ayout 1 - Western University of Health Sciences

the
Outlook
College of Veterinary Medicine
Western University of Health Sciences
Spring 2008/Volume 9, Issue 3
CAMP HOPE:
spay/neuter,
care for pets of
the homeless
VBMA Chapter of the Year Award
Preceptor Profile
Conference on Neglected Zoonoses
CVM News
WAVE Program
♥
A Work Of Heart
Word
from
the
Dean
‘BOOKEND EXPERIENCES’
the
Outlook
♥
THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BUSIEST WINTERS OF MY LIFE: preparation and submission of the
College’s self-study, planning for the final COE site visit, end of semester duties, the COE site
visit, and preparation for an April-May occupation of the new Banfield Veterinary Clinical
Center (including moving nearly every faculty and half the staff to new offices). I would add
family obligations, but would embarrass myself, as I was able only to barely meet the most
important ones.
I also had the rewarding opportunity to be part of two additional
activities as Dean of the College that caused me to pause and reflect
on our progress, on those who have contributed to it, and on those
who will benefit from it.
In February, I was privileged to welcome nearly 350 applicants for
the Class of 2012. It was enthralling to share in their enthusiasm for
the invitation to interview; awe inspiring to learn what many had
already accomplished; and a little painful to observe the obvious
anxiety present in their faces—because they want so much to fulfill
their life long dream. Nearly 40 percent indicated that they have
wanted to be a veterinarian since the third or fourth grade.
Approximately 100 of these applicants will form the newest class in the WesternU family.
The cauldron of emotions stirred in me by this process is indescribable! It is bearable
because I fervently believe that our faculty and administration have attempted to provide the
fairest process possible. Still, the College is proud of the 15 percent increase in applicants
seen this year. I am impressed with the work of the faculty in this process, and particularly
that of the Admissions Committee chaired by Dr. Margaret Barr and our Admissions Staff
led by Mrs. Marie Anderson.
Spring 2008/Volume 9, Issue 3
College of Veterinary Medicine
Western University
of Health Sciences
Associate Editor:
Robert V. Mason, DVM, MS
909.469.5628
[email protected]
Associate Editor:
Leigh Wiemann
909.469.5516
[email protected]
Contributor:
Renee Cook
909.469.5651
[email protected]
Photographer:
Jess Lopatynski
909.469.5298
[email protected]
Graphic Designer:
Paul Gettler
909.469.5256
[email protected]
------
Following the applicant interviews, my wife, Doris, and I hosted the College’s first West Coast
alumni reception at Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas. As I watched the College’s
graduates interact with students, faculty, and other guests, I slowly recognized the gift I was
being allowed to share—witnessing the true fulfillment of the dreams of many, including
those who I was observing! As I interacted with graduates and learned of their
accomplishments, I could only wish for the presence of all the rest of the faculty and staff
who had contributed to their development. I was struck with the realization that I was the
representative for them at that moment, and I did my best, but I did not feel worthy.
309 E. Second St.
Pomona, CA
91766-1854
www.westernu.edu/cvm
♥
A Work Of Heart
These “bookend experiences” provide more than incentive to sustain me through the daily
travails of “the job.” In a way, they illustrate why I admire teachers and particularly those who
contributed to my development. More specifically, these experiences serve as proof positive
that the work of many has resulted in a direct benefit—not just to those admitted to the
veterinary profession—but also to those who benefit from their service.
To all of you who contributed to the success of the Classes of 2007 and 2012, and the classes
in between...A Job Well Done!
On
The
Cover
From left: Class of 2009 CVM students Felicitas Tantiyatyanon,
Renae Selzer and Caroline Bagshaw perform an ultrasound on
“Rosie” under the supervision of Peter Lippincott, DVM at the
Foothill Veterinary Hospital in Pasadena, Calif.
Photo by Leigh Wiemann
Phillip Nelson, DVM, PhD
2
WU-CVM Partners With WHO on “One Health”
Approach to Control Neglected Zoonotic Diseases
WESTERNU IS ONE OF ONLY TWO AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES (the other is
the University of Oklahoma) partnering with the World Health
Organization (WHO) on the control of “neglected zoonoses”—less
publicized diseases transmitted to people from animals–that are
rising in significance worldwide.
