident, Colorado State University, for “Intranasal administration of a modified live feline herpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus vaccine induces cross protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica”; Dr. Starr Cameron, neurology resident, Cornell University, for “Surgical removal of feline intracranial meningiomas: Clinical features and outcome in 121 cases (1994–2011)”; Dr. Amanda Kreuder, food animal resident, Iowa State University, for “Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of oral meloxicam in llamas”; Dr. Fiona Park, hematology resident, Ontario Veterinary College, for “Assessment of hypercoagulability in canine pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism”; Dr. Carley Saelinger, cardiology resident, Louisiana State University, for “Optimization of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) defibrillation thresholds in dogs”; Dr. Victoria Scott, equine resident, The Ohio State University, for “Effect of body position on abdominal pressures in adult horses”; and Dr. Danielle Weinstein, nephrology/urology resident, University of Pennsylvania, for “The effect of body position on indirect systolic blood pressure measurement in dogs”
New diplomates: The ACVIM certified 1 76 new diplomates in 2012:
Karen Driben, Cherry Hills, N.J.
Amanda Erickson, Athens, Ga.
Nonya Fiakpui, Stromsholm, Sweden
Jessica Gentile, New York
Daniel Hall, Lexington, Ky.
Crystal Hariu, Houston
Lisa Keller, Haar, Germany
Agnieszka Kent, Montreal
Emily Olson, Manakin-Sabot, Va.
Janet Olson, New Brighton, Minn.
Neal Peckens, Herndon, Va.
Caryn Reynolds, Baton Rouge, La.
Eryn Shipley, Galveston, Texas
Manreet Singh, North Ryde, Australia
Andrew Waxman, Campbell, Calif.
Justin Williams, San Rafael, Calif.
Cardiology
Luis Arroyo, Guelph, Ontario
Heidi Banse, Stillwater, Okla.
Jennifer Bauquier, Yarraville, Australia
Holly B. Bedford, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Kelly Butterworth, South Hailton, Mass.
Manuel Chamorro, Auburn, Ala.
Michelle Coleman, College Station, Texas
Johanna Elfenbein, College Station, Texas
Suzanne Genova, Alvarado, Texas
Christian Gerspach, Zurich
Fiamma Gomez De Witte, Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
Alisha Gruntman, Worchester, Mass.
Seika Hashimoto-Hill, Lafayette, Ind.
Amanda Hilderbran, Raleigh, N.C.
Laura Lee, Agnes Banks, Australia
Rosie Naylor, Stetchworth, United Kingdom
Nora Nogradi, West Lafayette, Ind.
Theresa Ollivett, Guelph, Ontario
Joanie Palmero, Woodlands, Calif.
Angelika Schoster, Proleb, Australia
Stacy Tinkler, West Lafayette, Ind.
Fabienne Uehlinger, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Ricardo Videla, Knoxville, Tenn.
Dorothy Whelchel, Camden, S.C.
Ashley Whitehead, Airdrie, Alberta
Large animal internal medicine
Avril Arendse, Needham, Mass.
Michaela Cautela, Washington Township, N.J.
Belinda Comito, Grayslake, Ill.
Johnny Cross, Carmel, Ind.
Joseph Diaz, Calgary, Alberta
Stacy Dillard, Irvine, Calif.
Joseph Eagleson, Wayne, Pa.
Alireza Gorgi, Mission Viejo, Calif.
Jeanene Harris, Annapolis, Md.
Michael Higginbotham, Great River, N.Y.
Amy Johnson, Rose Valley, Pa.
Abbie Lebowitz, Naperville, Ill.
Mylene-Kim LeClerc, Brossard, Quebec
Lisa Lipitz, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Melissa Logan, Bensalem, Pa.
Joseph Mankin, College Station, Texas
John McCue, New York
Jill Narak, Knoxville, Tenn.
Zachary Niman, Wheeling, Ill.
Theresa Pancotto, Christiansburg, Va.
Jessica Schmidt, Sacramento, Calif.
Stephanie Thomovsky, Pullman, Wash.
Liran Tzipory, South Weymouth, Mass.
Maggie Vandenberg, Maitland, Fla.
Laura Vasquez, Houston
Katheryn Wolfe, Lewisville, Texas
Neurology
Erin Arnold, Goldbar, Wash.
Theresa Arteaga, Capitola, Calif.
Oceane Aubry, Costa Mesa, Calif.
David Bommarito, Los Angeles
Rebecca Brown, Columbia, S.C.
