the
Outlook
Alumni Connection
CVM News
Preceptor Profile
Canine Poster Collaboration
STARS Symposium
College of Veterinary Medicine
Western University of Health Sciences
Research Update
Winter 2012/Volume 13, Issue 1
Student Profiles
WAVE Program
The Art of Communication
CVM Course Teaches Effective Veterinary-Client
Relationship Centered Care
™
A Work Of Heart
the
Word
from
the
Dean
Outlook
™
Winter 2012/Volume 13, Issue 1
College of Veterinary Medicine
Western University of Health Sciences
A little more than a year ago, Dr. Dominique Griffon
joined the CVM as our associate dean for research.
Since that time, she has encouraged and lauded our
faculty members for their efforts in continually
seeking to uncover and unlock the mysteries of
disease in this noble profession of veterinary
medicine. We even recently hosted our first
Preceptor Research Day.
Our primary role at WesternU’s College of Veterinary
Medicine is to train health care providers of the
future. Our view of a health care provider is a
comprehensive one, and includes basic and
translational research. Advances in disease prevention
and intervention would not occur otherwise.
The core value of discovery is embodied in research
and must be an integral part of the curricular matrix.
We are dedicated to contributing to the expansion of
knowledge in our profession, including the areas of
professional and clinical training.
Our dedicated faculty know that they, too, must endeavor to keep learning in order to
bring the latest, most up-to-date information to their students. The CVM’s faculty has
studied species ranging from chickens to horses, from giant pandas to birds of prey.
We are also encouraging our faculty to develop scholarly activities that document and
inform the profession of lessons learned from our unique curricular model. Every issue of
the Outlook highlights their efforts, and it is research that will have an impact, in some
cases, on a global scale.
I believe the seeds of discovery that are planted today will affect the climate of the
profession in the future. We have entrusted in our faculty the responsibility of identifying
areas worthy of further investigation and involving our students in the resultant
investigations. We are looking forward to involving our preceptors in innovative
partnerships that will hopefully lead to enhancing, enriching, and facilitating translational
research and clinical trials.
Editor:
Paul Gordon-Ross, DVM, MS
909.706.3529
[email protected]
Associate Editor:
Carla Sanders
[email protected]
Assistant Editor:
Jason Carter
909.706.3874
[email protected]
Photographer:
Jess Lopatynski
909.469.5298
[email protected]
Photographer:
Jeff Malet
909.469.3790
[email protected]
Graphic Designer:
Paul Gettler
909.469.5256
[email protected]
-----309 E. Second St.
Pomona, Calif. 91766-1854
www.westernu.edu
[email protected].
I am proud to be associated with all of these individuals and look toward an amazing
future.
™
A Work Of Heart
On
The
Cover
Second-year students work with a “standardized patient”
who is an actor portraying a pet owner while observing
students learn interactive skills in a controlled setting.
Photo by Jeff Malet
Phillip Nelson, DVM, PhD
If you would like to be removed from the
Outlook mailing list contact Liz McGowen at
909.469.5392 or email [email protected]
2
ALUMNIConnection
News and notes for and about our grads
GRADS IN THE FIELD
I can still remember the first time I went on a tour of the future building for the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western
University of Health Sciences. It was an afternoon tour and I joined a small group of 20 other aspiring veterinary candidates.
We sat in the semi-empty and unfinished cold building on folding chairs for a presentation about this new college. Problem-based
learning and small group sessions were just the way I wanted to learn about veterinary medicine.
That was 10 years ago and I can honestly say I am proud to be an alumna of the 2007 charter class.
Since graduation I have been working as a feline specialist at a feline only clinic in Orange, Calif. Although I love all animals, I
knew I had the necessary skills to work with cats, something many of my classmates still don’t understand to this day. They are
definitely not small dogs and have their own agenda. I plan to pursue board certification in feline medicine this year as I near my
five-year experience mark. I also truly enjoy surgery and diagnostic imaging.
The “self-directed” and “student-centered” learning curriculum at WesternU not only prepared me to be a competent clinician right out of college, but it
also better prepared me for all of life’s little challenges. I can problem solve just about anything and I am not afraid to take on challenging cases.
I have been a full-time clinician since graduation, but have always enjoyed teaching throughout my career. I satisfied this part-time desire by giving
presentations at work to the technicians to further expand their knowledge on important feline diseases. But I wanted more!
For more on
WesternU’s
PBL process,
see Page 5.
Dr. John Tegzes suggested I get involved with IPE, mini PBL sessions that involve all health colleges at WesternU. The fall of 2010, I
started working as a facilitator on my day off from the clinic. The following summer I was ecstatic when I was offered a position to
be a full-time facilitating assistant veterinarian for the first and second year students. Having been through this rigorous process, I
hope to be able to convey to the students the importance of developing critical thinking and communication skills. When they feel
overwhelmed and worry about their competencies, I eagerly remind them why they are here: to become excellent clinicians.
These students are so lucky to be able to pursue their lifelong goals and become members of one of the best and most rewarding careers. I am happy
to be part of their learning process while still enjoying my patients at the clinic. It really is the best of both worlds.
Carmela Panza, DVM
Class of 2007
CVM ALUMNI REUNION – CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2007
Mark your calendars for the College of Veterinary Medicine’s first alumni reunion event, planned for
the weekend of Sept. 7-9, 2012.
All alumni are invited to attend to catch up with old friends and network with fellow alumni
veterinary professionals while also celebrating the five-year reunion for the inaugural class of 2007.
Specific details are being finalized, but professional programs based on veterinary entrepreneurship
and business management are planned, along with plenty of social events for alumni and families.
Volunteers interested in helping to plan or share ideas for the event are invited to contact CVM
Director of Development Tim McPheron at (909) 706-3762 or email [email protected].
Keep an eye on the CVM website, the email you have on file with the university and the CVM’s
Outlook magazine for more details as we get closer to the event.
Share Your News
Have you recently married, started a new job, had a baby, or received a promotion? Update WesternU on your achievements and
milestones so they can be shared with your fellow classmates. Send any news to [email protected] and to the CVM at
[email protected].
Jobs for Alumni
Interested in finding a new job or just seeing what’s out there? Check out the job postings for alumni at the Alumni Career
Resources Center on the WesternU website at www.westernu.edu.
Post a Job
DoyouhaveapositionthatalumnifromtheCollegeofVeterinaryMedicinemightbeabletofill?Tosubmitajobposting,contact
theOfficeofAlumniRelationsat(909)469-5274ore-mailtheinformationtoalumni@westernu.edu.Theinformationwillbe
postedintheCareerResourcessectionoftheWesternUAlumniwebsite.
3
TRIBUTE EVENT SETS RECORDS
WESTERN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES’ annual fundraising gala set
new records at the fall event, raising more than $170,000 for student
scholarships and selling the most tickets ever. The event, A Tribute to
Caring, was held Nov. 12, 2011 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim,
Calif.
