IN SHORT
JOURNEY FOR TEAMS TO HELP PRACTICES INCORPORATE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION
The AVMA is co-launching a multiyear educational project to help veterinary practices become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
The upcoming Journey for Teams program is under development by the AVMA and the Veterinary Medical Association Executives. Details were provided in an announcement event July 30 at the AVMA Convention 2022 in Philadelphia, and the program content should be available this fall.
Ralph Johnson, AVMA director of special projects, said the AVMA and VMAE plan to deliver monthly video lessons for about 30 months on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion on the project’s website. Those learning modules will be as short as 15 minutes, which includes time to discuss the issues and make plans for lasting changes in a practice. Past lesson videos will remain available.
The program relies in part on leaders within practices—managers or employees—who will guide discussions, identify possible actions, and monitor progress on those actions, Johnson said. The associations also ask that participating practices make commitments to DEI in their company mission or value statements.
At press time, the AVMA and VMAE were also recruiting contributing authors who could provide written perspectives on the need for and benefits from DEI, and the associations were working to create a digital library of tools for those who want deeper knowledge of those issues.
APHIS HOSTING VIDEO WORKSHOP ON DRUG RESISTANCE
U.S. Department of Agriculture officials are hosting a video workshop on antimicrobial resistance and ways to preserve drug effectiveness.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is offering its Antimicrobial Resistance Workshop on Aug. 30 via Zoom and telephone.
“The workshop will be open to the public and will be an opportunity for APHIS to share with stakeholders what we’ve learned since the first AMR workshop held in 2012, find opportunities for collaboration, and guide future planning on this topic across the One Health interfaces of food safety, animal health, human health, and the environment,” an agency announcement states.
APHIS officials used public input from the 2012 meeting to help develop the USDA Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan, which helped direct the USDA’s commitments in the subsequent National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria, published in 2015.
Those who wish to speak during the public comment period must register by Aug. 23, and the agency will accept written comments before and at least two weeks after the meeting.
Details are available at jav.ma/workshop.
FISH MEDICINE SPECIALTY PROPOSED
Leaders in fish medicine hope to gain recognition of their field as a specialty in veterinary medicine.
The American Association of Fish Veterinarians, with support from the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association, has begun the process of developing a petition to have fish practice recognized as a veterinary specialty within the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. The specialty would help identify veterinarians with training specific to fish.
The AVMA is seeking comments on the proposal through Sept. 2 at jav.ma/fish. The AVMA website includes the justification and goals for the specialty as well as instructions on how to comment on the proposal.
Dr. Johnny Shelley, immediate past president of the AAFV, said fish veterinarians, their clients, and the fish themselves would benefit from the specialty.
Board certification can help veterinarians stand out among their peers, whether they focus on fish medicine or just incorporate it into their work, he said. Board certification also can reassure aquaculture producers that the veterinarians they hire can provide the level of care expected. And government agencies can have more confidence that the veterinarians they hire understand fish health–related issues.
Animal hospital advocate wins AVMA Award
By Katie Burns
Along with his love for animals, improving the practice and the economics of veterinary medicine is a passion for Dr. Link Welborn.
Dr. Welborn (Florida ’82), owner of six animal hospitals in Tampa, Florida—all accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association—accepted The AVMA Award on July 30 at AVMA Convention 2022 in Philadelphia. The award recognizes contributions to the advancement of veterinary medicine in its organizational aspects.
Nominating Dr. Welborn for the award were Dr. José Arce, 2021-22 AVMA president, and Dr. Douglas Kratt, 2021-22 AVMA immediate past president. They wrote of Dr. Welborn, “His service to the AVMA with advocacy and industry partners has been paramount in our advances in animal health, and the economics of veterinary medicine.”
Dr. Welborn grew up on a small farm in Florida with pets and food animals. He said, “I was fascinated by the care provided by veterinarians, and when I had the chance to work in an animal hospital in high school, I was hooked.”
He earned his veterinary degree in 1982 from the University of Florida. Five years later, he and a classmate purchased an existing hospital. In 1988, he became a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in canine and feline practice.
“The other hospitals were added over the years as opportunities arose,” Dr. Welborn said. “I’m particularly pleased that with the two latest practices, we enabled young associates to become full partners.”
Dr. Welborn developed an interest in organized veterinary medicine as a student. He has been very active with the American Animal Hospital Association, including serving as 2003-04 president.
“Organized veterinary medicine provides opportunities to join with colleagues to broaden our reach beyond those we can touch through our daily work and have a positive influence on veterinarians, those they work with, as well as the animals and people for which they care,” he said.
Along with running his practices, Dr. Welborn is CEO of Veterinary Management Groups, a membership organization for practice owners who want to improve the business side of their practice. Having been involved with VMG for more than 20 years, he has seen thousands of practices benefit from the organization’s peer-based learning environment.
Dr. Link Welborn
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
He said his most fulfilling experiences were participating in the creation of a standardized chart of accounts from AAHA and VMG and the establishment of the AAHA-Accredited Veterinary Management Groups for AAHA-accredited hospitals, as well as chairing the task force that performed the last major revision of the AAHA standards of accreditation and developed the current system that recognizes that practices can achieve excellence in different ways.
Dr. Welborn was the first chair of the AVMA Veterinary Economics Strategy Committee and served on the committee from 2012-18. He helped spearhead the development of the VSG/AVMA Principles of Veterinary Data Ownership & Stewardship.
He has served as AAHA delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates and as AAHA representative to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. He was a member of the AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines Task Force since its inception in 2002 and served as chair from 2010-20. He was a contributing reviewer for the 2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines.
Along with his other roles, he is currently chief veterinary officer for North America with Covetrus, which provides veterinary products, software, and services, and a Veterinary Innovation Council board member.
“Over the last 40 years, I’ve been privileged to participate in numerous collaborative efforts with an unwavering focus on win-win outcomes for all the stakeholders in the veterinary profession,” Dr. Welborn said. “This emphasis on not only the best interests of veterinarians but also on the welfare of the animals and people for which we care is integral to what makes ours the greatest profession.”