Malika Kachani, DVM, PhD, professor of
parasitology, University liaison with WHO on this
initiative, is an expert in the control of cystic
echinococcosis in endemic countries. Dr.
Kachani leads a European Union-funded project
on the control of cystic echinococcosis in
Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In February,
she was invited to serve as moderator of the
Food and Agricultural Organization of the United NationsVeterinary Public Health network for francophone North and SubSaharan Africa.
The first international meeting on “neglected zoonoses” organized
by WHO in 2005 in Geneva focused on promoting the “One Health
approach”—uniting human and veterinary medicine to address
health problems in people, their livestock and other domestic and
wild animals they depend upon—developing plans for advocacy
and information, improving diagnosis and surveillance, fostering
research, and strengthening prevention and control activities. The
meeting brought together people from the veterinary and medical
fields as well as those in research and development. Seven
diseases of particular interest were identified as “neglected
zoonoses” and targeted for follow up: anthrax, bovine tuberculosis,
CVM
News
brucellosis, cysticercosis, cystic echinococcosis, rabies and
zoonotic trypanosomiasis—a list that cuts across medical
disciplines, again with the objective
of bringing together individuals
“Animal health is truly at a
who would not necessarily work
crossroads. Its convergence with
together otherwise.
human and ecosystem health
dictates that the ‘one world, one
In November 2007, Dr. Kachani
health, one medicine’ concept
chaired the plenary sessions for the
must be embraced. We need our
second international meeting in
colleagues in human medicine,
Nairobi, which aimed at formulating
public health, and the
specific implementation plans.
environmental health sciences.
Decision and policy makers were
also invited to critique, endorse, and Together, we can accomplish
more in improving global health
help implement plans in various
than we can alone, and we have
endemic countries in Africa.The
the responsibility to do so.”
meeting focused on management
and advocacy, research and training,
~ Dr. Roger K. Mahr
diagnostics, surveillance,
Addressing the AVMA House of
prevention, and control.
Delegates prior to assuming the
A cluster of “neglected zoonoses”
AVMA Presidency
diseases exists, which above all
affects poor marginalized
populations and plays a key role in perpetuating poverty. Effective
control would mean a decreased disease burden, poverty
reduction, and increased food supply for millions of the rural poor
worldwide, including an estimated 500 to 900 million livestock
keepers.
♥
The College welcomed the AVMA Council on Education (COE)
accreditation team for a site visit in February. The COE team
traveled to numerous California locations to interview third and
fourth year preceptors. The College has enjoyed Provisional
Accreditation status since 2003.
♥
South Korea’s SBS Television interviewed Dr. Teresa Morishita,
expert on food safety, and Dr. Peggy Schmidt, expert on food
animal medicine, for a program on bovine spongiform
encephalopathy on Dec. 19, 2007. The program will air in
South Korea.
♥
Congratulations to Dr. Hrvoje Smodlaka on the publication of
H Smodlaka, Henry RW, Schumacher J. and Reed RB: Macrscopic
anatomy of the heart of the ringed seal (Phoca hispida). Anat
Histol Embryol 37:30-35, 2008.
Dr. Smodlaka presented “Living submarines: respiratory and
cardiovascular adaptations that enable seals to live in the marine
environment,” on Feb. 28, part of the American Cetacean Society
Lecture Series at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, Calif.
Drs. Wendell Cole and Peggy Schmidt presented the CVM’s
newly developed Case Log Data Base at the AAVMC Educational
Symposium on March 13–14, 2008 in Washington D.C.
♥
Dr. Tracey McNamara was invited to meet with the Google
Foundation on March 3-4 to discuss national surveillance strategies
to prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases.
♥
The Corporation for National and Community Service named
WesternU to the President’s Higher Education Community
Service Honor Roll. Programs noted include
the CVM’s Veterinary Ambulatory Community
Service (VACS) mobile clinic, which
provides no cost spay/neuter and
wellness care to pets of seniors and
the homeless, and bi-monthly wellness
checkups for animals of the homeless by
the Student Chapter of the American
Association of Shelter Veterinarians. (See
“Camp Hope” article in this issue.)