Several magicians performed for the more than 600 guests as they
mingled prior to the evening’s dinner and program.WesternU
Founding President Philip Pumerantz, PhD, thanked donors for
supporting the University’s mission.“When you study the science of
healing, you must remember it has to intersect with compassion and
caring.You think about the patient,” he said.“Your presence here
tonight will have a direct impact on our work and our mission of
fostering caring and compassion in health care.”
A Tribute to Caring is a special opportunity for WesternU to recognize
enduring contributions to the education of tomorrow’s health
professionals, said WesternU Senior Vice President Thomas G. Fox, PhD.
“Although past Tributes have sometimes honored more than one
organization, tonight that is not the case,” he said.“All of us at the
University agreed that the commitment and spirit of partnership
demonstrated over the years by this evening’s honoree warrant their
standing alone on our stage as the evening’s sole award recipient.”
He was referring to longtime College of Pharmacy supporter
AmerisourceBergen Corp., which was honored with the 2011 A
Tribute to Caring Corporate Humanitarian Award. In presenting the
award to company President David Neu, Dr. Pumerantz told him,“It is
an honor to present this award to you.You are a company that has a
4
conscience. You care for people, you make a lot of scholarships
available, and the work you do uplifts the community.”
AmerisourceBergen sponsors the annual Good Neighbor
Pharmacy/Institute for Community Pharmacy Scholarship Golf Classic,
which has raised more than $1 million for student scholarships at
WesternU and USC.The golf tournament will celebrate its 10th year in
2012. AmerisourceBergen is also establishing a $25,000 endowed
scholarship at WesternU.
The WesternU Way to Learn
PBL spurs students to work together toward solutions
FOR FIRST YEAR CVM STUDENT JAYSON JOHNSTON, wrapping
his mind around WesternU’s problem-based learning
format initially was a struggle.“It was hard to adjust to,”
he admits. Halfway through the first year, though, he’s
become a convert to the PBL way, as have many of his
classmates.
“I get excited to try to find the answer,” says Adrienne
Snider, another first-year student. “The PBL experience
helps form
bonds with our
classmates.”
PBL is
“significantly
different from
the traditional
lecture-based
format,” explains
the CVM’s web
page for new
students.Through WesternU's
PBL curriculum,“groups of
approximately 7 students
actively engage in the
learning process while faculty
facilitate and provide subjectmatter knowledge. Working
independently and in small
groups, students explore case
“PBL is harder, but in the
long run you become
phenomenal veterinarians
because you taught
yourself. ”
– First year student,
Megan McCorkel
studies to learn basic science and clinical concepts.As a student, you'll
learn to uncover answers, assess the quality of information, learn basic
science knowledge and communicate effectively as you explore 64
carefully selected cases during your first and second year in the
program.”
“We want the process to be natural, organic,” says Stephen Waldham,
DVM, PhD, a professor as well as associate dean for Faculty Affairs. He
guides, encourages and shepherds the first year students in one of the
many sessions on campus, prodding them to uncover the reasons
behind the case of the week which, on this particular Friday, was the
mysterious death of dozens of dairy cows.
The students, in turn, jump in, some more eagerly than others, tossing
out questions and suppositions as they go about coming up with a
diagnosis. Two whiteboards are overflowing with information and
their ideas as they plow through the material presented. One person’s
speculation leads to additional avenues of discussion, while the ideas
of another are expanded upon or countered by the group members.
Humor and levity mingle with the serious discussion, and there is
much support and encouragement.
“I’m very proud of this speculation,” Dr.Waldham comments at one
point. He later adds, “I want to encourage you to speak up and
speculate.You need not be right.”
The CVM’s John Tegzes, MA,VMD, DABVT, director of first year
curriculum who oversees the CVM PBL program, says the benefits of
the format are enormous. “PBL engages the students into active
learning, promotes the retention of new information, and gives
relevance to the basic and clinical sciences.”
The students seem to agree. Says first year student Megan McCorkel:
“PBL is harder, but in the long run you become phenomenal vets
because you taught yourself.”
5
PRECEPTOR PROfILE
East County Large Animal Practice
WITH 2,500 ACTIVE CLIENTS and a 40-mile service radius, East
County Large Animal Practice offers an array of opportunities for
students from WesternU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. As a
preceptor, the El Cajon practice seeks to help students gain
additional expertise in their chosen profession, and perhaps sway a
few to their specialty.
“I’m a cheerleader for large animal medicine,” says Dr. Greg Smith,
who founded the practice in 1981 out of the garage at his home in
Santee.“I tell the students that by the time they are done here I
hope they can see why someone would go into large-animal
medicine.”
About 90 percent of the
practice is devoted to equine
medicine while 4-5 percent
involves other specialties,
including sheep, goats, pigs,
and cattle. The remainder is
devoted to small-animal
medicine. Four veterinarians
are on the staff of about a
dozen people, which also
includes office personnel
and other lay people.
Students accompany the veterinarians on daily house calls, which
are the primary focus of the practice, according to Dr. Smith. It
services from the Mexican border to Del Mar, and from the coast
inland, including
the communities
and cities of
Lakeside, El Cajon,
Ramona, Jamul,
Poway, Imperial
Beach, Bonita and
Alpine.
Among the
services and
specialties offered
by ECLAP are
advanced equine
dentistry, breeding
assistance, a health-maintenance program, endoscopy/gastroscopy
tests, a strategic de-worming program, vaccinations, microchipping,
routine surgery, and tattooing and castration for cattle. The practice
also offers an annual health plan for pot-bellied pigs which
includes trimming tusks and feet, worming and vaccinations and
diet consultations.
As preceptors, the ECLAP veterinarians try
to makes themselves readily available to the
students, says Dr. Smith. The students are
involved in nearly every aspect at the
practice, including administering vaccines,
floating teeth, drawing blood, hooking up
IVs, and giving sedations. And, on occasion,
even the vets learn something from the
students.“Sometimes we get pearls of
information because of the practices where
the students have worked before,” he adds.
At the end of the two-week rotation,
Dr. Smith hopes the students have gained,
at the minimum, an appreciation for large
animal medicine.“Some go ‘Wow! I’m going
to rethink my specialty,’ ” Dr. Smith says.“At
least it made them stop for two weeks and
think that this is not a bad life.”
East County Large Animal Practice
10312 Quail Canyon Road,
El Cajon, CA 92021
(619) 561-4661 • www.eclap.org
6
R
E
S
E
A
R
C
H
CVM Team Collaborates on Canine Poster
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR KRIS IRIZARRY, PHD, was invited to present
during the “Dog and Cat Workshop” section his study,“RUNX2
allelic variation in the Bullmastiff,” at the International Plant and
Animal Genome Conference XX in San Diego Jan. 15, 2012.