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD GOES TO SCAMAHORN
Dr. John Scamahorn, a past chair of the AVMA Board of Directors and a past president of the Indiana VMA, accepted the AVMA Meritorious Service Award on July 30 during the keynote for AVMA Convention 2022 in Philadelphia.
Dr. Scamahorn (Purdue ’72), a mixed animal practitioner in Greencastle, Indiana, has worked to support veterinarians and the veterinary profession at the local, state, and national level throughout his career.
Dr. José Arce, 2021-22 AVMA president, said: “Dr. Scamahorn epitomizes what service to the veterinary profession is all about. He has volunteered his time, energy, and expertise to organized veterinary medicine both in the state of Indiana and at the AVMA for decades, and his service continues today in a variety of volunteer roles.”
Lisa A. Perius, IVMA executive director, wrote in a letter of support: “I believe there are not many volunteers in organized veterinary medicine that rise to the level of Dr. Scamahorn’s commitment and involvement. His collegial spirit and calm demeanor serve him as an incredible leader, volunteer and human being.”
Dr. John Scamahorn
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
Dr. Scamahorn served as president of the Indiana VMA in 1991-92. His service to the IVMA includes being a member of and chairing numerous committees and task forces. He is currently chair of the IVMA Legislative Working Group. He is a founding member and the current chair of the Indiana Animal Health Foundation and a member of the board of directors of the Indiana Veterinary Medicine Political Action Committee. He is a past president of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association. He served for 12 years as a governor appointee to the Controlled Substances Advisory Committee of the Indiana Board of Pharmacy.
From 1993-2004, Dr. Scamahorn served as Indiana’s alternate or delegate in the AVMA House of Delegates. From 2005-11, he represented Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin on the AVMA Executive Board, now called the AVMA Board of Directors, including serving as chair of the Board for a year. From 2011-17, he served as a member of the AVMA Council on Education, which accredits veterinary colleges. He has gone on accreditation site visits for both the AVMA Council on Education and the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, which accredits veterinary technology programs.
STEVE DALE RECEIVES INAUGURAL AVMA EXCELLENCE IN VETERINARY MEDIA AWARD
Steve Dale accepted the inaugural AVMA Excellence in Veterinary Media Award on July 30 during the keynote at AVMA Convention 2022 in Philadelphia.
The AVMA established the new award to honor the achievements of an individual who has contributed to the positive visibility of the veterinary profession by raising public awareness of the important and diverse roles that veterinarians play in every facet of the health and welfare of animals, people, and the environment.
Underscoring Dale’s contributions to the profession, the award will subsequently be named the AVMA Steve Dale Excellence in Veterinary Media Award.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than Steve,” said Dr. José Arce, 2021-22 AVMA president, in an announcement. “His knowledge, passion, good humor and dedication to the wellbeing of animals have made him not just a great source for animal and veterinary news, but also a pleasure to work with. For more than 30 years, Steve has been a true champion of our profession and the animals we treat. We are indebted to him for all of his contributions and his service.”
Steve Dale
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
Dale, a certified animal behavior consultant from Chicago, is the longtime host of two nationally syndicated radio shows, ”Steve Dale’s Pet World” and “The Pet Minute.” He also authors the internationally popular blog stevedale.tv, writes for Catster magazine and dvm360, and is a columnist for the journal of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. In addition, he frequently gives talks at veterinary- and animal-related events around the world, and he has contributed to and authored several books on animal health and behavior.
Dale has been active in governmental advocacy and is a frequent guest on television. He has served on many boards, most recently on the boards of the Human Animal Bond Association and the EveryCat Health Foundation.
This year’s award is sponsored by Fear Free Pets, which seeks to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets during veterinary visits and other situations such as training and grooming. Dale is a member of the Fear Free Advisory Council and chief correspondent of Fear Free Happy Homes.
“What I love about Steve is that while he isn’t a veterinarian he champions for animals as if he were one,” said Dr. Marty Becker, founder of Fear Free Pets, in the announcement about the award. “He exemplifies all we work for on behalf of animals and the people who care for them and this award is one small way to honor his contributions.”
NAVE HONORED WITH AVMA GLOBAL VETERINARY SERVICE AWARD
The AVMA presented the AVMA Global Veterinary Service Award to Dr. James E. Nave on Aug. 1 at a reception following the Global Health Summit at AVMA Convention 2022 in Philadelphia.
Nominating Dr. Nave for the award were Dr. José Arce, 2021-22 AVMA president, and Dr. Douglas Kratt, 2021-22 AVMA immediate past president, citing “the significant impact that Dr. Nave has had throughout his career on the global veterinary profession.” Drs. Arce and Kratt highlighted a few examples of Dr. Nave’s impact as part of the AVMA’s global outreach efforts.
Dr. Nave (Missouri ’68), owner and manager of multiple animal hospitals in Las Vegas, served on the AVMA Executive Board, now called the AVMA Board of Directors, in the 1990s and served as 2000-01 president of the AVMA. While he was in these roles, he and others worked to build a strong relationship between the Mexican and U.S. veterinary professions. These efforts resulted in the North American Veterinary Leadership Meeting, attended by leaders of the veterinary professions in U.S. and Mexico as well as Canada.
At the same time, Dr. Nave was instrumental in strengthening the relationship among the AVMA and the veterinary associations in Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa through establishment of and participation in the International Veterinary Officers Coalition.
Dr. James E. Nave
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
Also in the late 1990s, Dr. Nave and others worked to establish a relationship between the AVMA Council on Education and similar accrediting bodies in other areas of the world, leading to the first meeting of the International Accreditors Working Group in 2002.
In 2001, the AVMA Board established the position of globalization monitoring agent and appointed Dr. Nave to a six-year term. He was reappointed to a second six-year term in 2007.