3
CAMP
Hope
ON JANUARY 26, THIRTY STUDENTS
from the College’s Christian
Veterinary Mission Student
Chapter and the Shelter Medicine
Club along with four faculty
veterinarians and staff provided
free veterinary care for the pets
of Camp Hope residents. Among
the 59 animals examined, six
dogs and two cats were spayed
and thirteen dogs were neutered.
Every animal received a
complete examination, dewormer, vaccines to help fight a
parvovirus outbreak, and
Frontline™ flea preventative.
Leashes, towels, and blankets
generously donated by members
of a local church
were
distributed.
Homeless shelters, low cost apartments,
and affordable motel rooms do not
normally allow pets. An estimated
10 to 25 percent of the 7,000
homeless people in San Bernardino
County have dogs and/or cats. Often
they must choose between keeping
their pet and having a safe shelter. For
these homeless owners, pets provide
protection, warmth and emotional comfort,
sometimes making the difference between life
and death, reality and mental illness.
4
n a dirt patch bordered by railroad
tracks, near the noisy boundary of
a busy international airport, more
than 200 homeless people live
precariously in tents and campers on land
owned by the city of Ontario in San
Bernardino County, Calif. The homeless
call this tent city “Camp Hope.”
O
Eva Maria Jaeger, Program Coordinator for the CVM
Veterinary Ambulatory Community Service (VACS) mobile
clinic, said,“Hopefully our spay/neuter event also made an
impact on how many new puppies will be roaming
around there. All the clients were super nice and
very appreciative. When I drove off with the
VACS vehicle, people waved with big smiles on
their faces.”
A round of applause to Jamie Slingluff,
DVM ’10, president of the Christian
Veterinary Mission Student Chapter, for her
excellent work in organizing this event, and
to the Shelter Medicine Club for its generous
offer of partnership and hard work. Finally,
thank you to members of the Flipside Church in
Rancho Cucamonga, who gave of their time and
treasure to help provide care for Camp Hope’s
homeless people and the pets they love.
PRECEPTOR PROFILE
Foothill Veterinary Hospital, Pasadena, Calif.
By Peter Lippincott, DVM
I am a Kiwanis Club Member, served
on the Board of Directors at the
Pasadena Humane Society, and
established the Pet Assisted Therapy
We have been married 38 years, have
Program at the Huntington Hospital in
two adult sons, and three
Pasadena. I really enjoy being active
grandchildren. We also have two
in my community. Perhaps that is
dogs, Rosie and Herriot, who go to
why I enjoy being a preceptor and
work with me every day. Clients
working with the WesternU students.
know them by name and enjoy
During their time at Foothill
visiting with them.
Veterinary Hospital the students work
very closely with our veterinarians.
After graduating from Michigan State
They go into office calls, help oversee
University School of Veterinary
hospital patients and participate in
Medicine in 1969, I moved to
Dr.
Lippincott
with
“Herriot.
”
surgeries. Since we are a very busy
Pasadena where I worked as an
walk-in practice, the students are able
associate veterinarian. In 1972, I
to see many interesting cases. The students are very motivated
became co-owner of Foothill Veterinary Hospital, and worked
to learn and participate, and we are very happy to have them
with my business partner, Dr. Robert Bell, to grow it from a
with us, as we tend to learn from them as well.
three-doctor practice to the seven-doctor practice it is today.
We are a busy, full-service dog and cat hospital with a large
Having the students with us creates an atmosphere of learning
boarding facility (AAHA accredited since 1953.) We operate on
and camaraderie, and we look forward to working with each
a walk-in basis, only scheduling appointments for surgeries and
new rotation.
dental procedures.
I GREW UP IN FLINT, MICH. and now
reside in Sierra Madre with my wife,
Georgia.
CVM Research Grows in Promising Directions
Introduction: Founded in 1998,WU-CVM initially focused on
curricular development in its early years. As the college matures,
research activity has and will continue to increase. The faculty,
who produced 59 peer-reviewed research publications in the past
three years, conduct research in three broad areas, with two
additional areas rapidly gaining new attention.
Immunology & Infectious Diseases: Research in this area is
conducted by CVM faculty, including four seasoned investigators
with a history of substantial NIH or USDA grant funding.The
interest of this group ranges from parasitology, avian influenza,
animal models for HIV, and development of an Alzheimer’s vaccine,
to the prevalence of microbial resistance of Campylobacter in
poultry.