Bonnie Brugmann, New Roads, La.
Julie Bulman-Fleming, Tustin, Calif.
Jenna Burton, Fort Collins, Colo.
Meighan Daly, Austin, Texas
Mary Kay Davis, Culver City, Calif.
Carol DeRegis, Middletown, Conn.
Autumn Dutelle, Eden Prairie, Minn.
Todd Erfourth, Pittsburgh
Sara Fiocchi, Costa Mesa, Calif.
William FitzPatrick, Rockland, Mass.
Sara Frazier, Knoxville, Tenn.
Jerome Gagnon, Berwyn, Ill.
Shawna Klahn, Christiansburg, Va.
Michael Linderman, Norwalk, Conn.
Courtney Mallett, Portland, Ore.
Erin Malone, Dublin, Ohio
Catherine McDonald, Beaverton, Ore.
Kendra Napik, Williston, Vt.
Shannon Parfitt, Charlotte, N.C.
James Perry, Longmont, Colo.
Kimberly Ringen, Englewood, Colo.
Kerry Rissetto, Charleston, S.C.
Cecelia Robat, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France
Michelle Silver, Waltham, Mass.
Olya Smrkovski, Knoxville, Tenn.
Anna Szivek, Tucson, Ariz.
Bonnie Taylor, Maplewood, Mo.
Jennifer Wiley, San Antonio
Oncology
Todd Archer, Starkville, Miss.
Pedro Armstrong, Miami
Katherine Arnell, San Diego
Jenna Ashton, Englewood, Colo.
Katie Baxter, Gainesville, Fla.
Dennis Bell, Fort Hood, Texas
Amanda Blackburn, Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Carly Bloom, Toowong, Australia
Yannick Bongrand, Frindas, France
Erinne Branter, New York
Karen Brenner, East Brighton, Australia
Julie Callahan-Clark, Landsdowne, Pa.
Patrick Carney, Brighton, Mass.
Vallery Case, Albuquerque, N.M.
Gregory Chambers, Fairlawn, Ohio
Jessica Clemans, Sugarland, Texas
Christine Cocayne, St. Louis
Rachel Cooper, Philadelphia
Jonathan Dear, Davis, Calif.
Crystal Doyle, Cincinnati
Adam Eatroff, New York
Dionne Ferguson, Abington Township, Pa.
Jeanne Ficociello, Scituate, Mass.
Maureen Finke, Wheat Ridge, Colo.
Jamie Fleming, Milwaukee
Jon Fletcher, Baton Rouge, La.
Eva Furrow, Falcon Heights, Minn.
Joao F. Galvao, Wheaton, Ill.
M. Gaunt, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Michael Goldstein, Toronto, Calif.
Justin Guinan, Trenton, N.J.
Nicole Guma, Silver Spring, Md.
Elena Hadar, Agoura Hills, Calif.
Brian Hamm, Overland Park, Kan.
Brian Hardy, Santa Cruz, Calif.
Leyenda Harley, Hamden, Conn.
Natalee Holt, Arlington, Mass.
Alice Huan, West Lafayette, Ind.
Michelle Im Hof, Bern, Switzerland
Rosanne Jepson, Garden City, United Kingdom
Kirsten Johnson, Boston
Carrie Kavanagh, Boston
Jessica Larson, Coral Springs, Fla.
Elizabeth Lennon, Raleigh, N.C.
Jonathan Lidbury, College Station, Texas
Bettina Mayer-Roenne, Delray Beach, Fla.
Kelly McCord, Tacoma, Wash.
Kathryn McGonigle, New York
Cathleen Meeks, Ocala, Fla.
Meredith Miller, New Castle, Del.
Meghan Myott, Las Vegas
Dinaz Naigamwalla, Oakville, Ontario
Jodi Nicklas, Dupont, Wash.
Gavin Olsen, Huxley, Iowa
Elizabeth Orcutt, San Francisco
Valerie Parker, Shrewsberry, Mass.
Cristina Perez, Leipzig, Germany
Emily Pointer, New York
Carmela Pratt, Columbia, Mo.
Sally Purcell, Dallas
Jason Reeder, Portland, Ore.
Lauren Reid, Durham, N.C.
Lisa Reinker, Rocklin, Calif.
Amy Rhoades, Ventura, Calif.
Kirk Sears, Dallas
Mayank Seth, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Theresa Seyfert, Wichita, Kan.
Vladimir Stojanovic, Bradford, Ontario
Richard Stone, Spring, Texas
Fiona Tam, Monroeville, Pa.