That year, the Board established the AVMA Committee on International Veterinary Affairs, with Dr. Nave as chair. He led efforts including establishment of the Global Health Summit as an annual AVMA Convention event, creating a staff position that was the precursor of the director of global outreach, dialogue between the AVMA and Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, the AVMA joining the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, and updating the description of the globalization monitoring agent and renaming the position as director of international affairs.
ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES RECIPIENTS OF AVMA EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2022
Individuals recognized for contributions related to veterinary medicine
During AVMA Convention 2022, July 29-Aug. 2 in Philadelphia, five individuals received AVMA Excellence Awards for their contributions related to veterinary medicine in the areas of the human-animal bond, animal welfare, and public service. Dr. José Arce, 2021-22 AVMA president, presented President’s Awards to three individuals. Following are some key achievements of these award recipients. Among the other AVMA Excellence Awards are The AVMA Award (see page 1262), the AVMA Meritorious Service Award (see page 1263), the new AVMA Excellence in Veterinary Media Award (see page 1263), and the AVMA Global Veterinary Service Award (see page 1264).
BUSTAD COMPANION ANIMAL VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Dr. Dani McVety-Leinen
Dr. Dani McVety-Leinen
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
Dr. McVety-Leinen (Florida ’09) is the founder and CEO of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a service dedicated to making the end-of-life experience for pets and the people that love them as dignified and peaceful as possible. Lap of Love has visited the homes of nearly 500,000 families and is now a nationwide network of more than 250 veterinarians and a full-time interdisciplinary support staff. Dr. McVety-Leinen frequently writes and speaks for veterinary professionals, pre-professionals, and lay audiences around the country and internationally. Dr. McVety and Lap of Love have been featured on numerous local, national, and professional media outlets.
AVMA Animal Welfare Award
Dr. Patricia V. Turner
Dr. Patricia V. Turner
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
Dr. Turner (Guelph ’92) is a laboratory animal veterinarian who works as corporate vice president for global animal welfare at Charles River Laboratories. She is responsible for assessing welfare risks and developing animal welfare policy and related training for the company’s sites around the world. Dr. Turner is also a professor emerita at the University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College, where she worked previously as a professor in the Department of Pathobiology, overseeing teaching and graduate programs in laboratory animal science and animal welfare. Her current research interests include optimizing behavioral management programs for research animals, refining pain recognition and mitigation, and compassion science for laboratory animal professionals. Dr. Turner is the immediate past president of the World Veterinary Association.
AVMA Humane Award
Suzanne Millman, PhD
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
Suzanne Millman, PhD
Dr. Milliman earned her doctorate in applied ethology, the study of animal behavior, in 2000 from the University of Guelph. She is a professor at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in the Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine and in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Her research interests include understanding behavioral responses of animals to states of pain and illness, refining techniques for on-farm animal welfare assessment, and identifying practical interventions to enhance animal welfare in production environments. Dr. Millman coordinates animal welfare instruction within the veterinary curriculum and provides professional outreach services in animal behavior and animal welfare, including to the World Organisation for Animal Health, HyLine International, United Egg Producers, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Farm Animal Care, and the Iowa VMA.
AVMA Public Service Award
Dr. Larry Granger
Dr. Larry M. Granger
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
Dr. Granger (Michigan State ’79) worked in private practice until 1988, then joined the Michigan Department of Agriculture. In 2003, he joined Veterinary Services within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Health Plant Inspection Service. He led an APHIS monkeypox investigation, national surveillance for exotic Newcastle disease, the response to bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and the response to H5N1 avian influenza. He led formation of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and the National Veterinary Stockpile. He was director of Veterinary Services’ Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health from 2006-13. Dr. Granger most recently served as a senior leader for the national multiagency initiative to address antimicrobial resistance and led revisions to the National Aquatic Animal Health Plan before retirement in January 2022.
President’s Awards
Dr. James Brett
Dr. James Brett
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
Dr. Brett (Mississippi State ’83) spent more than 24 years in private practice in Montezuma, Georgia, the last 22 as the owner of a rural mixed animal practice. His primary focus was large animal ambulatory service and food animal production medicine. He is a past president of the Georgia VMA, served on the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine, and was the Georgia alternate delegate in the AVMA House of Delegates. In 2007, he returned to Mississippi State University, where is a clinical professor for the large animal mobile farm call service and lectures students in various subjects. Dr. Brett served as the Mississippi alternate or delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates and was a member of the Mississippi VMA’s executive board.
Phil Hinkle
Phil Hinkle
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
The late Phil Hinkle served the Florida VMA for 34 years. He oversaw the FVMA membership more than doubling during his 13-year tenure as executive director. Under Hinkle, the FVMA repositioned its grassroots outreach to a veterinary community that serves diverse professionals with some from international backgrounds. He placed a priority on innovation in veterinary medicine. A proponent of protecting veterinary professionals at the legislative level, Hinkle was responsible for many protections granted to those across the veterinary field in Florida. He partnered with the AVMA to have FVMA members connect with Florida’s members of Congress regarding legislative issues. A people person above all, Hinkle placed emphasis on the human element of veterinary medicine, making it a priority to connect with the people who spend their careers caring for other people and their animals. He died in 2020 at the age of 58.
Dr. Martha Littlefield
Dr. Martha Littlefield
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
Dr. Littlefield (Louisiana State ’82) has practiced small animal medicine in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; served as Louisiana assistant state veterinarian; and taught at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, from which she retired in 2019 as a clinical associate professor of anatomy. She teaches students remotely at St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in the Cayman Islands and continues to teach acupuncture anatomy to fourth-year veterinary students at Louisiana State. In addition, Dr. Littlefield has served on numerous councils and committees of local, state, and national veterinary organizations. In 1986, she established the Louisiana State Animal Response Team, which provides disaster training, response, and shelters to state, parish, and local areas.
