IN SHORT
Mark Markel elected first veterinarian president-elect of AO Foundation
Dr. Mark D. Markel, dean of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, was recently elected president-elect of the AO Foundation (AO), effective July 1.
The AO is the world’s largest nonprofit orthopedic foundation, based in Switzerland, which is dedicated to the surgical treatment of bone fractures and disorders. Innovation plays a key part in everything the AO does, including basic research, product development, and clinical validation.
Dr. Markel was elected to the position at the annual AO trustees meeting June 27 in Sydney, Australia. In two years, he will succeed Tim Pohlemann, MD, professor of traumatology and reconstructive surgery at the Saarland University Hospital in Homburg, Germany, as president from 2025-27. He will be the first veterinarian to do so.
As co-director of the Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at UW-Madison, Dr. Markel (UC-Davis ’83) conducts research in comparative orthopedics focused on bone, cartilage, and tendon regeneration.
He received a doctorate in orthopedic biomechanics from the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in 1990. That same year, he joined the Wisconsin veterinary faculty. He was associate dean for advancement at the veterinary school for 11 years before becoming dean in 2012.
Gene therapy shows promise as feline spay alternative
Scientists have developed a promising new gene therapy that some suggest may one day replace surgery as the primary method to sterilize female cats.
A single injection of a feline anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) transgene was sufficient to induce long-term contraception in female cats, according to a study in the June 6 edition of the online journal Nature Communications.
Six female cats at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) had the AMH gene therapy injected into their thigh muscles, and three untreated females served as controls. Overall AMH levels in the treated cats increased about 100 times higher than normal, preventing the ovarian follicles from maturing and releasing eggs.
“(W)e show that ectopic expression of anti-Müllerian hormone does not impair sex steroids, nor estrous cycling, but prevents breeding-induced ovulation, resulting in safe and durable contraception in the female domestic cat,” the study states.
There were no adverse effects observed in any of the treated cats. All of the cats were put up for adoption once the study ended.
AVES announces name change to reflect One Health mission
The American Veterinary Epidemiology Society (AVES) has changed its name to the American Veterinary One Health Society (AVOHS).
The association formally unveiled its name and logo change at the AVOHS annual meeting and breakfast, held July 17 during the AVMA Convention 2023 in Denver.
The AVOHS board of directors felt this was appropriate for a few reasons, one being to clarify the association’s overall longstanding mission to promote the national and international One Health approach. One Health is defined as an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems, according to the One Health High Level Expert Panel.
The name change also more accurately reflects the scope of professional recognition awards given by the AVOHS. These recipients have excelled in various disciplines covered by the One Health umbrella and not just veterinary epidemiology.
The AVES, now AVOHS, was founded in 1964 by Dr. James H. Steele, who played an iconic and intellectual role in the evolutionary history of the One Health movement. As the first U.S. assistant surgeon general for veterinary affairs at the Centers for Disease Control, Dr. Steele pioneered the philosophy that human health is deeply connected to the health of animals and the surrounding environment.
HOD requests spectrum of care resources
Delegates say communication, recordkeeping, education key to assisting clients in making decisions for their animals
By Malinda Larkin
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) featured spectrum of care as a topic of discussion during its Veterinary Information Forum (VIF), which took place on July 13 at part of the regular annual session of the HOD, held in conjunction with AVMA Convention 2023 in Denver.
The descriptor “spectrum of care” is relatively new, but the concept is not. Definitions vary, but essentially it means empowering veterinarians and clients to consider a wide range of treatment options. At one end is basic, less resource-dependent, lower-cost, and usually less-invasive and lower-tech care. At the other end is advanced, more resource-dependent, higher-cost, and often more-invasive and higher-tech care.
Between the ends of the spectrum, many choices exist. By offering a variety of care options that are responsive to client beliefs, values, financial considerations, and expectations, veterinary health care providers can help increase accessibility of veterinary care and client compliance.
On the recommendation of the reference committee to which the VIF topic was assigned, delegates voted to refer the topic to the AVMA Board of Directors (BOD) and asked that they consider further investigation, collaboration with stakeholders, scoping potential research needs, developing policy, and creating a spectrum of care toolkit.
Potential resources in the spectrum of care toolkit could include guidance documents and continuing education—derived from existing resources or created as new ones—with an emphasis on effective communication with clients and appropriate documentation in the medical records.
The recommendation also stated that collaborating partners should include, but may not be limited to, the AVMA, including the AVMA Trusts; state VMAs; the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB); and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), and that this effort could take the form of a task force.
The House requested that an update be provided at the 2024 HOD winter session in January in Chicago.
Client communication and recordkeeping
Research backs up the idea that how veterinarians talk with clients can impact clients’ involvement in the decision-making process as well as their satisfaction. Results from a study published in PLoS One in February 2021 suggest that “pet owners expect to be supported by their veterinarian to make informed decisions by understanding the client’s current knowledge, tailoring information and educating clients about their options.
“Breakdowns in the information exchange process can impact pet owners’ perceptions of veterinarians’ motivations. Pet owners’ emphasis on partnership suggests that a collaborative approach between veterinarians and clients may improve client satisfaction.”
Dr. Gary Stuer, delegate for the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, lives in rural western Maine. He recently hired a new graduate after searching for three years and says he felt it was important to talk to candidates about this issue because many of his clients aren’t financially able or willing to drive to referral practices for procedures.
“One of the most important things we do as veterinarians with clients is to communicate and have open discussions with them,” Dr. Stuer said. “We need to do same with new associates, especially new graduates.”
Dr. Jane Barlow Roy, delegate for New Hampshire, said that while discussions around spectrum of care often involve financial concerns, at the other end of the spectrum, in more affluent communities, is the issue of futile care.
“There are clients asking us to do what we may feel is unrealistic with unrealistic expectations,” she said. “There may be a poor outcome but the client wants to keep going.”
Whatever end of the spectrum, Dr. Roy emphasized the importance of client communication and documentation.
“Most (veterinary licensing) boards, I have heard, when a case doesn’t go well it is because of poor communication between a client and the veterinarian. Then (the veterinarian) gets dinged for poor documentation. And that’s what I try to instill in the people I talk to: Make sure you’re clear and concise with your recommendations and then follow up that up with proper documentation about what they choose.”