John Thomason, Mississippi State, Miss.
Christine Venema, West Allis, Wis.
Vanessa Von Hendy–Wilson, Greer, S.C.
Barbara Willi, Zurich
Adrian Witham, Werribee, Australia Michael Zaid, Philadelphia
Small animal internal medicine
Officials: Drs. Jean Hall, Corvallis, Ore., chair, Board of Regents; Leah Cohn, Columbia, Mo., president; Virginia Buechner-Maxwell, Blacksburg, Va., president-elect; Debra Zoran, College Station, Texas, vice president; Jonathan Abbott, Blacksburg, Va., Specialty of Cardiology president; Simon Platt, Athens, Ga., Specialty of Neurology president; Chand Khanna, Chevy Chase, Md., Specialty of Oncology president; Steve Marks, Raleigh, N.C., Specialty of Small Animal Internal Medicine president; and Allen Roussel, College Station, Texas, Specialty of Large Animal Internal Medicine president
North Dakota VMA
Event: Annual meeting, Aug. 12–14, Minot
Awards: Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Del Rae Martin, Mandan. A 1985 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Martin owns Heart River Animal Hospital in Mandan. She devotes much of her time reviewing and testifying on legislative issues that involve veterinary medicine in North Dakota. Dr. Martin volunteered her services following the floods in Minot that displaced hundreds of animals. She is a past president of the NDVMA.
Officials: Drs. Charlie Stoltenow, Fargo, president; Neil Dyer, Fargo, 1st vice president; Judy Gibbens, Cando, 2nd vice president; Frank Walker, New Rockford, secretary-treasurer; and Vince Stenson, Williston, immediate past president
Veterinary technicians feted for 20 years
Once again, it's that time of year to celebrate an important member of the veterinary health care team: veterinary technicians.
National Veterinary Technician Week will be held Oct. 14–20. The program, held every third week in October, is now in its 20th year. This year's theme is “We're TECH savvy: Technicians Educators Caregivers Healers.”
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, which sponsors NVTW along with Hill's Pet Nutrition, says it is a time to celebrate the annual commitment every veterinary technician gives to the profession of veterinary technology, veterinary assisting, and veterinary medicine. Activities to mark this week have been a focus of the celebratory efforts. The activities serve NAVTA's fundamental goals:
• Educate the public about veterinary technicians and what we do.
• Reinforce the value and professionalism of veterinary technicians.
• Provide an opportunity for veterinary technicians to encourage one another for an excellent work ethic and team building.
• Acknowledge our quality relationship with veterinarians and other veterinary professionals.
Next year's NVTW will take place Oct. 13–19, 2013.
For more information about National Veterinary Technician Week, visit www.navta.net.
Obituaries: AVMA member AVMA honor roll member Nonmember
Keith W. Chapin
Dr. Chapin (GA ′74), 69, West Palm Beach, Fla., died March 2, 2012. He was a small animal practitioner. Dr. Chapin served in the Air Force. His wife, Trish; three sons; and two daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA 30602; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Robert L. Clinton
Dr. Clinton (WSU ′39), 96, Mount Vernon, Wash., died May 4, 2012. A large animal practitioner, he retired in 1977 from Skagit Animal Clinic in Burlington, Wash. Early in his career, Dr. Clinton co-founded what was known as Evergreen Breeders, an artificial insemination operation in Mount Vernon. He served as veterinarian at the Puyallup Fair for several years. Dr. Clinton was an Air Force veteran of World War II, attaining the rank of major. He was a past president of the Tri-County VMA. Active in civic life, Dr. Clinton served on the Burlington-Edison School Board and was a member of the Elks. He is survived by two daughters and two sons.
Robert W. Deegan
Dr. Deegan (COL ′74), 68, Maquoketa, Iowa, died June 20, 2012. He was the emergency management coordinator for Jackson County from 2005–2007 and was a veterinary consultant and deer farmer from 1987–2005. Earlier in his career, Dr. Deegan practiced mixed animal medicine in Waukon, Iowa, and Maquoketa, and served as a veterinary meat inspector in Oamaru, New Zealand. He was a member of the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners and Iowa VMA. Dr. Deegan served in the Army Veterinary Corps during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of captain. He was a member of the Rotary Club. Dr. Deegan's wife, Marilyn, and two daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to the Jackson County Humane Society, 23354 Dark Hollow Road, Maquoketa, IA 52060; or Maquoketa Area Family YMCA, 500 E. Summit St., Maquoketa, IA 52060.