Quammen ready to be AVMA VP
She says collaboration and technological innovation are key to profession’s growth
Interview by R. Scott Nolen
When the members of the AVMA House of Delegates convened in Philadelphia this summer during its regular annual session, they elected Dr. Jennifer Quammen as the 2022-24 AVMA vice president.
Dr. Quammen, co-founder of a veterinarian coaching business, was the sole candidate for the office, which is responsible for building stronger ties between the AVMA and veterinary college deans and faculty as well as veterinary student leadership.
The 2011 veterinary graduate of The Ohio State University spoke with AVMA News about her reasons for running for the AVMA vice presidency and what she hopes to achieve during her two-year tenure. The responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Q. What skills and qualifications do you bring to the office?
A. I am enthusiastic, have a clear vision of team engagement, and have a desire to see our profession continue to grow. I have an influencing style of leadership and get projects moving while building partnership and collaboration within the team.
My soft skills are what set me apart, and I have honed those best through action. I pride myself in my ability to understand, relate to, and interact with people from many walks of life. I can effortlessly discuss complex medical conditions with laypersons or field specialists. I have trained, coached, and facilitated emotional intelligence for many years, both in formal and informal ways. I have experience in co-developing leadership programs in other organizations, including the Power of Ten leadership program for the Kentucky VMA.
Dr. Jennifer Quammen
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
Q. What do you see as the greatest opportunities and challenges facing veterinary education?
A. I’d like to focus on two areas as AVMA vice president: technology and connected care as well as healthy utilization of veterinary technicians and student skills.
Many practices are already utilizing part-time and full-time remote employees and offering work-from-home options. Universities are teaching students about virtual and connected care, artificial intelligence, and remote monitoring. This is a timely opportunity to have educators and clinicians help one another in the most efficient uses of technology, which are necessary for our veterinary graduates to meet the needs of animal health care.
Let’s move to the theme of veterinary technician and student skill utilization. Fair expectations, reasonable boundaries, and a view of the complete veterinary health care team to manage patient care are all important to consider. Dialogue and expectations management could go a long way to foster the team-based health care mentality and, therefore, foster collegiality and a more healthy learning environment.
This is an area where novel ideas about workforce capacity are so important. We know practices across all sectors and regions are struggling with inefficient workflows and other processes in our day-to-day work. As AVMA vice president, I will solicit information and advice from veterinary health care teams, as well as those training the future workforce, to learn what is working to improve retention of our workforce talent. This is a multilayered challenge and will likely require a multipronged set of interventions.
Q: When you look back on your time as vice president, what do you hope you’ll have accomplished?
A. I hope to see accomplishments in the arena of technology, both within veterinary education and more broadly in the veterinary profession. Finding methods for students and faculty to use safe and secure technology. And to see that we have a plan to train and retain the veterinary health care team of the future. I have lots of opinions around these topics, so find me at a meeting or send me a message, and let’s talk.
VETERINARY TELEHEALTH COALITION ANNOUNCED
The Coalition for Connected Veterinary Care launched July 30 at AVMA Convention 2022 in Philadelphia.
The coalition will develop education and resources to help veterinarians integrate telehealth into their practices in ways that strengthen relationships with their clients, improve continuity of care for their patients, and support team efficiency and well-being. In addition, the coalition will advocate for regulatory actions that support the use of telehealth, while simultaneously respecting the integrity of the veterinarian-client-patient relationship and ensuring the safety of veterinary patients and the confidence of their owners in the quality of veterinary care provided.
Use of telehealth in the veterinary profession, including telemedicine, increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, adoption has slowed in both human and veterinary health care as in-person visits have resumed, and many veterinary practices are not taking full advantage of available tools, according to Dr. José Arce, 2021-22 AVMA president.
The founding members of the coalition are the AVMA, Veterinary Study Groups, and Merck Animal Health. Among the coalition’s growing list of members are the American Association of Avian Pathologists; the American Association of Bovine Practitioners; the American Association of Equine Practitioners; the American Association of Swine Veterinarians; many state VMAs, including those in Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington state; the American Heartworm Society; the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association; National Veterinary Associates; the Animal Health Institute; Boehringer Ingelheim; Elanco; Covetrus; AmerisourceBergen/MWI; Midwest Veterinary Supply; and Televet.
More information about the Coalition is available at avma.org/ConnectedCare. Those interested in joining the Coalition should email telehealth@avma.org.
The 2022 AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook is now available for practitioners and veterinary staff members who want to better understand the various segments of pet owners to help their practices increase engagement and loyalty with their client base.
The report draws on a survey of more than 2,000 pet owners conducted in early 2021, and the data are reflective of 2020.
The report is available from the AVMA Store. The PDF version is free for AVMA members. The print and PDF versions together are $80 for AVMA members and $180 for nonmembers. Visit jav.ma/econreports.
Visit online newsroom for full versions, additional articles
Want to get the rest of the story? The AVMA digital newsroom is the place to go for extended versions of many of the news articles in this month’s issue. Visit avma.org/news to see these articles in addition to online-only news stories. If you haven’t been there, here are a few headlines you’ve missed:
988 is new number for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Firm’s ‘anticompetitive acquisition’ of veterinary clinics prompts FTC action
Care report suggests SARS-CoV-2 transmission from cat owners to cat to veterinarian
Congestive heart failure indication gains conditional approval
New animal disease reporting rules may arrive this year
Proposal would require immediate reports for dangerous diseases
By Greg Cima
Federal animal health officials continue developing a national animal disease reporting system and may publish the program’s rules within six months.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published in March 2020 draft standards for the proposed U.S. National List of Reportable Animal Diseases. In response to an inquiry from AVMA News, APHIS spokesman Mike Stepien said in a message that agency officials are working on the final rule and aiming for publication in 2022.
“APHIS will work with stakeholders to implement the NLRAD rule on a timeline that ensures maximum participation and success,” he said.
The AVMA, other organizations representing veterinarians, and stakeholders representing agriculture industries expressed support for the NLRAD concept and identified specific issues or provisions that they would like to see addressed in greater detail by the final regulations. The agency sought those comments after publishing the draft standards.