Veterinary education
Other organizations are also looking at advancing the spectrum of care concept in the profession. The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) established its Spectrum of Care Initiative (SOCI) in 2021 with support from The Stanton Foundation. This initiative is developing strategies and infrastructure for veterinary educators to prepare graduates to practice across the spectrum.
Dr. Liesa Stone, delegate for Ohio, shared that The Ohio State University (OSU) is an early adopter of teaching spectrum of care. OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine is rolling out a new curriculum in which the concept has been integrated throughout.
“The goal is to instill confidence and competence in our graduates so that when they graduate, they are Day One ready and more comfortable to have those conversations across the spectrum,” she said.
Dr. Richard Williams, delegate for Florida, said that this concept may not come as naturally to students because technology has developed so much in just a few decades.
“Before, there wasn’t a lot of great technology. You just treated your patient as best you could do. Now there’s these other options where you can get an MRI or CT scan,” he said. “Technology will continue to advance and the spectrum of care will continue to get wider and wider.”
Regardless of the barriers, delegates acknowledged the importance of continuing a tradition of working with clients to meet their needs. Dr. Kaitlyn Boatright, alternate delegate for Pennsylvania, pointed out that the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) published an article in September 2022 on a similar concept called contextualized care. This article acknowledges not only financial factors, but also other factors that can impact care, including a client’s age, housing situation, disabilities, and more.
“As vets, we have an ability to deal with diverse cases thanks to the advances in science, however, we also need to balance this with an understanding of the additional patient and care givers/owners’ factors surrounding a case. Bringing care givers/owners into the decision-making process around treatment can help ensure the outcome for the animal is the best one for them in their circumstances,” the article states.
AVMA acknowledges importance of public practice
By R. Scott Nolen
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) has requested that the AVMA issue a statement to the profession recognizing the importance of public practice to the entire veterinary community.
The National Association of Federal Veterinarians (NAFV), an HOD allied organization, introduced a resolution to bring greater awareness to its sector of the profession. It was approved by delegates during the final day of the HOD’s regular annual session, held July 13-14 in Denver in conjunction with AVMA Convention 2023.
The resolution reads as follows: “The AVMA recognizes the importance of public practice to the entire veterinary community. AVMA’s Economics Division studied factors limiting private practice veterinarians from transitioning to public practice positions. Additional studies from AVMA and other veterinary organizations support efforts for recruitment and retention benefits from increased Congressional funding for all federal agencies’ incentive programs such as the use of Special Pay (for specific hard to fill positions and locations), Specialty Pay (for Board Certification), Professional Pay (for pay equity with other medical professionals), removal of the annual salary cap in declared emergency disease outbreaks, student loan repayment bonuses and other incentives the agency deems appropriate to encourage more veterinarians to enter and remain in public practice.”
The AVMA Board of Directors (BOD) and the House Advisory Committee (HAC) recommended delegates pass the resolution, which in the background information, asks the AVMA to pursue an updated General Accounting Office (GAO) assessment on the state of the federal veterinarian workforce.
In 2009, the GAO published the first assessment on the federal veterinary workforce titled, “Veterinary Workforce: Actions Are Needed to Ensure Sufficient Capacity for Protecting Public and Animal Health.” Since then, each report has come to similar conclusions of inadequate numbers to meet agency needs or emergency responses. Some federal agencies are experiencing veterinary position vacancy rates as high as 40% in some areas despite instituting recruitment and retention incentives.
The NAFV noted that new veterinarians are more likely to take higher paying jobs in private practice than work for the government. For instance, the mean starting salary in 2022 was $114,027 for private practice, compared with $87,862 for public practice, according to the NAFV.
A more comprehensive approach to filling the chronic void in federal veterinary services is needed, according to the NAFV, rather than the current inadequate patchwork of incentives. Significant new One Health challenges have arisen in the 15 years since the report was published, including COVID-19, resulting in a greater need for public practice veterinarians, the NAFV stated.
Dr. Rachel Cezar-Martinez, NAFV president and delegate, explained. “We hope this resolution provides immediate help and support from AVMA, state VMAs, and affiliated organizations to strengthen our voice in Congress so that regulatory veterinarians receive pay comparable to private and industry salaries.”
Environmental sustainability resources for veterinary workplaces sought by delegates
Story and photo by R. Scott Nolen
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) has asked the Board of Directors to consider having the AVMA develop resources for its members that promote environmental sustainability in the veterinary workplace.
Sustainability, or the greening of veterinary practices, was one of two topics discussed during the Veterinary Information Forum (VIF) on July 13 as part of the HOD’s regular annual session, held July 13-14 concurrently with AVMA Convention 2023 in Denver.
The United Nations (UN) World Commission on Environment and Development defines sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Specifically, it recognizes that natural resources are finite, and policies and practices that fail to account for these limitations are likely to have serious economic, ecological, and public health consequences further down the road.
The core pillars of sustainability are economic, environmental, and social—or “profits, planet, and people.” Businesses and governments have increasingly set sustainability goals, including reducing their environmental footprint and conserving natural resources.
Washington state delegate Dr. Diana Thomé introduced the topic to the House.
Dr. William Sander, alternate delegate for Illinois, spoke on the topic of environmental sustainability in the veterinary profession before the AVMA House of Delegates at its Veterinary Information Forum.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 261, 9; 10.2460/javma.261.9.1281
“As veterinarians, our focus is always on the health of our patients,” Dr. Thomé said, “but we can also consider how our patients impact the environment, how the care we provide them impacts the environment, and how the changing ecosystem impacts them. What actions can be taken today to protect the health of animals in the future?”
Dr. Thomé, who also is an at-large representative on the AVMA House Advisory Committee, cited a study by researchers at Colorado State University showing clients support veterinarian-led sustainability efforts. The study indicates two-thirds of pet owners value knowing their veterinarian was trained in animal impacts on the ecosystem, she said. Additionally, over half of surveyed pet owners were willing to pay more for services at a clinic with a reduced environmental impact.
Later in the afternoon, members of the reference committee assigned to the topic discussed it. The following day, the reference committee returned with a request that for the Board consider having AVMA do the following for its members:
Develop a best practices list for individual practice owners regarding sustainable efforts and resources for the clinical practice setting.