This conference includes a large, diverse
international audience of agricultural
genomics scientists. In addition,
Dr. Irizarry presented a poster
co-authored with other
WesternU faculty members
and a DVM student:
“Characterization of
Bullmastiff Head Morphology
and Identification of RUNX2
Allelic Variation within the
Breed.”The authors are Dr. Irizarry,
student doctor Jennifer Scudder, DVM
2013, Dr. Katherine Mitsouras (COMP) and
Josep Rutllant, DVM, PhD. Dr. Irizarry expressed special
appreciation for the efforts of Dr. Rutllant in making the
anatomical measurements of the bullmastiff head and also for
suggesting ways to analyze the data.
The project is aimed at identifying the genetic contribution to
canine head morphology. The multidisciplinary research team
includes Dr. Kristopher Irizarry, who has developed and managed
the project, Ms. Scudder, who has played a major role in analyzing
the data and interpreting the data for over a year, Dr. Mitsouras,
who has purified DNA and managed the genotyping portion of the
project, Dr. Rutllant, who has developed the anatomical
measurements and collected head measurements from the dogs in
the study, Banfield’s Marc Togneri, DVM, who has provided
radiographs of bullmastiff heads to help
elucidate breed associated phenotypes,
student Stephanie Telarroja, DVM
2014, who has drawn great
illustrations of craniofacial
anatomical features that are
variable among members of
the bullmastiff breed based on
data from the project.
Frank Bossong, DVM, also
helped by providing access to
dogs for the project and helping
arrange times and space for head
measurements and DNA collection.
Josip Borovac, first year MSBS student from the Graduate College
of Biomedical Sciences at WesternU, is working in The Applied
Genomics Center with Dr. Irizarry to build a better understanding
of how variation in the RUNX2 protein can alter the genetic
program controlling skull shape and snout anatomy in dogs.
Victoria Voith, DVM, MSc, MA, PhD, DACVB, has helped with efforts
to better understand how head shape contributes to stereotypes
of dog behavior and has provided valuable contributions to the
research design of the study.
A lateral view of the dog head
illustrates bones of the skull
contributing to interindividual variation in head
shape within bullmastiffs.
A lateral radiograph shows
how the upper and lower
jaws of one bullmastiff in the
study are not aligned
properly. Bullmastiff heads
were carefully measured to
determine anatomical
phenotypes affecting
craniofacial morphology.
Genetic variation in the canine gene for RUNX2 alters the number of repeated
amino acids (Q = glutamine and A=alanine shown in red and green respectively)
that occur within the protein encoded by this gene. Variation within the number of
glutamines and alanines changes the activity level of the protein, which normally
functions as a transcription factor to turn on a host of genes involved in bone
formation within the skull. Some genetic versions of the gene act like antagonists
while other genetic variants act like agonists. Depending upon the specific
genotype of RUNX2 gene within each dog, measurable differences in skull shape
can be detected.
7
STARS BRINGS TOGETHER WESTERNU STUDENTS
Students from colleges throughout the WesternU campus met for
the fourth annual Summer Student Technology and Research
Symposium (STARS), a showcase of student research experience.
winners, honored for Most Interesting Use of a New Applied
Research Approach. Ann-Marie Aumann, DVM 2014, received
honorable mention, being recognized for her presentation and
enthusiasm.
The symposium on Sept. 6, 2011, brought together students with
varying levels of research experience. Sixteen students presented
their work.“Each year the presentations have improved in both the
quality of the data presented and the level professionalism of the
presentations. This year was no exception,” reported CVM and
GCBS Professor Tom Phillips, DVM, PhD, who helps oversee the
program.
“You are the cream of the crop,” Steven Henriksen, PhD, WesternU
vice president for Research and Biotechnology, told the group.
“We’re very impressed with the quality of research that is going on
here. It’s part of my responsibility to stimulate this kind of activity
throughout the University and to help young scientists to get
together and understand what research is all about.”
The CVM’s Annie Oh, DVM 2014, was one of three top award
The students and faculty from the CVM who participated were:
Student Name: Ann-MarieAumann
Student’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
Graduation Year: 2014
Advisor’s Name: BabakFaramarzi,DVM,Msc,
PhD
Advisor’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
Project Name: FoalHematology
Student Name: ZachCrouse
Student’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
Graduation Year: 2013
Advisor’s Name: LindaKidd,DVM,PhD,DACVIM
Advisor’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
Project Name: Post-chemotherapyperforationin
catswithaclinicaldiagnosisofintermediateorhigh
gradealimentarylymphoma
Student Name: JosephDeBrota
Student’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
Graduation Year: 2013
Advisor’s Name: MiguelSaggese,DVM,MS,PhD
Advisor’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
Project Name: Theroleofavianpathogensand
pollutantsasacauseofpopulationdeclineof
variousbirdsofpreyinSouthernCalifornia
Student Name:ValerieKendall
Student’s College: GraduateCollegeofBiomedical
Science
Graduation Year: 2011
Advisor’s Name: PeggyBarr,DVM,PhD
Advisor’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
Project Name: SnowLeopardFunctionalGenomics
Initiative:Comparativeanalysisofimmunefunction
genes
8
Student Name: Hye-Young(Erica)Kim
Student’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
Graduation Year: 2014
Advisor’s Name: Dr.DevendraH.Shah
Advisor’s College: DepartmentofVeterinary
MicrobiologyandPathology,CollegeofVeterinary
Medicine,WashingtonStateUniversity
Project Name: SalmonellaEnteritidismutantswith
reducedCaco-2cellinvasivenessshowimpaired
survivalinchickenmacrophagesandreduced
invasivenessinchickenlivercells
Student Name: BryanLui
Student’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
Graduation Year: 2014
Advisor’s Name: HrvojeSmodlaka,DVM,PhD
Advisor’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
Project Name: AmazingEyeoftheNorthern
ElephantSeal
Student Name: AnnieOh
Student’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
Graduation Year: 2014
Advisor’s Name: Dr.AndrasM.Komáromy
Advisor’s College: SchoolofVeterinaryMedicine,
UniversityofPennsylvania
Project Name: MolecularMechanismsofCNTFinducedPhotoreceptorDeconstruction
Student Name: JessieUhler
Student’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
Graduation Year: 2014
Advisor’s Name: KristopherIrizarry,PhD
Advisor’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
Project Name: SNPAnalysisofanuclearfamilyof
BullMastiffs
The Art of Communication
CVM course teaches effective veterinary-client relationship centered care
point, such as “So
you were hoping to
avoid surgery ...”
KNOWLEDGE AND
TECHNIQUE are
excellent traits for
a good
veterinarian, but if
the veterinarian is
unable to gain the
trust and
confidence of the
client, all of that
expertise won’t be
nearly as effective
in treating a
patient. That’s
where CVM
Professor Beth
Boynton, DVM,
comes in.
Empathy “calls for
the veterinarian to
understand what
the experience is
or was for the
client at multiple
levels,” she says. An
example might be:
“I can see that this
discussion is hard
for you given your
recent experience.”