Epidemiology & Public Health: At WesternU, where multiple
graduate health profession educational programs flourish and
interact, the College is uniquely positioned to leverage the benefits
of interdisciplinary research to address multiple species health
problems, including the historical anthrax prevalence in Los
Angeles County, public health implications of echinococcosis, food
safety, and evidence-based medicine in animal agriculture.
Curriculum Outcomes Assessment: New data on learning
methodology is being generated by the College’s unique
curriculum, which maximizes the use of contemporary
educational technology and utilization of shared resources among
existing educational programs. Reporting on these data is
important to WU-CVM, and to the profession as a whole.
NEW RESEARCH AREAS
Zoonotic/Emerging Diseases and Bioterrorism: Sept. 11 and
emerging diseases such as West Nile virus and Avian Influenza
highlight the role that veterinarians play in monitoring and
diagnosing public health threats.
Comparative Functional Genomics: Computational science is
revealing the genetic basis of disease susceptibility and
progression, resistance to infectious agents, the interplay between
metabolism and nutritional health, and species, strain or breedspecific behaviors.
5
CVM
Student
Avery Krein
Profiles
6
Esther Lee
I was born in Shanghai, China and
moved to Fremont, Calif. when I was
10. I have a BS in neurobiology,
physiology, and behavior from UC
Davis. I also have a minor in music, so
I will be a veterinarian by day,
musician by night.
I have a BS in biology from Cal State
Fullerton and a master’s in public health
from UC Berkeley. After working with birds
in Hawaii, pets in San Ramon, and rats in
Berkeley, I decided to attend veterinary
school. I will specialize in veterinary public
health, focusing on zoonotic disease.
Melissa Miller
Class
I was born and raised in Northwestern
New Jersey and have a BS in animal
science from the University of New
Hampshire. My passion is wildlife and
exotic medicine, however I look
forward to experiences in all the areas
of veterinary medicine that WesternU
has to offer.
I was born and raised in Southern
California and received a BS in
engineering from Harvey Mudd College
in 2004. I began working as an engineer
at Raytheon, an aerospace defense
company. After working for three years,
I decided engineering was not for me
and sought out a new career.
Yun Lian Luo
-
Jennie McClay
I was born and raised in Phoenix,Ariz.,
and am one of those freaks who loves 120
degree weather! You’ll probably see me
wearing lots of sweaters to protect myself
from the cold California chill. My
veterinary interests change weekly, usually
dependent on the particular case we have
seen at work.
of
2011
Christopher Lapsley
I was born and raised in the
Philadelphia, Penn. area.
I graduated from Penn State in 2007
and it was not until my freshman
year that I realized I wanted to go
into veterinary medicine. My interests
include canine surgery and zoo
animal medicine.
I am from Orange, Conn., and have
been living in New Hampshire for
the past five years. I received a BS in
animal science at the University of
New Hampshire, and dairy cows are
my special interest. I enjoy skiing,
running and eating.
Meredith May
♥
Jennifer Loquine
I am native to Southern California and
graduated with a BS in animal science from
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2005. Most of my
experience is with small animals, but I have a
passion for food animal medicine. I work as a
technician in a small animal clinic and have
two Labradors.
I was born and raised in Corona, Calif.,
and prefer working with large animals
such as bovine, equine and many other
species. I would love to work in an
emergency practice which specializes in
both large animals and small animals.
I am enjoying attending WesternU.
Anna Mills
Joseph Menicucci
I was born and raised locally in
Claremont, Calif., and received a BS in
ecology and evolutionary biology from
the UC Santa Cruz. I am currently
interested in small animal medicine,
public health and wildlife medicine.
I am excited about being at WesternU
to fulfill my dreams!
CVM
Student
Profiles
I was born and raised in Iran. I believe I
am one of the few Persian girls who
wants to be a veterinarian because being
around animals all the time is not
common in my culture. Besides caring a
lot for animals, I love to cook and try
new cuisines.
Lindsey Florida
Naimoli
-
Class
Peyvand Mirzadeh
I grew up in Tampa, Fla. and graduated
from the University of Notre Dame in
2005. One of the best graduation presents
I received was a wonderful miniature
dachshund. I am interested in working
with beef cattle and look forward to my
experiences here at WesternU.