Explore collaboration with other One Health stakeholders on sustainability, including the supply chain.
Explore development of educational resources and a sustainable practices certification.
Review internal processes and systems with the goal of increasing sustainability within the AVMA.
Explore collaboration with academic institutions to increase sustainability efforts in veterinary education.
Prior to delegates approving the recommendation, several stood to commend the AVMA for taking up the issue.
AVMA pledges to defend against expanding scope of practice
Efforts to allow nonveterinarians to diagnose, prescribe, and perform surgery prompted a new policy approved by the AVMA House of Delegates
Story and photo by R. Scott Nolen
Broadening nonveterinarians’ scope of practice would compromise the quality of veterinary care, thus threatening animal and public health, according to the AVMA. The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) approved a new policy July 14 that directs the Association to “vigorously defend” against such expansions.
While affirming the skills and competencies of recognized veterinary professionals such as credentialed and licensed veterinary technicians (LVT) and certified veterinary assistants (CVAs), this policy puts the AVMA on record as opposing expanding the scope of practice of nonveterinarians, including the creation of a veterinary midlevel practitioner.
Several state VMAs, including Texas, California, Illinois, Indiana and Nevada, proposed the policy, “Safeguarding Care for Animals with Veterinarian-Led Teams.” The AVMA Board of Directors and House Advisory Committee (HAC) recommended delegates vote for the resolution, which passed on the final day of the House’s regular annual session, held July 13-14 in conjunction with AVMA Convention 2023 in Denver.
The policy states: “Animals deserve safe, efficacious, and high-quality care, and animal owners should be able to fully trust the veterinary services provided for them. Accordingly, the AVMA will vigorously defend the practice of veterinary medicine—which includes the ability to diagnose, prognose, develop treatment plans, prescribe, and/or perform surgery—against scope of practice expansions by non-veterinarians that threaten patient health and safety, the safety of animal products, and/or public health. Veterinary healthcare is enhanced through efficient utilization of each member of the team through appropriate delegation of tasks and responsibilities by the veterinarian.”
“Human medicine is often suggested as a model for a veterinary midlevel provider,” said Dr. Rena Carlson, 2023-24 AVMA president. “But while the first nurse practitioner program was established nearly 60 years ago, human medicine is still struggling with the issues created by moving forward without standardized education, credentialing, and licensure. We don’t want educational programs that fail to prepare students appropriately and put patients at risk. There is increasing concern in human medicine that profits are being put ahead of patient care when health care decisions are not driven by physicians who seek to provide patient-centered, high-quality medicine. We should not go down the same path. Animals deserve safe, efficacious, and high-quality care, and delivering that care depends on having consistent and trusted training and credentialing.”
Dr. Bridget Heilsberg, alternate delegate to Texas, says her state strongly believes that a national-level statement is needed to address the protection of veterinary medicine and the promotion of staff utilization.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 261, 9; 10.2460/javma.261.9.1281
The group of VMAs wrote the new policy after a report from the Texas VMA (TVMA) task force on veterinary paraprofessional utilization was accepted by the TVMA board of directors this March. Specifically, the task force was charged with exploring the expansion of the scope of practice for LVTs, CVAs, and noncredentialed personnel working in veterinary medicine.
The task force met several times to discuss issues within their charge, including researching veterinary practice acts in other states; reviewing the American Association of Veterinary State Boards’ (AAVSB) “The Model Regulation—Scope of Practice for Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Technologists;” and surveying Texas VMA members and leadership on leveraging veterinary staff members.
Dr. Jodi Long, TVMA president, told AVMA News that not one member of the group thinks that, at this point in time, a midlevel practitioner would be of benefit to veterinary medicine.
“From Texas’s perspective, we understand and appreciate what our veterinary support staff does,” she said. “We also understand that those individuals have not always been utilized to the fullest extent that they could be under our practice act. And we absolutely—absolutely—believe that the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) should remain in the hands of the veterinarian.”
Background information given to delegates regarding the resolution explains that the sponsoring organizations believe a strong, national stance by the AVMA against “scope of practice incursions” is of “utmost importance to the AVMA, its members, the health and welfare of our patients, public health, and the continued trust of our clients.”
Such a stance, the background continues, “limits the acts of diagnosis, prognosis, treatment planning, prescribing, and surgery to the veterinarian, while appropriately recognizing the considerable knowledge and skill sets of veterinary technicians; supports full utilization of credentialed staff; and maintains the integrity of the VCPR.”
The background provides examples of scope of practice incursions as proposals for a midlevel professional and inappropriate expansions of veterinary technicians’ scope of practice.
Earlier this year, Arkansas adopted a law that will expand veterinary technician specialists’ (VTS) scope of practice. It allows these individuals to establish—on a temporary basis—a VCPR on behalf of the veterinarian and then diagnose and develop a treatment plan.
“In addition to not being in the best interest of our patients, clients, and the public, such proposals are not compliant with existing federal requirements for prescribing and dispensing and place unacceptable liability on supervising veterinarians,” the resolution’s background information states.
House fills Committee, council, HAC seats
At its regular annual session in July, the AVMA House of Delegates elected individuals to AVMA committees and councils and the House Advisory Committee (HAC). The results are as follows.
Committee on International Veterinary Affairs
Dr. Barbara Engel, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, representing AVMA Council on Education; Dr. Leianne Lee Loy, Honolulu, AVMA representative to the Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations
Food Safety Advisory Committee
Dr. Tanya Applegate, Fort Collins, Colorado, representing American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, alternate
Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents
Dr. Melissa Bourgeois, Cumming, Georgia, representing microbiology; Dr. Steven Dow, Prescott, Arizona, representing private clinical practice, predominantly equine
Council on Public Health
Dr. Sara McReynolds, Manhattan, Kansas, representing animal health; Dr. Sara Margrey, Wilmington, Ohio, representing human health
Council on Research
Dr. Miles Theurer, Montezuma, Kansas, representing private clinical practice; and Drs. Philippe Baneux, Carlsbad, California; Kathryn Shelton, Bastrop, Texas; Mila Kundu, La Mesa, California; and Charley Cull, Oakland, Nebraska, representing veterinary medical research
Council on Veterinary Service
Dr. Barbara Crabbe, Oregon City, Oregon, representing private practice, predominantly equine; Dr. Lacey Fahrmeier, Roberts, Montana, representing private practice, predominantly food animal
House Advisory Committee
Drs. Juan Amieiro, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Lindy O’Neal, Rogers, Arkansas; Douglas McInnis, Klamath Falls, Oregon; and Theresa Kelliher, Kearney, Nebraska
At the subsequent HAC meeting, members of the advisory committee elected Dr. Libby Todd, Birmingham, Alabama, as chair.