Dr. Boynton,
director of the
Hill’s Wellness Center, teaches students in the WesternU College of
Veterinary Medicine how to be more engaged with their future
clients, working toward effective collaborative care. During her
course, she works with the students in developing key areas of
communication: open-ended questions, reflective listening,
attention to body language, and empathic comments.
Training is achieved
through
presentations, film
clips and analysis,
discussions, and
student role-playing with standardized patients. In a training film
shown in class, the brusque, no-nonsense veterinarian uses a harsh
tone of voice, fires off a barrage of questions, and displays certain
nonverbal communication (heavy sighs, eye-rolling among them)
which made the client feel uncomfortable. Hands shoot up across
the room as Dr. Boynton asks what the veterinarian did well and
what could be done differently.
“Don’t interrupt the client,” she tells her students.“Let the client
tell their story. You may often find out more information that way.”
In communication research, most
physicians interrupt after about 20
seconds. If they allow the patient to
finish talking, concerns that are the
most important can be expressed, and
there is an increase in efficiency if
problems are addressed earlier in the
visit. Despite fear of the long narrative,
most patients finish talking in less than
one minute.
- Dr. Beth Boynton
“The value of
communication cannot
be overrated. It makes
a huge difference.”
Dr. Boynton expands on the
components.“Invite a narrative, a story,”
she says of open-ended questioning. She encourages beginning a
conversation with phrases such as “Tell me about…,”“What was
going on in your mind when…,” and “What happened next…”
“The data and the facts will come out,” she says,“but what is most
important is that they come out within the context of a story.”
Through reflective listening,“you are letting the client know that
you are paying attention to what they are saying,” she continues.
This is done by using their comments or phrasing to summarize a
“She’s very cold,” says one.“Her whole
body language is stiff,” adds another.
“She never let the client explain her
story,” says one more. Dr. Boynton smiles
in agreement. The students are getting it
On another day, the students are able to
practice these skills with standardized
clients who simulate real scenarios. The
students learn to establish a relationship
and get the crucial information. Then
they demonstrate skills of explaining
their diagnosis and collaborating with
the client on a plan for the pet’s care. Afterwards they selfevaluate and review with the trainer and classmates what worked
well, what they should do less of, and how they could better
achieve their goals.
It is instruction that seems to be working, according to Dr.
Boynton. She reports that graduates of the program express
gratitude for the skills that have helped them through difficult
situations.“The value of communication cannot be overrated,”
Dr. Boynton says.“It makes a huge difference.”
9
CVM
Student
Profiles
-
Class
of
2015
I grew up in South Gate in Los Angeles
County. I received my Bachelor’s degree
in Neurobiology from the University of
California, Irvine. I interned for a dog and
cat practice as an undergraduate, and I
volunteered at the Irvine animal shelter.
I am interested in small animal medicine.
I grew up in Huntington Park, Calif., and
received my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science
from California State Polytechnic University,
Pomona. I have volunteered at several places
including the Sheep & Swine Unit at Cal Poly
Pomona, an emergency animal hospital, and a
baboon rehabilitation center in South Africa.
Paulina Alcaraz
Erick Ballesteros
I grew up in Merced and received my BS degree
in Animal Science and a Leadership minor from
the University of California, Davis. I volunteered
in equine, food animal and small animal practice
and interned as a foal and stallion manager at an
equine breeding farm. I am interested in large
animal medicine.
Marisa Brooks
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts
from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
I worked as a photographer and at a pet store
before becoming a flight attendant and
eventually obtaining my prerequisites for vet
school. I also interned at the Toledo Zoo and
worked at a wildlife rehabilitation center to
explore my current interests.
I’m from Kansas and received my
Bachelor’s in Animal Sciences from
Kansas State University. I have 10 years
of experience with small animals and
exotic pets. I have 2 dogs and 3
snakes. I am interested in small animal
and exotic medicine.
Jessica Coote
I lived in New Jersey through college and
received a Bachelor’s in International
Business from Kean University. I worked in
animal hospitals in New York and California,
and studied Biological Sciences at Chapman
University. My professional interests are in
mixed animal medicine and public health.
In my free time I surf and ski.
I grew up in New Jersey. I received my
Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences with a
focus on Animal Biology from the University
of Florida (Go Gators!). I have worked in
small and equine practices, and my interest is
in orthopedic surgery. I enjoy snowboarding,
rugby and impromptu road trips.
10
Leah Cowburn
I grew up in Central New Jersey and
received my Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary
Technology from Quinnipiac University in
Connecticut. I worked in a small animal
private practice for the past four years. I
also volunteered on a horse farm in
Connecticut. I am interested in small animal
medicine.
Gina Cipolla Canella
I am from Oakland, Calif., and received my
Bachelor’s in Animal Science from California
Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Originally focused on animal behavior, I
worked on movie sets then made my way into
veterinary medicine. I now work at a small
animal and ophthalmology practice. I am
interested in public health and research.
Anthony Carrier
Christopher Drastura
™
Devin Cunningham
I grew up in La Verne, Calif., and received my
Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from the
University of California, Davis, in 2010. I have
experience working with laboratory animals,
small animals, and in research. I am interested
in small animal medicine.
Brenda feig
CVM
Student
Profiles
-
Class
of
2015
I grew up in Minnesota and received my
Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science from the
University of San Diego. I worked at a small
animal practice as an undergraduate. I recently
completed an internship at a marine animal
park in Hong Kong. I am interested in small
animal medicine.
Brittany Lancellotti
Kelsey Gapstur
I grew up in New York and received a
Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Sacred
Heart University. I have been an
equestrian for almost my entire life.
I have interned with small animal, equine
and zoo veterinarians. As of right now,
I am not sure what field of medicine
I would like to pursue.
Alessandra Lyons
Megan McCorkel
I grew up in Greensboro, Md., and received
my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and
Management from the University of
Maryland. I then was commissioned in the
Navy and served four years as a Surface
Warfare Officer. I am interested in small
animal medicine and animal research.
I grew up in Marlton, NJ, and received a Bachelor’s
degree in Animal Science from Rutgers University. I
gained experience with exotic/wildlife animals while
working for a specialty private practice and gained
research experience working as a biologist/chemist
for a large pharmaceutical company. I am interested
in Laboratory Animal medicine.
Carrie Muller
I am from Southern California and
received my Bachelor’s degree in Biology
from San Diego State University, with
emphasis in Cell & Molecular Biology. My
experience has been in small animal
preventive medicine and cardiac stem cell
research. I am interested in laboratory
animal medicine and biomedical research.
Annie O’Donnell
I grew up outside of Philadelphia and
received my Bachelor’s degree in Biology
from Temple University. I worked in
rehabilitation, the OR and the ER at the
Animal Medical Center in Manhattan.
I interned at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
in Utah. I am interested in small animal
medicine and behavior.