Born and raised in New York, I have a BS in
biology with a concentration in pre-vet/vet
tech. Working as a veterinary technician at the
New York Aquarium and the Bronx Zoo for the
past five years has reinforced my interests in
large animal and zoological medicine.
Justin Xavier
Nowowiejski
Allison Pang
I earned an economics degree from Syracuse
University, but working at a small animal
veterinary practice sparked my passion to
become a doctor. I believe the best veterinary
care involves compassionate treatment of
animals. I am proud to attend WesternU
because of its reverence for life philosophy.
I was born in Great Falls, Mont., before
moving two states to the right to earn a
BA in biology at the University of
Minnesota, Morris. My interests lie
primarily in doing missionary work and
practicing medicine in developing
countries around the world.
Scott Perry
of
2011
♥
I was born in Dublin, Ireland, and spent
the first 25 years of my life living in
different areas of the country. My husband
(California born) and I moved to Whittier,
Calif. in 2004, after I graduated from Trinity
College Dublin with a BA in
natural/environmental science.
Elisa Nishimoto
Deirdre Murdy
Aloha! I am from Hawaii, where I grew up
exploring the ocean and rivers around my
home. I’ve received two degrees from the
University of Hawaii in biology and animal
science. My passions are conservation
ecology and sustainable agriculture, both
of which I aim to become involved in as a
veterinarian!
I was born in Lausanne, Switzerland, and
have been living in California since 1999.
I graduated from UC Davis in 2003 and
have worked in mixed animal clinics since
then. Although I am open to all areas of
veterinary medicine, my current interest is
in small animal medicine and research.
Amaris Pao
Vincent
Nguyen-The
I was born and raised in Southern
California, and received a BS in biology
from Cal State LA. I plan to be a marine
wildlife vet and work with pinnipeds. I
also love kayaking (for sea lion
spotting), snorkeling and couch potatoing. I have a cat and four guinea pigs.
I was born in Miami and moved to Los
Angeles two years ago to pursue my
career. I have a BS in biology from
Florida International University, and lots
of experience with small and large animal
medicine. I’ve always wanted to be a
veterinarian and can’t wait to begin.
Giselle Pomeranc
7
CVM
Student
Rachel Rasmussen
Profiles
-
Class
Born in Washington, D.C., I grew up in
Bethesda, Md. I attended the University of
Vermont where my interests in animals
grew to include large animal medicine as
well as small. In whatever free time I can
find, I like to snowboard, golf, and play
guitar.
I grew up in Parsippany, NJ.
I have always dreamed of combining my
love of animals with my love of science in
a career in veterinary medicine. After four
years of undergraduate work at the
University of Wisconsin, I look forward to
winters in Southern California!
Stephanie Rosenheck
of
2011
♥
I was born in Riverside, Calif. and lived in
Southern California all my life. I graduated
from California State Polytechnic University,
Pomona in 2006 with a BS in animal
science/pre-veterinary medicine. My main
area of interest is small-animal medicine.
Kristin Rogowicz
I grew up in New Hampshire and
graduated from Johns Hopkins
University in 2005 with a degree in
behavioral biology. Since college I have
been living in Boston and working in
research. Outside of veterinary medicine,
my interests include skiing and hiking.
Kate Rydstrom
AVMA Externship Offers Insider
Perspective on Lobbying by
Veterinary Profession
VBMA Club Wins 2007
Chapter of Year Award
PARTICIPATION ON THE EXECUTIVE BOARD and in the House of Delegates
of the WU-CVM Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical
Association (AVMA) proved so rewarding that Laura Chan, DVM ’09,
pursued an AVMA Government Relations Division (GRD) externship
in Washington, D.C. She is looking forward to meeting California
Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, and lobbying for
the Veterinary Public Health Workforce Expansion Act and National
Veterinary Medical Service Act.
The AVMA-GRD Washington, D.C. externship provides a $1,000
stipend for a four-week, unique opportunity to observe the
veterinary profession from an “inside the beltway” perspective.
