Fall 2011 • Volume 13, Number 1

StillStill aa PlacePlace forfor Tomorrow’sTomorrow’s VeterinariansVeterinarians Dean’s Message

Last May, we graduated another class of veterinary students. The graduation ceremony served as a reminder of our pri- mary purpose in a college of veterinary medicine, including our responsibilities to the students we have prepared and to the veterinary profession they will enter. Texas A&M CVM continues its strong culture of student centeredness. This CVM Today is loaded with examples of learning opportunities for our students. Their Effective Client Communication training begins on the first day of orientation and continues throughout their curriculum. As an integral part of the health care team in Lboth the Small Animal Hospital and the Large Animal Hospital, they participate in advanced animal care delivered with remarkable compassion for patients and clients. Our students were integrally involved in the touching stories of Woody and Terry Wilson with Cayenne and of Natalie and John Rasmussen with Dash King. Texas A&M students learn from award winning faculty. This issue highlights research, teaching, and mentoring awards earned by faculty, including Dr. Anton Hoffman, Dr. George Lees, Dr. Roy Pool, Dr. Dan Posey, Dr. Christie Sayes, Dr. Karen Snowden, Dr. Jan Suchodolski, Dr. Mark Stickney, and Dr. Kevin Washburn. Our students also have contact with leaders in the profession, like Dr. Bill Moyer, who is currently serving as AAEP President. The awards do not stop with faculty. The Annual Staff Awards Ceremony is one of the most anticipated events of the year, because it gives us the opportunity to express thanks to some of our outstanding staff members who make our CVM better. We could not be as good as we are without them. The event is punctuated by the best emcee in the land, Dr. Kenita Rogers, who can always draw a crowd, and our own musical talent, the singing dentist, Dr. Bert Dodd, and our award-winning reha- bilitation guru, David Sessum. Our staff members also contribute significantly to student education. One of the goals of Texas A&M CVM is to reach all corners of Texas. One example is host- ing the Pre-Vet Society from West Texas A&M. Some of these students are likely to return to the Panhandle area to serve rural areas, providing a valuable service to small communities and our livestock industries. Dr. Ginger Elliott ’83 speaks to the importance and viability of the rural veterinarian in an article she wrote for Western Livestock Journal, which gave us permission to reprint in this issue. Our cover photo is of Tom Morehouse, one of the most photographed cowboys and manager of the historic Tongue River Ranch, where Dr. Elliott has worked. At Texas A&M we know that teaching and research are inextricably linked. We engage students in research early, from undergraduate students in BIMS, to DVM students, to graduate students. In this issue we hear from award-winning students how valuable research experience is to them. Our research programs are global in significance and reach. Three of the CVM research signature programs, genomic, toxicology, and infectious disease, are highlighted in this issue. Dr. James Derr is banking DNA samples from Ameri- can Bison and African wildlife and is making a difference in wildlife conser- vation. Dr. Jan Janecka is contributing to a wildlife genetics lab in Bhutan in the Eastern Himalayas. Dr. Stephen Safe, a Distinguished Professor in CVM, continues to discover new information which changes our knowledge and treatment of cancer. Dr. Garry Adams, with a co-investigator at UC Davis, was awarded the top biology paper in the nation on a Salmonella study. Dr. Blanca Lupiani and her graduate student, Dr. Pam Ferro, are determining the presence of avian influenza viruses in migrating waterfowl. There are many firsts in the CVM. Among them is the First Diagnos- tic Renal Pathology Center in Veterinary Medicine, established by Dr. George Lees. Dr. Lees also received two national awards this year, the Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence and the AVMF/AKC Career Excellence Award in Canine Research. I encourage all to get to know the most recent addition to the develop- ment team, Chastity Rodgers. I have said many times that the state funds us to be good; funding for greatness is up to us. The CVM Development Team works every day towards that end. I thank them and the faculty, staff, and students who help us match passions with friends of the College. Congratulations to the CVM alumni who have earned recognition for their excellence. Dr. Larry Kornegay ’71 has completed his year as AVMA president. Found in this edition are the accomplishments of the 2011 CVM Outstanding Alumni, Dr. Albert Abdullah ’57, Dr. Richard Adams ’72, Dr. Glenn Blodgett ’74, Dr. Dwight King ’70, and Dr. Eugene Skidmore ’56. In closing, what a year! What a profession! What a place!

Eleanor M. Green, DVM, DACVIM, DABVP Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine

2 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Contents 16 Features 14 Research Spotlight CVM Houses First Diagnostic Renal Pathology Center in Veterinary Medicince Distinguished Professor Receives Grant from DOD Most Important Paper in Biology of 2010: “One Health” Initiative Fosters an Amazing Finding

16 Back at the Ranch 14 Still a Place for Tomorrow’s Veterinarians 19 Biomedical Sciences Spotlight BIMS Undergraduates Explore CVM Research Opportunities

20 Leadership Lab Effective Client Communication: An Essential Skill for Veterinarians 19 8

6 20

T he F our C’s 10 12 6 Caring A Debilitating Disease Strengthens epartments the Human-Animal Bond D 2 Dean’s Message 8 Curing 4 College Information “Dash King”: The Horse that Refuses to Lose 5 Continuing Education Calendar 22 College News 10 Creating 35 Faculty/Staff Focus Africa’s First Systematic Wildlife Conservation 51 Development News Genetics Program Established by CVM Researchers 54 Alumni News 58 Mark Francis Fellows 12 Communicating 59 In Memoriam Faculty Bring Teaching to New Level at the CVM 60 Parting Shot

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 3 College Information Executive Committee

Fall 2011 • Volume 13, Number 1 Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Eleanor M. Green

Associate Dean, Professional Programs Dr. Kenita Rogers

Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Studies Correspondence Address: CVM Today Staff Dr. Bhanu P. Chowdhary Editor, CVM Today Veterinary Medicine Editor: Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies & Angela Clendenin, ’91 & Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University, 4461 TAMU Dept. Head, Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Communications Specialist: College Station, TX 77843-4461 Dr. Evelyn Tiffany-Castiglioni Elizabeth Janecka 979.862.2675 [email protected] Assistant Dean, Biomedical Sciences Student Writer: Dr. F. H. “Skip” Landis Becky Mahon, ’11 CVM Today is published twice a year by Texas A&M Veterinary Dept. Head, Veterinary Pathobiology Graduate Student Writer: Medicine & Biomedical Sci- Dr. Linda Logan ences for alumni and friends. Antonio Villarreal, ’10 We welcome your suggestions, Dept. Head, Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology comments, and contributions to Dr. Glen Laine Contributing Writers: content. Dr. Dan Posey, ’82 Permission is granted to use all Dept. Head, Small Animal Clinical Sciences Dr. Guy Sheppard, ’78 or part of any article published Dr. Sandee Hartsfield Anna McNaught in this magazine, provided no endorsement of a commercial Acting Dept. Head, Large Animal Clinical Sciences Art Directors: product is stated or implied. Dr. Allen Roussel Jennie L. Lamb Appropriate credit and a tear sheet are requested. VeLisa Ward Bayer Assistant Vice President, Texas A&M University does not Development & Alumni Relations Photographer: discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, Dr. O. J. “Bubba” Woytek Larry Wadsworth gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a Chief of Staff U.S. veteran. Mr. John M. Scroggs Communications Advisory Team Director, Texas Institute for Preclinical Studies Louise Abbott, Alice Blue-McLendon, Dr. Terry Fossum Barbara Gastel, Ellie Greenbaum, Director, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital Sandee Hartsfield, John Roths, Guy Sheppard, Mr. W. Terry Stiles W. Terry Stiles, Noell Vance, Dickson Varner, and O.J. “Bubba” Woytek Director, Communications & Public Relations Ms. Angela Clendenin

Veterinary Medicine Biomedical Sciences Department of & Biomedical Sciences Undergraduate Veterinary Small Animal Texas A&M University Advising Office: Clinical Sciences: 4461 TAMU 979.845.4941 979.845-9053 College Station, TX 77843-4461 Department of Department of vetmed.tamu.edu Veterinary Veterinary Large Animal Integrative Clinical Sciences: Dean’s Office/Administration: Biociences: 979.845-9127 979.845.5051 979.845.2828 Admissions Office: Veterinary Medical Teaching 979.845.5051 Department of Hospital Administration: Veterinary 979.845-9026 Development and Pathobiology: Alumni Relations Office: 979.845.5941 Small Animal 979.845.9043 Hospital: Department of 979.845-2351 Continuing Education Office: Veterinary 979.845.9102 Physiology & Large Animal Public Relations Office: Pharmacology: Hospital: 979.862.2675 979.845.7261 979.845-3541 4 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 CONTINUING EDUCATION 4470 TAMU, Texas A&M University College Station, TX 77843-4470 Tel. 979.845.9102 | Fax 979.862.2832 vetmed.tamu.edu/ce All dates subject to change. 2011-12 SCHEDULE

2011 Conferences 2012 Conferences

November 4–6, 2011 March 30–April 1, 2012 13th Annual 19th Annual Veterinary Small Animal Emergency Medicine Technician Conference & Critical Care Conference Chairs: Dana Whitaker Chair: Dr. Dorothy Black & Katrina LaCaze

November 11–13, 2011 April 27–29, 2012 7th Annual Clinical 16th Annual Feline Neurology Conference Medicine Conference Chair: Dr. Jonathan Levine Chair: Dr. John August

November 20, 2011 May 4–5, 2012 GDV: Pre-, Intra-, 2nd Annual and Postoperative Care Laparoscopy Presenters: Drs. Laura Peycke Wet Lab & Brooke Smith Chair: Dr. Mike Willard

December 2–4, 2011 May 19–20, 2012 15th Annual Equine 3rd Annual Canine Reproduction Symposium Para-Medicine Conference Chair: Dr. Terry Blanchard Chair: Dr. James Barr

December 10 –11, 2011 June 1–3, 2012 2nd Annual Oncology/ 21st Annual Food Cytology Conference Animal Conference Chair: Dr. Heather Wilson Chair: TBD Caring for animals, people, & the environment

isease Strengthens ebilitating D A D nimal Bond the Human-A

Woody and Terry Wilson watch while David Sessum, registered veterinary technician, works with Cayenne on the submerged treadmill. On March 11, 2009, Woody Wilson was diagnosed with - pancreatic cancer. The news was shattering to Woody and Woody and Terry Wilson step into the Small Animal - his wife, Terry. They knew they had to act fast, so Woody - Hospital at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medi had surgery within a week and received treatment directly cine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) with their grand Eng afterward. The odds were against him, as the life expec lish Mastiff, Cayenne, for her second rehabilitative visit of tancy after diagnosis of his level of pancreatic cancer was the week. As they enter the rehabilitation suite, they are three months. Woody has been in remission for more warmly greeted by David Sessum, registered veterinary than two years. Wtechnician and rehabilitation specialist at the CVM, who “That was the most trying and painful time of my life,” has been working with the Wilsons since August 2010, Woody said. “I made it through the battle through love when Cayenne was referred to the CVM. and prayers. My family kept me alive because Terry and “When Cayenne came in she was diagnosed with the Cayenne were by my side 24/7.” following conditions: a torn cruciate ligament or injured Woody became emotional as he described the care knee, hypothyroidism, skin issues, and obesity,” explains Terry and Cayenne gave him during his treatment. They Sessum. “We decided that to alleviate the pain in her knee stayed by his bedside day and night to ensure that he had she needed surgery. However, prior to surgery she needed everything he needed for a proper recovery. Cayenne’s to lose about 20 pounds, and her skin disease needed to unwavering support proved to Woody that emotional- care be treated to prevent additional problems during surgery.” spans all species. The Wilsons have been willing to make the drive from “This experience has taught me a lot,” Woody ex Tomball, TX, two or three times a week for Cayenne’s plained. “I learned that relationships are worth more than weight loss rehabilitation and other treatments to prepare money. Many times I question the reason why God let me her for surgery because she is more than their pet; she is a live. I now know that it is so I can take care of my family, family member. Cayenne’s love helped the Wilsons make because they put their whole lives into taking care of me.” it through the toughest time of their lives—when Woody Wilson was diagnosed with his own life-threatening disease.

6 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Woody and Terry Wilson hold Cayenne while she is examined by Abby Rafferty, registered veterinary technician. “Dave and his staff were a godsend to us,” Woody recalled. “They are teaching and training us how to keep Cayenne alive and healthy by providing her with the right nutrition and exercise habits.” Other than teaching the Wilsons proper - exercise and nutrition habits for Cayenne, Sessum and Abby Rafferty, another regis tered veterinary technician at the CVM, incorporated state-of-the-art rehabilitative - equipment into Cayenne’s treatment. The CVM is a national leader in rehabili tative services. For patient therapy, several - services are incorporated into treatment, including the aquatic treadmill, therapeu tic ultrasound, neuromuscular stimulation, thermal agents, and therapeutic exercise. In addition, the technicians provide Cayenne is a frequent visitor to the aquatic treadmill, individualized home exercise programs for every patient so that the owner and the which has been the most beneficial for her weight loss patient can continue treatment outside the and knee pain. The aquatic treadmill is the perfect hospital. therapy for Cayenne because it provides buoyancy, so the exercise doesn’t cause any stress on her injured - knee. It also helps her to lose weight and build muscle because of the water resistance, and the warm water as sists with relieving her pain. To date, Cayenne has lost 15 pounds. In addition, her skin condition was treated by Dr. Adam Patterson, clinical assistant professor in dermatology at the CVM, and Amanda Gordon, certified veterinary assistant at the CVM. - Sessum explained that because Cayenne is doing so well, the Wilsons have the option to proceed with sur gery after the 20-pound mark, or they can forgo surgery - if her knee pain becomes mild enough. “Dave and Abbey treat us and Cayenne like we are roy alty,” Woody stated. “Without their help, Cayenne would not be the lively girl she is today.” - “When Cayenne entered the hospital she was in a sling,” Woody said. “Now she runs in and out of the hos pital. Thanks to Dave and Abby, I still have my two baby girls: Cayenne and Terry.” The Wilsons not only represent a family brought - together by a traumatic experience; they signify one of the hundreds of cases in the Veterinary Medical Teach ing Hospital (VMTH) every year that prove animals are vital members of the family. Through love and special care for the animal, families and members of the VMTH help to maintain the very strong human-animal bond that, in this case, might have been life-saving.