I grew up in a small town in central Pennsylvania
called Hummelstown, right outside of Hershey.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and
Nutrition, with a minor in Equine Studies, from West
Virginia University in Morgantown. I have worked for
both large animal, equine and small animal practices as
an undergraduate. I am highly interested in large animal
medicine, with an emphasis on equine medicine.
Alexis Mackiewicz
™
I grew up in Los Angeles and Orange County,
and have lived in other countries around the
world. I graduated from the University of
California, Irvine, with a BS degree in Biology.
I worked at the Orange County Emergency Pet
Clinics as a technician, and am interested in
exotic/wildlife medicine.
Lauren Neidig
After graduating from Davidson College in
Charlotte, NC, with a BA in Anthropology and
Spanish, I moved to Aspen, Colo. I trained the
avalanche search and rescue dogs while on
ski patrol and worked in several veterinary
clinics. I’m excited to acquire the medical
knowledge needed to open a mixed
veterinary practice in the mountains.
Natalie Nguyen
Amy Oberstadt
I have spent most of my life in Northern
California. I obtained my Bachelor’s
degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and
Behavior from the University of California,
Davis. I have worked at a multi-doctor
small animal practice since graduation and
look forward to pursuing my interests in
small animal medicine.
11
CVM
Student
Elizabeth Perry
Profiles
-
Class
I grew up in New Jersey, and received my
Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences
from the University of Findlay, with
emphasis in Animal Science. I worked at
the Philadelphia Zoo and interned with
equine and small animal veterinarians.
I wish to pursue a career in either equine
or exotic and wildlife medicine.
I grew up in Sierra Madre, Calif., and received
my Bachelor of Science in Biology with an
emphasis in Evolution, Ecology and Organismal
Biology from California State University,
Channel Islands. During my undergrad years, I
worked for the Aquarium of the Pacific, the
Santa Anita Race Track, and the Humane
Society. My interest is large animal medicine.
of
2015
I grew up in Ventura, Calif., and received my
Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from
the University of California, Davis, with
emphasis in Equine and Physiology. I worked
at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching
Hospital as a large animal surgery technician
and interned at the UC Davis Swine Facility.
Stephanie Pinkerton I am interested in large animal medicine.
I grew up in South Africa, and received my
Bachelor’s in Biochemistry at the University
of California, San Diego. At UCSD and at a
small animal practice, I worked as an animal
technician. I am interested in small animal
and wildlife medicine. I enjoy pursuing
fitness and riding motorcycles.
Madison Rose
Christoff Saaiman
I’m a native Vermonter and graduated
from the University of Vermont with
a BS in Animal Science. I’ve worked
with dairy cattle, penguins, and most
recently as a small animal technician.
I’m interested in aspects of both
small and large animal medicine.
I was born in Taiwan and came to the U.S. at the
age of 10. I grew up in Diamond Bar, Calif., and
received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
from the University of California, San Diego.
I volunteered at emergency clinics and wildlife
rescue shelters. I’m interested in small animal
medicine.
Adrienne Snider
Dan Su
I am from Florida, and received my Bachelor’s
and Master’s degrees in Animal Science from
the University of Florida. I worked with
research dog colonies, one with Glycogen
Storage Disease type 1a and another in Atopic
Dermatitis at the UF College of VetMed. I am
interested in small animal medicine.
I was born in Orange County and graduated
from the University of California, Davis,
with a BS in Animal Science. I am interested
in small animal medicine and behavior.
I have worked with small and large animals
as well as exotics and wildlife. I enjoy
ballroom dancing in my spare time.
Amanda Thomas
Alisha Tran
I grew up in San Jose, Calif., and received my
Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in
Physiology from San Francisco State University.
As an undergraduate, I worked for a small
animal practice and volunteered for the
Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley. I am interested
in small animal and zoo/wildlife medicine.
Amily Truong
12
™
Rachel Yeung
I grew up in San Marino, Calif., and
received my Bachelor’s degree in Animal
Science at the University of California,
Davis. While at Davis, I worked as a
pathology lab assistant and simultaneously
volunteered at sanctuaries and interned at
the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
I am interested in small animal medicine.
CVM
faculty
Profile
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR FRANK BOSSONG,
DVM, is a whirl of activity. Along with
his role as a faculty member in the
College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr.
Bossong works with rescue groups,
raises show dogs, loves to cook (and
eat!), and is a devoted uncle to 17
nieces and nephews.
“I have a lot of interests,” he says,
laughing.
Frank Bossong
Dr. Bossong, who has been on the
CVM staff for three years, didn’t set out to be a veterinarian, and
his route to WesternU took him on a path that traversed several
states and across the country. Born in New York as one of eight
children, Dr. Bossong was raised in Charlottesville, Va., and earned
a BS in Architecture from the University of Virginia in 1988. His
architectural eye also developed an interest in photography and
he headed back to New York after graduation, working for six
years in the photo department for Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation.
While living in Brooklyn, where he says there was little animal
control, he began volunteering with a rescue group, which
spurred his thinking in a new direction: He wanted to become a
veterinarian. He moved south again, this time to Athens, Ga., where
he worked as a veterinary technician and attended the University
of Georgia. He received his DVM from Georgia’s College of
Veterinary Medicine in 2001.
™
His parents were not surprised at his career change, having
suspected all along that veterinary medicine would be his career
choice.“They said, ‘We’ve been waiting for you to do this,’ ” Dr.
Bossong recalls fondly.
He looked westward for his professional career, taking the
California board exams in 2001 and joining the staff of Foothill
Veterinary Hospital in Pasadena, where he remained for four years.
During this time he started working with the San Gabriel Valley
Humane Society and now sits on the Board of Directors.
Dr. Bossong arrived at WesternU in January 2009 and his main
focus has been the Veterinary Ambulatory Community Service
(VACS) program. He also teaches first and second year students
and is the faculty advisor to the Shelter Club.
“I love it,” he says of his educator role.“I like to talk anyway, and
teaching takes what you know to the next dimension. It’s really
uplifting to see the students get so excited about what they’re
learning. It makes it all worthwhile.”
In his spare time, Dr. Bossong raises and shows Norwich terriers
(and has a houseful of them), does a little gardening, and the selfproclaimed “foodie” is ready to offer tips on where to eat, stores to
frequent and is always on the lookout for something new and
interesting. And finally, he’s putting his architecture degree to use:
He’s renovating his 1926 bungalow in Monrovia.
Seventh Annual CVM Open House set for April 21
WesternU’s College of Veterinary
Medicine will once again throw open
its doors to the community this
spring with the Seventh Annual Open
House, planned for April 21.
Among the highlights of the 2012
day-long affair will be the return of
the mobile aquarium from the
Aquarium of the Pacific in Long
Beach, K-9 unit demonstrations,
shelter pet adoptions, microchipping
and pet vaccinations. Students will
host booths on pet care, tours will be
provided of the college and Banfield,
the Pet Hospital, and food vendors
also wIll be on hand.