The U.S. already has the National Animal Health Reporting System, a voluntary system through which state animal health officials report monthly on World Organisation for Animal Health–reportable diseases and some other animal diseases considered important. The NLRAD regulations would add mandatory disease reporting across the U.S. with immediate notification to APHIS and state animal health officials.
The draft rule indicates APHIS officials plan to include two tiers of diseases. One tier is for notifiable diseases and conditions for which the agency will require immediate reports when veterinarians or other animal health professionals suspect or identify cases. The other tier is for monitored diseases that state agencies and animal health diagnostic laboratories will describe in monthly reports.
“If you suspect an emerging animal disease, you must report it as soon as you think an animal or groups of animals are infected,” the draft states. “This awareness may be through observation of case-compatible clinical signs, laboratory test-positive samples, or other knowledge of infection.”
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is among the diseases that would be subject to mandatory reporting under the National List of Reportable Animal Diseases, the rules for which may be published this year.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
The proposed list published in 2020 is still based on the WOAH list of reportable animal diseases. While its contents are focused on diseases of farm animals, it includes some diseases that affect companion animals, zoo animals, and wildlife, as well as endangered agricultural animals.
“The purpose of the NLRAD is to have consistent animal disease reporting across the United States and to help animal health officials protect the U.S. agriculture infrastructure,” the draft standards state.
The requirements would support trade and disease reporting obligations as well as aid responses to emerging diseases, the document states.
Stepien said in his message that APHIS’ ongoing preparations for the NLRAD include reaching out to stakeholders and communicating with them about the program as well as outlining the roles, responsibilities, and expectations that will come with the program.
Examples of notifiable diseases listed by the NLRAD would include highly pathogenic avian influenza, an H5N1 strain of which has killed tens of millions of poultry in an epizootic across much of North America this year; chronic wasting disease, which is a neurodegenerative disease spreading among cervids across the U.S. and Canada; rabbit hemorrhagic disease, which has killed unknown numbers of rabbits and hares in the Western U. S. in recent years; and African swine fever, a highly contagious disease that can kill entire herds and emerged last year in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
In response to the proposal, AVMA CEO Dr. Janet Donlin wrote in May 2020 that the Association supports development and implementation of a national list of reportable animal diseases. But she requested that the agency define in the regulations the formal training needed for accurate presumptive diagnosis of a reportable animal disease, develop a single portal for filing reports with state and federal officials rather than requiring dual reporting, and ensure the NLRAD does not fracture existing surveillance systems or burden state agencies with duplicative work.
A May 2020 letter from the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials, which represents state veterinarians, similarly calls for a definition of formal training for animal health professionals and a single reporting system. That letter also asks that the rules address reporting of notifiable diseases found in wildlife, more precisely define immediate reporting, clarify how the reporting rules will be enforced, incorporate exotic parasites into the reportable disease list, and consider adding diseases of concern identified by the American Fisheries society.
Other organizations, such as the National Milk Producers Federation and Texas Cattle Feeders Association, also asked that the regulations address confidentiality and privacy concerns connected with disease reporting.
Harbor seal aided by noninvasive kidney stone treatment
Burst wave lithotripsy in development in human and veterinary medicine
By Greg Cima
Hermes, a 23-year-old harbor seal at the Vancouver Aquarium in British Columbia, clearly had abdominal pain.
Aquarium staff noticed he was spending more time floating in the water or hunched over. He was eating less, and he appeared to be straining to urinate. Ultrasound confirmed he had kidney stones on both sides, a common but difficult-to-treat problem in seals because of their complex kidney structure.
Dr. Martin Haulena, head veterinarian and director of animal health at the aquarium, said that, in two hours while Hermes was under anesthesia, the seal underwent two procedures: an unsuccessful attempt to remove stones from one kidney through fluoroscope-guided endoscopy and, on the other kidney, a noninvasive technique known as burst wave lithotripsy, which uses focused ultrasound pulses to pulverize the stones.
Hermes, a 23-year-old harbor seal from the Vancouver Aquarium in British Columbia, underwent a noninvasive treatment that used ultrasound pulses to fragment many of his kidney stones. The technology is in development in human and veterinary medicine. (Courtesy of the Vancouver Aquarium)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
Vancouver Aquarium veterinarians worked with urologists from Vancouver General Hospital to perform the procedures inside facilities of the University of British Columbia Centre for Comparative Medicine. The device used for the burst wave lithotripsy, a SonoMotion Break Wave system, is being studied in clinical trials in human patients.
Dr. Haulena said Hermes had many stones greater than 1 centimeter in diameter and some greater than 2 centimeters in diameter, and the burst wave lithotripsy broke many of those stones into fragments of 1 millimeter or less.
Hermes had a few days of cramping and abdominal discomfort after the operation but since has looked great.
Dr. Sarah Wright, then a veterinary fellow at the Vancouver Aquarium and now social media editor for the AVMA Journals, participated in the clinical care of Hermes.
Dr. Haulena said, “It’s definitely a procedure that we’ll need to repeat on him to try to get through all of the stones.”
Researchers at the University of Washington’s Applied Physics Laboratory have pioneered burst wave lithotripsy as a successor to shock wave lithotripsy, a similar procedure that is used to break up kidney stones in human patients but is successful only about 60% of the time, APL information states.
Doug Corl, PhD, chief technology officer for SonoMotion, said his company has used its own versions of the new technology to treat more than 40 human patients in the U.S. and Canada, with good results. He also noted that researchers from the University of Washington have published results from separate clinical trials with a similar device on human patients.
Dr. Eva Furrow, associate professor in the Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, is working with researchers at the APL and leading a clinical trial of a device designed to break up ureteral stones in cats via burst wave lithotripsy. She said her team’s early tests showed the machine could fragment calcium oxalate stones from cats in 10-50 minutes in a water bath.