Cayenne walks on the submerged treadmill.

by Elizabeth Janecka CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 7 Curing & preventing diseases in animals & humans

Dash King: The Horse that Refuses to Lose by Elizabeth Janecka

Dash King, a retired racing Quarter Horse with the spirit of a Over the next few months, the expenses associated with Dash’s champion, visited the Large Animal Hospital at the Texas A&M medical treatment soared. The Rasmussens had been saving College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) money to install central heating and air conditioning in their for almost a year as Dr. Keith Chaffin, professor and equine newly acquired farmhouse in Tyler. Instead, they used the money internal medicine specialist at the CVM, worked relentlessly to for Dash’s medical bills. Chaffin and the Rasmussens fondly refer Dkeep him alive. to Dash as their “air conditioner.” To this day, they lack central Natalie and John Rasmussen, of Tyler, Texas, had received heating and air conditioning. Dash from an old friend several years earlier, and they knew Chaffin and his team started to establish a treatment plan for that for them he would be more than just a horse with a history. Dash’s recovery. At the peak of Dash’s career in Orange County, California, he “Initially we drained the chest of fluid and free air and evalu- placed in the money 91 times out of the 104 races he ran. After ated the fluid,” Chaffin says. “Dash stayed with us for the first joining the Rasmussens and their other two horses, Dash quickly three months. During those months, he had a total of 28 chest became part of the family. He moved with them to an old farm- tubes in his chest to drain the fluid out on a daily basis. We dis- house in Tyler in fall 2007. covered that two-thirds of his left lung was dead, and the bottom Dash’s racing track record proved he was a horse with great one-fifth of his right lung was also dead.” ambition and drive. So in January 2010 when Dash developed se- Once Chaffin and his colleagues discovered the dead lung tis- vere medical problems, the Rasmussens became concerned. They sue, they knew they would have to perform surgery to remove it. consulted their local veterinarian, who referred them to Chaffin. Before the surgery, they gave Dash’s body time to strengthen and “When I met Dash, he was in serious trouble,” Chaffin recalls. to wall off the dead lung and infected tissue from the healthy “His initial symptoms were fever, anorexia, lethargy, colic, hem- lung. Dash received antibiotics, and his chest cavity was drained orrhage from both nostrils, labored breathing, and a number of and cleansed twice a day. other ailments. We quickly diagnosed pleuropneumonia. Both After three months, Chaffin sent Dash home on antibiotics to lungs were collapsed, and his lungs and chest cavity were infected allow his chest some additional time to wall off the dead tissue. and hemorrhaging.” The Rasmussens supervised his treatment at home. He received “The first two weeks were very critical,” Chaffin says. “I knew antibiotics for five months, and each week the Rasmussens made we had to act fast to stabilize his condition. The Rasmussens were the three-hour drive to College Station so Chaffin could drain committed and willing to fight for him, as he was part of the Dash’s chest and could test his readiness for surgery. family.” Above: Dash King crosses the finish line first at the San Mateo Marathon Stakes in Bay Meadows, CA, on August 22, 1998.

8 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 “Dash is like the Brett Favre of racing—104 race starts is similar to Brett’s consecutive starts as quarterback in the NFL,” Chaffin says. “Through his medical treatment, I’ve experienced his tenacity and will to win firsthand. He wants to live and has overcome many obstacles that would kill other horses. So far he has won every battle in this war. I’m not sure the war is over yet, but Dash is certainly on the road to a total recovery.” Dash went home without further complications. The Rasmus- sens are continuing to cleanse his chest incisions until they close, and they continue to come to the CVM for regular follow-ups. Dash’s spirit and spunk have made him a great favorite at the Large Animal Hospital. Every time he comes for a checkup, the word spreads fast, and all of the veterinarians, technicians, residents, interns, and students greet the Rasmussens and Dash like family. The Rasmussens speak highly of the care Dash has received. “We are very pleased with everyone here at Texas A&M, and we Dr. Keith Chaffin and his team at the CVM examine Dash King. are grateful and blessed for Dr. Chaffin and his staff and what “This preparation period was crucial to the success of his sur- they have done for Dash,” Natalie Rasmussen says. “Dr. Chaffin gery and recovery,” Chaffin explains. “If we operated too early, gave Dash his life back.” there would be a possibility of killing the horse by collapsing his “Dr. Chaffin has been wonderful throughout this whole pro- remaining good lung, and the horse could hemorrhage severely.” cess,” Rasmussen notes. “He has done a fantastic job to look at On August 13, 2010, Chaffin and his team determined that all of the options and to try and keep the cost down. We could Dash was ready for surgery, as his body had properly walled off not have asked for a better team to help save Dash… No one else the dead lung tissue. Dr. Carolyn Arnold, assistant professor and could have accomplished this.” equine surgeon at the CVM, and Chaffin performed an opera- Adds John Rasmussen: “Dash wanted to live. He is a champion, tion to remove the dead lung tissue on his left side. and a champion is a step above the rest. His heart has always They removed his left eighth rib in order to do so. They dis- brought him further than the racetrack.” carded enough dead lung tissue to fill a five-gallon bucket. Dash Chaffin praises the Rasmussens’ commitment to Dash. “They tolerated the procedure like a champion. have sacrificed a lot for Dash. The beauty is they stayed with him The clinicians planned to wait three days to operate on the through thick and thin. Dash does not have a career in breeding right side. In the meantime, however, Dash developed a problem because he is gelded, but he certainly found a great place as a in his large colon from colic. Several days in the intensive care family member.” unit (ICU) were needed to resolve the problem. Although this Natalie Rasmussen put all of her faith into Dash. “Our faith setback was not life-threatening, it did cause a delay. and prayers helped us to hold on to hope for Dash as he pulled The operation on the right side of Dash’s chest was performed through this awful life-threatening condition. We are so grateful 10 days later. This surgery was a success as well. A volleyball-sized that everyone at the CVM also held onto the same faith and hope mass of dead lung tissue was removed. for Dash.” After the operations, Dash had open surgical wounds on both John Rasmussen adds, “Dash deserves to live and he will. sides of his chest. These wounds were cleansed twice a day. The Everything he has done until now has been for someone else. He goal was for the surgical sites to eventually close, and for the deserves the extra push. We will give him the extra push, because body to slowly shrink down the space where the dead lung tissue he never gave up on us and we will never give up on him.” had been. As both surgeries were successful and Dash was starting to John and Natalie Rasmussen with Dash King, Dr. Keith Chaffin, and the recover, Chaffin considered letting Dash go home. However, two rest of the medical team outside of the Large Animal Hospital at the CVM. health problems arose that were unrelated to Dash’s chest. After his second surgery, Dash went lame in his left hind leg. When the doctors reviewed videotape images from the ICU stall, they saw that Dash had fallen. Chaffin and his team inspected the damaged leg and consulted Dr. Kent Carter, professor and lameness specialist. Together they determined that Dash had torn some connective tissue on the back of his left hock. As soon as this injury started to heal, another problem arose. Dash suffered a grand mal seizure, and despite therapy, he had five more seizures by the end of the night. Chaffin consulted Dr. Jonathan Levine, assistant professor and neurologist at the CVM, who found that Dash’s EEG was normal. Chaffin and Levine con- cluded that Dash’s seizures probably were related to the stress, anxiety, and pain he had been experiencing. Anticonvulsant therapy was begun, and Dash has not had any more seizures.

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 9 opportunities for new knowledge, Creating new therapies, & new learning Jared Dabney collects DNA samples from a rhinoceros.

Africa’s First Systematic Wildlife Conservation Genetics Program Established by CVM Researchers Theodore Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway often referred to Dabney, one of Derr’s graduate students, have developed an in- Africa as “The Dark Continent” when re-telling their experiences novative method using a simple DNA collection kit that empow- of exploration and hunting in decades past. Today, traveling to ers professional hunters to obtain high quality DNA samples Africa is easier than ever. Flights leave daily from three major from all species of captured or harvested wildlife across sub- United States cities, and after a few hours and a connection, an Saharan Africa. Teager traveler can arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Derr is a world leader in the field of wildlife conservation ge- romantic title of “The Dark Continent” has surely been lost netics and has been called the “Godfather of the bison genome.” to tourists’ cell phones and the Internet. However, until very During the past 17 years, he and the late Dr. Joe Templeton, who recently, Africa’s wildlife conservation genetic research would was also a professor in the veterinary pathobiology department at have been appropriately described as “Dark” and limited to a few the CVM, used their knowledge of genetics to develop new tech- iconic species. nologies to understand the recovery of the American Bison from In an effort to change this, Dr. James Derr, professor in the near extinction in the early 20th century to an excess of 750,000 veterinary pathobiology department at the Texas A&M College animals today. Derr’s lab currently houses more than 35,000 of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), and Jerad DNA samples from bison, which is the largest collection of DNA samples of any one wildlife species in the world. As Dr. Derr is by Becky Mahon quick to point out, “The hard work of a number of outstanding 10 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 graduate and undergraduate students in my research program to identify genes responsible for natural disease resistance in has resulted in American Bison being one of the most extensive wildlife species. genetically researched wildlife species in the world.” “We want to change the paradigm of hunting so that in the fu- “What we did, and continue to do, is document reasons why ture, collecting genetic material and assessing the overall health different conservation projects have worked in the past, so that of harvested wildlife becomes standard protocol for hunters and we can implement the knowledge gained from those success sportsmen,” Derr says. stories and apply the same principles across sub-Saharan Africa,” Derr continues to have a tremendous impact in the wildlife Derr says. genomics field through training students, publishing papers, and Derr’s and Dabney’s project appears to be the first large-scale doing extensive research. His passion for conservation genetics genetic study to be done on African wildlife. It is a comprehen- has led him to push the boundaries even further by way of this sive effort to catalog the biodiversity of different wildlife species project. across multiple countries. “For me this project is a professional multiplier that allows me In the past, conservation biology enthusiasts have tended to influence my chosen field maybe a thousand-fold more than to approach endangered species with the mentality of “we can I could with one single laboratory with my students and techni- spend these animals out of extinction.” Derr and Dabney say that cians,” Derr explains. “I wanted to be able to empower hundreds taking a pro-active stance to researching species that might be at of other researchers around the world by providing them access risk in the future is the key to sustaining wildlife populations for to these DNA samples so that they can do all different types of generations. They are working directly with multiple African na- research.” tions where the animals reside in order to collect, catalogue, and Derr noted that this project would not be possible without preserve DNA samples of these at-risk and endangered species partners in southern Africa, including the Professional Hunters’ in an attempt to prevent extinction and to enhance restoration Association of South Africa (PHASA), Namibian Professional efforts. Hunting Association (NPHA), Tanzania Professional Hunters’ Derr explains that the first obstacle the project faced became Association (TPHA), African Professional Hunters’ Association clear early on. The logistics of operating in Africa have always (APHA), and the Zimbabwe Professional Hunters’ Association been a challenge for Western researchers. Financial limitations, (ZPHA), who allow the team access to their hunters and wildlife time constraints, and access to remote regions have deterred resources. many from pursuing African wildlife genetic studies. To address “Now is the time for sportsmen across the world to recognize these issues, Derr and Dabney have partnered with the Safari and support African wildlife conservation research because Club International Foundation (SCIF) and the Dallas Safari its goals are to ensure sustainable trophy hunting and wildlife Club (DSC), both of which play active roles in wildlife conserva- resources for years to come,” Dabney sas. tion and hunter advocacy in Africa. Together they have fostered The project relies on support from private organizations such relationships within the professional hunting community and as SCIF and DSC, individual sportsmen and hunters, profes- its associations as well as raised support and awareness for the sional hunting associations, conservation organizations, private project through the help of funding from the foundation. The wildlife foundations, and the federal and state governments. If partners have worked together for nearly three years, and with outfitters or hunting professionals wish to request kits from Derr the help of SCIF the program is beginning to develop in areas of or provide funding for the supplies in the kits, they can find Southern and Eastern Africa as well as parts of South America. information at vetmed.tamu.edu/africanwildlife or contact Derr “SCIF enjoys working with Texas A&M and Dr. Derr, as we directly at [email protected]. share a common goal in furthering DNA research,” says Joe Hos- Dr. James Derr collects DNA samples while on safari mer, chairman of the SCIF conservation committee, who in 2009 in Africa, while Isabella Fowie, a professional hunter appointed Derr as a member of this committee. in Namibia, observes. Using professional hunters has allowed Derr and Dabney to amplify their ability to collect samples. They are cur- rently working with more than 70 professional hunt- ers across five countries who are using their DNA col- lection kits. Unique advantages of this kit are that it does not require refrigeration, electricity, or modern lab technologies. The kit includes enough supplies for up to 100 different samples to be cataloged including FTA cards for the blood samples, cotton swabs, coin envelopes, and pliers. Professional hunters keep the kits with them for the entire season; in November they turn in their samples to their respective professional hunter organizations, which have agreed to serve as in country repositories for the samples. These samples will be the foundation for conservation genomics studies around the world to develop new DNA fingerprinting technologies, to determine inbreeding statistics, to uncover genes that control behavior traits, to locate genes that influence body characteristics, and

