IN SHORT
MIDWESTERN PROPOSES NEW VETERINARY COLLEGE ON ILLINOIS CAMPUS
Midwestern University, a private, nonprofit graduate and postgraduate university specializing in the health sciences, announced June 11 plans to develop the College of Veterinary Medicine–Illinois on its Downers Grove, Illinois, campus.
Midwestern University has offered a veterinary degree program since 2012 on its Glendale, Arizona, campus. Midwestern’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Arizona has been accredited by the AVMA Council on Education (AVMA COE) since 2018, with a current accreditation status of accredited with minor deficiencies in Standard 8 (Faculty) and Standard 9 (Curriculum).
The Downers Grove campus is located on a 105-acre site and is home to nearly 3,000 students. University officials are seeking accreditation from the AVMA COE, which is done by first requesting a consultative site visit.
Dr. Coretta Cosby Patterson (Illinois ’95) will serve as the dean of the Midwestern’s proposed veterinary college. Prior to her appointment, Dr. Patterson served as the director of the office of professional success at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She previously held a leadership position as the group medical director for research development at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital.
AVMA delegates elect 2024-25 president-elect, 2024-26 vice president
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) elected Dr. Michael Q. Bailey of Pittsburgh as 2024-25 AVMA president-elect and Dr. Gary A. Marshall of Mercer Island, Washington, as 2024-26 AVMA vice president June 21, the final day of the HOD’s regular session in Austin, Texas. Both candidates ran unopposed and were elected by unanimous consent.
Dr. Michael Q. Bailey
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 8; 10.2460/javma.262.8.1023
Dr. Bailey is the AVMA’s first Black president-elect and will be the Association’s president when Dr. Sandra Faeh’s term expires in next July during AVMA Convention 2025 in Washington, D.C.
A 1982 graduate of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Bailey has served on the veterinary faculties of Michigan State University, The Ohio State University, and Tuskegee.
He represented District II (Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) on the BOD from 2017-23 and currently works for Idexx Laboratories as a veterinary radiologist and medical director.
In his comments to the HOD, Dr. Bailey emphasized the importance of AVMA members, describing them as the “backbone” of the Association.
“Your trust in us to lead the AVMA is essential. Still, our success and collective achievements, such as the renowned Journey for Teams, depend on members’ support and active participation,” he said. “Together, we can inspire our colleagues back home to join this journey of service, as their involvement is essential for our collective success and organic growth.”
The AVMA vice president serves a two-year term as a voting member of the AVMA Board and as the Association’s official liaison to the Student AVMA and its student chapters and, by extension, to the veterinary college deans and faculty.
Dr. Gary A. Marshall
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 8; 10.2460/javma.262.8.1023
Dr. Marshall recently retired as a feline practitioner but remains an adjunct professor at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he received his veterinary degree in 1989.
Prior to his election as AVMA vice president, Dr. Marshall was the alternate delegate for Washington State in the HOD. He had also served on the board of directors for both the Washington State VMA and the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative.
Dr. Marshall asked delegates to help him connect with veterinary students and new graduates in their states and to hold him accountable.
“I consider feedback to be a precious gift—positive or negative. It will help me be better,” he said. “The students and the AVMA deserve the very best.”
Faeh will stay the course as AVMA president
Story and photo by R. Scott Nolen
Dr. Sandra Faeh promises that as 2024-25 AVMA president, she will maintain the priorities set by Association leadership and focus on the needs of AVMA members and the issues they face. That includes protecting the integrity of the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) while also advancing the health and welfare of their animal patients.
Dr. Faeh spoke June 21 during the regular annual session of the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) in Austin, Texas. The recently installed AVMA president from Wayne, Illinois, is a 1996 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She is chief veterinary officer for National Veterinary Associates. The HOD last year elected Dr. Faeh as the 2023-24 AVMA president-elect and successor to the outgoing AVMA president, Dr. Rena Carlson.
“As I embark on this journey, I hope to visit many of our colleagues in their daily lives, because my work as AVMA president will focus on their needs and the issues facing all of us as veterinarians,” Dr. Faeh told the assembly of delegates in her prepared remarks.
“My priorities are aligned with those of the AVMA, which is working hard every day to ensure that our members’ interests come first, and that we can continue to make the health and welfare of our patients and the animals we serve our top priority,” she said.
The AVMA is continuing work across the veterinary profession to address workforce issues, tracking trends and data to find the right solutions, according to Dr. Faeh, adding that efforts to relax the in-person establishment of the VCPR and the introduction of a proposed midlevel practitioner “concern us on many levels.”
“These are not the right solutions for anyone—not animals, not their owners, not our valued colleagues, and not the veterinary teams we work with,” Dr. Faeh said. “And most concerningly, they would seriously jeopardize animal health and safety.”
Dr. Faeh noted the AVMA’s ongoing work with lawmakers, federal agencies, and the Biden administration to maintain veterinary access to xylazine in light of growing public concerns about the drug’s illicit use.
Dr. Sandra Faeh
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 8; 10.2460/javma.262.8.1023
The AVMA also continues to work diligently with state and federal agencies and stakeholders to better understand and manage the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cattle in 12 states, she said.
“We are approaching these issues in a collaborative way,” she continued, “and leveraging science and data to ensure that the profession makes the right decisions when it comes to the future practice of veterinary medicine.”
Noting her passion for mentorship, Dr. Faeh highlighted the work of MentorVet Connect, a collaboration between the AVMA and MentorVet that provides mentorship to early-career AVMA members free of charge in their first 10 years as a veterinarian.
Dr. Faeh’s involvement with organized veterinary medicine began in 1995 as the national Student AVMA (SAVMA) president. She has since served as president of the Chicago and Illinois State VMAs. As a volunteer leader with the AVMA, Dr. Faeh has been the Illinois alternate delegate and delegate to the HOD, chair of the House Advisory Committee (HAC), and AVMA vice president.
During her time on the HAC, Dr. Faeh was instrumental in the development of the Veterinary Information Forum. As AVMA vice president from 2020-22, she founded the AVMA Online Educator Community. She also served as chair of the AVMA’s Working Group on Membership Engagement. She and her husband, Marshall Butler, are the parents of three sons: Pierce, Aidan, and Alex.