Ms. Chan said,“The major benefits from the externship are that I will
be able to further my understanding of politics pertinent to our
profession and continue my personal growth in public speaking,
diplomacy, and servant leadership. I also felt that this would be a
thrilling opportunity to experience being a part of our national
organization, the AVMA, and to appreciate first hand how the
governmental relations arm of this organization advocates its agenda
through lobbying at the federal level. In this way I hope to become a
more competent proponent for the veterinary profession.”
AVMA externs are actively involved in advancing the AVMA’s
legislative and regulatory agenda, meeting with members of
Congress, Congressional staffers, and veterinarians working in
government. There are opportunities to explore career alternatives
in the Legislative and Executive branches of government, as well as
meet with celebrities and newsmakers.
Asked about her future career plans, Ms. Chan said,“I hope to apply
for an internship in Emergency and Critical Care Medicine and still
be involved in the AVMA in some capacity upon graduating.”
(For more information and application procedures for the
AVMA-GRD Externship, go to
http://www.avma.org/advocacy/get_involved/externships.asp.)
THE WU-CVM STUDENT CHAPTER of the National Veterinary
Business Management Association (VBMA) has captured the
Association’s coveted “Chapter of the Year Award” for 2007,
which includes a cash award of $250. Nel Chu, DVM ’10,
president of the WU-CVM Student Chapter, was
notified of the Award in January.
The Student Chapter at the nation’s newest
College of Veterinary Medicine triumphed
over VBMA clubs at 26 other U.S. veterinary
colleges competing for the annual Award,
each striving to score highest on VBMA’s merit
system rating twelve key areas of Chapter activity.
“Our Award was based on merit for event reports, AOL chats,
membership percent [of total WU-CVM students], business
hours of education, attendance at the national meeting, and
contract completions, to name just a few,” said Ms. Chu.
VBMA, with more than 2,300 student members, is the largest
independent veterinary student organization in the world.
The student-driven organization is dedicated to advancing
the profession through increasing business knowledge,
creating networking opportunities, and empowering students
to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Ms. Chu wished to thank the WU-CVM Chapter Board, stating,
“We couldn’t have done it without you!” Board members
are:Vice President: Jennifer Chu, DVM ’10; Secretary: Helen
Pa, DVM ’10; Treasurer: Adam Krawczyk, DVM ’10; Speaker
Coordinator: Reid Forman, DVM ’10; Event Coordinator:
Vicky Impett, DVM ’10; Director of Operations: Rick
Kohltfarber, DVM ’10; Technology Director: Jessica Leach,
DVM ’10; Fundraising: Genna Mize, DVM ’10; and Third-Year
Advisor: Vivian Koo, DVM ’09. Dr. Robert Mason is the
faculty chapter advisor.
8
CVM
Faculty
Profiles
MAISIE ERNESTENE DAWES, DVM, PHD,
ACVIM has been Assistant Professor of
Large Animal Internal Medicine at CVM
since January 2007. She received her
DVM (cum laude) and BS (summa cum
laude) in Animal and Poultry Sciences at
Tuskegee University, and her PhD in
immunology from University of MissouriColumbia (MIZZOU.) After completing a
food animal internship and large animal
residency program at MIZZOU, Dr.
MAISIE ERNESTENE DAWES
Dawes joined the faculty as a Clinical
Instructor in Immunology and Food Animal Medicine.
At WU-CVM, Dr. Dawes facilitates and promotes veterinary
proficiency throughout all four tiers of the professional veterinary
program: psychomotor and clinical skills among first- and secondyear students; livestock-related instruction to third-year students;
and the dissemination of CORE curriculum information to fourthyear students on required Large Animal Internal Medicine
rotations. On-campus instruction in the problem-based, studentcentered milieu is furthered by her ongoing assessment of
facilities under her purview; oversight responsibility for practical
work pursued by students in partnership locations both in
California and in the Midwest.
Dr. Ellen Collisson, PhD, Professor of Microbiology, recently invited
Dr. Dawes to join her research team to investigate aspects of
innate responses in chickens, concurrent with Dr. Dawes’ own
thrust to continue her investigation of lactoferrin in inflammation
in ruminant models.
This Jamaican is also engaged in academic and community service.