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 11 with clients, students, veterinarians, Communicating other scientists, & the public Faculty Bring Teaching to New Level at the CVM by Elizabeth Janecka man was presented with this award by Dr. R. Bowen Loftin, presi- dent of Texas A&M University, as a part of the commencement Every faculty member at the Texas A&M College of Veteri- exercises on Saturday, May 12, 2011. Along with the prestigious nary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) takes pride in recognition that this award carries, Hoffman received a cash promoting teaching, research, and service. The CVM’s devotion stipend of $25,000. to teaching is evidenced not only by the awards received by the When Hoffman entered the CVM in 1981 as a veterinary stu- faculty members, but also by the caliber of the students graduat- dent, he fully intended to pursue a career as a practicing clinical Eing every year. veterinarian. After several years of intense class work and helping Two recent awards given to two members of the college are his peers grasp concepts outside the classroom, Hoffman real- among the highest awards that can be received by any faculty ized that he had a knack for teaching and for helping to bring member. Dr. Anton Hoffman, clinical professor in the Veterinary light to cryptic topics. After graduation, he pursued his initial Integrative Biosciences department at the CVM, was honored interest and worked as a small animal veterinarian for two years with the Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence at Texas in San Antonio, Texas. In 1987, he returned to the CVM as a vet- A&M University. Dr. John Edwards, professor in the Veterinary erinary clinical associate and taught while he pursued his PhD. Pathobiology department at the CVM, was recently awarded a The rest is teaching history for Hoffman, as he has built current University Level Association of Former Students Distinguished anatomy courses to become some of the most educational oppor- Achievement Award in the category of Graduate Mentoring. tunities a veterinary student experiences in the classroom setting The Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence Award is at the CVM. among the highest awards that faculty members at Texas A&M Hoffman’s innovative approaches to teaching have helped University can receive. Each year, each college at Texas A&M students learn. He has facilitated student learning by develop- University is asked to nominate one faculty member, and then a ing computer software programs for teaching anatomy. One committee chooses two faculty members to hold this title. Hoff- such item of his, titled Canine Radiographic Anatomy, has been

Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Anton Hoffman, clinical professor, Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Dr. R. Bowen Loftin, President, Texas A&M University, and Dr. Karan Watson, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs,Texas A&M University, celebrate Dr. Hoffman’s Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence honor at commencement exercises on May 12, 2011.

12 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 published by the Texas A&M University Press. Also, as director of the department’s Plastination Laboratory since 1994, he has developed plastinated models for teaching. Further, as a medical illustrator, he has contributed numerous anatomic illustrations to peer-reviewed manuscripts, books, book chapters, and pre- sentations. Hoffman has also prepared anatomical illustrations for the courses he teaches to aid student learning, which has in- creased the student’s knowledge of course material, as evidenced through the increased grade point averages over the years. “I am incredibly honored and surprised to have received this award,” Hoffman states. “I can honestly say that my teaching career has been more challenging, stimulating, and rewarding than I could have ever imagined.” “It is a joy to watch veterinary students grow and mature dur- ing their short time with us, both intellectually and personally,” Hoffman says. “It is incredibly rewarding to me when my students come back to me after the third or fourth year or even after graduation and say ‘thanks,’ ‘thanks for taking the time to help,’ ‘thanks for caring about whether I understood the material.’” This award is a noteworthy addition to the string of teach- ing honors Hoffman has received. These include the Chancel- lor’s Teaching Excellence Award, the John H. Millif Award for Teaching, the Carl J. Norden/Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Dr. Linda Logan, department head of veterinary pathobiology, and Award (which he has won three times), the Association of Former Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine, present Students Distinguished Achievement Award for teaching (at both Dr. John Edwards, professor of veterinary pathobiology, with his University the college and university levels), and the student-led Award for Level Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award Teaching Excellence. in the category of Graduate Mentoring. “A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unneces- Edwards joined the CVM to educate future veterinarians, teach- sary” is one of Hoffman’s favorite teaching quotes and one that ers, and researchers in the numerous veterinary disciplines. defines his teaching philosophy. By not only imparting informa- After 28 years of teaching aspiring veterinarians at the CVM, tion but also teaching his students how to find information, learn Edwards still has his passion for teaching and learning from on their own, and ask questions, Hoffman hopes that ultimately, every situation. Edwards is a trilingual (English, Portuguese, and his students will get along without him, not even noticing if he’s Spanish) world traveler, and before every lecture he broadens the not around. classroom experience by telling about a personal global experi- Edwards’ recent recognition, the University Level Association ence, often relating to the class topic. As he says, “It gets the of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award, is pre- students’ attention.” sented to faculty throughout Texas A&M University who exhibit Edwards regularly travels to slaughter houses to collect tis- the highest standards of excellence. A total of 24 recipients were sue for his presentations. He feels this gives an extra learning honored at an award ceremony in Rudder Theatre on April 27, experience to students and makes the coursework applicable to 2011. Each recipient received a $4,000 cash gift, an engraved medicine, even though his students may be in a conventional watch, and a commemorative plaque. classroom. “I was very surprised and humbled by the gesture from AFS Edwards credits his success to the help of his former mentor when I received the news about this award,” Edwards says. “I owe saying, “I’m just a former graduate lucky enough to have had a everything I have done to my wife and my children. They have mentor who didn’t give up on me.” made me the man that I am today.” Edwards hopes to instill into his students the same confidence Since an early age, Edwards has had a strong interest in sci- and pleasure in learning that his mentor did. “You have to feel ence. He wanted to learn about life and understand what made the students are like your own children, and each should be bet- things tick. Later he decided that a career in veterinary medicine ter than you are,” Edwards states. would be the ideal fit for him because of his interests in all things Edwards’ goal in teaching might be different from that of related to science and his passion for learning. many as he says, “I want to be the teacher that the students like “I enjoy people, and there is a person attached to every animal once they get out into the real world. I treat every student as a that comes into the clinic,” Edwards notes. “Initially, I want to colleague, but I expect them to make me proud to have been help the owners by treating their pets, and I can help by pro- their teacher. I try to keep a two-way flow of conversation in the viding closure for a loss of their animal, or I can help prevent classroom, because as teachers we can all learn from students if further losses in a herd from an accurate diagnosis. Each case we listen and hear their point of view.” is a puzzle to be solved. I think veterinarians appreciate people “Everyone should take the time to learn one new thing every because of the way they love and care for their animals.” day to make life experience worth the daily price of admission,” After completing a BA in microbiology at the University of Edwards states. “Life and death are understood by close obser- New Hampshire, Edwards graduated with his DVM from The vation. Learn from experience, and as a teacher, you can give Ohio State University in 1974. While practicing, he found that something back to society.” the “books” were not always accurate, and he went back to These two award recipients exemplify the learning experience school, where he discovered his passion for studying and teach- that is prevalent at the CVM. In part holding a high standard ing pathology. He received his PhD in veterinary pathology for the students, the faculty produce a high quality professional from Cornell University in 1983. Soon after receiving his board that is well prepared to serve the respective professions and the certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, community.

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 13 Stories by Elizabeth Janecka Research

Spotlight CVM Houses First Diagnostic Renal Pathology Center in Veterinary Medicine

Dr. George Lees, professor of veterinary internal medicine In the past, the use of biopsies to look early into the disease, as at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedi- well as the use of special examination methods, such as electron cal Sciences (CVM), established the prototype diagnostic renal microscopy, was rare in veterinary medicine but very common in pathology center (DRPC), called the Texas Veterinary Renal Pa- human medicine.” thology Service (TVRPS) housed at Texas A&M University. The Specialists from more than 100 centers have sent biopsies to DTVRPS provides a place to advance research in kidney disease the TVRPS for evaluation. In five years, the TVRPS has exam- through the application of new technologies available for collab- ined about 550 cases. orative efforts among specialists around the world in the fields of These cases are kept in the database so pathologists and ne- veterinary nephrology and nephropathology. phrologists throughout the world can have access to the informa- During the 15-year process to eradicate hereditary nephropa- tion, including all of the microscopic material, as digital images. thy in English Cocker Spaniels, Lees realized there was a need This technology allows Lees and other members of the WSAVA for a renal pathology center in veterinary medicine. It was then Renal Standardization Study Group to hold worldwide online he decided to capitalize on the expertise of his team and estab- conferencing and review microscopic slides as clear pictures that lish a center that would enable veterinarians to get thorough can be viewed on any computer screen. Study group members evaluations, including electron microscopy and immunostaining, with Internet access can sit in on the conference from anywhere as well as conventional histopathology, done expertly. in the world. If they cannot attend the conference, they can view In January 2005, six pathologists and six nephrologists, includ- it afterward, because all of the sessions are recorded and avail- ing Lees, met in Utrecht, Netherlands, to submit a proposal to able online. the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) to cre- The long-term goal of the TVRPS is to provide distance educa- ate a network of renal pathology centers worldwide. In March of tion worldwide, as well as to give specialists a database and a way the same year, Lees launched the world’s first veterinary diagnos- to routinely obtain more thorough pathologic evaluations of kid- tic renal pathology center. ney disease in their patients. Currently, Lees and his colleagues Lees knew that to make the needed advancements in veteri- in the WSAVA Renal Standardization Study Group are using nary renal pathology, a centralized diagnostic lab that could the TVRPS to develop standardized criteria for the diagnosis of serve all of North America had to be established. He also wanted specific kidney diseases. it to be used frequently enough to maintain consistent quality. TVRPS was the world’s first center dedicated to veterinary “Using these methods and doing this research is like flying an renal pathology. Now there is a second pathology lab in Utrecht, airplane; it is the constant performance of tasks that maintains Netherlands, that was modeled after the TVRPS. It was launched proficiency and competence,” Lees explained. “You do not want in 2008. to fly with me because I made a thousand landings long ago. “Without the help of WSAVA and our sponsors, we would not You want to fly with me because I have made five landings a day be able to make the progress that we have,” Lees said. “It is amaz- for the last year. The same goes for renal pathology. You need a ing how we can share information on a daily basis with specialists lab setup that is operating constantly to be able to confidently around the world. With this type of technology now available in interpret the pathologic changes observed in the samples that veterinary medicine, we can collaborate much faster and can use are processed there.” all of our resources to solve more problems than ever before.” The team at TVRPS consists of Lees as the director, Dr. Fred The mission statement of TVRPS is “to improve health care Clubb, Dr. Mary Nabity, Dr. Brian Berridge, Dr. Rachel Cianciolo, for individual research assistants and student workers at the CVM. patients with For three years, the development of the TVRPS was funded kidney disease Dr. George Lees entirely with Texas A&M resources. When the WSAVA realized and generate that the pathology lab was a success, it sought sponsors to help new knowledge cover the costs. Today, through the WSAVA, Hill’s Pet Nutrition about renal dis- and Bayer Animal Health both help support the TVRPS. Their eases in animals funds have paid for the digital pathology system that the center by expertly per- uses, and their continued funding pays for the pathologic evalua- forming thor- tions of renal biopsies from dogs and cats that are enrolled in the ough pathologic ongoing WSAVA Renal Standardization Study. evaluations of The main contribution of this center, which previously was kidney speci- uncommon in veterinary medicine, is routine use of specialized mens obtained examination methods, including electron microscopy and immu- from dogs and nostaining, to evaluate renal biopsies from animals with kidney cats, as well as disease. other animals.” “A biopsy often shows the early stages of the disease,” Lees said. “We are more readily able to pinpoint what was really going on.

14 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Distinguished Professor Receives Grant from DOD

Dr. Stephen Safe, distinguished professor of toxicology at colon cancer, the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical lung cancer, and Dr. Stephen Safe Sciences (CVM) and the Institute for Biotechnology (IBT) at pancreatic cancer. the Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, along with Dr. Mandip Safe’s cancer Sachdeva, professor of pharmaceutical sciences with the Florida research focuses DA&M University College of Pharmacy, recently received a grant on treatment of from the Department of Defense (DOD) – Army Breast Cancer late-stage cancers Research Program (BCRP). The title of the project is “The Role that are highly of Novel Substituted Diindolylmethane Analogues in the Treat- aggressive and ment of Triple – Negative and ErbB2 – Positive Breast Cancer.” can undergo The grant is for $1.4 million over four years. metastasis from The BCRP was initiated to promote research focused on elimi- their original nating breast cancer and to challenge the scientific community location to other to develop innovative approaches in the battle against breast parts of the body. cancer. Through this According to the BCRP application, “The BCRP focuses its research, his re- funding on innovative projects that have the potential to make a search group has significant impact on breast cancer, particularly those involving made promising multidisciplinary and/or multi-institutional collaborations and strides in the fight alliances. Under-investigated avenues of research and novel ap- against invasive plications of existing technologies are strongly encouraged.” and metastatic Under this grant, Texas A&M University will serve as a cancer by develop- mentoring institution to Florida A&M University. Florida A&M ing novel drugs. University is a predominantly black university, and the BCRP is “I am very listed under the agreement with the DOD and the Historically excited about Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/ this particular MI) Partnership Training Award. This award will help build new grant because it will allow us to expand on our current research collaborations with members of the chemistry department from on breast cancer, and this will involve training independent Florida A&M University and the CVM, as well as enhance current researchers at Florida A&M to collaborate in this research and to relationships. Dr. Robert Burghardt, professor at the CVM, and promote future independent research efforts on their own,” Safe Dr. Weston Porter, associate professor at the CVM, are also on says. “This grant is also very beneficial because of the involve- the Texas A&M faculty mentoring team. ment of scientists with expertise in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, Safe currently has four grants for his research on development molecular and cell biology, and this will facilitate development of of novel mechanism-based drugs for treatment of breast cancer, clinically useful anticancer drugs.”