Dr. Furrow’s team plans to start testing the device on up to three cats that have kidney stones and make sure the treatment does not result in any major complications, she said. A second phase would involve treating seven cats.
If the new technology works, Dr. Furrow said, it could save many cats’ lives.
Only about 15% of cats will pass stones with the help of intravenous fluids and medications, Dr. Furrow said. Surgery can be cost prohibitive, and artificial ureters—subcutaneous ureteral bypass devices—need to be flushed and cleaned. They, too, can become lodged with minerals, she said.
Dr. Furrow said it would be a dream come true if the burst wave lithotripsy works in cats, and she hopes it someday becomes widely available to veterinarians.
Dr. Haulena at the Vancouver Aquarium said the technology could be particularly helpful in treating animals such as cetaceans, pinnipeds, and cattle.
“It’s a bit of a game changer, especially for animals who don’t have that typical morphology for their kidneys,” he said.
Assemblies
Association of Shelter veterinarians
The Association of Shelter Veterinarians held its annual member reception on April 21, 2022, in Chicago. The new Association of Shelter Veterinarians officials are Drs. Lucy Fuller, Charleston, South Carolina, president; Lena DeTar, Ithaca, New York, vice president; Erin Katribe, Richmond, Texas, secretary; Barbara Kompare, Chicago, assistant secretary; Jennifer Bolser, Thornton, Colorado, treasurer; Staci Kehir, Fair Play, South Carolina, assistant treasurer; and Chumkee Aziz, Pearland, Texas, immediate past president.
Oregon VMA
The Oregon VMA held its Oregon Veterinary Conference virtually from April 1-3. The new ORVMA officials are Dr. Gail Schroder, Eugene, president; Dr. Jill Parker, Philomath, president-elect; Dr. Charles Hurty, Siletz, vice president; Dr. Heidi Houchen, Portland, immediate past president; and Glenn Kolb, Salem, executive director.
Visit avma.org/news/community to read the full reports, including awards.
In Memory: BAXTER BLACK, VETERINARIAN TURNED COWBOY POET, DIES AT 77
Dr. Baxter Black, the nationally known cowboy poet who first gained attention in the early 1980s for his entertaining talks and newspaper columns filled with folksy humor, began his career as a large animal veterinarian. He died June 10, 2022, at the age of 77.
Dr. Black’s first self-published poetry collection, “The Cowboy and His Dog or ‘Go, Git in the Pickup!’” came out in 1980. He appeared several times on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and continued publishing books of poetry and fiction.
In 1982, he joined “Morning Edition” on National Public Radio as a regular commentator for 20 years. He hosted the weekly syndicated radio program “Baxter Black on Monday” and wrote the syndicated newspaper column “On the Edge of Common Sense.”
For over 25 years, he traveled the U.S. and Canada giving talks to groups about his unique takes on life and experiences along the way.
Dr. Black owned cattle his whole life and loved being a cowboy. For many years, he didn’t tell people that he was born at the Brooklyn Naval Hospital in New York City because he didn’t think people could imagine a cowboy poet from New York City.
He grew up in West Virginia, Texas, and finally New Mexico, where his family eventually settled in Las Cruces. Dr. Black completed his undergraduate education at New Mexico State University and was accepted to Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
To pay his way through veterinary college, Dr. Black took on myriad jobs. He bought belt buckles in Mexico and made belts for students. He had a laundry service for coveralls, as well as a coffee concession in the men’s locker room. And he gave haircuts for a dollar.
Dr. James Armer, a veterinary classmate, said Dr. Black was a character even then.
“We all could see where he was going. The questions he’d ask in class would have this little lighthearted side to them that ended up in his writing and poetry,” Dr. Armer said. “He always had a different way of looking at things that was also right on. It didn’t surprise me at all that he ended up going in the direction he did. He was our generation’s Will Rogers.”
Dr. Black also became known for putting together the class’s yearbook, “Retained Memories,” a play on retained fetal membranes in cows. He drew cartoons of classmates with fun descriptors.
Drs. Jim and Allyson Schafer were also classmates of Dr. Black’s. Dr. Jim Schafer played in a band, Los Mulas Musicales, with Dr. Black. Dr. Allyson Schafer said Dr. Black was the glue that held the close-knit class together.
Dr. Baxter Black
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, 11; 10.2460/javma.260.11.1261
“He knew all of our classmates pretty well and all their kids and names and kept track of everyone,” Dr. Allyson Schafer said. “He did a lot of traveling around the country doing cowboy poetry. He would always call when near classmates, and we’d go to his programs when he was close enough.”
Dr. Black’s first job was at a feedlot in California, but he then became the company veterinarian for Simplot Livestock Co. based in Idaho. After 10 years, he took a job with an animal health company as the on-call veterinarian. In addition to his regular veterinary duties, Dr. Black began speaking at conventions and banquets on behalf of the company. He was supposed to be giving educational talks but became tired of them. He began to instead give humorous speeches and play his guitar.
In 1980, the Record Stockman out of Denver published the first entry in the column “On the Edge of Common Sense,” and Dr. Black began publishing his poetry books. In all, he wrote nearly 30 books, which range from poetry and philosophy to novels and self-help books.
Dr. Black continued with speaking engagements, including giving talks at the 2003 and 2007 Student AVMA symposiums. In late 2021, he retired from writing and speaking because of health issues.
Dr. Black is survived by his wife, Cindy Lou Logsdon Black; son and daughter; as well as four grandchildren and two brothers. Memorials may be made to Canine Companions, 2965 Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95407, canine.org, or the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, 26284 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, sheacenter.org.
JOAN M. ARNOLDI
Dr. Arnoldi (Illinois ’63), 87, Cincinnati, died May 10, 2022. She worked in a mixed animal practice in Wausau, Wisconsin, before becoming Wisconsin state veterinarian. In 1988, she began a career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, retiring as an associate administrator in 1999. Dr. Arnoldi went on to become Michigan state veterinarian. In 2009, she joined the AVMA staff as an assistant director of the Animal Welfare Division, retiring in 2011. She was a past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. In 2004, Dr. Arnoldi was honored with the APHIS Animal Health Award. She is survived by her family. Memorials may be made to the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians Foundation, P.O. Box 6396, Visalia, CA 93290.