Policies on canine devocalization, physical restraint of animals approved
Delegates also approved revised policies on docking of lambs’ tails, tail docking cattle
By Malinda Larkin
The AVMA House of Delegates adopted a handful of revised animal welfare policies, including one on “Canine Devocalization” that supersedes the previous policy, approved a new policy on “Canine Hybrids,” and referred two other policies back to the AVMA Board of Directors.
The HOD held its regular annual session July 13-14 in conjunction with AVMA Convention 2023 in Denver.
The policy on canine devocalization now states that the AVMA “strongly discourages” the procedure. According to background materials, the revisions redirect the policy’s emphasis from the rare and marginal conditions under which devocalization may be ethically justified, to the need for AVMA to discourage convenience devocalization as a nontherapeutic procedure that not only has no benefits to dogs but also negatively impacts their welfare.
Delegates also approved revised policies on “Docking of Lambs’ Tails,” “Tail Docking of Cattle,” and “Physical Restraint of Animals.” Regarding the tail docking of lambs’, language was revised to strengthen AVMA’s opposition to excessively short tail docking and to clarify that appropriate pain control should be used whenever lambs’ tails are docked.
Revisions to the policy on tail docking of cattle clarify that the procedure may cause chronic pain and that appropriate pain control should be used. Dr. Hunter Lang, delegate for the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), said his association strongly supports the policy as it goes well with the AABP’s position on this topic.
Dr. Matthew Boyle, delegate for Minnesota, speaks before the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) about the revised policy on physical restraint of animals. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 261, 9; 10.2460/javma.261.9.1281
The policy on physical restraint has been revised to include statements about consulting with a veterinarian to determine acceptable restraint methods, keeping physically restrained animals under observation, evaluating outcomes of physical restraint methods to assess acceptability and recommend modifications as necessary, and considering alternatives to physical restraint when appropriate.
Dr. Colleen Currigan, delegate for the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), said the updates were much needed and thanked the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) for its work, which resulted in an excellent final product.
The new policy the HOD approved, “Canine Hybrids,” supersedes existing policies on “Canine Hybrids” and “Vaccination of Wolf Hybrids.” One of the changes in the policy was to emphasize that providing care for a canine hybrid may be considered an illegal act and that in jurisdictions that do permit canine hybrids, veterinarians may be required to verify legal ownership, according to background materials.
Finally, the proposed new policies “Sheep and Goat Castration” and “Sheep and Goat Disbudding and Dehorning” were both referred back to the Board with a request for further consideration by the AWC.
With respect to the policy on castration, Dr. Andrea Mongini, delegate for the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP), said that her association would like to see included an ideal age range based on research, rather than the general statement that these animals should be castrated as early as practicable. In addition, the AASRP would like to have the animal welfare implications of the procedure more clearly delineated.
Regarding the disbudding and dehorning policy, Dr. Mongini said dehorning at 21 days can be traumatic as kids’ skulls are thin and doing so could result in brain damage.
The HOD also approved a new policy directing the Association to “vigorously defend” against expanding the scope of practice for nonveterinarians (see page 1285) and voted in favor of a resolution that asks the AVMA to acknowledge the importance of veterinarians in public practice (see page 1283).
AVMA President Carlson touches on power of belonging
The Idaho veterinarian emphasizes importance of mentorship and the power of a positive perspective
Story and photo by R. Scott Nolen
Dr. Rena Carlson, AVMA president, encouraged veterinary leaders to take steps now that will ensure the future success of veterinary colleagues and the profession overall.
In her speech before the AVMA House of Delegates’ (HOD) regular annual session on July 14 in Denver, Dr. Carlson called on fellow veterinarians to create conditions that will continue to remove barriers to wellbeing and facilitate personal growth, professional development, and enhance financial success.
A 1989 veterinary graduate of Washington State University, Dr. Carlson was elected last summer by the HOD as the 2023-24 AVMA president. She succeeded Dr. Lori Teller as AVMA president at the close of AVMA Convention 2023 in Denver.
Dr. Carlson has been active in organized veterinary medicine for over two decades, initially holding leadership positions within the Eastern Idaho VMA and Idaho VMA. She then served in the AVMA’s HOD as the Idaho alternate delegate and delegate for 10 years and on the AVMA Board of Directors (BOD) from 2014-20, with her final year on the Board as chair.
As part of her address, Dr. Carlson encouraged her colleagues to think about the view of the profession veterinarians want the world to see and understand as well as what vision they want to manifest for themselves. The collective identity of veterinary professionals, she explained, is made up by these stories they construct, which make meaning and create purpose in their lives.
“These stories play a significant role in our psychological wellbeing,” she said. “In fact, the way we interpret our experiences and the stories we tell about them are so important that they not only provide a snapshot of our current state of wellbeing, they can also predict our wellbeing over time.”
Embracing a solution-focused narrative is one way to create conditions for veterinarians to more successfully manage the challenges of this profession. So is emphasizing and celebrating the positive attributes of veterinary professionals, she said.
“Adopting a strengths-based approach in our stories and in our collective mindsets not only helps us achieve a higher level of wellbeing and better navigate the challenges we face as individuals,” she said. “It also draws more respect, trust, and interest from those we have taken an oath to serve. And that creates positive ripple effects for generations to come.”
Dr. Rena Carlson
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 261, 9; 10.2460/javma.261.9.1281
Another key area for success is creating a sense of belonging in our workplaces and associations. Dr. Carlson cited the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Studies and other research that show belonging, acceptance, and value have powerful long- and short-term implications for individual and collective wellbeing.