Dr. Dawes is a Rotation Administrator, member of the Student
Affairs and Faculty Search committees, and advisor for the Student
Chapter of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. She
helps feed the destitute in Pomona and its environs through the
Claremont United Methodist Church, sings in the Church’s
Sanctuary Choir, and with the Western Society of Chamber Music.
Church and community involvement at Tuskegee continued in
Missouri, where she was also active in theater.
For a list of her publications see:
http://www.westernu.edu/xp/edu/veterinary/mdawes.xml
CVM
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♥
ELLEN COLLISSON, MS, PHD, joined the CVM
in January 2007, as Professor of Microbiology.
She received her MS and PhD in
microbiology (cellular immunology) at
University of Alabama, Birmingham Medical
Center. After post-doctoral training in
molecular virology, she joined the USDA
Agricultural Research Service in Lakewood,
Colorado working with viruses transmitted
by insects. Providing the molecular expertise
to genotype bluetongue virus, she was able
Ellen Collisson
to identify an exotic serotype introduced into
Florida that rapidly became a domestic strain throughout the United
States.
As a professor in veterinary pathobiology at Texas A&M University,
Dr. Collisson taught undergraduate, graduate and veterinary students,
conducted research in molecular virology and viral immunology, and
continues to participate in graduate programs as Professor Emerita.
Projects included the correlation of a common arbovirus with birth
defects in sheep, identification of factors CD8+ T cells that result in
non-cytolytic suppression of feline immunodeficiency virus, and
development of procedures to control the infection of an endangered
species with an oncogenic retrovirus. She also studied the molecular
biology and immunology of avian coronaviruses, which served as a
model for the design of control strategies for SARS-CoV in humans.
Dr. Collisson’s current research is focused on avian cellular immunity
to the influenza virus and coronavirus, and development of tools to
control the oncogenic retrovirus infection in the endangered Attwater’s
prairie chicken. CVM faculty, providing enthusiastic collaboration with
a broad spectrum of valuable expertise, are the foundation from which
she expects to be part of our College’s future lasting impact on
veterinary medical research.
Dr. Collisson thoroughly enjoys the special approach of problem-based
learning that offers unique opportunities to integrate learning
objectives, collaboration with faculty and most importantly, promote
life-long student skills in identifying critical issues, asking questions and
seeking solutions. She looks forward to being part of WesternU’s
inevitable leadership in the future education of veterinary students
throughout the United States.
• Tour the new Banfield Veterinary Clinical Center
• Learn about becoming a veterinarian
• Tips on pet care
• Earn Girl Scout/Boy Scout badges
• Meet dogs, cats, amphibians, reptiles!!
• Microchip your pet
• Free information & giveaways
• Food, drinks & ice cream
9
Always In Our Hearts: Stories from the WAVE Program
Gidget (2/14/91 – 8/18/07)
Loved for 16 years, 6 months, and 4 days
By Maureen Tracy
Gidget was my Valentine baby.
She had a great appetite for everything: eating, playing, investigating, going
anywhere, and watching over me—just in living. This donation of Gidget to
help future veterinarians is my way of her still giving to help others as she
helped me.
We went through good and bad times together. She was there for me to hold
onto when each of my brothers died. She was with me when we went back and
forth to my daughter as she battled breast cancer and when her dog passed
away. She walked with me when I needed to burn off energy and curled up
with me when I needed to rest.
As I gathered up her toys to wash and put away, the memories came flooding
in—when and where we obtained the toys, and her delight in playing with
them. Gidget earned her name. She was just like “Gidget” in the movies and
television. She was energetic, inquisitive, had to see everything, stubborn, loyal and lovable. She would go anywhere,
anytime—my companion. She brought me joy, laughter, exasperation and tears. She was always full of energy. Although she
slowed down her last year, she would still try to do everything when it was no longer possible.
She taught me so much and I will always miss her.
The Willed Body Program for Veterinary Medicine, WAVE
THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE’S REVERENCE FOR LIFE COMMITMENT promises that animals will not be harmed in our teaching
programs. A key element of this commitment is the WAVE (Willed deceased Animals for Veterinary Education) Program, which
reaches out to animal owners to ask that they consider donating their beloved pets’ remains to anatomy and clinical skills
education at the college (The WAVE Program is modeled after the Human Willed Body Program at WesternU.) More than 500
deceased animals have been donated to the college in the last two years.These special animals are providing a greater quality of
education to future generations of veterinarians.