ROBERT O. BIXBY
Dr. Bixby (Cornell ’62), 83, South Colton, New York, died Jan. 28, 2022. Following graduation, he practiced small animal medicine for two years at Somerset Veterinary Hospital in Somerville, New Jersey. Dr. Bixby subsequently moved to Norfolk, New York, where he joined the practice of his father, Dr. Donald Bixby (Cornell ’35). He then established a practice in Norfolk, working there until retirement in the late 1990s. His wife, Louise; two daughters; four grandchildren; and a sister and two brothers survive him. Memorials may be made to Help Sami Kick Cancer, 5905 CR 27, Canton, NY 13617.
CHARLES E. BLACKBOURN
Dr. Blackbourn (Minnesota ’60), 86, Winter Haven, Florida, died April 15, 2022. Following graduation, he began his career in southern Wisconsin, establishing Rock Veterinary Clinic in Janesville, where he practiced mixed animal medicine for more than 30 years. Dr. Blackbourn served on the board of directors of several field trial and kennel clubs. He is survived by two sons, two daughters, and six grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27617.
GARY A. CARRIER
Dr. Carrier (Missouri ’72), 73, Panama City, Florida, died April 22, 2022. Following graduation, he served in the Air Force Veterinary Corps for two years at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia. Dr. Carrier subsequently worked at Pasadena Veterinary Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. He later established Baywood Veterinary Hospital in Cape Coral, Florida, where he practiced small animal medicine until retirement in 2013. Dr. Carrier is survived by his wife, Rebecca; a daughter and a son; five grandchildren; and a brother. Memorials may be made to Southeastern Guide Dogs, 4210 77th St. E., Palmetto, FL 34221.
JOHN K. COOPER
Dr. Cooper (Texas A&M ’56), 88, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, died Jan. 13, 2022. He began his career in Baton Rouge. In 1965, Dr. Cooper established Sherwood Forest Animal Hospital, a small animal practice in Baton Rouge. He was a past president of the Louisiana VMA. Dr. Cooper is survived by his wife, Helen; two sons and two daughters; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Catholic High School, 855 Hearthstone Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, jav.ma/CatholicHigh, or Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, c/o Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840, jav.ma/TAMU.
LESTER M. CRAWFORD
Dr. Crawford (Auburn ’63), 83, Athens, Georgia, died Dec. 23, 2021. He was the first veterinarian to serve as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Following graduation, Dr. Crawford practiced in Birmingham, Alabama, subsequently working for American Cyanamid Co. and the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. He twice directed the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine and held leadership positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, National Food Processors Association, American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, and Virginia Tech Center for Food and Nutrition Policy. From 2002-05, Dr. Crawford rejoined the FDA, where he was deputy commissioner, acting commissioner, and commissioner. He is survived by his wife, Cathy; two daughters; four grandchildren; and a sister and a brother. His nephew, Dr. Casey Ray (Auburn ’04), is a mobile veterinarian in Bessemer, Alabama. Memorials may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047, lbda.org, or First Presbyterian Church of Athens, 185 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601, firstpresathens.org.
JENNIFER B. DAVIS
Dr. Davis (Auburn ’09), 44, Jacksonville, Florida, died April 16, 2022. She practiced small animal medicine at San Jose–Beauclerc Animal Hospital in Jacksonville. Dr. Davis previously worked at Deerwood Animal Clinic and Briarcliff Animal Hospital in Jacksonville. She was president of the Jacksonville Veterinary Medical Society and was a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the Florida VMA. Dr. Davis was active with the Golden Retriever Emergency Assistance Team Rescue of NE Florida. Her mother and brother survive her. Memorials may be made to GREAT Rescue of NE Florida Inc., P.O. Box 600878, Jacksonville, FL 32259.
JOSEPH M. DAY
Dr. Day (Oklahoma State ’77), 70, Perry, Oklahoma, died Jan. 17, 2022. During his career, he practiced in Oklahoma at Chickasha, Medford, and Perry. Dr. Day was a member of the Noble County Cattlemen’s Association, Mulhall-Orlando Livestock Booster Club, and Central Oklahoma Junior Rodeo Association. He was also a member of the board for Mulhall-Orlando Public Schools. Dr. Day is survived by his wife, Kathy; two sons; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a brother. Memorials may be made to the Central Oklahoma Junior Rodeo Association, 405 N. 32nd St., Perry, OK 73077.
AUSTIN R. JOHNSON SR.
Dr. Johnson (Georgia ’59), 87, Kinston, North Carolina, died May 17, 2022. He founded Countryview Animal Hospital in Kinston. Active in his community, Dr. Johnson served as president of parent-teacher associations and was a member of the board of directors of the local health department. He was also active with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Kinston Toastmasters Club. Dr. Johnson’s wife, Ellen; a daughter; three grandchildren; and a brother survive him. Memorials may be made to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Research Foundation, 4062 Peachtree Road, Suite A209, Atlanta, GA 30319, cmtrf.org/donate.
ROBERT E. JONES
Dr. Jones (Cornell ’61), 88, LeRoy, New York, died Jan. 8, 2022. He practiced mixed animal medicine in the Genesee Valley area of New York state for more than 35 years. He was a member of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society, Genesee Valley VMA, and Buffalo Academy of Veterinary Medicine. He was a past president of the LeRoy Rotary Club and served on the LeRoy Central School Board. Dr. Jones was a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. He is survived by a daughter, two sons, a stepson, 12 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and a brother.
FREDERIC S. JULIUS
Dr. Julius (Kansas State ’78), 82, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, died May 2, 2022. He served as a field veterinarian with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine prior to retirement in 2000. Earlier in his career, Dr. Julius owned a mixed animal practice in western Kansas. His wife, Marcia, survives him.