“It results in more confident team members, more resilient teams, a much higher level of job performance, and teams that are significantly more profitable,” she said. “In turn, this can have positive impacts on our relationships with clients and improve our overall patient care.
“We can all play a role in proactively reducing the risk of belonging uncertainty, creating welcoming environments and opportunities for authentic social bonds, participating in and reviewing climate assessments, and identifying our shared purpose, values, and goals.”
What ties these concepts together—addressing the collective narrative and creating a sense of belonging—is mentorship, according to Dr. Carlson. Guidance and direction from a mentor can have a profound influence at any stage of career, but particularly for new graduates and early career veterinary professionals. She noted that an AVMA survey of graduating seniors conducted last year identified mentorship as the No. 1 reason those in the Class of 2022 who accepted a job offer chose the one they did.
“A positive mentor relationship provides emotional and career support that increases wellbeing, work satisfaction, and creates a sense of belonging,” she said. “All qualities that contribute to a healthier narrative about ourselves and our profession, and increase our capacity to provide exceptional care to each other, our clients, and our patients.”
Dr. Carlson also touched upon how the AVMA is working to help members as they still recover from the impacts of COVID. The Association is working to bring new opportunities to the profession by promoting new technologies and advancements. And she acknowledged that while the veterinary industry is facing some workforce challenges—even current shortages in some areas—the AVMA will endeavor to ensure that there are appropriate numbers of well-prepared teams to meet workforce needs, both now and in the future.
“As we work to solve these challenges, it’s important to do it the right way, through long-term planning, and with accurate data so that the public and the profession continue to be very well served,” she said. “As we look ahead, let’s work together to shape the future we want.”
Dr. Carlson concluded her HOD remarks by asking delegates to step into their roles as mentors to young veterinarians and role models to those aspiring to be one.
“Let’s enhance our workforce by fully leveraging and valuing our team members, and strengthen our teams by creating inclusive, welcoming environments where we all feel a sense of belonging. Together, we can ensure all our colleagues share in the lifelong rewards made possible by this incredible profession that we are so fortunate to share,” Dr. Carlson said.
Faeh prevails in contest for AVMA president-elect
Story and photo by R. Scott Nolen
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) on July 14 elected Dr. Sandra Faeh of River Forest, Illinois, from a pool of candidates vying for the office of 2023-24 AVMA president-elect.
The former AVMA vice president will succeed current AVMA president-elect, Dr. Rena Carlson, who was installed as AVMA president on July 16. Three candidates spent the past year campaigning for that honor: Dr. Faeh, outgoing AVMA Treasurer Dr. Arnold Goldman, and Dr. Robert Murtaugh, a former chair of the AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties.
Delegates elected Dr. Faeh on the final day of the HOD’s annual summer session, held concurrently with AVMA Convention 2023 in Denver. She was joined on the stage by her husband, Marshall Butler, and their sons, Pierce and Aidan. Their son Alex could not join them.
“I spent a year listening and learning from so many of you. We have so many challenges. That means we have so many opportunities,” Dr. Faeh said. “I look forward to working with each and every one of you. And, like I said almost every day this past year, please reach out. Please reach out so that I can continue to listen and learn, and together we can create avenues to success.”
Dr. Sandra Faeh, the newly elected 2023-24 AVMA president-elect, is joined onstage with her son, Pierce (left); husband, Marshall Butler; and son, Aidan.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 261, 9; 10.2460/javma.261.9.1281
Dr. Faeh is chief veterinary officer for National Veterinary Associates (NVA), where she is also helping the company build a clinical mentorship program. Before joining NVA, Dr. Faeh was part owner of four small animal hospitals in the Chicago suburbs.
She is a 1996 veterinary graduate of the University of Illinois, previously serving as president of the Student AVMA (SAVMA). Dr. Faeh has also served as president of the Illinois State and Chicago VMAs.
Additionally, Dr. Faeh represented Illinois as an alternate delegate and delegate to the AVMA HOD from 2012-20, including a term as chair of the AVMA House Advisory Committee (HAC). She served as AVMA vice president from 2020-22.
Bailey announces bid for AVMA president
Boggier, Marshall vie for 2024-26 vice presidency
Story and photos by R. Scott Nolen
Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, a board-certified veterinary radiologist and outgoing member of the AVMA Board of Directors (BOD), launched his campaign for 2024-25 AVMA president-elect on July 14 with an impassioned speech to the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD). So far, he is the only candidate to declare for the position.
In addition, two members of the HOD announced their candidacies for 2024-26 AVMA vice president: New Jersey delegate Dr. Elizabeth Boggier and Washington state delegate Dr. Gary Marshall.
The AVMA vice president is elected to a two-year term and responsible for building stronger ties between the AVMA and veterinary college deans and faculty as well as veterinary student leadership.
The representative
Dr. Michael Q. Bailey
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 261, 9; 10.2460/javma.261.9.1281
In his remarks before the House, Dr. Bailey stressed how veterinarians and the AVMA must take every opportunity to boldly announce what accomplished health care professionals veterinarians are, and how they are highly educated and skilled, capable of providing quality medical care for a range of species.
Having spoken with members from well-served to underserved communities, Dr. Bailey noticed a common theme: The public sees veterinarians’ skills as “limited to administering vaccines for diseases they don’t understand and performing spays and neuters without fully understanding why the procedures are important.”
Many individuals do not appreciate the depth of care veterinarians offer, much less their work in research, conservation, policy-making, and public health initiatives, Dr. Bailey said.
“We must cultivate a compelling message that captures the essence of veterinary medicine,” he continued. “Support me, and I will deliver an identity representing what it means to be a veterinarian to our health care colleagues, production animal clients, the populations that do not know they depend on veterinary medicine, and Generation Alpha, dreaming about their future selves.”
A 1982 graduate of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Bailey has served on the veterinary faculties of Michigan State University and The Ohio State University. Currently, he is assistant medical director for telemedicine at Idexx Laboratories.
Dr. Bailey, of Export, Pennsylvania, was elected to the AVMA Board in 2017 as the District II representative, which covers Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. His term on the Board concludes Sunday.
If elected by the HOD during its 2024 regular annual session in July in Austin, Texas, Dr. Bailey would become the AVMA’s first Black president-elect and Black president in 2025.