All donations to WAVE must be deceased due to age, serious illness or injury. An animal that has no owner to approve the
donation of its remains will not be accepted.When you know that the death of your beloved pet might be imminent, and you live
within 40 miles of the college, please ask your veterinarian about donating to WAVE. Your veterinarian may contact Ms.Tami Jones
at (909) 469-5597 to make all arrangements.
Always in Our Hearts: Stories from the WAVE Program appears as a regular feature in each issue of the Outlook.
10
College Receives Major
Grant from Bosack & Kruger
Charitable Foundation
The new Banfield Veterinary Clinical Center, scheduled
to open in April, will provide a spacious venue for the
Veterinary Clinical Skills Laboratory, state-of-the-art
Banfield, the Pet Hospital & Wellness Center,
four classrooms, small-animal
necropsy laboratory, multimedia
education facility, faculty offices
and conference rooms.
THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE at Western University of Health Sciences has
been awarded a $275,825 grant from the Leonard X. Bosack & Bette M. Kruger
Charitable Foundation for construction and equipping of a multidisciplinary
Veterinary Clinical Skills Laboratory in the College’s new Banfield Veterinary Clinical
Center.
The new 1,200 square foot teaching laboratory will provide a larger venue for the
clinical skills curriculum, where students are introduced to specialized diagnostic
equipment and learn skills such as venipuncture and catheter placement, anesthesia
induction and diagnostic/psychomotor skills in support of surgery training using
models instead of live animals.
From its inception, the College has been committed to providing a humane veterinary
education through the use of inanimate and dynamic models and computer
simulations. The Bosack & Kruger grant provides funds for purchase of the “Haptic
Cow,” a simulator that allows students to learn techniques for pregnancy diagnosis,
fertility assessment, and normal clinical examinations using a computer-generated
virtual model of a cow’s reproductive tract inside a fiberglass model of the rear half of
a cow rather than causing stress and/or harm to a live animal. The simulator uses
haptic (touch feedback) technology, which allows the student to interact with a 3-D
virtual environment through the sense of touch as faculty provide direction and
feedback. The College is exploring an opportunity to serve as the U.S. center for
training and support for the Haptic Cow, which is produced in Cheshire, England.
The grant also supports 90 copies of “The Glass Horse”—two interactive 3-D animations coupled with still images and narrations that will help
students gain an understanding of equine anatomy and how anatomy relates to function and disease.
The College wishes to thank Ms. Kathleen Savesky, Executive Director, and the Leonard X. Bosack & Bette M. Kruger Charitable Foundation
for this grant and their continuing support for the mission and founding principles of the College of Veterinary Medicine at WesternU.
CVM
Calendar
♥
March 26-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C.A.R.E.S. Symposium
April . . . . . . . . . . Banfield Veterinary Clinical Center opens
April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . College Open House
The WesternU
Advi$or
A Gift That Keeps
On Giving and
Giving
April 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Honors Day
April 28-May 1. . . . . . . . Poultry Health Management School
April 28-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Turkey & Broiler
April 30-May 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Layers
May 12-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Examination Week
May 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commencement
May 29-31 . . . . Avian Diseases & Conservation Conference
Make a gift to the College of Veterinary Medicine that “keeps on
giving.” Create an endowment using cash, appreciated stock, a
will bequest, or gift of an IRA. For more information, please
contact Olive Stephens, Planned Giving Administrator, at
(909) 469-5211 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
11
MISSION STATEMENT:
THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE is committed to serving society
and animals through the preparation of students for the practice of veterinary
medicine, veterinary public health and/or veterinary research in an educational program
of self-directed learning, reverence for life and clinical education through strategic partnerships.
Instruction and clinical opportunities are provided in a wide variety of domestic species, including food animal,
equine, and companion animals. The college sustains a vibrant diverse faculty by encouraging advancement through
personal and professional development and research. This creates an environment of competent, caring, ethical professionals,
where cooperative learning, public service and scholarship can flourish. ♥
5595-3/08-P
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 465
San Dimas, CA 91773
College of Veterinary Medicine
309 E. Second St.
Pomona, Calif. 91766-1854