Boy and Girl Scouts also will
participate in the event, earning
scouting badges as they learn about
various aspects of animal care.
13
RESEARCH
Update
Dominique Griffon
Associate Dean for Research Dominique
Griffon, DMV, MS, PhD, DACVS, DECVS, has
been awarded a grant of $34,000 by the
American Kennel Club Canine Health
Foundation for her proposed study to
“Determine the predictive value of a
conformation score in identifying CCLD in
Labradors.” The study of the cranial (anterior)
cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) in the
canine stifle will involve radiographic
measurements and a multicenter study with
collaborators.
Professor of Anatomy Wael Khamas, BVMS,
MS, PhD, in cooperation with colleagues in
Pakistan, contributed to the research and
successful publication of an article in the
Journal of Camel Practice and Research.
Dr. Khamas has undertaken several studies
regarding the camel during his career that
began in Iraq and Jordan. He currently has
several joint projects with researchers in
several countries and therefore brings
Wael Khamas
international visibility to our University.
The full citation is: Seasonal changes in the
anatomy of the testis of one- humped camel (Camelus
dromedaries). Journal of Camel Practice and Research. 2011;
18(1):145-153.
Veterinary pathologist and Assistant
Professor Suzana Tkalcic, DVM, PhD,
published an article,“Incidence and factors
associated with early pregnancy losses in
Simmental dairy cows,” in collaboration with
Croatian scientists who sought to establish
the extent and patterns of early pregnancy
loss from days 32 to 86 of gestation, and to
check relationships between management
system, milk yield, ambient temperature,
Suzana Tkalcic
body condition score, bull and parity on the
early pregnancy loss rate for Simmental
dairy cattle in Croatia.
Professor Tracey McNamara, DVM, DACVP,
has published with a group of collaborators
from prominent US zoo, public health and
diagnostic institutions a paper that leverages
her discovery of West Nile virus in 1999 and
furthers her vision of establishing a
nationwide (perhaps worldwide)
surveillance system with diagnostic and
communication protocols among zoological
institutions and government agencies. The
Tracey McNamara
complete citation is: Pultorak E, Nadler Y,
Travis D, Glaser A, McNamara T, Mehta SD.
Zoological institution participation in a West Nile virus
surveillance system: Implications for public health. Public Health.
2011;March 13.
Associate Professor Lyon Lee, DVM, PhD,
DACVA, had an article published in
Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. The
article,“Cranial epidural spread of contrast
medium and methylene blue dye in sternally
recumbent anaesthetized dogs,” was in the
September 2011 issue of the journal.
Dr. Lee also collaborated with colleagues at
Seoul National University on research that
Lyon Lee
resulted in two scientific publications. These
collaborations also resulted in stronger ties
between WesternU and the South Korean institutions. Two of the
collaborators made arrangements as Visiting Scientists to the
WesternU campus. The complete citations are: Kim YK, Lee S, Suh
E, Lee L, et al. Minimum Anesthetic Concentration and
Cardiovascular Dose–Response Relationship of Isoflurane in
Cinereous Vultures (Aegypius monachus). Journal of Zoo and
Wildlife Medicine. 2011(Sept); 42(3):499-503; and Kim S, Lee SH,
Kang S, Lee L, et al. Involvement of c-Met- and Phosphatidylinositol
3-Kinase Dependent Pathways in Arsenite-Induced
Downregulation of Catalase in Hepatoma Cells. Biol Pharm Bull.
2011;34(11):1748-52.
Dr. Tkalcic also published an article,“Repeat breeder syndrome
in dairy cows: influence of breed and age on its prevalence and
the success of a hormone therapy.” The article is the result of
collaboration with Croatian scientists who sought to establish the
prevalence of repeat breeder syndrome (RBS) in different breeds
and reproductive ages of cattle in central Croatia and to assess the
effectiveness of hormone therapy as a treatment option.
Yvonne Drechler
14
Veterinary virologists Yvonne Drechsler,
MS, PhD, and Ellen Collisson, MS, PhD,
collaborated with Cal Poly Pomona scientists
and undergraduates in the 2011 showcase of
the Agricultural Research Institute (ARI).
The showcase is hosted on the Cal Poly
Pomona campus each year and involves four
universities in the Cal State system (Fresno,
Pomona, Chico and San Luis Obispo), all of
which are important sites for the education
R
E
S
E
of students who pursue their post-graduate
professional education at WesternU. CVM
benefits particularly from the graduates of
their agriculture programs. Dr. Drechsler and
Dr. Collisson collaborated with Cal Poly
Pomona faculty and students to conduct a
student research project that was reported
in this annual showcase event this year.
Other CVM faculty members were in
attendance and also participated in other
Ellen Collison
programs at Cal Poly. The title of the
presentation resulting from this
collaboration was:“Vaccine Strategies for
Protecting Poultry Against Avian Influenza
Infection: Liposomal M2e and NP Plasmid
Vaccines” by Angela Beal, Chris Petro,
Yvonne Drechsler, Ellen Collisson and Jill
Adler-Moore.
In addition, Dr.
Drechsler, Dr.
Collisson, Ana
Alcaraz, DVM, PhD,
Ana Alcaraz
DACVP, Frank
Bossong, DVM, and
Pedro Diniz, DVM, PhD, authored an article
published in the November 2011 issue of
Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small
Animal Practice. The complete citation is:
Frank Bossong
Drechsler Y, Alcaraz A, Bossong FJ, Collisson
EW, Diniz PPVP.“Feline Coronavirus in Multicat Environments.” Vet
Clin Small Anim. 2011;(41):1133–1169.
A
R
C
H
Dr. Diniz also was involved in several other
publications and projects:
• He collaborated with colleagues at
North Carolina State University, IDEXX
Laboratories and a private practice in
Minnesota to generate a report of 18
“Typical and Atypical Manifestations of
Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection
in Dogs.” The manuscript continues Dr.
Diniz’s pursuit of tick-borne diseases.
Pedro Diniz
The complete citation is: Eberts MD,
Diniz PPVP, Beall MJ, et al. Typical and Atypical Manifestations
of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection in Dogs. J Am
Anim Hosp Assoc. 2011; 47:e86–e94.
• He received notice of a research grant sponsored by
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica to conduct a study of
“Prevalence of Leptospiruria and Antibodies Against
Leptospira SPP in Sick Dogs in Southern California.” The total
approved budget was $29,960 which includes $5,000 in
matching funds from the CVM. In addition, lab tests for this
study will be supported by IDEXX. The study is a
collaboration with Dr. Amy Raines at The Humane Society of
San Bernardino Valley. The investigators expect that the
results of this study will define the incidence and seasonality
of canine leptospirosis in southern California.
• He published an article,“Vector-Borne Diseases in ClientOwned and Stray Cats from Madrid, Spain.” The article was
the product of the work done in Spain by former graduate
student Tanya Ayllon (first author) who Dr. Diniz closely
mentored during this study.