Dr. Faeh concluded her remarks to the HOD with a quote from Maya Angelou that embodies her outlook on life and will embody her presidency. She said, “‘At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.’”
“I firmly believe that everyone is welcome under the AVMA umbrella,” Dr. Faeh continued. “We are more than 105,000 strong, and this term as your president will be about all of you—our members, our volunteer leaders who work tirelessly to advance veterinary medicine, and our colleagues across the profession.”
Knapp, Willis elected AVMA Board chair, vice chair
Dr. Robert Knapp was elected 2024-25 AVMA Board of Directors (BOD) chair during the Board’s June 23 meeting during AVMA Convention 2024 in Austin, Texas. Dr. Sandy Willis was elected 2024-25 Board vice chair.
Dr. Knapp of Dublin, Ohio, joined the Board in 2019 representing District V, which covers AVMA members in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
He received his veterinary degree in 1992 from The Ohio State University. He 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 (OVMA), serving in various capacities including as an officer on the board of directors and as OVMA president in 2007. He was a member of the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) from 2012-19, first as alternate delegate, then as delegate for Ohio.
As AVMA Board vice chair, Dr. Willis of Mukilteo, Washington, will substitute for Dr. Knapp in his absence and perform other duties as prescribed by the Board or the chair. She was elected to the BOD in 2020 as the District XI representative, which covers AVMA members in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.
Drs. Robert Knapp and Sandy Willis, the 2024-25 AVMA Board of Directors chair and vice chair, respectively. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 8; 10.2460/javma.262.8.1023
Dr. Willis received her veterinary degree in 1984 from the University of California-Davis and later became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Prior to her election to the BOD, Dr. Willis was the Washington state alternate delegate and delegate in the HOD and chair of the House Advisory Committee (HAC). As HAC chair, she served on the Strategy Management Committee and Budget and Financial Review Committee and as a voting member of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation board of directors.
Dr. Willis is a past president of the Washington State VMA and is active in the Puget Sound VMA.
Ergen, Quammen announce for 2025-26 AVMA president-elect
Story and photos by R. Scott Nolen
Drs. Mary Ergen, a small animal practitioner and long-time practice owner from suburban Nashville, Tennessee, and Jennifer Quammen, chief veterinary officer of a veterinary technology company from Walton, Kentucky, are running for 2025-26 AVMA president-elect.
They announced their candidacies on June 21, the final day of the regular annual session of the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) in Austin, Texas.
Dr. Ergen is beginning her sixth and final year as District III representative on the AVMA Board of Directors, representing AVMA members in Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Dr. Mary Ergen
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 8; 10.2460/javma.262.8.1023
In her remarks to the HOD, Dr. Ergen said, “I would like to continue to move our strategic plan forward, to see our technician initiatives materialize, streamline the Educational Commission on Foreign Veterinary Graduates, and continue to support our legislative issues.”
“I also know life happens, and we have to be prepared for anything,” she added.
“I am bullish on the AVMA,” Dr. Ergen continued. “I think I can work well with our volunteers and other stakeholders to solve the current issues of workforce imbalance, the availability and validity of telehealth, and the use of (artificial intelligence) in our profession as just a few examples.”
The 1982 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine has been active in organized veterinary medicine for more than 30 years, including serving as president of the Tennessee VMA in 2008. She was also the Tennessee alternate delegate in the HOD for seven years.
Dr. Quammen will complete her term as AVMA vice president during AVMA Convention 2024. It is a two-year position serving as the AVMA’s liaison to the Student AVMA (SAVMA) and its student chapters and, by extension, to the veterinary college deans and faculty.
Dr. Quammen told delegates she is running for president-elect because she is eager to contribute to a profession that has enriched her life.
“I have the foundational skills in communication and collaboration,” she said along with the knowledge to contribute within the Association and to represent the AVMA to the public and other organizations.
Dr. Jennifer Quammen
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 8; 10.2460/javma.262.8.1023
A 2011 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Quammen has served as president of the Kentucky VMA (KVMA) as well as co-facilitator of the KVMA’s Power of Ten leadership program.
Dr. Quammen is an alumna of the AVMA Future Leaders Program and has served as chair of the AVMA Council on Veterinary Service.
“AVMA cannot be everywhere at all times, nor can I,” she said, “but we can serve as a place to bring differing opinions into the same room—virtual or in real time—and find common ground to have respectful discussions.”
Professional liability concerns a hot topic at HOD forum
By Malinda Larkin
Veterinarians are among the most trusted professionals, second only to nurses, according to a recent Gallup Poll on the perceptions of honesty and ethical standards of occupations.
But as any veterinarian can attest, with that trust comes significant responsibility that can keep them up at night.
AVMA leaders discussed professional liability concerns and related issues (see page 1027) June 20 during the AVMA House of Delegates’ (HOD) Veterinary Information Forum.
Forum participants were encouraged to share their questions or thoughts relative to professional liability insurance, including the program sponsored by the AVMA Professional Liability Insurance Trust (AVMA PLIT) or legal liability in the course of veterinary practice.
Dr. Teresa Hershey, Minnesota delegate, said as the veterinary industry moves toward more fully leveraging team members and corporate consolidation continues, “the associate veterinarian is increasingly being put in a position where their liability risk increases and their influence on the practice decreases.”
Tracey Gray-Walker, AVMA Trust CEO, addresses the AVMA House of Delegate’s Veterinary Information Forum on Thursday. She says the AVMA Professional Liability Insurance Trust–sponsored program will aggressively defend insured members and claims cannot be settled without the insured member’s consent. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 8; 10.2460/javma.262.8.1023
Associate veterinarians frequently work with team members they don’t know, either because they’re asked to shift between corporate-owned clinics or work with a relief veterinarian, or the clinic is circulating through veterinary technicians, she said.
“In addition, the associate veterinarian is often not at the table when decisions are made in terms of which team members are allowed to do which tasks, the type of training they receive, and how much oversight is performed,” Dr. Hershey said, and they may not have any leverage when interacting with their employer.