Most Important Paper in Biology of 2010: “One Health” Approach Fosters an Amazing Finding Dr. Garry Adams, professor at scientists thought that tetrathionate did not exist in mammalian the Texas A&M College of Vet- hosts. They discovered that it does exist, and it is Salmonella’s erinary Medicine & Biomedical secret weapon for respiration to out-compete resident microbes. Sciences (CVM), and Dr. Andreas Salmonella is a bacterium that causes severe intestinal inflam- Baumler, professor and vice chair mation and diarrhea. According to the Centers for Disease Dof research at the University of Control and Prevention, about 1.4 million cases of Salmonella California, Davis (UC Davis) infections are reported each year in the United States. Health System, were recently “Now that we know more about how Salmonella manages to awarded the top biology paper in survive in the hostile no-oxygen environment inside the gut, the nation based on their research perhaps we can develop better strategies to fight it,” Adams says. of enhanced growth of Salmonella “So, the more we know how it lives and thrives, the better chance in animals and humans. Dr. Garry Adams we have to control it.” In September 2010, Adams was “This was very much a team effort and a classic example of part of the research team led by Baumler that published a paper how the “One Health” approach of incorporating both veteri- in Nature titled, “Gut inflammation provides a respiratory elec- nary and human medical research became successful, which was tron acceptor for Salmonella.” Their study and paper was chosen such an exciting part of the study for me,” Adams says. by 1,000 top scientists in the nation as the “Most Important “When you encourage team research between veterinary and Paper in Biology of 2010” as stated in The Scientist. human medicine, the end result produces fruitful findings with By using mice and calves, Adams’ team discovered that Sal- more possibilities of reducing the impact of today’s infectious monella-induced inflammation in a mammalian gut stimulates diseases,” Adams explains. “We moved from competition to a molecule called tetrathionate. Salmonella uses tetrathionate collaboration, and that is something we can all be enthusiastic for respiration and increased growth under conditions where no about.” oxygen exists inside the intestine. Prior to their research, most CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 15 Article reprinted with permission from Western Livestock Journal. Photos courtesy of Dr. Ginger Elliott and Dr. Eleanor Green.

StillStill aa PlacePlace forfor Tomorrow’sTomorrow’s VeterinariansVeterinarians by Dr. Ginger Elliott On a recent visit to several large West Texas ranches, Dr. El- eanor Green enjoyed one of the perks often available to rural veterinarians—mixing business with pleasure. A perfect spring morning lent itself for Green to relish her stay on one historic Texas ranch. But that morning also gave Oher an impromptu opportunity to utilize her training as a large animal veterinarian. As 50-plus ranch mares and foals were evaluated to decide which stud bunch they would be put in this spring, Green watched from the sidelines. Soon, she was asked to offer an opinion on a colt with crooked legs, a snake- bitten foal, and a mare with mastitis. As a visitor, she valued the perfect spring morning, and the camaraderie and hospitality of the cowboys and their families. Dr. Ginger Elliott received her DVM As an equine veterinarian, she enjoyed being surrounded by from the Texas A&M College of ranch horses as well as lending her expertise regarding their health. Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical And as dean of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medi- Sciences in 1983. She completed her cine & Biomedical Sciences, Green appreciated spending the residency in large animal medicine day visiting an industry that affords work opportunities for veterinarians. at Oregon State University in 1989. However, Green’s visit was in a part of Texas that’s seen a In 1999, Elliot obtained her ABVP decline in numbers of veterinarians recently. The livestock boards. She has practiced several different industry would say that the Panhandle, south Texas, and West Texas are experiencing a shortage of rural veterinarians. And veterinary disciplines since graduation, it’s not for lack of work. Texas is one of the leading states in the including: rural, ranch, and mixed nation in numbers of cattle, horses and sheep. practice. Currently, Elliott has re-focused “The Texas cattle industry, along with the other livestock industries, has a significant positive impact on our economy,” her practice and she now tells the stories Green said. “There should always be jobs for large animal of veterinarians as a journalist veterinarians across the state. Helping young people from ranching backgrounds successfully obtain their veterinary for Western Livestock Journal. degrees and return to ranching areas is a multi-faceted pro- cess that depends upon a team of supporters. They must be properly encouraged early in life, as many of our youth decide they continue to gain experience with animals. Texas A&M is their career paths before they are teenagers. They should be very interested in having students with ranching backgrounds well-mentored by ranchers, veterinarians, guidance counselors study veterinary medicine and return to the area where they and, of course, their families. Because of the rigors of the vet- grew up. We want to lead the way in producing veterinarians to erinary curriculum, they should develop strong study habits as serve the many, varied aspects of the veterinary profession.”

Tom Moorhouse, ranch manager, leading mares at Tongue River Ranch. Ranch employees gathered mares and foals from several different pastures and drove them to headquarters to evaluate each mare’s foal.

16 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 However, Green knows the same factors are present with many professions and career choices. Evaluating the pros and cons are always involved with the decision-making process as young people plan their lives. What is ideal for one person may be the opposite for another. She also knows how quickly veterinary wages can increase, allowing loan repayment and good salaries. The positives in the veterinary profession far outweighed the negatives she knew might be ahead for her. But in recruitment of prospective veterinary students, Green’s message concerning career options is a positive one. “I wouldn’t change my career choice of being a veterinar- ian for anything!” Green said. “It has provided me a fulfill- ing professional life and meaningful experiences that have allowed me to look forward to going to work each and every day with enthusiasm. Now that is worth something. I believe deeply that veterinary medicine is an exciting, versatile profes- Lottie Elliott and Gage Moorhouse, cousins and Tongue River Ranch sion that, with its seemingly limitless career opportunities, employees, driving mares. After evaluation, groups of horses are turned has something to offer almost anyone. In private practice, one out into pastures around the ranch to breed for next spring’s foal crop. can choose a focus on ranch practice, dairy, feedlot, mixed animal, small animal, equine, camelids, cervids, exotic ani- While waiting on the next lot of mares, Green visited with mals, aquatic animals and even pocket pets. One can choose one of the hands working the gate. This young man will be specialization, just like in human medicine, with opportunities graduating from high school in May and is considering a in surgery, internal medicine, anesthesiology, reproduction, career in the veterinary profession. But at this juncture in his dermatology, cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, dentistry life, he’s uncertain about committing seven or eight years of and more. Careers in research can advance animal, human school pursuing that career. His hesitations? They come from and ecosystem health with studies from cancer to emerging firsthand knowledge of the job. infectious disease to advanced reproductive techniques. A vet- His mother is a ranch vet, so the young man was raised erinary degree allows one to work in all parts of the country, participating in some of the long days and short nights that and even on the international scene in today’s world of global come with the territory. At age four, he asked her, “Why do you opportunities.” always wait until it’s dark to sew up horses?” In recent years, Green has seen a shift away from rural He has grown up working cattle and horses with his dad and practice to other opportunities within the profession. Her knows the drill about the physical demands of that job, regard- profession has taken her from ownership of a rural practice to less of what Mother Nature dishes out. teaching at veterinary schools where she went on to become Plus he’s privy to talk about student loan repayments and director of one large animal teaching hospital at the Univer- discouraging salaries for some large animal veterinarians in sity of Tennessee to chief of staff of another at the University comparison with other disciplines in veterinary medicine. of Florida. Two years ago, this past president of the American But this same “first hand” knowledge has given him personal Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), American Board insight into the great aspects that come with the profession. of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP), and American Associa- Every day presents new and different challenges. The work is tion of Veterinary Clinicians, moved to Texas to begin her new enjoyable, fulfilling, interesting and rarely dull. He likes work- challenge as the first female dean of the Texas A&M College of ing with his family, friends and mentors in the ranching and Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. veterinary profession. He likes the responsibility and the re- Rural practice afforded Green the insight of her responsibil- wards of working with livestock and has experienced the pride ity to her clients and their livestock, as well as to her family. and satisfaction that comes when he witnesses a sick horse improve after veterinary care or the sense of accomplishment when a calf gets up and nurses after a tough delivery. An outdoorsman, he loves the opportunity to travel and work on different ranches, seeing new and different country. He knows that being a veterinarian is an occupation that de- fines who and what you are. The ranch veterinarian’s son is also familiar with resources available to help veterinarians attain much needed time off that include relief veterinarians, part-time associates, and shared call between practices. Ranch practice would allow him to raise his family in the same environment where he was raised and make a good living for them. Green is attuned to these same pros and cons of veterinary practice. She has put in the same eight years of pre-vet and vet- erinary school required to obtain her degree and has seen how rural practice can, at times, include emergency work, physical demands, long hours, and compromises with family life. And there are loans being paid off with entry level salaries, which might not reflect anticipated earning potential over time. Tom Moorhouse’s left boot in stirrup. Moorehouse, manager of the Tongue River Ranch, participated in the annual sorting of mares and foals.

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 17 She would eventually pass this knowledge on to the hundreds personal sacrifices but has countless and wonderful rewards? It of veterinary students she has taught and mentored. Adminis- can be as simple as just spending time with large animal veteri- trative positions leading large animal departments and large narians and hearing them say at the end of the day, “I love my animal teaching hospitals afforded Green opportunities to job... And I can’t see myself doing anything different!” work with the livestock industry and know their expectations And at the end of her visit on that West Texas ranch, Dr. from the veterinary profession. In large animal departments Eleanor Green had the same words to say. and hospitals, she had extensive exposure to job availability and placement of veterinary graduates. During her tenures as AAEP president and ABVP presi- dent, two distinguished international veterinary associations, Green traveled extensively within the U.S. and internationally obtaining a valuable perspective on the needs of the veterinary profession, students and clients. As dean, she is continually evaluating the pulse of the livestock industry. The factors influencing the decline in rural animal veterinarians are com- plex and Green’s extensive and diverse involvement with the profession certainly gives her the experience to help address the problem. She has heard the challenge by the livestock in- dustries and the veterinary profession to address the decline in rural veterinarians and assure appropriate placement of new graduates in ranch and rural practice to meet the supply and demands of the industry. “One of the beauties of rural veterinary practice is that it allows graduates an opportunity to return to the region where they grew up, or take their skill to similar areas across the Lottie Elliott, Tongue River Ranch employee, sorts mares. Mares at the United States, and provide their families a similar rural life ex- ranch were sorted into four different stud bunches before turning them perience,” Green said. “The rural veterinarians can then help out to breed for a 2012 foal. Texas A&M attract kids growing up in ranching communities to the veterinary profession by mentoring them, fostering their interest, encouraging them in studies, and taking advantage Rural Veterinarian Statement from the Author: of many local resources, including school programs, FFA, and 4-H . The result could be that they eventually return to rural My career in veterinary medicine has given me the communities to practice.” opportunity to practice, live, and raise our children in a The veterinary profession also wants these same messages sent out to a broader population of students evaluating career rural agricultural community. That has been very impor- choices. And these students are not necessarily limited to rural areas. tant as well as rewarding to me. I have also always enjoyed “I’ve seen the scenario played out many times where students working in the outdoors. arrive at veterinary school having no previous exposure to large animals, but when they begin working with these ani- mals, they embrace that aspect of the veterinary profession Rural practice has allowed me the chance to work on and make career choices that include large and mixed animal many large historic ranches in Texas and New Mexico, practice. As an example, I have seen veterinary students from highly populated urban areas become dairy practitioners after seeing beautiful country, throughout my career. becoming excited by their dairy rotation in veterinary school. Those students need to be exposed to large animals to see if In recent years, while working in different parts of rural practice is their calling,” Green added. Texas A&M is addressing the complex problem of the short- the country, I have seen a decline in numbers of young age of rural veterinarians in a variety of ways. To help fully un- veterinarians going into rural and ranch practice despite derstand the needs of the industry, industry listening sessions are being held. They are also working with West Texas A&M the need for their services being tremendous and job op- University (WT) in Canyon, TX, one of the 11 schools in the portunities plentiful. I always encourage any young person Texas A&M System, to explore the possibility of mutually ben- eficial collaborative programs. Because WT lies in the heart of that enjoys challenging work with animals, typically in the Panhandle, home to one of the state’s largest populations of cattle and ranch horses, it is a likely partner. the outdoors, and would like to locate in an agricultural Green added that there is help at the federal level to attract community to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. My veterinarians to rural areas and also address their student debt from veterinary school. The USDA’s Veterinary Medicine Loan profession has blessed me with a career that has been a Repayment Program will pay up to $25,000 each year towards blessing to me and my family. qualified educational loans of eligible veterinarians who agree to serve in designated veterinarian shortage situations for a period of three years. So how does a prospective veterinary student on the ranch weigh the balance between a career that comes with some