Veterinary magazine kicks off
with article by CVM faculty
AnarticlebyateamoffacultymembersfromtheCVMwas
publishedintheinauguralissueofToday’s Veterinary Practice.
Thepiece,“Diagnosisofcanineheartworminfection,”was
compiledbyPeggy Barr, DVM,PhD,Beth Boynton, DVM,
Peggy Schmidt, DVM,MS,DACVPM,Frank Bossong, DVM
andGary Johnston, DVM,MS,DACVR.
Thearticleranacrosssevenpagesofthemagazineand
includesdetailsonhowinfectionsarediagnosed,whentotest,
heartwormhosts,thelifecycleofheartworms,microfilaria
detection,antigendetection,DNAamplification,imaging,ELISA
testprocedure,ICT(LateralFlowTest)procedure,evaluationof
CHWantigentests,andstandardsforheartwormtesting.
Thearticle’sconclusionstates:
“Inmostcases,diagnosisofCHWinfectionisrelatively
straightforwardandeasilyaccomplishedthroughin-clinic
testing.However,anunderstandingoftheheartwormlifecycle
andrecognitionofthelimitationsofcurrentdiagnostic
proceduresarecriticaltosuccessfuldiagnosis.
TwomajorlimitationsofmostCHWtestsare:
•Inabilitytodetectinfectionduringthelongprepatentperiod
•Decreasedsensitivityofdetectionwhenveryfeworno
femalewormsarepresent.
CommercialCHWantigentestshavehighsensitivityand
specificitybutperformancemaybecompromisedwhenthese
limitationsareencountered.”
Thecompletecitationis:BarrMC,BoyntonEP,SchmidtPL,
BossongF,JohnstonGR.Diagnosisofcanineheartworm
infection.Today’s Vet Practice. 20111(1):30-37.
15
CVM
News
™
Professor and dairy operations expert Jim
Reynolds, DVM, MPVM, was recognized with
the “Award for Excellence” by the American
Association of Bovine Practitioners at their
annual meeting in 2011.This national award
recognizes outstanding performance and
contribution to food animal practice and
veterinary medicine. Dr. Reynolds is regarded as
the guiding light for animal welfare issues for
AABP and bovine practice veterinarians.This
Jim Reynolds
award also recognized his contributions for
decades to the education of veterinary medical students, numerous
veterinarians and agricultural producers. He has greatly advanced food
animal practice worldwide.
In addition, Dr. Reynolds has been awarded a $422,121 grant from the
United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service,Veterinary Services, for research in the beef and
dairy industry.
™
Professor of Equine Internal Medicine
Joe Bertone, DVM, MS, DACVIM, presented at
the following three international professional
meetings:At the annual meeting of the
Asociación Mexicana de Médicos Veterinarios
Especialistas en Equinos, Oct. 19-23, 2011, in
Guanojuato, Mexico, Dr. Bertone’s presentation
topics included neurology, antimicrobial use
and cardiac evaluation.At the Korean Racing
Association in Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 19,
Joe Bertone
2011, Dr. Bertone was invited to address topics
including neurology principles, case discussion, and dorsal cervical
articular injection. At the World Small Animal Veterinary Conference,
Oct. 12-17, 2011, in Jeju, South Korea, Dr. Bertone was invited to
address topics including principles of antimicrobial use, principles of
pain management and clinical pharmacokinetics.
™
Professor Beth Boynton, DVM, director of our
Hill’s Wellness Center and champion for
communications and IPE in our veterinary
curriculum, gave three formal presentations in
the fall in Canada. Dr. Boynton presented at the
Primary Care Educators’ Symposium, Guelph,
Ontario, Canada. Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2011. Her topic
was “Creating Practice Ready Students-WUCollege of Veterinary Medicine.” Dr. Boynton
helped again this year in the meeting planning
Beth Boynton
and organization as well. She also presented at
the International Conference on Communication in Veterinary Medicine,
Niagara, Ontario, Canada. Oct. 3-5, 2011. Dr. Boynton’s presentations
were:“Empathy Among Healthcare Professions Students” (authored by
Dr. Boynton, Suzie Kovacs, MSc, and Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA) and
“Interprofessional Education and Perception of Health Professions”
(authored by Dr. Boynton and John Tegzes, MA,VMD, DABVT).
16
Professor and animal behaviorist Victoria
Voith, DVM, MSc, MA, PhD, DACVB, offered a
series of presentations at the Central Veterinary
Conference (CVC) in San Diego Oct. 27-28,
2011. Her wide spectrum of topics included:
cat elimination behaviors: the most common
behavioral complaint; reducing development of
aggression in dogs; managing separation
anxiety in dogs; dog breed identification and
what it means; effects of gonadectomy on
Victoria Voith
behavior of dogs and cats; ethological and
learning principles to understand companion-animal behavior; history
taking techniques, behavioral analysis, and case examples.
Dr.Voith also was invited to speak at the Association of Professional
Dog Trainers meeting in San Diego Oct. 16, 2011.At this meeting she
discussed:Agreement Among Professionals’Visual Identification of
Breeds of Dogs and Relationship to DNA Identification.
™
Associate Professor Lyon Lee, DVM, PhD,
DACVA, made the following presentations in
September and October in the United States
and Korea. Dr. Lee co-presented an abstract,
“Effect of Needle Size and Length on Simulated
Epidural Injection Pressure,” at the Annual
Scientific Meeting of the American College of
Veterinary Anesthesiologists on Sept. 21 in
Nashville,Tenn. He presented four anesthesia
and analgesia topics at World Small Animal
Lyon Lee
Veterinary Association Congress in Jeju, Korea on
Oct. 14-17:Anesthetic Monitoring Utilizing Mechanical Devices Questioning Limitations of Each Device; Preanesthetic Evaluations in
Small Animals - Which Values to Look for?; Pain Management via
Systemic Approach Beyond Opioids; Pain Management via
Locoregional (Epidural) Approach Beyond Sodium Channel Blockers.
He also presented CE talks to veterinarians and students at College of
Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University on Oct. 18,“Monitoring
anesthetized patients utilizing physiologic monitors.” Finally, Dr. Lee
presented at the meeting of the Korea Racing Association on Oct. 19,
“Equine anesthetic review – emphasis on premedication and
induction.”
™
Professor and microbiologist Peggy Barr,
DVM, PhD, presented on behalf of her
collaborators a poster describing the ongoing
snow leopard genomics project at the annual
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
conference held in Atlanta, Sept. 12-17, 2011.
In addition to Dr. Barr, authors included the
CVM’s Kris Irizarry, PhD, and Janis Joslin, DVM;
graduate student Valerie Kendall from GCBS,
Peggy Barr
Dr. Katherine Mitsouras from COMP, and two
external collaborators, Dr.Todd Mockler of Oregon State University
and Dr. Jay Tetzloff, superintendent, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, Ill.