On Friday, the HOD voted unanimously to refer the topic of professional liability to the AVMA Board of Directors to consider two actions. The first was to investigate the development of additional reputation management resources for members. The second was to collaborate with the AVMA PLIT to develop an omnichannel approach to educate members on programs and questions related to liability and similar issues.
Tracey Gray-Walker, AVMA Trust CEO, spoke at the VIF to give more information on the AVMA PLIT and its activities. She said that every claim is handled on a case-by-case basis. Also, that the legal standard of care is constantly changing and depends on many factors, varying by practice type and state. It is generally established by expert testimony.
She noted that among all claims made to the AVMA PLIT, slightly over 10%, regardless of species, pertained to spays and neuters. For companion animal claims alone, it rises to about 20%, represents about 50% of the top five small animal surgical claims. Other top claim drivers for small animal practitioners were dental procedures, adverse anesthetic events, drug reactions and errors, and C-sections.
For large animal and equine claims, the top drivers were prepurchase examinations, rectal tears, castrations, reproductive examinations and procedures, injections, and handling or restraint injuries.
The insurance provided through the AVMA PLIT-sponsored program will pay, according to the policy, damages an insured member is legally obligated to pay up to the policy limit, which varies based upon the member’s selection. Such damages include amounts awarded by a jury or a settlement. Defense attorney fees are paid by the insurance carrier and do not reduce limits of liability and the policy.
The AVMA PLIT-sponsored program will aggressively defend insured members, Gray-Walker said, and a claim cannot be settled without the insured’s consent.
Dr. Diana Thomé, Washington state delegate, said, “Mitigating liability requires a commitment to ongoing education, ethical decision-making, and proactive risk management strategies. Moreover, it’s incumbent upon us to cultivate an open communication with our clients, fostering trust and transparency in every interaction. By engaging in honest dialogue and setting realistic expectations, we can mitigate misunderstandings and reduce the likelihood of disputes.”
House considers changes required to meet profession’s future needs
Technology an opportunity and challenge veterinarians are eager to explore in practice and elsewhere
By Malinda Larkin
A veterinarian’s expertise is key. This applies when deciding what duties to delegate to veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants or whether to use artificial intelligence to help interpret a radiograph.
The AVMA is working diligently on preserving practitioners’ ability to exercise their professional judgement and prepare for the future. In addition to professional liability (see page 1026), AVMA leaders on June 20 discussed the Association’s Model Veterinary Practice Act (MVPA) and the use of technology during the AVMA House of Delegates’ (HOD) Veterinary Information Forum (VIF).
Model Veterinary Practice Act
The MVPA is undergoing review by the Council on Veterinary Service (CoVS) and its Expanded Working Group. Dr. Lindy O’Neal, Arkansas delegate, said the CoVS anticipates opening comments on a draft updated MVPA later this year or early next with the hopes of having an updated MVPA presented to the AVMA Board of Directors (BOD) for consideration in 2025 and to the HOD by summer 2025.
The MVPA is intended as a set of guiding principles for those revising a veterinary practice act under the law and codes of a particular state. Notable provisions in the document include the following:
Creates a board of veterinary medicine that oversees the practice of veterinary medicine (and veterinary technology) in the state and sets its powers.
Creates requirements for licensing or registration and establishes procedures for dealing with complaints and discipline of licensees and registrants.
Defines the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) and sets requirements around the practice of veterinary medicine that hinge on the VCPR.
During the VIF, one topic of interest was whether and how to identify duties and supervision of veterinary technicians, veterinary technologists, and veterinary technician specialists.
Dr. Tiffany Healey, Wyoming delegate, said she would like to see additions to the MVPA describing duties that veterinary technicians can perform to give veterinarians a better and consistent understanding of what they can do.
Dr. Hunter Lang, American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) delegate, pointed out that his organization has put together a list of duties credentialed veterinary technicians can do, as have other organizations, such as the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants (AAEVT) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities has created an essential skills list that describes competencies required of new graduates of accredited schools of veterinary technology.
Dr. Kristen Clark, Iowa VMA president, said in a reference committee meeting after the VIF that her organization just finished reviewing its veterinary practice act, which included defining tasks of veterinary technicians.
“It went well overall, but one of the more challenging things was that some things applicable to more urban practices were struggles for staff in rural areas, especially when it came to licensed veterinary technicians,” Dr. Clark said. “In rural areas, they have a harder time hiring and need veterinary assistants to do more things.”
They resolved this by allowing veterinary assistants to do more activities, such as administering medication, but under direct supervision.
Dr. Don Ferrill, Texas VMA president, said what really matters in a veterinary practice act is a good definition of what veterinary medicine is and what it isn’t.
“In Texas, it is prescribing, diagnosing, and treating and some exclusions,” he said, including treating your own animal, castrating farm animals, and dehorning. “All of this discussion about tasks for this level and that level—it’s just an attempt to create a midlevel practitioner. You’re opening the door with these exclusions. Guess what? Every time your legislature meets, there will be another push to add more to that list (of exemptions).”
Dr. Lindy O’Neal, Arkansas delegate, says veterinarians should have ultimate authority to delegate duties and tasks to their staff members. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 8; 10.2460/javma.262.8.1023
License portability
License portability was another often-discussed topic brought up at the VIF.
Delegates for the American Association of Industry Veterinarians and American Association of Avian Practitioners both noted that many of their members transfer between states due to the nature of their work and would like to see more reasonable application processes for people who have licenses in good standing in another state.
The MVPA allows for licensure by endorsement, which is when a veterinarian who is licensed in one or more states in good standing can become licensed in an additional state under a streamlined process. But for this to happen, the veterinarian must have a letter of endorsement from every state they are licensed in or have had a license to prove they do not have actions taken against their license in these other states.
The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) has its Veterinary Application for Uniform Licensure Transfer (VAULT) program, which is a license verification process that connects state databases with the AAVSB’s license information database to transfer professional information to the state and update the AAVSB database once a new license is issued.