The visionary
Dr. Elizabeth Boggier
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 261, 9; 10.2460/javma.261.9.1281
Dr. Boggier is a practice owner and has served in the HOD since 2012, first as the alternate delegate and now as delegate for New Jersey.
Speaking to the HOD, she said, “I have a vision of a brighter future for our profession—a vision that focuses on mentorship, a vision that focuses on empowerments, a vision that focuses on stronger relationships with and within our veterinary schools.”
If elected vice president, Dr. Boggier said her top priority will be to work toward establishing a comprehensive mentorship program across all sectors of veterinary medicine.
Dr. Boggier is a 1998 graduate of Tuskegee’s veterinary college. In 2008, she opened MountainView Veterinary Hospital in Rockaway, New Jersey. She has since opened a second hospital, in Denville, New Jersey, and expanded staffing numbers to include seven doctors, each with a different specialty, and one who is fluent in Spanish.
The listener
Dr. Gary Marshall
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 261, 9; 10.2460/javma.261.9.1281
Dr. Marshall is an adjunct professor at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Twice, he said, the veterinary college turned down his enrollment application. Were it not for the mentorship of the late Dr. Leo Bustad, a former veterinary dean at Washington State and pioneer in human-animal bond research, Dr. Marshall said he would not have become a veterinarian.
“Dr. Bustad took time to connect with me, to encourage me, to advocate for me, and to tell me I have value—not only to a profession that I wasn’t a part of yet, but that I have value as a human being,” said Dr. Marshall, adding how he has modeled Dr. Bustad’s style of mentorship throughout his career.
Dr. Marshall wants to build on the AVMA’s work of growing its membership, which requires listening, understanding, and responding to the perceived needs of the biggest pool of potential new members: veterinary students.
Dr. Marshall is the alternate delegate for Washington State in the AVMA House of Delegates. He currently serves on the board of directors for both the Washington State VMA and the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative (WVLDI).
AVMA Board elects Lemme chair, Knapp vice chair
Dr. Charles “Chuck” Lemme was elected 2023-24 AVMA Board of Directors (BOD) chair during the Board’s July 16 meeting in Denver. Dr. Robert Knapp was elected 2023-24 Board vice chair.
Dr. Lemme joined the Board in 2018. He represents District VII for the Board, which encompasses Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
He is a 1975 veterinary graduate of Iowa State University. In 1985, Dr. Lemme and his family moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he bought a small animal practice and practiced until his retirement in 2018.
Dr. Lemme’s involvement with the AVMA began when he was selected to be the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)representative on the AVMA Clinical Practitioners Advisory Committee to the Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents. He also served as the Iowa alternate delegate and delegate in the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) for six years before joining the Board.
As AVMA Board vice chair, Dr. Knapp will substitute for Dr. Lemme in his absence and perform other duties as prescribed by the Board or the chair.
Drs. Charles “Chuck” Lemme (left) and Dr. Robert Knapp (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 261, 9; 10.2460/javma.261.9.1281
Dr. Knapp joined the Board in 2019. He represents District V for the Board, which covers Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Dr. Knapp received his veterinary degree in 1992 from The Ohio State University. He currently owns the seven-associate practice Knapp Veterinary Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, which was started by his late grandfather Dr. John Knapp (Ohio State ‘32) in 1945. His father, Dr. Paul Knapp (Ohio State ‘61), worked at the practice until retirement.
Early in his career, Dr. Robert Knapp became active in the Ohio VMA, serving in various capacities including as an officer on the board of directors and as VMA president in 2007. He was a member of the AVMA HOD from 2012-19, first as alternate delegate, then as delegate for Ohio.
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:
AVMF, VPRF announce veterinary pharmacology fellowship grant
Supreme Court rejects Biden’s student debt plan
New awards acknowledge veterinary staff members’ contributions
A research facility ahead of its time
Years in the works, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility comes online with new capabilities
Government officials and representatives of the livestock and animal health industries gathered together this past May in Manhattan, Kansas. They were there to celebrate the collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) in opening the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF).
Nearly 20 years in the works, the $1.25 billion facility will ultimately replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center where, for more than half a century, USDA scientists led efforts to protect the nation from foot-and-mouth disease and other devastating foreign animal diseases (FADs).
The DHS assumed responsibility for Plum Island from the USDA in 2003. Two years later, the department warned that the facility was in danger of becoming outdated. So, it announced plans to build a state-of-the-art laboratory facility capable of supporting increasing levels of research and development to meet concerns about the accidental or intentional introduction of FADs.
“Through cutting edge research, diagnostics, and training, NBAF is a critical component of USDA’s priority to protect livestock, the agricultural economy, and even public health from emerging, transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases,” said NBAF Director Dr. Alfonso Clavijo.
Manhattan, Kansas, was deemed the ideal location not only because of its proximity to livestock research and available workforce, but also NBAF is adjacent to Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and located on the western edge of the Animal Health Corridor.
The transfer of science programs from Plum Island to NBAF will occur in phases over the next few years. NBAF must first go through select agent registration and other necessary clearance processes before it will be ready to transition all Plum Island science activities. That registration process is estimated to be complete by mid- to late 2024.
The USDA will own and operate the 48-acre NBAF campus, where more than 400 employees with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will work. The facility is equipped with a wastewater pretreatment plant, animal holding areas, and biosafety level-2 (BSL-2), -3, and -4 laboratories. The BSL-4 capabilities at NBAF are vital to its mission as only a handful of facilities in the world have BSL-4 space capable of housing livestock.
In June, several AVMA officials were granted a tour of National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, which is normally closed to the public. They learned about the plans for staffing, diagnostic and vaccine banks, and research capabilities. (Courtesy of NBAF)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 261, 9; 10.2460/javma.261.9.1281
The facility will be the future home of APHIS’s Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL), which is currently located at Plum Island. FADDL’s mission includes 24/7 diagnostic testing, pathogen surveillance, emergency response, and training. Scientists with FADDL will manage two vaccine banks from NBAF, which serve as an insurance policy to stop the spread of transboundary animal diseases, such as FMD.
Additionally, the USDA will transfer the ARS’s Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit (FADRU) from Plum Island to NBAF. The unit’s mission is to understand and develop products to prevent, control and eradicate selected foreign animal diseases.