18 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Stephanie Florez with a poster describing the research she does in the chemistry laboratory of Dr. Karen Wooley

Biomedical Sciences BIMS undergraduates explore Spotlight CVM research opportunities “When I entered Texas selective therapy, minimizing drug side effects, and enabling A&M, I knew I had to give re- the imaging of the sites of injury inside the lung. search a try. I wanted to know what being a scientist meant; Wilcox started in Dr. Conover’s lab last January. and if they were all really crazy like in the bedtime stories “I was taking an independent study course,” Wilcox says. my father used to tell meW as a child,” Stephanie Florez joked. “After my course was finished, I decided to continue with the “Medicine has always been my passion, especially surgery research project we were working on in the lab during the and neurology.” summer.” Florez, a Biomedical Sciences (BIMS) major with a Neuro- Conover’s research focuses on the interaction between science minor, started her education at Texas A&M in 2008 intermediate filaments in human muscle, particularly an and soon discovered her interest for research in a different intermediate filament called desmin, which when mutated field: chemistry. “When I took organic chemistry with Dr. or absent causes a muscle wasting disease called desmin- David Bergbreiter and started research with Dr. Eric Si- opathy. “I’ve learned in various classes about many muscle manek doing polymer synthesis, chemistry became a second wasting diseases, and I’ve always felt it is an important area passion, and ever since then I have enjoyed doing research of research because of the impact it can make on the lives of in this department,” Florez says. those who are affected,” Wilcox says. On the other hand, Christina Wilcox, also a junior BIMS So far, both students acknowledge the enormous impact major, asked Dr. Elizabeth Crouch, director of BIMS at the research has had in their lives. Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical “I would have never imagined all the benefits my research Sciences (CVM), “How am I supposed to get involved in experiences have brought to my intellectual growth and research?” She recommended I e-mail Dr. Gloria Conover professional skills,” Florez says. “When you do research, you because she was looking for a BIMS student to work in her learn concepts in a completely different way than you would lab for a course. Dr. Gloria Conover briefly told me the area normally do in a classroom, not only because you are actu- of research I would be involved in, and that is what sold me ally applying them in your experiments, but because you are on becoming a part of her lab group.” always challenging your analytical mind and creativity.” Florez and Wilcox are two examples of dedicated under- Wilcox says, “I enjoy the process of discovering and think- graduate students who have decided to give research a try ing through things every time I’m in the lab. I get to ask while finishing their majors. questions and figure out the answer to them on my own. I “Each of these students has good stories of the extra activi- recognize that I am constantly learning and feeling like I ties they are doing. They are very smart,” Crouch says. may actually be making a contribution to the science com- Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Florez currently does munity and to those who suffer from desminopathy.” research in the laboratory of Dr. Karen Wooley, in the Texas Both say the program has had an important role in focus- A&M Department of Chemistry. Wooley’s group works on ing their research interests. “It has allowed me to study many the design and synthesis of polymer materials and nano- different ramifications of science in one curriculum, yet all structures with a wide range of applications. having a particular focus on medical applications. This truly “One of the foci of the lab is a special kind of nanopar- targets my specific interest in how I can apply the huge field ticle, called shell crosslinked knedel-like nanoparticles, that of science into my future profession, which is medicine,” can travel through the body, find a specific group of cells, Florez says. “It’s a challenging major but very rewarding and deliver therapeutic agents or genetic material for the because it allows you to explore many fields and find your diagnosis and treatment of various conditions,” Florez says. true passions.” This research might have a great impact on the current treatments available for lung inflammation, providing a by Antonio Villarreal

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 19 Leadership Effective Client Lab Communication An Essential Skill for Veterinarians

Students Leticia Cantú and Toby Conner observe Dr. Adam Patterson Dr. Piper Norton, assisted by Jennifer Wier, veterinary technician, discussing Jacob II’s condition with his owner, Jack Lungford. talks to Hiska’s owner, Julee Kula. “I don’t think that went very well,” I said to myself. I justified reinforced through our interactions in our early school years, it through my inexperience, thinking the miscommunication and is usually ingrained by the time we reach early adulthood. It was their fault because of their circumstances. You know what is human nature for us to learn experientially. The result of this I’m talking about, those tough cases with several long days of experiential process is we sometimes learn what works and what diagnostic work-ups, initial treatments with little success, owners’ doesn’t. The human trek in communication is marred by nega- Iinability to see the inevitable, and then ending our interaction tive results that we know we shouldn’t repeat and the positive entangled in the stress of another euthanasia. I stood chute-side results in our own communications interactions that are some- contemplating: “It’s hard to pinpoint what really happened. I times over looked. I remember my first encounter with “James” thought we were on the same page, and he just stopped talking!” on my first excursion on to the playground in grade school. The ability to communicate is the most important skill that a He was a bully, and I had picked up his kickball. The negative veterinarian can learn to be successful in our profession, regard- reinforcement that resulted left an indelible mark on my com- less of job description. There is an abundance of evidence that munication experience, and I learned to steer clear of “James” or supports this idea— from the Brakke Management and Behavior more importantly never play with his kickball. I don’t remember Study to the AVMA–Pfizer business practice to the conclusions the beginning of my friendship with “Jay” except it was a friend- from the Association of American Veterinary Medical College’s ship of shared imagination and toys. We all have experiences like 15th Educational Symposium. We all know communication is an these. It is human nature to remember and concentrate on nega- essential skill for success. Our communication skills can directly tive interactions; I won’t do that again. We just don’t contemplate influence the success we have in interacting with the people in “positive” results of communication because this is part of the our practices and lives: developing new clients, increasing client human condition. The many nuances associated with good com- loyalty, retaining clients, training and educating employees, munication make it a difficult task to learn. defining employee expectations, negotiating care, and build- The second hurdle in learning effective communication is that ing relationships within our veterinary health team to reach out we are all blinded by knowing that we are good communicators. into the community we serve. We are defined by our ability to Self-evaluation and assessment are essential to increase our effec- communicate. tiveness. We believe that we are good at this skill and rightly so. Communication is very complex. We learn this skill through We have had success using our communication methods; we were our own experiences, and this makes us a creation of those selected into the veterinary professional program, we graduated experiences. It starts early through our family experiences, is and are now in an exciting profession that is based on communi- cation. I am successful, so why should I work on these communi- by Dr. Dan Posey cation skills? The point is that we all can improve our ability to 20 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 communicate with each other. This is the focus of our training of veterinary students in effective client communications. The training of veterinary students in communication is a multifaceted process. It starts on their first day of orientation to veterinary school and continues through to their graduation day. The basis of most of the communication training is intertwined in courses like the professional development and correlates classes where communication skills are presented in lecture style, small group discussion, and practiced in a laboratory setting. All students have the opportunity to practice these skills in their small group learning in anatomy and physiology and have the opportunity to display good communication skills by explain- ing physiological events through an experiential model using real cases and actor participants. Events like these are used to Student, Leticia Cantú, assists Dr. Adam Patterson and Amanda increase students’ awareness of how their communication skills Friedeck, veterinary technician, in examining Jacob II are changing. Of course, most of the communication training while his owner, Jack Lungford, observes. still occurs in the fourth year during their clinical year, where at- tention can be individually focused. We at the CVM determined The students then spend two hours in a small group session that this was no longer sufficient, and we needed to search within (5 to 6 students) discussing the four steps of effective client com- a crowded curriculum to carve out individual training time for munication: 1) Engagement, 2) Empathy, 3) Education, and 4) each of our veterinary students. Enlistment. Every third year veterinary student (3VM) is introduced to The training is centered on the premise that most of us are the clinical service by spending one day a week on different trained in our clinical service approach to “Find and Fix” the rotations, such as Small Animal Oncology, Equine Community problem, whether that be a urinary infection in a cat or lameness Service, and Food Animal Ambulatory. 3VMs spend one of these in a horse. We are trained to discover the problem through excel- service days in Effective Client Communication training. The lent history taking and physical examination, followed by a well focus of this training is binary. First is to explain the essential developed diagnostic and treatment plan. All of this can be ac- components of effective client communication and to offer complished better through acquiring the understanding of client experiential communication training. Second is to develop the interaction and developing improved communication skills. Our student’s ability to give and accept “balanced feedback” and to focus is to help students realize that good communication skills cultivate some self-assessment and self-evaluation abilities. can be learned and basic clinical skillfulness can be enhanced The Effective Client Communication training begins with by the early establishment of rapport with the client. The small each student investing time in increasing his or her knowledge group session explores how to engage a client—by investing time base by reading articles from the Bayer Animal Health (BAH) in the beginning of the relationship, how to display empathy for Communication Project. Since 2002, this project has been the plight of one’s patient and client, how to use one’s formal steadfast in its commitment to address gaps in communication education and experience to educate the client on the process skills training within schools of veterinary medicine and in the and assist them in their decision making, and lastly, how to use practice community. The project team accomplishes this by excellent client communication skills to enlist the client’s help in establishing a “train the trainer” program; they have educated the treatment of patients and increase their understanding and 210 faculty members from 36 schools of veterinary medicine in participation in prevention. Establishing rapport is the key to the United States, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. The faculty getting all this accomplished. members spend five days in experiential learning where they are The next step in this day-long process is for students to meet trained through 12 educational modules and interactive lessons with simulated clients (actors) and have them interact in a clini- on skilled-based communication topics. This has been a very cal setting. The goal of this training is two-fold: to engage well influential program in our communication training effort for with the client and to establish rapport during the history-taking our students. Our veterinary medicine program currently has 21 process. The goal is to strengthen techniques that different stu- faculty members trained in communication. These teachers use dents use to establish rapport with their personalities and their what they learned at BAH in various aspects of their teaching understanding of the training. The central idea on rapport is to efforts, and it permeates our program through their everyday gain trust so that the client feels safe to openly discuss details of encounters. the history. We have all been there when we failed to establish rapport. We were not “in sync” with our client and their needs, Stuedent, Will McCauley, and Jennifer Wier, veterinary technician, which resulted in non-compliance or substandard care. When assess Hiska while Julee Kula observes. our students leave at the end of their communication training day, they know that this is just the beginning of their client ser- vice training, and it is their responsibility to learn by doing. We hope that we establish the foundation for continued communica- tion skill-building through these efforts. Communication is one of the most important aspects of our practice life. We need to continually invest our time in learn- ing this important ability. Every time we encounter people, we have the opportunity to improve our abilities. Our days can be filled with an occasional incensed client, an employee who is not meeting expectations, a community leader who has asked for our help, or a family dispute. Our ability to meet these challenges stands on our ability to build our knowledge base in communication.

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 21 College News

Veterinary student Cecilia Montes wins poster award

Second year veterinary student at “I worked in the laboratory of Dr. the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Cristine Heaps last summer, and win- Medicine & Biomedical Sciences ning this award was the icing on the (CVM), Cecilia Montes, was named a cake!” Montes said. winner in the research poster competi- The poster that Montes submitted Stion while she attended the Merial-NIH was titled, “Contribution of ETA recep- National Veterinary Scholars Sympo- tor to the exercise training-enhanced sium located in Athens, Georgia. ET-1-mediated constriction of collat- At the symposium, veterinary medi- eral-dependent coronary arteries.” It cal students throughout the United reported the research she worked on States and Canada met to present during the 2010 summer with others at their research findings and network the CVM: Juan Carlos Robles, research with peers, veterinarians, scientists, graduate assistant; Jeff F. Bray, labora- researchers, and faculty members. The tory technician; Mildred L. Mattox, meeting was hosted by the Univer- associate research specialist; and Dr. sity of Georgia College of Veterinary Cristine Heaps, associate professor. Medicine. Montes participated in the Veteri- More than 300 posters were pre- nary Student Research Fellows Pro- sented, but only around a dozen awards gram during the 2010 summer under were given, with Montes taking home the direction of Heaps. one of them. Cecilia Montes “I really enjoyed participating in West Texas A&M Group visits CVM the fellowship and I feel like I learned so much last summer about research, On Thursday, November 11, 2010, the Pre-Vet Society from West Texas A&M especially for someone who had never received their inaugural tour of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine actually participated in research at all & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). The tour was given by Joe Pluhar and Sarah Kline, prior to last summer,” Montes said. two Vet Med Ambassadors (for more about the Vet Med Ambassadors, please Heaps’ lab is currently looking at the see page 25). During the visit, the 15 students received lunch, listened to an in- effects of exercise training on collater- al-dependent coronary arteries in pigs. formational session, and visited with veterinary students. The students included “Previous studies have shown that freshman to seniors; all hope to practice veterinary medicine. They enjoyed their collateral-dependent arteries of visit so much that they decided to make it an annual event. exercise-trained pigs have an increased contractile response to endothelin-1 (ET-1), and the goal of this project was to assess the contribution of ETA receptors to this adaptation,” said Montes. Montes’ mentor, Heaps, said that Montes was a wonderful addition to their laboratory as part of the Veteri- nary Medical Student Research Train- ing Program. “She approached the learning experience with great enthusiasm and dedication, and through the intensive nature of this 12-week program, Cecilia acquired a great deal of insight into hypothesis-driven research and the scientific approach,” Heaps said. Heaps added that the Fellows Pro- gram experience was mutually benefi- cial because Montes, who collaborated with the laboratory staff and students, performed a great deal of experimen- tal troubleshooting as well as initiating data collection on studies that the team will continue to pursue.