However, Dr. Beth Venit, AAVSB’s chief veterinary officer, said it doesn’t necessarily speed up the process of getting licensed in another state because compiling the information takes up just as much time, if not more, than submitting the material.
“VAULT’s premium program collects letters of good standing, test scores, and everything else and then sends to the target jurisdiction,” she said “What slows it down is getting letter of good standing from wherever you’ve practiced, and most have an expiration date, usually 30 days. After that, you have to start process all over again.”
The AAVSB is now working on creating a national database for licensees similar to the National Practitioner Data Bank for physicians or the National Nursing Database. The Veterinary Information Verifying Agency (VIVA) database would have the AAVSB provide score and credential transfer information to its member boards.
“So, if we get all the jurisdictions signed on, this should eliminate need of a letter of good standing,” Dr. Venit said.
The MVPA mentions programs such as VAULT and encourages the creation of electronic databases like VIVA to make the process more seamless and quicker. But ultimately, it’s up to the states whether to allow licensees in good standing in other states an easier time getting licensed in their state.
Technology in the veterinary profession
Finally, delegates were asked ahead of the VIF to share their experience and thoughts about technologies they use in practice or ones they are considering adopting.
Many indicated that they use electronic medical records, practice information management systems (PIMS), and scribe services, as well as artificial intelligence-supported diagnostic tools, mostly for radiology and cytology—and biomarker technology.
Dr. Sherilynn Burkman, Idaho alternate delegate, said her clinic recently moved to an AI-based medical record system that captures audio from appointments and dictation in real time.
“I’ve saved 12 hours from typing notes. In clinical practice, I recommend exploring this option. I’ve seen significant improvements in quality of life for myself and my colleagues,” she said.
Dr. Bill Williams, Iowa delegate, said he would like guidance on client consent when it comes to technology.
“I’ve seen mixed opinions from legal [authorities] on best practices, which will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but it would be nice to have guidelines for practitioners to be aware of,” he said.
So far, the AVMA has created a Task Force on Emerging Technologies and Innovation that is charged with identifying needs and strategies to support AVMA members in the practical and responsible use of clinical- and business-augmenting technologies.
Delegates suggested during the VIF that the Association for Veterinary Informatics be engaged with the task force and that the task force also seek information from the American Medical Association, particularly regarding the use of AI in creating medical records. Other ideas were for the AVMA to create a forum where members can communicate with each other on their experiences with emerging technologies and to develop guidelines on how to best choose and implement these new technologies.
Education council members appointed
Six new members joined the AVMA Council on Education this summer. The AVMA Council on Education Selection Committee appointed Dr. Alisha Mason of Lamar, Colorado, to represent private clinical practice; Dr. A’ndrea Van Schoick of Middletown, Virginia, to be an at-large member; Dr. Michael Capel of Geneseo, New York, to represent private food animal clinical practice; Dr. Ignacio Correas of Miami to represent nonprivate, nonacademic veterinary medicine; and Dr. William Gilsenan of Lexington, Kentucky, to represent private clinical practice. And the Council on Education appointed Dr. Roberta Pollack, Los Angeles, to represent the public.
House passes updated ethics document, new transport policy
Delegates also approved a resolution honoring uniformed services veterinarians
By R. Scott Nolen
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) voted to approve revisions to the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics (PVME) and a policy on the transport of animals June 21 during the regular annual session of the HOD in Austin, Texas, held concurrently with AVMA Convention 2024.
AVMA delegates also adopted a resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of veterinarians in the uniformed services.
Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics
The PVME is intended to provide ethical guidance for all veterinarians. The revised version of the document has three fundamental principles that form the foundation of the PVME. These are aspirational goals for the veterinary profession. They are as follows:
Stewardship: Veterinarians have an ethical responsibility to alleviate suffering, promote health, and act in the best interests of their patients in balance with the interests of their clients, the environment, and the public.
Integrity: Veterinarians have an ethical responsibility to be honest and truthful in all interactions with clients, patients, and their community.
Respect: Veterinarians have an ethical responsibility to demonstrate respect to all patients, clients, and members of their community, including self and professional colleagues.
The AVMA House Advisory Committee (HAC) had recommended delegates approve the new PVME, along with the Board of Directors (BOD), who submitted the document to the HOD.
As the BOD explained in its proposal, the document has been restructured to improve clarity and usability.
For example, the PVME now features a Code of Conduct that comprises three sections: provide competent medical care, prioritize patient welfare in balance with client needs and public safety, and uphold standards of professionalism.
In the first section, when describing certain circumstances in which a veterinarian may decline to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) or provide care for an existing patient, wording was added to include the situation: “The client asked the veterinarian to act in an unethical manner.”
Under the second section, the portion that deals with contextual care had the phrase “be prepared to” added as well as language about referrals. It now reads, “A veterinarian should be prepared to offer a range of diagnostic, treatment, and when deemed appropriate, referral options that meet the needs of both the patient and the client.”
Also, wording that clarifies how to refer to veterinary specialists—meaning those individuals who have met the qualifications of an AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organization—was added in the third section. It says, “The terms ‘board eligible’ or ‘board qualified’ are misleading and should not be used by veterinarians.”
Prior to voting on the revised PVME, delegates approved a handful of edits to the document. One of those changes was to say that a veterinarian should only represent those who are credentialed as a veterinary technician in their state as a “credentialed veterinary technician.”
The rationale provided for the change was that not every state recognizes or has credentialed veterinary technicians yet. If the wording wasn’t changed, then veterinarians in those states could be in violation of AVMA’s PVME by saying they employed “veterinary technicians.”
Animal transport
The new AVMA policy on “Transportation of Animals” reads as follows:
“The AVMA supports the humane transport of animals. It is recommended that best practices be evidence-based and address the following at a minimum:
Animals must be evaluated and determined to be fit for transportation.
Handling methods, equipment, facilities, and transport vehicles must provide for the safety of animals and personnel, minimize stress and injury, and limit the transmission of disease.
The type of transport, transit time, age, and species of the animals being transported, climatic concerns, and the goal of optimizing animal welfare should be considered together to determine routes, rest stops, and whether the animals should be unloaded, fed, and watered.