Marvin L. Denny Jr.
Dr. Denny (OKL ′61), 76, El Reno, Okla., died July 15, 2012. He was a former partner at Canadian Valley Animal Clinic in El Reno, where he practiced mixed animal medicine prior to retirement. Dr. Denny also served as an adjunct professor at Oklahoma State University for 20 years and owned Denny Stables, which he continued to operate in retirement. A past president of the Oklahoma VMA, he was named Veterinarian of the Year in 2008. Dr. Denny was the official veterinarian for the National Rodeo Finals for 20 years when it was held in Oklahoma City and served as the veterinarian for the International Finals Rodeo for 18 years. The Denny/Crump Rodeo Arena in El Reno is named for him and his roping partner. Dr. Denny served on the Canadian Valley Vo-Tech School Board for 20 years and was active with the Boy Scouts. He was a Marine Corps veteran. Dr. Denny's wife, Norma Jean; a daughter; and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 101 S. Barker Ave., El Reno, OK 73036; Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, OK 74078; or Russell-Murray Hospice, 221 S. Bickford, P.O. Box 1423, El Reno, OK 73036.
Laurence K. Dooley
Dr. Dooley (COL ′69), 70, Vista, Calif., died July 6, 2012. Retired since 2004, he co-owned a mixed animal practice in Modesto, Calif. Dr. Dooley was a founder of the Modesto Veterinary Emergency Clinic. His wife, Wanda; a son; a daughter; and a stepson survive him. Memorials may be made to Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057, http://semperfifund.org; or Love on a Leash, P.O. Box 4115, Oceanside, CA 92052, http://loveonaleash.org.
Dean S. Folse
Dr. Folse (TEX ′45), 90, Galveston, Texas, died May 2, 2012. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Pathology at the University of Texas Medical Branch since 1990. Dr. Folse began his career in the Department of Pathology at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. From 1952–1966, he worked in the Department of Pathology at Kansas State University. Dr. Folse then served as the United States representative from the Atomic Energy Commission to the International Food Irradiation Project in Vienna, Austria. He joined UTMB in 1969 as a research assistant professor of pathology. In 1970, Dr. Folse earned his doctorate in pathology from UTMB. During his tenure, he served as a veterinarian in the Animal Care Center and directed pathology courses, introducing the plastination of disease specimens into the teaching of pathology.
Dr. Folse received several teaching honors, including the 1982 Dean of Medicine's Teacher of the Year Award, the Golden Apple Award for outstanding efforts as a medical educator in 1984, and the UTMB Alumni Teacher of the Year Award in 1986. In 1986, he also served as the senior faculty marshal for the School of Medicine commencement. Dr. Folse's nephew, Dr. Richard A. Doak (COL ′92), is a large animal veterinarian in Maryland. Memorials may be made to Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843.
Benjamin D. Fremming
Dr. Fremming (COL ′46), 87, Bernice, La., died Feb. 14, 2012. He retired in 1986 as professor emeritus of pharmacology in the School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy and director of the Laboratory Animal Center at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Following graduation, Dr. Fremming was commissioned into the Army Veterinary Corps as a second lieutenant. He served in the military for the next 10 years, both in the Army and the Air Force during the Korean War. Dr. Fremming earned his master's degree in public health from the University of California-Berkeley in 1952, and, in 1956, he founded South Hills Animal Hospital, a small animal practice in Pittsburgh. Dr. Fremming also conducted research for the Astrobiological Laboratory of the Westinghouse Research Division. He went on to serve as manager of the Life Sciences Group at Westinghouse Research Laboratory and was scientist administrator in the Office of the Associate Director for Planning and Analysis, Etiology, at the National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute from 1965–1967.
From 1967–1977, Dr. Fremming was a professor and chair of the Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine and a professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He joined the faculty of the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1977. Dr. Fremming was a charter diplomate and a past president of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine and a diplomate emeritus of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. From 1954–1959, he served on the Executive Board of the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council, also chairing the NRC Committee on Nonhuman Primates during that time. Dr. Fremming was associate editor of the Journal of Animal Care Panel from 1956–1966 and served on the Advisory Board on Veterinary Specialties of the AVMA Council on Education from 1959–1964.
He is survived by his wife, Louisa, and two sons.
Walter G. Griffin
Dr. Griffin (GA ′78), 59, Waycross, Ga., died June 12, 2012. He practiced mixed animal medicine in Brunswick, Ga., and served as a relief veterinarian for the past 10 years. Dr. Griffin also mentored and trained veterinary students and new graduates. Earlier in his career, he practiced mixed animal medicine in Waycross, focusing on equine and bovine medicine, and served as a relief veterinarian in southeast Georgia. Dr. Griffin was a member of the Georgia VMA. His daughter survives him.