22 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 College News

Students awarded at annual theriogenology conference

awarded sixth place for her presenta- tion, “Retrograde ejaculation in a stal- lion associated with tail-head trauma.” Theriogenology, with a special emphasis on equine reproduction, is Brinkerhoff’s main research interest. “It was an honor to be selected to represent Texas A&M at the annual conference. All of the student cases were noteworthy, and it was truly a priv- ilege to be selected,” Brinkerhoff said. “The community of veterinary therio- genologists was very welcoming and encouraging. Many of the attendees congratulated me and expressed their desire to foster my interest in therio- genology,” Brinkerhoff said. “I was able to sit next to some of the leading minds John Brinkerhoff Holly Kana and learn from their experiences. It John Brinkerhoff and Holly Kana, will certainly have a beneficial impact connections and really gained insight fourth year students at the Texas A&M on my career.” into the study of theriogenology, both College of Veterinary Medicine & Bio- Kana, who earned her bachelor’s from a scientific and a professional medical Sciences (CVM), attended the degree in animal science from Texas perspective.” annual conference of the Society for A&M, is also the president of the Stu- Both students thanked the clinicians JTheriogenology, a branch of veterinary dent Chapter of the Society of Therio- and residents in the theriogenology medicine focusing on reproduction, in genology as well as class secretary. section at the CVM for their support. Seattle, Washington, from August 31 to “This experience has been absolutely “They were all incredibly patient and September 5, 2010. fascinating,” Kana said. “Not only did I supportive throughout the long process They participated in the competi- take part in an exceptionally informa- of putting my abstract and presentation tive 2010 Student Case Presentation tive conference, I also was able to travel together, and I could not have done it program and were among the eight to a beautiful new city. During the con- without their help,” Kana said. winners. ference, we were able to attend lectures Brinkerhoff declared, “Without Brinkerhoff was awarded first place and social events, and I had the won- their guidance and orientation, for his presentation titled, “Recovery of derful experience of meeting so many my participation would have been a stallion with a chronic scrotal hydro/ practitioners and experts in my field of impossible.” pyocele and azoospermia.” Kana was interest. I feel that I made many new CE and AAEP team up with two 360º courses The Continuing Education (CE) was the 2008 AAEP president. Dr. small group of attendees so that every office at the Texas A&M University Col- William Moyer, professor and head of attendee could get the maximum lege of Veterinary Medicine & Biomed- the Large Animal Clinical Sciences De- benefit. The equine dentistry section ical Science (CVM) and the American partment, became the AAEP president was limited to 24 participants and the Association of Equine Practitioners in December 2010. stallion reproduction section to 20 T(AAEP) joined efforts on Tuesday, The AAEP educational programs participants. Both sections sold out. August 10, through Friday, August 13, committee selected the content for this Participants came from throughout the 2010 to present two 360-degree con- conference. Dentistry is a hot topic in United States and Canada. tinuing education experiences, featur- equine practice, and it provides the “This was not a small undertaking. ing two topic choices—one on stallion opportunity to expand one’s practice. However, it became apparent during reproduction and the other on equine Updated technology and knowledge the whole process that the staff from dentistry. The 360-degree experience of stallion reproduction have changed AAEP and our staff from the Office of is an innovative approach to examine the breeding industry because of the Continuing Education are real profes- veterinary topics from every angle. artificial insemination programs and sionals, as they have been up to the The AAEP was interested in having the new reproductive techniques. task to partner on the meeting,” said the continuing education efforts at the Attendees received an in-depth Dr. Cleet Griffin, chairperson for the CVM because of the state-of-the-art educational experience emphasiz- equine dentistry section of the confer- facilities and world-renowned faculty ing one-on-one instruction with the ence and clinical assistant professor. available. Also, Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl opportunity for hands-on experience. B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Instruction on topics was limited to a

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 23 College News Nestlé Purina donates veterinary kitchen to VMTH

Nestlé Purina PetCare and the sary for the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital animal’s well (VMTH) at the Texas A&M College being. The of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical kitchen will Sciences (CVM) came together to open hold Purina Nthe recently donated state-of- the-art products and veterinary kitchen housed in the Small other food Animal Hospital. The program known brands to as Nestlé Purina Center for Nutrition ensure that Excellence donated $70,000 to make the patients’ the small animal kitchen more acces- nutritional sible and safer for hospital staff. needs are Dana Heath, assistant hospital ad- met. The ministrator, wanted to enlist the help expiration of Purina to transform their kitchen. dates are Heath worked with Dr. Nicholas M. clearly coded Vaughan, Nestlé Purina regional sales on every food representative to CVM, to make this item. happen. “Prior to “Purina decided to award the the renova- kitchen to CVM due to the excellence tion we had of its clinical medicine department some of the and the progressive nature of the CVM dry foods in to partner with different companies accessible and different programs,” Vaughan containers, explained. but a lot of The purpose of the newly renovated the dry food kitchen is give veterinary students and was wasted by veterinarians easier access to food for opening bags Holly Marriott; Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary the animals in the hospital and to help that could Medicine; and Megan Ohlenforst in the new Purina Veterinary Kitchen. them see all options available for a pa- not be closed Marriott and Ohlenforst are Purina Student Representatives. tient in need. The room provides easy or stored ects, worked with clinicians to fund a access to all of the dry goods, canned properly afterward,” said Dr. Deb medicine residency, and been an early goods, and special dietary items neces- Zoran, associate professor at the CVM. benefactor to the small animal dental “We also suite. didn’t have “I am very pleased with the new an effective food storage and preparation facilities way of stor- that have been provided through the ing canned generosity of Nestlé PURINA PetCare,” foods to make said Dr. Sandee Hartsfield, professor them acces- and department head of Small Animal sible. Now, Clinical Sciences at the CVM. “The it is much kitchen area of Small Animal Clini- cleaner and cal Sciences has become aesthetically a much more pleasing and has been redesigned for effective use efficiency and practicality in the han- of the space. dling of food products.” There will be “Proper nutrition is a vital compo- much less food nent of the management of veterinary wasted and we patients with medical and surgical are very grate- problems,” Hartsfield noted. “The new ful for that.” kitchen area provided by Nestlé PU- Purina RINA PetCare assures ready access to has given a variety of dietary products, allowing back to the veterinary students and hospital staff CVM many members to efficiently procure and times. It has prepare the most appropriate meals for funded several their patients.” Reveille VIII was in attendance with her handler, Cody Guffey, a political science resident proj- junior, to help open the new Purina Veterinary Kitchen.

24 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 College News Business students learn through auditing the VMTH

“This is a theuniversity that they wouldn’t nor- wonderful mally see.” opportunity This class project has proved benefi- for the stu- cial for both parties: the accounting dents to get majors at the Texas A&M Mays Busi- an overall ness School and the CVM. real world “I look forward to this project every experience year, because it helps to keep us on our of auditing toes,” said Terry Stiles, hospital direc- in the class- tor at the CVM. “We are frequently au- room,” Clark dited by real agencies, and the students said. “I have from Clark’s class provide us with good received practice to examine and respond to amazing questions concerning possible risks the feedback teaching hospitals may face.” from my Kaytlyn Krafka, Texas A&M junior students over accounting student, recently partici- the years pated in the audit of the small animal concerning hospital. this project. “I find auditing interesting but The teach- because it encompasses more than just ing hospitals theories, it’s nice to be able to actually at the CVM get some hands-on experience,” Krafka Rachel Alldredge (left) and Sara Cousins (right), accounting majors from the Class of 2010, review office procedures with Lucy Wendt, are prime noted. “It’s also nice to learn about an- Senior Customer Service Assistant in the Small Animal Hospital. opportuni- other part of Texas A&M. I hope we, as ties for the a group, can come up with a few ideas Fifteen years ago Charley Clark, students to to help make the animal clinic better associate vice president for risk and learn because of the risks involved, in some way.” compliance and senior lecturer in the and so they can experience a part of department of accounting at the Texas A&M Mays Business School, decided Fto give his internal-auditing class Vet Med & Bio Med Ambassadors the chance to experience real-world audits by assigning auditing projects to Launched in fall of 2010, the Vet Med Ambassador Program represents a entities within Texas A&M University. robust and dynamic student group that serves as the face of the College of Since then, the large and small animal Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. After the success of the first year, teaching hospitals and the pharmacy at two Bio Med Ambassadors were added to the group for the 2011-12 school year Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital to represent the undergraduate student body of the college. The Vet Med & Bio (VMTH) at the Texas A&M College of Med Ambassadors provide tours of the college and attend college, university, Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sci- and state-wide functions on behalf of the CVM student body. The ambassa- ences (CVM) have been involved in the dors also provide visitors with a fresh and realistic look into their lives through annual audit project and help to train their twice-weekly blogs, ”Student Perspectives,“ which are posted on the CVM future auditors. website at vetmed.tamu.edu/student-perspectives and on the college Facebook The Large and Small Animal page. Hospitals are prime clients for Clark’s The 2011–2012 Vet Med and Bio Med Ambassadors are seen in uniform below. class because they operate as real busi- They are from left to right, Joseph Hicks, Tess Whiteman, Alexandra Pruett, nesses. There are several risks involved Anna Goodroe, Chace Butler, Jaime Rechy, Katrina Lindsay, Emily Murawski, in operating the hospitals, including Charlet Hubertus, and Joseph Pluhar. dealing with money, drugs, and client confidentiality. A group consisting of several stu- dents visits the Large Animal Hospital, and another group visits the Small Animal Hospital. They perform their assignments on-site, identify risks in- volved, and have a question-and-answer session with the top hospital adminis- trators. The students then write a re- port and share their findings with the class and the hospital administrators.

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 25 College News Ferro studies AIV in migratory birds on Gulf Coast

The Texas Gulf Coast provides a Ferro to focus, because approximately wonderful escape for migratory birds 90 percent of waterfowl use the Central during the winter. Residents and hunt- flyway during winter in Texas. ers off the Texas Gulf Coast enjoy the The objective of Ferro’s study was waterfowls’ annual visit, but people to determine the prevalence of AIV in Tneed to be aware of the impact water- waterfowl wintering grounds on the fowl may have because of the viruses Texas Gulf Coast because waterfowl are they carry. Dr. Pam Ferro, who received considered the natural reservoir for her PhD in veterinary pathobiology AIVs. These viruses can be transmit- from Texas A&M College of Veteri- ted to humans and poultry because nary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences migratory waterfowl intermingle with (CVM) in August 2010, spent five con- resident wild species and they are also secutive years studying avian influenza in close contact with poultry opera- viruses (AIVs) in hunter-harvested tions and humans, primarily hunters. waterfowl in the wintering grounds off The infected migratory birds shed the the Texas Gulf Coast. virus through their feces. Infection In North America there are four with influenza virus in humans and major flyways: the Pacific, the Cen- chickens results mainly in a respiratory tral, the Mississippi, and the Atlantic. disease. Dr. Blanca Lupiani Ferro chose to study the wintering “The migratory nature of many wa- grounds on the Texas Gulf Coast of terfowl species and the persistence of University. Lupiani thought Ferro’s the Central flyway because they are influenza in these populations present research project was a success because the least studied of the four. The Texas a vehicle for dissemination of influenza of significance of the data obtained, as Gulf Coast was an excellent place for viruses globally,” Ferro explained. “Un- well as the collaborative effort that was derstanding the migratory patterns of present throughout the entire project. different waterfowl as well as identify- Ferro collaborated with students ing influenza virus subtypes within from other colleges at Texas A&M Uni- these populations is critical to our versity and enlisted the help of Texas understanding of how influenza viruses Parks and Wildlife biologists and tech- persist in nature and evolve over time.” nicians as well as local hunters to make “The reason for the study was to see her research possible. Ferro and her what kind of viruses are found on the team collected more than 7,000 cloacal Texas Gulf Coast because this area swab samples from approximately 33 has not been well studied,” Ferro said. different potential host species. “Throughout the study, we did not find “This was a wonderful research any highly pathogenic avian influenza project,” Lupiani said. “Pam brought a viruses. However, we isolated over 150 group of people together with such a viruses of very different subtypes. Now variety of expertise to help understand we are interested in comparing viruses a complex problem. Her interdisciplin- that we isolated on the Texas Gulf ary approach built great relationships, Coast to the viruses that were isolated which resulted in great findings.” in the breeding grounds up North to “This was an amazing experience,” see if there are any similarities.” Ferro said. “It was a big learning curve “We can’t eliminate the virus from for me since my background is not the waterfowl,” Ferro said. “However, by in ecology. I was able to get out in knowing more about what occurs in na- the field, work with a wide variety of ture we can develop control measures individuals, got the chance to educate so these viruses won’t be transmitted people about AIV in waterfowl, and I to humans or poultry. If we can narrow had the opportunity to experiment in down certain viruses that are highly the lab.” prevalent at certain times, we can enact Ferro is currently a post-doctoral bio-containment strategies on farms research associate at the Southeastern and surrounding areas to prevent Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study in infection.” Athens, Georgia. Ferro’s research was under the direc- This project was funded by the tion of Dr. Blanca Lupiani, associate United States Department of Agricul- professor in the department of veteri- ture and the Avian Influenza Coordi- Pam Ferro works with hunter-harvested waterfowl off nary pathobiology at the CVM, and as- nated Agricultural Projects (AICAP the Texas Gulf Coast. Her research focused on the sociate dean of faculties for Texas A&M and AICAP 2). avian infuenza viruses.