We support guidance that has been developed in collaboration with experienced veterinarians, animal ethologists, animal welfare scientists, and species-specific transport experts. The AVMA also supports research focused on improving transport practices that consider the physical and affective states of animals.”
The revised policy was developed by the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee and submitted to the House by the BOD.
Uniformed services
The Michigan VMA (MVMA) submitted a resolution recognizing active and reserve military veterinarians of the uniformed services.
Consensus among the HOD was that the measure should encompass veterinarians in all branches of uniformed services, to include the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, to the language was amended to accomplish this. The MVMA supported the changes.
The resolution adopted by the HOD reads as follows:
“Resolved, that the American Veterinary Medical Association acknowledges and commends the outstanding contributions and achievements of the active and reserve component veterinarians of the Uniformed Services of the United States of America. Their work at home and abroad in peacekeeping, animal medicine, research development and public health should be highly honored. These veterinarians serve a vital role in building and maintaining animal care and human health domestically and internationally. Their sacrifice for the world community and the citizens of the United States is beyond reproach and a shining example of how these members serve their country. The American Veterinary Medical Association would also like to recognize the role of families who serve along with their loved ones. Their sacrifices are equally as vital and important as our service men and women. In closing, The American Veterinary Medical Association would like to thank all current and former Uniformed Services veterinarians for everything they have done for all of us.”
The revised Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics (PVME) approved by the AVMA House of Delegates on Friday has three fundamental principles that form the foundation of the PVME. These are aspirational goals for the veterinary profession, which provide guidance and offer justification for the Code of Conduct.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 8; 10.2460/javma.262.8.1023
Delegates updated on HPAI response
Federal officials gave reports on their multipronged approach to preventing, investigating highly pathogenic avian influenza
Story and photo by R. Scott Nolen
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) on June 20 heard from colleagues representing agencies and organizations responding to a multistate outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), specifically avian influenza virus type A (H5N1).
Speakers from the HOD’s House Advisory Panel and constituent allied veterinary organizations covered the current state of affairs and the challenges veterinarians in the poultry and dairy industries are facing, as well the efforts being taken to protect public and animal health.
Dr. Katherine Weathers, a poultry veterinarian with more than two decades of experience dealing with avian influenza and delegate for the American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP) in the HOD, told the House what they can expect when it comes to these highly pathogenic viruses. “Avian influenza is not going away.”
The AAAP has developed specific tools to help producers deal with an HPAI outbreak. “AAAP members are responsible for the health and welfare of millions, if not billions, of poultry in this country and worldwide,” Dr. Weathers said, adding that the association has helped develop surveillance and biosecurity programs used by all the U.S. primary breeder flock producers, and for most of the commercial poultry produced nationally.
“So, when we’re talking about cattle and poultry active surveillance, poultry has already set the stage for what’s happening,” she said.
The U.S. poultry industry is in its third year of a multistate outbreak of H5N1 viruses that have spilled over into roughly 200 mammal species. In March, the virus was identified for the first time in a herd of dairy cows in Texas. As of July 8, H5N1 infections have been confirmed in a dozen states: 27 herds each in Colorado and Idaho, 25 in Michigan, 21 in Texas, 12 in Iowa, eight in New Mexico, seven in Minnesota, five in South Dakota, four in Kansas, and one each in North Carolina, Ohio, and Wyoming.
Dr. Sarah Tomlinson, representative for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on the House Advisory Panel, opened the Thursday morning informational session, explaining that USDA scientists have determined through genetic analysis that a wild bird infected with H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13 is most likely responsible for the spillover event involving cattle.
Dr. Sarah Tomlinson, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service representative on the AVMA House of Delegates’ House Advisory Panel, briefs delegates on the agency’s efforts to manage highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 8; 10.2460/javma.262.8.1023
“Over the last only 90 days, there has been a tremendous amount of work to learn about this emerging disease in cattle being conducted by producers and state and federal veterinarians,” she said.
“We have conducted and administered epidemiology questionnaires,” said Dr. Tomlinson, who is a senior leader for Science and Information Technology for Veterinary Services within USDA APHIS. “We have done some on-farm intensive sampling. We have conducted wildlife and mature domestic species sampling on and around effected dairies, and we have now deployed three epidemiological strike teams.”
Recent laboratory pathogenesis studies indicate lactating cows are by far the largest and most affected vector for this disease, she continued. “This continues to be a form of morbidity in dairy cattle with mortality rates, including culling, 2% or less on average,” she said.
The disease is unpredictable, as it has shown up in asymptomatic dairy cattle, as well as those that show a high number of clinical signs over an extended period of time. Transmission appears to be multifactorial. APHIS has found that over half of affected premises are sharing equipment, such as trucks and trailers, and that three-quarters of affected premises have visitors who have frequent contact with the cattle.
The H5N1 virus also appears to have some ability to infect humans. Three individuals exposed to infected cattle have been confirmed as infected, according to Dr. Casey Barton Behravesh, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) representative on the House Advisory Panel.
Dr. Behravesh, director of CDC’s One Health Office, explained that conjunctivitis was the common clinical indication in all three cases, while the third affected individual also showed signs of respiratory illness. “Thankfully, there’s been no human-to-human spread detected to date, but that’s something we continue to watch closely for and want to stay ahead of the curve on,” she said.
The CDC is conducting genetic sequencing of the virus from all human cases, and doing comparative analyses between human and animal sequences to assess the viruses for genetic changes that could indicate if the virus is adapting and spreading more easily, she continued.
“Today, there have been no changes detected that indicate the virus is more likely to transmit better from animals to people or from person-to-person,” Dr. Behravesh said. “And there’s no indication that the virus would be resistant to antivirals or effective vaccines or diagnostics at this time.”
Concerning the safety of U.S. food supply, Dr. Thomas Vermeersch said, “The USDA is confident that the meat supply is safe, and part of that confidence is due to the fact that we have a rigorous meat inspection process associated with the release of meat for commerce.”
Dr. Vermeersh is the policy development division staff officer for USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which he represents on the House Advisory Panel. He recounted how the USDA initiated three separate beef safety studies concerning avian influenza and meat from dairy cattle.