Karon R. Jennings
Dr. Jennings (AUB ′50), 86, McMinnville, Tenn., died July 12, 2012. A mixed animal practitioner, he owned Animal Clinic in McMinnville prior to retirement in 2001. In retirement, Dr. Jennings served as a consultant for pharmaceutical companies. He was a past president of the Tennessee VMA. Dr. Jennings served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific theater. He is survived by his wife, Rita, and two daughters. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 W. Main St., McMinnville, TN 37110.
Rodman L. Lancaster
Dr. Lancaster (AUB ′46), 89, Atlantic Beach, N.C., died May 11, 2012. He practiced in Morehead City, N.C., for more than 35 years. Dr. Lancaster served as mayor of Atlantic Beach from 1990–1995. He was an Army Veterinary Corps veteran of the Korean War. Dr. Lancaster's two sons and a daughter survive him. Memorials may be made to Dr. Kirk Budd Memorial Grant Fund, c/o PAWS of Carteret, P.O. Box 1757, Morehead City, NC 28557.
V.C. Lovell
Dr. Lovell (GA ′61), 80, Gainesville, Ga., died March 22, 2012. He owned and served as president of Universal Concrete Wall Inc. in Georgia's Habersham County for the past 22 years. Earlier in his career, Dr. Lovell established mixed animal practices in Georgia's Hall and White counties. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; five sons; and two daughters. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, 2150 Limestone Parkway, Suite 222, Gainesville, GA 30501.
Quentin O. Meadows
Dr. Meadows (TUS ′85), 57, Mobile, Ala., died June 12, 2012. A mixed animal practitioner, he was the founder of Eight Mile Animal Clinic in Mobile. Dr. Meadows was a past president of the Alabama VMA and a member of the ALVMA Veterinary Professional Wellness Committee. He was also a member of the Mobile VMA. A certified counselor in drug and alcohol addiction, Dr. Meadows volunteered as a sponsor and mentor with the Salvation Army. He is survived by his two children. Memorials may be made to Salvation Army, 1009 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604.
Archie C. Priestley
Dr. Priestley (OSU ′43), 91, Columbus, Ohio, died May 25, 2012. Prior to retirement in 1988, he worked in sales for Hill's Pet Nutrition. Earlier in his career, Dr. Priestley worked for Allied Laboratories and the Pitman-Moore division of Dow Chemicals. He was a life member and a past treasurer of the Ohio VMA. Dr. Priestley was an Army Veterinary Corps veteran of World War II, serving as a captain in the European theater. His son and daughter survive him. Memorials may be made to the Arch and Mary Ellen Priestley Veterinary Scholarship Fund #605917, The Ohio State University Foundation, 1480 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, OH 43221.
Joe L. Sledge
Dr. Sledge (AUB ′43), 90, Greensboro, Ala., died Aug. 3, 2012. He owned a mixed animal practice in Greensboro from 1944 until retirement in 2003. Dr. Sledge was a past president of the Alabama VMA and a life member of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. He was also active with the West Alabama VMA. Dr. Sledge is survived by two sons and four daughters. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 73, Greensboro, AL 36744.
Willie L. Trahan
Dr. Trahan (TEX ′48), 93, Baton Rouge, La., died Feb. 9, 2012. Prior to retirement, he worked for the Department of Agriculture. Dr. Trahan was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. His three sons and two daughters survive him.
Howard L. Underwood
Dr. Underwood (TEX ′48), 89, Huntsville, Texas, died March 9, 2012. He was a veterinarian for more than 40 years. Dr. Underwood served in the Army Air Force during World War II. His two daughters and a son survive him.
Jack L. Winslade
Dr. Winslade (ISU ′43), 91, Washington, Ind., died Feb. 11, 2012. From 1963 until retirement in 1988, he worked for the Department of Agriculture. During that time, Dr. Winslade served as a district veterinarian and was an area supervisor. Earlier in his career, he owned a mixed animal practice in Carlinville, Ill. Dr. Winslade was an Army veteran, serving as a meat inspector and a veterinary officer. He attained the rank of captain. Dr. Winslade was a member of the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge. He is survived by a son and a daughter. Memorials may be made to the Daviess County Right to Life Education Fund, P.O. Box 41, Washington, IN 47501.