26 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 College News PEER’s efforts plan to reach a national audience

Middle school students in rural SEPA, and the Children’s Museum of expand our partnership with the Texas Texas are now excited to learn about Houston and TEA agricultural veteri- A&M College of Veterinary Medicine innovative science concepts in the nary assistants program. & Biomedical Sciences SEPA project,” classroom because of the Partner- In the clinical SEPA collaboration, says Karen Milner, director of gallery ship for Environmental Education a middle school teacher will travel to programs at the Children’s Museum of Mand Rural Health’s (PEER) program San Antonio two or three days a month Houston. “The veterinarians and Sci- called “The Veterinarian’s Black Bag” to interact with the clinical SEPA ences Partnership program and curric- developed at the Texas A&M College UTHSCSA group and the Southwest ulum related very well to our Vet Clinic of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical National Primate Center. The goals area within the Museum’s Kidtropolis Sciences (CVM). from this collaboration are to initiate exhibit, which encourages children The recent success of PEER has al- ideas and to develop lesson plans and ages two to 12 to explore future career lowed for all of rural Texas to receive professional teacher workshops related opportunities and role play important the online “Veterinarian’s Black Bag” to transforming original scientific figures within the community.” program. PEER continues to grow and articles into classroom-ready lessons for “We are looking forward to work- will soon reach a national audience middle and high school students that ing with partners at Texas A&M to of kindergarten through 12th grade can be disseminated to rural communi- develop new programming related students, parents, veterinarians, and ties throughout the country. to the Kidtropolis Vet Clinic,” Milner teachers. The PEER program was re- “This collaboration will add clini- says. “These programs may include cently awarded a $133,000 supplement cal and translational information and routine Meet the Vet opportunities to its current five-year grant from the application to our veterinary-related during weekends or special holidays, National Institutes of Health (NIH) curriculum for middle schools as it scout workshops, and professional through the Science and Education strengthens the impact of both SEPA development classes for teachers. By Partnership Award (SEPA) program in projects,” Johnson notes. exposing visitors to experts within the association with the Texas Education For the second science educational field of veterinary medicine, we hope Agency (TEA) to expand the reach of activity, a middle school teacher will to promote a greater understanding of the program. collaborate with veterinary students animal care and biomedical research The PEER program exists to create and the Children’s Museum of Hous- as well as an appreciation for science an exciting platform where teachers ton to modify the curriculum, dis- and scientific careers.” can educate students and stimulate plays, and hands-on activities for the Dr. Johnson adds, “We are excited to their interest in science by using un- veterinary students’ presentations see the national impact this grant may conventional teaching methods such as featured in the Kidtropolis exhibit have on classrooms in rural communi- having a veterinarian visit or bringing at the museum. These collabora- ties. Our goals for this initiative are to in an animal into a classroom. This tion efforts will develop and present improve the quality of science educa- new supplement will allow the PEER materials for Boy and Girl Scout merit tion in public schools, to promote an program to disseminate its strategy badges and patches on scouting day at understanding of the value of animal nationally. the museum. The hired teacher will and clinical research, and to promote “To expand the promotion of science provide instruction to the veterinary behaviors and create awareness in a in rural America, we will collaborate students and coordinate the visits of younger society to reduce the risk of with the clinical SEPA project at the the first year veterinary students to the disease.” University of Texas Health Science museum. This program Center in San Antonio (UTHSCSA) provides opportunities for and their partnerships with the Clini- veterinary students to use cal and Translational Science Awards their knowledge as they (CTSA) and the National Primate increase their communica- Research Center to use lessons from tion skills. animal and veterinary research and Also, in association teacher training to promote science, with the TEA, the middle mathematics, and health education,” school curriculum in “The says Dr. Larry Johnson, professor at Veterinarian’s Black Bag” the CVM and principal investigator for program will be modi- PEER. “We will also expand collabora- fied to match the need for tions on K-12 student instruction with materials for the agricul- the Children’s Museum of Houston tural veterinary assistant and will initiate collaborations with the technical programs used by TEA’s agricultural veterinary assistance high school, 4-H, and FFA programs including 4-H, FFA, and Boy groups. and Girl Scouts.” “The Children’s Museum This initiative will promote two new of Houston is very excited science educational activities: clinical about the opportunity to PEER staff work with middle school students.

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 27 College News

28 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 College News

VET Launch Event · December 1, 2010

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 29 College News

Open House April 9, 2011

30 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 College News

White Coat Parents’ Day Ceremony April 2, 2011 April 1, 2011

Honors Convocation April 1, 2011

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 31 College News

Commencement May 12, 2011

College Picnic May 20, 2011

32 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 College News

Gentle Doctor Scholarship Luncheon April 2, 2011

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 33 College News 3rd Annual Legends Premier Stallion Season Auction The holiday season is a time for through Stallion Reproductive Studies of the most elite stallions from the finding bargains. While some are busy at Texas A&M. western performance, Quarter Horse searching for great deals on electronics “We are so appreciative of the sup- racing, rail disciplines, and halter or clothing, others found their “steals” port that the industry has provided horse industries were donated to the in the form of breedings offered us,” said Dr. Dickson Varner, a stal- auction this year, with more than 200 through the Texas A&M University lion reproductive specialist at the breedings available to bidders. TLegends Premier Stallion Season Auc- CVM. “Proceeds from the Legends “We are committed to improving tion. In addition to obtaining great auction have been applied diligently reproductive management practices buys, those who purchase breedings to research and education in stallion within the horse industry,” Varner said. in the auction help to support stallion reproductive studies at the CVM. As an “We sincerely thank the stallion owners reproductive research at the College example, 23 percent of invited research and agents, as well as the mare owners, of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical papers on stallion reproduction at the for helping us fulfill this mission by Sciences (CVM). recent International Symposium on participating in the 3rd Annual Leg- The Legends auction is an online Equine Reproduction originated from ends Premier Stallion Season Auction.” auction to which stallion owners do- Texas A&M University. This research The 4th Annual Legends Premier nate breedings or seasons. These sea- would not have been possible without Stallion Season Auction begins Decem- sons are then auctioned to mare own- the support of the equine industry.” ber 1, 2011. Visit legends.cvm.tamu.edu to ers, with the proceeds going to support The 3rd Annual Legends Premier register. equine reproductive research at Texas Stallion Season Auction began on Contact the Equine Initiative offices at A&M University. The two years of the December 1, 2010. It consisted of three 979.845.6098 for more information. auction generated more than $500,000, sessions, the last of which closed on which has supported research projects February 18, 2011. Breedings to some ~ Anna McNaught Gameday Continuing Education Series deemed a success

In the fall of 2010 for the first time, are already in town for the game and back to College Station for home foot- the Office of Continuing Education typically must book a whole weekend at ball games,” said Beth Johnson, coor- at the Texas A&M College of Veteri- hotels to get a room. Held on Sundays dinator for continuing education. “We nary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences for a half day, the series gave attendees decided that since many of them were offered a brand new opportunity that 3 hours of CE credit per weekend. Both staying over until Sunday, we could of- Ibrought more than 160 veterinarians large and small animal topics were fer them an opportunity to come to the to Aggieland to get Continuing Educa- scheduled, with the seven programs college and earn a few CE hours while tion (CE) credits. The Gameday CE that had enough registrants being the they were here.” series, scheduled for Texas A&M home small animal programs. Overall, Johnson feels that the football game weekends, took advan- “We’ve known for some time that program was well received by attendees tage of the fact that many Aggie alums many of our former students come and counts it as a success for the col- lege. A new course lineup for fall 2011 can be found on the CE website. “We have tremendous expertise on our faculty,” Johnson said. “They are what makes continuing education programs so strong at our college. By striving to find ways to deliver quality CE programs with our world-renowned expertise in a convenient way for veteri- narians, we can offer special opportu- nities such as the Gameday CE series and build on this first year’s success to make it even better and bigger this fall.” The CE office will continue to have conferences throughout the year. Contact the CE office at 979.845.9102 or visit vetmed.tamu.edu/ce for more information.

34 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Faculty/Staff Focus Posey named Food Animal Practitioner of the Year Dr. Dan Posey, director of special in food animal medicine by programs and clinical associate profes- discussing career oppor- sor at the Texas A&M College of Veteri- tunities and externships nary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences that will help them on their (CVM), was recently recognized as the career path. D2010 Texas Veterinary Medical Associa- Posey was nominated tion (TVMA) Food Animal Practitio- for this award by Dr. Wil- ner of the Year by the TVMA Awards liam Moyer, professor and Committee. department head of Large Posey earned his DVM from the Animal Clinical Sciences at CVM in 1982. In 1985, he bought the the CVM. Moyer’s nomi- Central Veterinary Clinic in Madi- nation was supported by sonville, Texas, where he had a mixed letters from Posey’s col- practice and enjoyed helping the leagues. His colleagues’ community and his clients. During his respect for him is evident in years in practice he also focused on the letters of recommenda- cattle producers in the area. In 2002, tion that were featured in a Posey joined the Large Animal Hos- story in The Texas Veterinar- pital at the CVM and worked with the ian, the official publication Dr. Dan Posey Texas Department of Criminal Justice of the TVMA. (TDCJ) to develop a partnership that “I think he has a good nized veterinary medicine including gives the veterinary students hands-on understanding that it is important for the TVMA Bovine Practice Committee. learning experience through the state’s food animal producers to produce a No one could be more deserving of the prison system. In 2009, Posey became safe, wholesome, nutritious product award than Dan Posey.” the director of special programs for for the consumer and that the animal’s “We are very proud of Dr. Posey, and the CVM, and he remains as a clinical welfare is of the utmost importance,” we are grateful to have him here at the associate professor at the CVM. said Moyer in The Texas Veterinarian. CVM,” Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl B. King At the CVM, Posey has helped to “He was raised in production agricul- Dean of Veterinary Medicine said. “Dr. enhance the learning experience for ture, and I think that laid the ground- Posey has an uncanny passion for his many veterinary students because of work for what he wanted to do as a profession. With his recent appoint- the programs he helped to initiate. He career.” ment as director of special programs, also ignites a passion in future veteri- Dr. Brandon Dominguez, clinical he is helping a whole new generation narians to pursue careers in their fields assistant professor at the CVM, said in of veterinarians of tomorrow become of choice, particularly in food animal The Texas Veterinarian, “I have known even more enthusiastic about their practice, where there is a need. Dr. Posey as a student, a practicing future in veterinary medicine.” With the help of Dr. Wesley Bissett, veterinarian, and a colleague in the Posey added, “My father’s suggestion assistant professor at the CVM, and vet school. In every circumstance, at an early age to become a veterinar- Dr. Jason Osterstock, former assistant his primary goal is to help veterinary ian was the driving force for me to pur- professor at the CVM, Posey created students become the best veterinar- sue my passion in veterinary medicine. the “Contemporary Issues in Animal ians possible. He has been on the I am very honored to have received Agriculture and Food Production” front lines of private practice, has had this award from the TVMA because (CIAA) elective rotation to expose a associates, and has seen the struggles I respect and appreciate the TVMA few fourth year veterinary students to that veterinarians and students go and what it stands for: to preserve, modern issues related to veterinary through; furthermore, he uses this promote, and protect the veterinary medicine, including animal welfare, understanding to prepare students for medical profession and to advance bioterrorism, and media training. Posey their practice careers. He is good at be- animal health for the well-being of is also heavily involved in the Food ing a veterinarian, particularly a food animals and humans. Throughout my Animal Production Tour along with animal veterinarian, because he is so practice years, I hope that I have been founder, Dr. Virginia Fajt, clinical as- passionate about what he does.” able to help my clients, serve my com- sistant professor at the CVM. This tour Dr. Allen Roussel, Jr., professor and munity, and educate my students. My introduces first and second year veteri- interim department head of Large Ani- focus has always been to be able to help nary students to food supply veterinari- mal Clinical Sciences at the CVM, said raise awareness about the importance an medicine and the veterinarians who in The Texas Veterinarian, “Dan has been of rural and food animal veterinarians provide these services. Posey also helps an exemplary food animal practitioner and their role in society. I am grateful with the mentorship program founded in his private practice days, as a practic- that I have been able to do what I love by Dr. Kevin Washburn, associate pro- ing clinician in the university system and what I am passionate about every fessor at the CVM. For this program, focusing on TDCJ, as a classroom day of my life and this never really feels where he serves as a mentor to first year teacher, as an educator and mentor, like work to me.” veterinary students who are interested and as an active participant in orga-

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 35 Faculty/Staff Focus

Logan appointed head of Department of Pathobiology

Dr. Linda L. Logan—a world a clinical professor at the CVM in the traveler, former faculty member, and Department of Veterinary Pathobiol- graduate of the Texas A&M College ogy. Her experience in academia and of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical regulatory medicine, and her research Sciences (CVM)—has returned to Ag- background place her in a unique posi- Dgieland to become head of the Depart- tion to contribute to building bridges ment of Veterinary Pathobiology at the with the Texas livestock industry and CVM. She replaces interim department helping serve their research needs. Just head Dr. John August, professor of before rejoining Texas A&M, Logan feline internal medicine at the CVM. was a senior attaché for Africa and the “I am very happy to announce the Middle East with the United States De- appointment of Dr. Logan to this partment of Agriculture–Animal Plant position,” said Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl Health Inspection Service. B. King Dean of Veterinary Medi- “I am very honored to have been se- cine. “Her reputation as a leader in lected as the new department head for the profession is proven and she will veterinary pathobiology at the College have a positive impact in the Depart- of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Dr. Linda Logan ment of Veterinary Pathobiology. I Sciences,” Logan said. “I did not want am confident that Dr. Logan will help comparative pathology, she conducted to miss this unique opportunity to the department reach the next level research on tropical livestock diseases return to my alma mater, Texas A&M. I of excellence in the many diverse ways at the International Livestock Re- plan to invest my time in helping Texas its faculty contributes to the CVM, the search Institute in Nairobi, Kenya. She A&M in the quest to become solidi- university, the profession, and the state gained further experience on livestock fied as a top tier university and to gain of Texas. Her global experience is sure diseases and food safety research while more international recognition for its to enrich our research and education the national program leader for Ani- programs.” missions.” mal Health Research with the United “With my new appointment, I want to After graduating with her DVM States Department of Agriculture help strengthen the research program from the CVM in 1976, Logan helped Agricultural Researcher Service from in infectious diseases, cardiovascular initiate a United States Agency for 1996 to 2000. She had a close working medicine, conservation medicine, and International Development (USAID) relationship with the Texas livestock tumor pathogenesis,” Logan said. “I TAMU contract on vector-borne industry while serving as the executive hope to foster more collaboration with diseases of livestock based in Bamako, director of the Texas Animal Health the Texas livestock industry and other Mali. After receiving her PhD from Commission from 2000 to the end of Texas universities and to build a stron- the University of California Davis in 2002. From 2003 to 2004 Logan was ger international program.”