One study using samples from ground beef obtained from retail outlets in the states in which dairy cattle herds tested positive for H5N1 influenza virus found no viral particles to be present in the beef.
Two additional studies provided further evidence of a safe U.S. meat supply, according to Dr. Vermeesh.
Dr. Tristan Colonius of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine said research indicates that the commercial pasteurized dairy supply is also safe. “The good news is that the data is stacking up and (pasteurization) continues to work well against this virus,” said Dr. Colonius.
The FDA is working closely with its partners to understand and fill data and research gaps concerning the virus. For example, the agency is working with the USDA to test samples of pooled raw milk to characterize potential H5N1 levels and replicating commercial conditions of grade A milk production to further validate pasteurization.
Additionally, the FDA intends to support additional One Health research on interventions to prevent, control, or eliminate H5N1, with results becoming available soon, he said.
House elects Committee, Council members and names liaison
At its regular annual session in June, the AVMA House of Delegates elected individuals to AVMA committees and councils and named a liaison representative. The results are as follows.
Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Committee
Dr. Cara Field, Sausalito, California, representing aquatic animal conservation medicine; Dr. Hugh Mitchell, Kirkland, Washington, representing corporate or laboratory aquatic veterinary medicine
Committee on Disaster and Emergency Issues
Dr. Michael Neault, Columbia, South Carolina, representing National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials
Convention Education Program Committee
Dr. Douglas Ensley, Santa Maria, California, food animal/equine section manager; Dr. Heather Berst, San Diego, professional development section manager
Early Career Development Committee
Dr. Naomi Hoyer, Peachtree, Georgia, representing faculty members
Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG)
Dr. Nagaleelavathi Sompura Papareddy, Asheville, North Carolina, representing non-native English-speaking clinical practitioners holding an ECFVG certificate
Food Safety Advisory Committee
Dr. Stephanie Ringler, Fort Collins, Colorado, representing American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners; Dr. Catherine Stollen, Rochester Hills, Michigan, representing American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, alternate
Steering Committee on Human-Animal Interactions
Dr. Megan LaFollette, Arvada, Colorado, expert on the impact on the human (i.e. how human-animal attachment type and strength impacts the wellbeing of people); Dr. Virginia Corrigan, Knoxville, Tennessee, veterinarian or scientist with expertise in domestic animal relationships (animals used for companionship, research, food, work, recreation), alternate
Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents
Drs. Joseph Bertone, Buena Vista, Colorado, and Stephanie Montgomery, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, at-large representatives; Dr. Marike Visser, Kalamazoo, Michigan, representing industry, exclusive; Dr. Kenneth Pawlowski, Mather, California, representing private clinical practice, predominantly small animal
Council on Public Health
Drs. Boyd Parr, Newberry, South Carolina; Douglas Meckes, Apex, North Carolina; and Angelina Williams, Germantown, Maryland, representing animal health
Council on Research
Drs. Susan Tornquist, Corvallis, Oregon, and Joshua Stern, Raleigh, North Carolina, representing colleges of veterinary medicine
Council on Veterinary Service
Drs. Kelly Cooper, Oregon City, Oregon, and Melanie Marsden, Colorado Springs, Colorado, representing private practice, exclusively small animal; Dr. Madeline Zurowsky, Angier, North Carolina, representing recent graduates or emerging leaders
AVMA Liaison
Dr. James Kober, West Olive, Michigan, Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee liaison to Council for Agriculture and Science Technology
‘Magic’ Johnson emphasizes hard work as the foundation for his success
NBA Hall of Famer took audience questions and selfies during AVMA Keynote
By Malinda Larkin
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, legendary for his dynamic playmaking on the basketball court, didn’t mince words when asked how he deals with rejection. He said it’s a part of life and will come in many ways, whether that’s getting fired from a job or going through a breakup. The important part is loving and believing in yourself, he said, and then picking yourself up and not giving up.
“Don’t let somebody change who you are and don’t let somebody define who you can become,” he said.
Johnson gave plenty more advice during the keynote presentation, “Making the Magic Happen,” at AVMA Convention 2024 on June 22 in Austin, Texas as he shared stories about his journey as one of 10 kids in a family from Lansing, Michigan, to becoming a billionaire. The talk was sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Johnson’s journey started on the basketball court. He won every tournament he was in from third to ninth grade, “because that’s what I’m about: winning.” He earned the nickname “Magic” at age 15, when a sportswriter witnessed him score a triple-double in a blowout game against a major opponent.
In high school, he was bussed to an all-white school after having previously only attended schools with all Black students. The principal asked him and the school’s quarterback, who was white, to help deal with the racial tension that occurred the first few weeks because he knew the students would listen to both of them. “At that moment, life changed forever,” Johnson said, as he became a leader both on and off the court.
He led his high school basketball team to a state championship in 1977 and led Michigan State University to the NCAA championship in 1979. Johnson couldn’t help but to include some playful jabs against his long-time rival, Larry Bird. Michigan State beat Bird’s Indiana State University, who had not lost a single game that season, in the final college championship game. “I had to take the Birdman down that night,” Johnson said.
Johnson left Michigan State after his sophomore season and was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the first overall pick in the 1979 NBA draft. Johnson later guided the Lakers to NBA championships in 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. Bird won championships with the Boston Celtics in 1981, 1984, and 1986.
“We put the madness in March and turned the NBA around and we did it together. Two guys who could do it all. And two guys who cared more about passing the basketball than scoring the basketball. That was the beauty of it,” he said.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson tells attendees during the keynote at AVMA Convention 2024 on Saturday in Austin, Texas, “It’s not about if you’re successful, but how many people you can make successful.” (Photo by Lucy Kennedy)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 8; 10.2460/javma.262.8.1023
After his career in basketball, Johnson wanted to use the money he had saved to create more job opportunities in Black and Hispanic communities.