The USDA is establishing two new research units at NBAF: the Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Unit (FABADRU) and the Zoonotic and Emerging Disease Research Unit (ZEDRU). Another USDA first is NBAF’s Biologics Development Module. It is a proof-of-concept facility that will take NBAF’s basic research and translate it into applied science such as vaccines and other disease countermeasures.
Dr. Ronald Gill, 2022-23 chair of the AVMA Board of Directors, said touring NBAF was an extremely impressive experience.
“The individuals working there are very proud of the facility and their part in the design, development, and building of the massive building,” he said.
Assemblies
Alabama VMA
The Alabama VMA (ALVMA) held its Emerald Coast Veterinary Conference from May 31-June 4 in Miramar Beach, Florida. The new ALVMA officials are Drs. Bradley Harris, Dothan, president; Babette D. Authement, Fairhope, president-elect; Jim Lovell, Athens, vice president; Susan Parsons, McCalla, treasurer; Frances P. Kendrick, Selmer, immediate past president; and Brett Brooks, Enterprise, member at large
Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases
The Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD) held its annual conference from January 20-24 in Chicago. The new CRWAD officials are Dr. Annette O’Connor, Michigan State University, president; Dr. Rebecca Wilkes, Purdue University, vice president; Charles Czuprynski, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison, immediate past president; Dr. Paul Morley, Texas A&M University, executive director; and council members—Weipang Zhang, PhD, University of Illinois; Jun Lin, PhD, University of Tennessee; and Dr. John Angelos, University of California-Davis.
Visit avma.org/news/community to read the full reports, including awards.
Education council members appointed
Four new members joined the AVMA Council on Education this summer. The AVMA Council on Education Selection Committee appointed Dr. Noreen Lanza of Mickleton, New Jersey, to represent private clinical practice. The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges’ Council on Education Selection Committee appointed Dr. Melinda Camus of Watkinsville, Georgia, to represent basic sciences, and Dr. Carla Huston of Mississippi State, Mississippi, to represent preventative medicine. And the Council on Education appointed Dr. Stephanie A. Lindquist of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, to represent the public.
In Memory
John G. Allred
Dr. Allred (Washington State ’63), 85, Syracuse, Utah, died April 6, 2023. A large animal veterinarian, he worked at Associated Veterinarians in Roy, Utah, for most of his more than 50-year career. Dr. Allred served as a captain in the Army. His two sons, two daughters, and 16 grandchildren survive him.
Evelyn A. Bock
Dr. Bock (Kansas State ’68), 78, St. Louis, Missouri, died February 3, 2023. She practiced small animal medicine in the south St. Louis County area, founding Southwick Veterinary Hospital in 1975. Dr. Bock was a member of the Missouri VMA. Her husband, Robert, and a brother survive her. Memorials may be made to Open Door Animal Sanctuary, 6065 Duda Road, House Springs, MO 63051, or Stray Rescue of St. Louis, 2320 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103.
Rex D. Buller
Dr. Buller (Ohio State ’61), 87, Orient, Ohio, died March 4, 2023. He practiced mixed animal medicine at clinics he owned in Ohio at Mount Sterling and Harrisburg. Earlier in his career, Dr. Buller served as an assistant professor of veterinary preventive medicine at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He was a member of the Ohio VMA and served on the admissions committee at the veterinary college. Dr. Buller was also a member of the Pickaway County Board of Health. His wife, Martha Jo, and two daughters survive him. Memorials, toward veterinary scholarships, may be made to the OSU Foundation, 1900 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.
George J. Camaras
Dr. Camaras (Colorado State ’62), 95, Santa Ana, California, died June 11, 2023. Following graduation, he briefly practiced small animal medicine in Monrovia, California. With a special interest in orthopedics, Dr. Camaras subsequently established three practices in California’s Orange County, retiring from Yorba Linda Veterinary Hospital in Yorba Linda, California, in 2003. A veteran of World War II, he served in the Navy. Dr. Camaras’ wife, Patricia; three children; and six grandchildren survive him.
Keumhwa Choi
Dr. Choi, 69, Saint Paul, Minnesota, died May 8, 2023. A 1976 veterinary graduate of the University of Seoul in Korea, she was an associate professor at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. During her nearly 40-year tenure, Dr. Choi became certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and helped establish the complementary and alternative medicine section in the veterinary college’s Veterinary Medical Center. In 2001, the university honored her with a President’s Award for Outstanding Service. Dr. Choi was a past vice president of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. Her daughter, mother, and four sisters survive her.
Robert E. Cope
Dr. Cope (Kansas State ’75), 71, Salmon, Idaho, died December 28, 2022. He owned Blue Cross Veterinary Clinic in Salmon, practicing bovine medicine in Lemhi County for 44 years. Early in his career, Dr. Cope worked briefly in Bowman, North Dakota. Active in his community, Dr. Cope was a Lemhi County commissioner, served on the Salmon City Council, and was a past president of the Western Interstate Region for the National Association of Counties. In 2022, he was inducted into the Eastern Idaho Agriculture Hall of Fame. Dr. Cope is survived by his wife, Terri.
Lauren E. Dunaway
Dr. Dunaway (Illinois ’69), 86, Des Peres, Missouri, died March 29, 2023. He owned West Side Animal Clinic in Rock Hill, Missouri, until 2010. Dr. Dunaway subsequently practiced part time at the clinic until retirement in 2016. His wife, Patricia; a daughter and a son; two grandchildren; and two brothers and a sister survive him.
Cesar Gonzalez
Dr. Gonzalez (Kansas State ’67), 81, San Juan, Puerto Rico, died December 14, 2022. He served as director of the Animal Control Center of Carolina in San Juan for several years. A past president of the Puerto Rico VMA, Dr. Gonzalez was a past vice-chair of the AVMA Council on Veterinary Service and served on the Puerto Rico Board of Veterinary Examiners. In 2018, the PRVMA dedicated its convention to him, and, in 2021, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine honored him with the VMX Alumni Recognition Award. His family survives him.