PAUL H. LANGNER
Dr. Langner (Pennsylvania ’66), 84, Alamogordo, New Mexico, died March 29, 2022. He was an ambulatory clinician at the University of Pennsylvania, then joined the Army Veterinary Corps, spending a year in Vietnam. He practiced small animal and equine medicine and was a senior research veterinarian for American Cyanamid Co. He later directed the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and laboratory animal care at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. He subsequently worked at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo. He is survived by a daughter, two grandchildren, and a brother.
EDGAR L. LOY
Dr. Loy (Pennsylvania ’53), 95, Wayne, Pennsylvania, died May 6, 2022. Following graduation, he practiced large animal medicine in the Newville area of Pennsylvania. Dr. Loy subsequently owned West Shore Animal Hospital in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and Lower Allen Veterinary Clinic in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. He retired in 2013. Dr. Loy was a Navy veteran of World War II. He later served in the Army Reserves. Dr. Loy’s wife, Dorothy; two daughters and three sons; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675, jav.ma/WoundedWarrior.
WILLIAM C. MACARTHUR
Dr. MacArthur (Michigan State ’94), 59, Bella Vista, Arkansas, died April 25, 2022. He served as president and director of research and development at Geneworks Inc., an avian genetic research company in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. MacArthur subsequently founded and was chief veterinarian at Affordable Veterinary Services in Ann Arbor. He later served as chief medical officer and director of research and development at Zomedica in Ann Arbor. Recently, he worked at Hancock Veterinary Services in Bella Vista, Arkansas, and at St. Francis Animal Hospital in Springdale, Arkansas. He is survived by two sons, his mother, a sister, and two brothers.
ARNOLD J. PALS
Dr. Pals (Michigan State ’63), 84, Spring Lake, Michigan, died May 19, 2022. He served as a captain in the Army Veterinary Corps and practiced companion animal medicine in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before joining Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he helped establish the veterinary technology program. In 1972, he moved to Spring Lake, becoming a partner at Clarke Animal Hospital. Dr. Pals is survived by his wife, Joanne; his son, Dr. William Pals (Michigan State ’97), and two daughters; six grandchildren; and a brother. Memorials may be made to Grand Haven Christian School, 1102 Grant Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417; Western Michigan Christian High School, 455 E. Ellis Road, Norton Shores, MI 49441; or Ferrysburg Community Church, 17785 Mohawk Drive, Spring Lake, MI 49456.
PAUL W. PENNOCK
Dr. Pennock (Guelph ’58), 91, Guelph, Ontario, died June 10, 2022. He was a professor emeritus in the Department of Clinical Studies at the University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology, Dr. Pennock also served as a veterinary radiologist during his tenure. Active in his community, he was a member of the Guelph Rotary Club. Dr. Pennock’s wife, Anne; a son and a daughter; and four grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to the Guelph Humane Society, 190 Hanlon Creek Blvd., Guelph, ON N1C 0A1, Canada, guelphhumane.ca.
JOHN F. QUAST
Dr. Quast (Minnesota ’66), 83, Williamsburg, Michigan, died March 20, 2022. After earning his doctorate in pathology from the University of Minnesota, he joined Dow Chemical Co. in Midland, Michigan, where he worked in the toxicology department. He was a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and led several studies aimed at protecting human health and the environment. Dr. Quast was a veteran of the Navy. He is survived by his wife, Mary; a daughter and a son; and five grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 3801 Shore Road, Williamsburg, MI 49690.
ROBERT H. RAINIER
Dr. Rainier (Ohio State ’63), 84, Carmel, Indiana, died June 11, 2022. He worked in veterinary product research and development for Pfizer in Terre Haute, Indiana, and Groton, Connecticut. Earlier, he was a clinician at Gurley Small Animal Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, and assistant director at the Bio-Toxicological Research Association in Spencerville, Ohio. His wife, Nell; a son and a daughter; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister survive him. Memorials may be made to the Robert H. Rainier Endowed Chair in Industrial Veterinary Medicine and Research, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1900 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210.
RONALD L. SIGLER
Dr. Sigler (Purdue ’63), 84, Wickenburg, Arizona, died March 3, 2022. He established a practice in Phoenix and founded Sun City Animal Hospital in Sun City, Arizona. Later, he became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and established Animal Eye Specialists in Phoenix. The Arizona VMA recognized him with several awards. His wife, Patricia; two daughters; and a brother survive him. Memorials may be made to Adventist Development and Relief Agency, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, adra.org, or Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, 27026 N. 156th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85262, southwestwildlife.org.
RALPH A. SMITH
Dr. Smith (California-Davis ’55), 91, San Diego, died April 9, 2022. Following graduation, he began working in Lancaster, California. Dr. Smith subsequently established a small animal practice in Lancaster, where he practiced for 25 years. He then served as a relief veterinarian for several years in Southern California. In 1983, Dr. Smith moved to San Diego, where he owned a practice until retirement in 1994. He is survived by a daughter, a son, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
TYSON W. WALLIS
Dr. Wallis (Texas A&M ’04), 42, Pilot Point, Texas, died March 25, 2022. He became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and worked in Tennessee and South Carolina. In 2012, he co-founded Equine Athlete Veterinary Services in Pilot Point. He also was a staff surgeon for Michigan Equine Surgical Associates in Bridgeport. He was an Arabian Show Horse delegate for the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ Performance Horse Task Force. His wife, Kristen; a daughter; and his parents survive him. Memorials may be made to the Friends of Vail Foundation, 720 Venture Farm Road, Pilot Point, Texas 76258.
Please report the death of a veterinarian promptly to the JAVMA News staff via a toll-free phone call at 800-248-2862, ext. 6754; email at news@avma.org; or fax at 847-925-9329. For an obituary to be published, JAVMA must be notified within six months of the date of death.