It started with Magic Johnson Theaters, which he made sure were built in minority-predominant communities, and which AMC Theaters later bought out. He also convinced Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, to partner so they could build 125 stores in 40 markets in similar communities. And while he eventually sold his stake in and his part ownership of the Lakers, Johnson invested in other ventures with his firm Magic Johnson Enterprises, most recently the NFL’s Washington Commanders. “This is not just for me,” he recalled saying in an interview at that time. “This is for a lot of minorities, African Americans,” to break down barriers and be part of NFL team ownership.
Later in his talk, he invited audience members to ask him questions. One attendee asked what advice he had for young people wanting to get into the veterinary profession. Johnson said it was all about learning and meeting people.
“When I went to conferences, I had 10-20 business cards in my pocket,” he said. “Networking is one of the most important things you can do at this conference. Make sure you take advantage of expertise of those who have been in the industry. If they can mentor you or you can call and ask questions. Shake hands with people, ask questions, stop by booths. The only reason I’m standing here is because that’s what I did.”
Johnson was also asked what advice he had for people who feel burnout at work.
He answered that it’s all about perspective. Coming from a low-income family, he was instilled with a strong work ethic and an appreciation for what he has.
“Every time I get a job, I get excited, because I could be without one. Right? So, when you go there now (into work), we got to go in with passion and fire,” he said. Johnson added that it’s important to recuperate, saying that on the weekends he likes to relax to recharge. On Sundays, after church, “I’m getting the remote in my hand,” so he can decompress and be ready for Monday.
To accomplish your goals and dreams, he advised, putting in the work now can put you in a position someday where you don’t have to work as hard.
“You met the right person today. You were supposed to meet me today,” he said. “Put up on your whiteboard: ‘Magic told me that one day it’s not going to be like this.’”
Assemblies
American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges
The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) held its annual conference and Iverson Bell Symposium from April 11-13 in Washington, D.C. The conference, drawing more than 400 attendees, featured three keynote speakers and offered sessions on topics that included artificial intelligence, wellbeing, admissions, enrollment, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
The first keynote speaker, Mary Churchill, PhD, associate dean of strategic initiatives and community engagement at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, spoke on “Future Trends in Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities.”
The second keynote speaker, Richard Thompson, JD, a professor of law at Stanford Law School, presented the session “Desegregation, Affirmative Action, and the Ruse of Colorblindness.”
The third keynote speaker, Cecilia Sorensen, MD, director of the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education at Columbia University, spoke on “Training for a Sustainable Future.”
Attendees were able to view the newly unveiled Competency-Based Veterinary Education 2.0 model (jav.ma/AAVMC-CBVE) and participate in the spectrum of care town hall. The Competency-Based Veterinary Technician Education framework and Team-Based Veterinary Healthcare competencies were introduced at the conference. These materials, currently being revised and reviewed, will be released to the public in the future. There were several pre- and post-conference events, including Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill and committee meetings.
The AAVMC Pre-Vet Career Fair gave prospective veterinary students the opportunity to meet with AAVMC member institutions and hear from keynote speaker, Dr. Kwane Stewart, who founded Project Street Vet, an organization providing free veterinary care, treatment, and support to pets owned by individuals who are homeless or facing homelessness.
The AAVMC officials are Drs. Rustin Moore, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, president and board chair; Stuart Reid, University of London Royal Veterinary College, president-elect; Carlos Risco, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, secretary; Lorin Warnick, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, treasurer; and Ruby Perry, Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, immediate past president.
Association of Shelter Veterinarians
The Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) held its annual member reception on April 25 in New Orleans. The ASV officials are Drs. Lena DeTar, Ithaca, New York, president; Staci Kehir, Fair Play, South Carolina, vice president; Dianne Brown, Beaverton, Oregon, secretary; Emily Purvis, Gig Harbor, Washington, treasurer; and Jennifer Bolser, Thornton, Colorado, immediate past president.
El Paso VMA
The El Paso VMA (EPVMA) held its 39th annual community awards banquet on May 18 in El Paso, Texas.
Visit avma.org/news/community to read the full reports, including awards.
In Memory
Mary T. Baukert
Dr. Baukert (Illinois ’77), 72, Glenview, Illinois, died May 2, 2024. Following graduation, she worked a year at Misener-Holley Animal Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Baukert subsequently practiced at Bramer Animal Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, for several years. She later became certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and established Companion Animal Acupuncture in Skokie, Illinois, and worked at Riser Animal Hospital in Skokie. Dr. Baukert also founded and coordinated the Chicago VMA’s Pet Loss Helpline. She retired in 2016. Dr. Baukert is survived by her husband, Dr. Emil E. Baukert (Illinois ’76), also a veterinarian; two daughters; two grandchildren; and three siblings. Memorials may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 550, Chicago, IL 60631, abta.org.
Gary B. Beard
Dr. Beard (Auburn ’59), 92, Kingwood, Texas, died March 9, 2024. From 1992 until retirement in 2008, he served as assistant dean for outreach at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Beard previously practiced in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he owned Perkins Road Veterinary Hospital and Goodwood Animal Hospital. He also served as a member of the adjunct faculties at Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. A charter diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), Dr. Beard helped establish the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, serving as its first president. He served on the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine and on the board of directors of the Louisiana VMA (LVMA). Dr. Beard is survived by four daughters, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Gary B. Beard Class of 1959 Endowed Scholarship, Auburn University Foundation, 317 South College St., Auburn, AL 36849, jav.ma/GaryBeard.
Dorsia D. Eubanks
Dr. Eubanks (Georgia ’92), 71, Roswell, Georgia, died April 13, 2024. She owned a practice providing home euthanasia services based on St. Simons Island, Georgia. Following graduation, Dr. Eubanks worked as an associate veterinarian at Crabapple Animal Hospital and at a veterinary referral dentistry practice in Alpharetta, Georgia. She later established Small Animal Relief Services, serving the Atlanta area for 15 years. Dr. Eubanks is survived by her sister.
Robert R. Filkins
Dr. Filkins (Michigan State ’59), 92, Frankfort, Michigan, died April 24, 2024. Following graduation, he established Berkley Animal Hospital in Berkley, Michigan. Dr. Filkins went on to own practices in Michigan’s Orchard Lake and Frankfort. During his career, he also conducted research involving primates used in the space program. Dr. Filkins is survived by his wife, Jane; a daughter, two sons, a stepdaughter, and two stepsons; eight grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren; and a sister and a brother.