K. Wayne Hollingshead
Dr. Hollingshead (Guelph ’78), 74, Kamloops, British Columbia, died June 12, 2023. He was an instructor in the animal health technology program at what was known as Cariboo College in Kamloops prior to retirement in 2008. Dr. Hollingshead was a past president of what is now known as the Pride Veterinary Medical Community. He was also active with the Canadian and British Columbia VMAs, American Association of Veterinary State Boards, and Association of Veterinary Technician Educators. Dr. Hollingshead is survived by two daughters, a son, and three grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Hollingshead/Baird Bamford Anesthesia & Critical Care Award, Thompson Rivers University, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8, Canada, jav.ma/Hollingshead, or Royal Inland Hospital Foundation Cardiac Care fund, 311 Columbia St., Kamloops, BC V2C 2T1, Canada, jav.ma/Royal.
David E. Hughes
Dr. Hughes (Cornell ’51), 100, Ames, Iowa, died May 10, 2023. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists, he worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture prior to retirement in 1977. During that time, Dr. Hughes worked in Beltsville, Maryland, where he conducted research on diseases in cattle, focusing on pink eye. He also worked at what is now known as the National Animal Disease Center in Ames.
Dr. Hughes was a veteran of the Army Air Corps, retiring from the Army Reserves in 1972. He is survived by four daughters, a son, 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and seven great great-grandchildren. One daughter, Dr. Sheree Hughes-Irwin (Iowa State ’81), is also a veterinarian. Memorials may be made to Heartland Senior Services, 205 S. Walnut Ave., Ames, IA 50010.
Gordon F. Johnson
Dr. Johnson (Ohio State ’57), 94, Chillicothe, Ohio, died April 16, 2023. Following graduation, he practiced in Lafayette, Indiana. In 1969, Dr. Johnson moved to West Virginia, where he worked at Gateway Animal Hospital in St. Albans, Avalon Dog & Cat Hospital in South Charleston, and veterinary practices in Williamson and Logan. He retired in 1998.
Dr. Johnson was a veteran of the Navy. His son, daughter, and three grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 815 Kanawha Terrace #2955, St. Albans, WV 25177, or Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier St., Charleston, WV 25311.
David T. Lamb
Dr. Lamb (California-Davis ’81), 70, South Strafford, Vermont, died March 17, 2023. He owned an equine practice in South Strafford. Dr. Lamb also volunteered at annual rabies clinics held in the community. He was a past president of the Vermont Board of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Lamb served on the zoning board for South Strafford and was a member of the Lions Club. His three daughters, a son, two grandchildren, three sisters, and a brother survive him. Memorials may be made to the Green Mountain Horse Association, 5491 S. Road, South Woodstock, VT 05071; Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc., 1110 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20005; or High Horses Therapeutic Riding Program, 138 Horse Farm Road Box 278, Sharon, VT 05065.
Michael R. Marshall
Dr. Marshall (Colorado State ’75), 78, Lake Point, Utah, died April 4, 2023. He served as Utah state veterinarian for 26 years, also serving as director of animal industry. Before that, Dr. Marshall practiced at Tooele Veterinary Clinic in Tooele, Utah, for eight years, and ran the LDS Beef Welfare Ranch in Vernon, Utah. He was a past president of the United States Animal Health Association and a member of the Utah VMA, receiving the UVMA Distinguished Service Award in 1994. Dr. Marshall served in the Army National Guard of Utah. His wife, Terre; two daughters and a son; and eight grandchildren survive him.
Robert A. Marston
Dr. Marston (Michigan State ’65), 85, East Kingston, New Hampshire, died January 16, 2023. Following graduation, he practiced at Pine Tree Veterinary Hospital in Augusta, Maine. In 1967, Dr. Marston established Amesbury Animal Hospital in Amesbury, Massachusetts. He also served as animal control officer for East Kingston for nearly 30 years and was a member of the East Kingston planning board for more than 45 years. Dr. Marston is survived by his wife, Deborah; two sons and a daughter; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Christian Veterinary Mission, P.O. Box 5888, Lynwood, WA 98046.
Arlen G. Mills
Dr. Mills (Missouri ’77), 75, Lyman, South Carolina, died December 6, 2022. During his career, he practiced in Coshocton, Ohio; taught at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine; was an extension veterinarian at Pennsylvania State University; worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture; practiced at Mount Airy Veterinary Hospital in Mount Airy, North Carolina; and taught veterinary technology at Central Carolina Community College. In retirement, Dr. Mills served as a relief veterinarian.
He was a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and a member of the South Carolina VMA and Gideons International. Dr. Mills’ wife, Cheryl; three daughters and a son; 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and three sisters and a brother survive him. Memorials may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 6284, Hendersonville, NC 28793.
Robert A. Moen
Dr. Moen (Minnesota ’62), 86, Sartell, Minnesota, died January 31, 2023. He retired from practice in 1993. Dr. Moen is survived by his wife, Dottie; four daughters and a son; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and five sisters and a brother. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, alz.org/mnnd.
Donald V. Osborne
Dr. Osborne (Illinois ’55), 91, Solomons, Maryland, died March 13, 2023. Following graduation, he joined the Air Force Veterinary Corps. During his military career, Dr. Osborne earned his master’s in public health from the University of Michigan and served on bases in Alabama, Texas, California, Mississippi, Florida, Maryland, Philippines, and Guam. He retired in 1985 with the rank of colonel. Dr. Osborne is survived by his wife, Georgianna; two sons and two daughters; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Richard M. Smithwick
Dr. Smithwick (Texas A&M ’61), 87, Howe, Texas, died January 21, 2023. Following graduation, he founded a practice in Richardson, Texas. Dr. Smithwick later established a practice on his farm in Howe. His wife, Daisie; three daughters; six grandchildren; and a great-grandchild survive him. Memorials may be made to the Hall Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 664, Howe, TX 75459, or First Baptist Church, 100 Davis St., Howe, TX 75459.
Robert Speyrer
Dr. Speyrer (Texas A&M ’63), 83, Opelousas, Louisiana, died December 2, 2022. Following graduation, he established Speyrer Animal Clinic in Opelousas. Dr. Speyrer was a member of the Louisiana VMA. A veteran of the Army Veterinary Corps, he attained the rank of captain. Dr. Speyrer is survived by his wife, Claire; two daughters; six grandchildren; and two sisters and a brother.