CVM
News
™
Parasitologist Malika Kachani, DVM, PhD,
was one of two invited reviewers of ongoing
research projects funded by the European
Union under “Framework 7” in several African
and European countries to control neglected
zoonotic diseases and encourage the “One
Health” approach.The European Commission
brought Dr. Kachani to Johannesburg, South
Africa, where she reviewed projects involving
21 institutions from the UK, Belgium,
Malika Kachani
Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, France,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Morocco, Mali,Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia,
Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda. She was selected as a
reviewer because of her efforts on neglected zoonotic diseases in
Africa, One Health and global health which complemented the other
reviewer’s background on socio-economics, cost of diseases and global
health issues.
During this visit to Johannesburg, Dr. Kachani attended a Joint
Colloquium on zoonoses and neglected infectious diseases of Africa,
held simultaneously in the same venue. Dr. Kachani contributed to the
workshop discussions and shared her experience on the various
topics.
In addition, Dr. Kachani was invited to give a plenary presentation
titled “One Health and Horizontal Approaches in Cystic
Echinococcosis Control: Challenges and Opportunities for Middle
Eastern and North African Countries” at the 24th World Congress of
Hydatidology in Urumqi, Xinjiang (China). Dr. Kachani also served as a
session chair and during the meeting she observed a high quality
Chinese hospital and program of clinical care and research on hydatid
disease.
Also, Dr. Kachani has learned that the report resulting from team
efforts during the last WHO International Working Group (WHO-IWG)
meeting on Echinococcosis has been published and posted on the
WHO website. Dr. Kachani was invited to the meeting as the chair of
the WHO (NZDs) Working Group and as an international expert on
NZDs and Echinococcosis. Dr. Kachani is listed in the appendix of
participants and pictured in a photo on page 21 of the report. It is
noteworthy that WesternU is again the only American university
involved in this initiative.
™
Professor and virologist Ellen Collisson, MS,
PhD, delivered a presentation to the Board of
Directors of the Friends of Malawi foundation.
Dr. Collisson serves as Grants Program manager
for this organization and as a member of the
Board. Her interest in Malawi began with her
Peace Corps service in Africa some years ago
when she taught physics, biology and languages
to secondary students in Ghana and Malawi. Dr.
Collisson also serves on the Board of Frontiers
Ellen Collisson
of Knowledge (Uganda).This year’s meeting of
the Friends of Malawi Board was conducted during the 50th
anniversary of the Peace Corps in Washington, D.C., in September 2011.
Dr. Collisson also represented the CVM’s Avian Immunogenetics Group
at the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA) NE1034 Annual Technical Committee Meeting.The meeting was held at
Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. Oct. 28-30, 2011.The title of the
presentation was: “Correlation of innate immunity of B haplotype
defined chicks with resistance to respiratory viral infection.” The
CVM’s participants in this program are Suzana Tkalcic, DVM, PhD;
Yvonne Drechsler, MS, PhD; Maisie Dawes, DVM, PhD, DACVIM; Kris
Irizarry, PhD; Miguel Saggese, DVM, MS, PhD, and Ghida Banat, PhD. Dr.
Jill Adler Moore from Cal Poly Pomona, Dr. Elwood Briles from
Northern Illinois University and Dr. Calvin Keeler from the University
of Delaware are collaborators.
™
Professor of Pathology Tracey McNamara,
DVM, DACVP, continues to draw international
attention to WesternU for her interests and
experience in biosurveillance strategies for
zoonotic (animal to human) diseases. In recent
months, Dr. McNamara, who first discovered
the West Nile virus at the Bronx Zoo in 1999,
was:
• Invited to speak on West Nile virus at the
University of Zagreb School of Medicine and
College of Veterinary Medicine (Oct. 4-5, 2011).
Tracey McNamara
• Served the US at the “Expert Meeting on One Health Governance
and Global Network” (Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2011). At this invitation-only
meeting at the CDC, participants defined actionable steps for a way
forward. Senior representatives of the World Bank,WHO, FAO, OIE,
and the EU were in attendance.
• Delivered a keynote address on emerging viruses and conducted a
two-day workshop at the WAVES (Wild Animals Vigilance EuroMediterranean Society) VIIth International Symposia on Wild Fauna
at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.The workshop was on
Necropsy Techniques in Wildlife and was held at the Royal (Dick)
College of Veterinary Studies.
MILESTONES
Congratulations to the following CVM employees for their five
years of employment at Western University of Health Sciences:
Research Technician Omar Alvarado, BS
Assistant Professor Maisie Dawes, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Professor Ellen Collisson, MS, PhD
Associate Professor Lyon Lee, DVM, PhD, DACVA
Veterinary Technician Marlena Salinas, BS, RVT
17
Always In Our Hearts: Stories from
Coda
By Ken Dorr and Mario Marchiaro
Coda was an unusual Basenji with black and white
markings. The history of Basenjis as a breed dates back to
the Egyptian times.
The god Anubis is a human Eqyptian figure with a Basenji
head and can be seen on many walls, tombs, statues and
writings of that civilization. Basenjis are bark-less by
nature and yet can sing as well if not better than a wolf
baying at the moon.
Coda was the Alpha dog in our family and has a brother
named Nyoga (or Nyny) one year older (with brown and
white markings). From the day we adopted Coda at age 4,
he was an amazing companion and an endless,
entertaining character in our lives.
We are very pleased to know that Coda’s body is helping to
further science at WesternU. The Egyptians believed there
is no death and Coda’s spirit has moved now into the
afterlife.
We will miss him deeply.
About the WAVE Program:
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 (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 Miller at (909) 469-5597 to make all arrangements.
Always in Our Hearts: Stories from WAVE appears as a regular feature in each issue of the Outlook.
18
Establishing a Pet Trust
Those concerned about what will
happen to their animals should their
human caregivers become
incapacitated or die might consider
including provisions in an estate
plan. One means of doing so is to
establish a charitable remainder
unitrust to ensure their care in the
event disaster strikes. This can be
easily accomplished, and
WesternU’s Planned Giving Office is
available to assist in this process.
For more information, contact Olive
Stephens, Planned Giving
administrator, (909) 469-5211 or
[email protected].
Our students are on
journeys of discovery.
CVM
Calendar
MARCH 2012
19-23
Spring Break
21-23
California Regional Education
Symposium (CARES)
26
Honors Day
APRIL 2012
21
Open House
MAY 2012
17
Fourth Year Dinner-Dance
18
ChristinaPortus,DVM’10
Your gift will help
pave their road.
CVM Commencement
SEPTEMBER 2012
7-9
CVM Alumni Reunion
WesternU College of Veterinary Medicine
309 E. Second Street • Pomona, CA 91766-1854
Contact Tim McPheron at (909) 706-3762 • [email protected]
19
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
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
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. ™
20640-2/12-P