Jerold B. Fullerton Sr.
Dr. Fullerton (Washington State ’63), 85, Roseburg, Oregon, died March 11, 2024. Following graduation, he served four years as a captain in the Air Force. Dr. Fullerton subsequently established Fullerton Veterinary Clinic in Roseburg, where he practiced for more than three decades. He also cared for livestock on ranches in the area, served as an onsite veterinarian for Schricker’s Livestock Auction, and took care of animals at the Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon. Dr. Fullerton is survived by a son, a daughter, and four stepchildren.
Gary B. Gibbons
Dr. Gibbons (Oklahoma State ’63), 90, Otsego, Minnesota, died February 25, 2024. Following graduation, he practiced small animal medicine in Minneapolis. Dr. Gibbons went on to own three practices in the state’s Twin Cities, retiring in 1995. He was a member of the Minnesota VMA and American Animal Hospital Association, a life member of the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association, and a charter member of the Golden Valley Rotary Club. Dr. Gibbons’ wife, Glenna; two sons, a daughter, two stepsons, and a stepdaughter; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to Mount Carmel Ministries, P.O. Box 579, Alexandria, MN 56308; American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741; or Animal Humane Society of Golden Valley, 845 Meadow Lane, Golden Valley, MN 55422.
Richard D. Hembree Jr.
Dr. Hembree (Texas A&M ’81), 67, Graford, Texas, died January 10, 2024. Following graduation, he moved to Abilene, Texas, where he owned Judge Ely Animal Hospital and Abilene Pet Regency. Dr. Hembree was also the veterinarian and curator at the Abilene Zoo and served as president of the humane society in Abilene. In later years, he practiced at Dearing Veterinary Clinic in Abilene and taught at Abilene Christian University. Dr. Hembree’s wife, Kaye; a daughter; and a brother and a sister survive him. Memorials, designated to the Richard Hembree Sr. Memorial Scholarship, may be made to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840.
Kristi J. Hulme
Dr. Hulme (Cornell ’12), 37, Bothell, Washington, died March 6, 2024. She most recently worked at My Pet’s Veterinary Urgent Care & Wellness in Kirkland, Washington. Earlier in her career, Dr. Hulme practiced at St. Francis Animal Hospital in Vancouver, Washington, and served nine years as an emergency clinician at Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle. She is survived by a sister. Memorials may be made to Emerald City Pet Rescue, 20 S. Idaho St., Seattle, WA 98134, jav.ma/EmeraldCity; Pacific Science Center, 200 2nd Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109, jav.ma/PacificScience; or Colon Cancer Coalition, 2950 Xenium Lane N., Suite 102, Minneapolis, MN 55441, jav.ma/ColonCancer.
Harold Doyle Johnson
Dr. Johnson (Georgia ’60), 87, Marietta, Georgia, died May 4, 2024. A small animal veterinarian, he established Johnson Animal Clinic in Marietta, where he practiced for almost 50 years. Earlier in his career, Dr. Johnson served in the U.S. Air Force Veterinary Corps. His three sons, three stepchildren, five grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren survive him.
George F. Lent
Dr. Lent (Georgia ’67), 81, Clayton, Georgia, died February 22, 2024. Following graduation, he worked in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Lent subsequently moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he practiced for several years. He then worked in Clayton until early this year. During his time on Hilton Head Island, Dr. Lent served as the volunteer fire chief for eight years and was a member of the fire rescue squad and Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island. He is survived by his wife, Marywinn; five children; 17 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Stephen A. Letzig
Dr. Letzig (Oklahoma State ’76), 72, Pryor, Oklahoma, died March 10, 2024. Following graduation, he joined Pryor Veterinary Hospital, a mixed animal practice, becoming a partner in 1978. Dr. Letzig was a member of the Oklahoma and Northeast Oklahoma VMAs. His two sons, a daughter, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three sisters survive him.
Penelope A. Porter
Dr. Porter (Iowa State ’69), 81, Tucson, Arizona, died February 15, 2024. An avid advocate for animal welfare, she was the founder of Ajo Veterinary Clinic in Tucson. Dr. Porter was a member of the Southern Arizona VMA. She is survived by a sister. Memorials, toward the Dr. Penelope Porter Fund, may be made to Helping Every Animal Receive Treatment Southwest, P.O. Box 499, Marana, AZ 85653.
Gerald T. Slobojan
Dr. Slobojan (Washington State ’64), 83, Kalispell, Montana, died April 1, 2024. A past president of the Montana VMA, he co-owned LaSalle Veterinary Clinic in Kalispell until retirement. During his career, Dr. Slobojan also served several years as the veterinarian for the Northwest Montana Fair. He was a veteran of the Army. Dr. Slobojan’s wife, Diane; three sons and a daughter; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three sisters survive him. Memorials may be made to Legendary Lodge Catholic Summer Camp, P.O. Box 1729, Helena, MT 59624.
Robert D. Trowbridge
Dr. Trowbridge (Cornell ’52), 97, Adams Center, New York, died March 2, 2024. Following graduation, he joined his father, Dr. W.W. Trowbridge (Cornell 1915), in mixed animal practice at Trowbridge Veterinary Clinic in Adams Center. In 1982, Dr. Robert Trowbridge took over the practice, retiring in 2015. He was a member of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society and the Central New York VMA. Dr. Trowbridge served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and was a member of the Marine Corps League. He is survived by a son, four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the South Jefferson Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 126, Adams, NY 13605, or the Adams Village Baptist Church, P.O. Box 94, Adams, NY 13605.
Benjamin F. Turner
Dr. Turner (Cornell ’64), 86, Skaneateles, New York, died February 9, 2024. He established what was known as Animal Barn Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice in Cortland, New York. Dr. Turner also founded Maplelane Manor Farm, a dairy farm in Apulia Station, New York. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; three daughters, two sons, two stepdaughters, and a stepson; 15 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and three sisters and a brother.