Dr. Christie Sayes receives DuPont Young Professor Grant Dr. Christie Sayes, assistant professor be applied to the industry, especially is going on in the university, but also in the Department of Veterinary Physi- in the chemical industry,” Sayes said. by the DuPont Company. This award ology and Pharmacology at the Texas “It is almost a sense of relief that my and funding will allow me to continue A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & research is appreciated by not just what conducting my environmental health Biomedical Sciences (CVM), earned a and safety research.” Dprestigious 2010 DuPont Young Profes- The DuPont Young Professor sor award and grant. Program gives financial assistance for Sayes is a nanoscientist who does three years to promising young faculty most of her research in her nanoma- who do research in areas that will bene- terials and nanotoxicology lab at the fit the long-term success of DuPont and CVM. She has joint appointments its industries. The company’s top sci- in the Department of Biomedical entists, DuPont Fellows Forum, choose Engineering at Texas A&M University the winners every year. The candidate and the Department of Environmental cannot be a tenured faculty member Genomic Medicine at the Texas A&M but must be a on a tenure track. Health Science Center. Sayes will use the grant money to “I feel elated and honored that further develop research on her focus: the company recognizes my research discovering the biological and envi- program. There is research going on in ronmental effects of mass producing toxicology at A&M that is outside of the nanomaterials. One example is zinc traditional engineering fields but can Dr. Christie Sayes continued on page 37

36 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Faculty/Staff Focus Faculty recognized for teaching excellence by AFS

because we have really great students. I would like to thank the Association of Former Students and the people in my department and the college who spent the extra time and effort to make this happen.” Stickney has been with the CVM since 2002. In 2009, students at Texas A&M nominated him to be a namesake at the annual Fish Camp. This is his first teaching award while serving on the faculty at the CVM. Dr. Sharon Kerwin, professor at the CVM, presented Stickney with his award. “Dr. Stickney is responsible for run- ning our general surgery unit,” Kerwin Mr. Porter Garner, president of The Association of Former Students, Dr. Linda Logan, noted. “It is a very challenging job, department head of Veterinary Pathobiology, Dr. Karen Snowden, professor and he runs an amazing service. He of parisitology, and Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine is a remarkable teacher who does an Two outstanding faculty members distinguished teaching,” Logan said. incredible job for the students, pets, at the Texas A&M College of Veteri- “She has served as a mentor for a num- and citizens of Texas.” nary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences ber of students. She has received very Stickney said, “Teaching is where (CVM)—Dr. Karen Snowden, professor positive feedback from her students, my passion is. It is the most rewarding in parasitology, and Dr. Mark Stickney, as some have made career choices aspect of my job, and it is an honor to Tclinical associate professor in general based on the rotation that she teaches. be recognized for that. I want to thank surgery—were recognized with the I would like to thank Dr. Snowden for the association, the committee that prestigious Association of Former the contributions she has made.” selected me, and the students that I Students (AFS) College-Level Teaching Snowden said, “We focus on teach- made an impression on.” Award. The awards were presented at ing, research, and service here at the the CVM College Hour on September college. It is very easy to stay motivated 2, 2010. The award recipients are chosen by a combination of faculty members and students. Each honoree receives a plaque and a stipend. Snowden has been with the CVM for 18 years. She has won several teaching awards, including the Texas Veterinary Medical Association Faculty Achieve- ment Award in Teaching and the TAMU Montague Scholar Award from the Center for Teaching Excellence. Snowden’s award was presented by Dr. Linda Logan, professor and depart- ment head of veterinary pathobiology at the CVM. “In my view, Dr. Snowden is truly a role model as a scholar and educator, and we are very pleased to see that she has been recognized by the Association Mr. Porter Garner, President of The Association of Former Students, Dr. Sharon Kerwin, of Former Students with this award for associate department head of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Dr. Mark Stickney, clinical associate professor in general surgery, and Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine

continued from page 36 Due to economic conditions, DuPont “The recognition from the award is did not give out the grants in 2009. great, but the grant money that comes oxide, its properties and applications, Therefore, a record number of candi- into my lab from it is an additional vali- and what effect an engineered material dates applied in 2010. Only 12 grants dation that what I am doing is impor- like this can have on a consumer over a were given worldwide, six in North tant,” Sayes said. short and long term use. America.

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 37 Faculty/Staff Focus Moyer served as AAEP president for 2010-11, Roussel became acting head of LACS dept.

the horse world. Personally, AAEP is made it clear that he wants Dr. Roussel my window to the world I work in. I am to lead the department as if he were very grateful to Dr. Roussel for fulfill- the permanent department head until ing the responsibilities of my current his return. He has demonstrated excel- position while I execute my role with lent leadership as associate department the AAEP.” head and worked side by side with Dr. AAEP’s mission statement is “to Moyer to prepare for the transition. improve the health and welfare of Because of the unselfish dedication of the horse, to further the professional both of these leaders, the department development of its members, and to has not merely held together, it has provide resources and leadership for continued to drive forward.” the benefit of the equine industry.” Roussel joined the faculty at the AAEP encompasses all aspects of the CVM in 1986, and his specialty is large horse industry. animal internal medicine. He earned Moyer received his DVM from Colo- his DVM from Louisiana State Uni- rado State University in 1970. He has versity in 1977. He holds memberships Dr. William Moyer been the department head of LACS for and leadership positions in several 17 years. He also holds memberships in organizations. He is currently serving Dr. William Moyer, professor and the American Veterinary Medical As- as vice-president of the large animal department head of the Large Animal sociation, Association for the Advance- specialty section of the American Col- Clinical Sciences (LACS) Department ment of Sports Potential, Association of lege of Veterinary Internal Medicine of the Texas A&M College of Veteri- American Veterinary Medical Colleges, and president elect of the Southwest nary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Association of Equine Sports Medi- Veterinary Symposium. He also is a D(CVM), became the next president of cine, and Texas Veterinary Medical member of the examining committee the American Association of Equine Association. of the European College of Bovine Practitioners (AAEP) in December “Dr. Moyer’s rise to the presidency Health Management. 2010. While Moyer has been on admin- of the largest, most influential equine “I have been excited about the istrative leave to fulfill his duties with veterinary organization in the world opportunity to lead our department the AAEP, Dr. Allen Roussel, professor speaks volumes about his success as an during these challenging times,” Rous- and associate LACS department head, influential leader and the regard in sel says. “It’s been an honor to follow has been serving as the acting depart- which he is held in the profession,” said in the footsteps of Dr. Moyer and help ment head from September 1, 2010 Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl B. King Dean provide the time he needs to focus until January 1, 2012. of Veterinary Medicine. “The AAEP his attention on his role as president “This is the greatest honor I have presidency is one of the greatest hon- of the AAEP. I’d also like to thank my ever received,” Moyer said. “I have been ors, opportunities, and responsibilities departmental colleagues who assumed a member of AAEP since 1969. AAEP an equine veterinarian can achieve. We some of my duties while I’ve served in has set the groundwork for a lot of are all very proud of Dr. Moyer.” this role.” other organizations of its kind. It was “As AAEP President, Dr. Moyer is the first to have a motto, and it is one working to advance both the AAEP of the only organizations that is very and Texas A&M University,” Green con- progressive in dealing with all issues of tinued. “In recognition of the growing responsibilities and time commitment associated with AAEP Presidency, Tex- “Dr. Moyer’s rise to the as A&M fully supports Dr. Moyer and presidency of the largest, encourages him to focus his talents and energies on his presidency during most influential equine his term. So how can the Department veterinary organization of Large Animal Clinical Sciences con- in the world speaks volumes tinue to flourish during this period? Dr. Moyer also supports Dr. Allen Rous- about his success…” sel in serving as acting department head. What speaks volumes about Dr. ~ Dr. Eleanor Green, Moyer’s selfless nature and his well- Carl B. King Dean known advocacy for and faith in his of Veterinary Medicine faculty is that he has entrusted the de- partment completely to Dr. Roussel. He Dr. Allen Roussel

38 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Faculty/Staff Focus CVM’s leadership proven in the equine industry

Texas has a larger horse population Clinical Sciences department (LACS) “Thus realistically it is my intent as than any other state in the United at the CVM, was appointed 2010-2011 president to not dwell on any one States. Therefore, as the only vet- AAEP president. Over the years, Moyer feature, but simply read and re-read erinary medical school in the state, has served in the AAEP as a presenter, the AAEP mission statement. My single it is only natural that the Texas A&M table topic facilitator, moderator, labo- goal is to work as hard as I can for the College of Veterinary Medicine & ratory instructor, committee member, members.” TBiomedical Sciences (CVM) has a chair and board member. As president Moyer also served as the first presi- strong presence in the equine industry. he says there are many challenges fac- dent of the Texas Equine Veterinary Whether through leadership positions ing the Asso- in organizations or teaching efforts in equine ciation the large animal teaching hospital, the veterinary (TEVA) faculty and staff of the CVM contribute profession. “…It is my intent as president in 2009. to the equine industry every day. “There TEVA is Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl B. King are several to not dwell on any one feature, “dedicated Dean of Veterinary Medicine, was the challenges to provid- first woman president of the American that are but simply read and re-read the ing the Association of Equine Practitioners quite AAEP mission statement. My single highest (AAEP) when she served in 2008. obvious: quality Before her presidency, Green served horse and goal is to work as hard as I can regional in various capacities within the AAEP, animal equine including district director, chair of the welfare for the members.” veterinary Internship and Student Relations Com- issues; education- mittee, and chair of the AAEP Founda- designing ~ Dr. William Moyer, al oppor- tion’s Student Scholarship Task Force. and/or tunities for Green’s former and current positions creating 2010–2011 AAEP President practi- with several organizations have allowed education- tioners.” her to advance and educate the public al experi- It states, on the health and welfare of horses ences that “Entrusted and to continue the mission of AAEP. are relevant; recruiting and training with the healthcare of the largest horse Dr. William Moyer, professor and the next generation of practitioners population of any state in the union, department head of the Large Animal to serve the horse world,” Moyer says. we believe it imperative to offer the most vital and timely information available anywhere today.” 2010–2011 TEVA President Dr. Gary L. Norwood graduated from the CVM in 1965. His passion for continuing educa- tion and taking on challenges that face the equine industry sprouted during his time at the CVM. “As an Aggie, I am very honored to have been selected as the president of the TEVA for 2010-2011 and to try to take on the challenges that face this organiza- tion in the future,” Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicince, with Miss Rivum N Blues (left) and says Norwood. Lila Longstockings (right). Photo by Randy Batista

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 39 Faculty/Staff Focus

Janecka helps develop Bhutan’s first wildlife genetics lab

The kingdom of Bhutan, nestled classroom set- in the Eastern Himalayas, has one of ting teaching the most beautiful and untouched the fundamen- natural environments in the world. tals of research As Bhutan is starting to industrialize, and monitoring Nawang Norbu, director of the Ugyen of wildlife. The TWangchuk Institute of Conservation participants and the Environment (UWICE)— then put the a government-based research and techniques into training institute fostering better use. Janecka stewardship of Bhutan’s natural and his col- resources—wants to learn more about leagues spent conservation efforts that can help the four days in the country develop in an environmentally field training friendly manner. Norbu enlisted Dr. L. the specialists Scott Mills, professor at the University from Bhutan so of Montana, who invited a group of 12 the work could scientists from throughout the world, continue when including Dr. Jan Janecka, research they left. assistant professor in the veterinary Janecka integrative biosciences department at specializes in the Texas A&M University College of genetic analysis Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sci- of cryptic cats ences (CVM), to develop Bhutan’s first like the snow wildlife genetics lab. leopard, which Janecka and his colleagues spent is prevalent in 10 days in Bhutan during May 2010 Bhutan. to instruct conservation leaders and “Genetics Dr. Jan Janecka talks with scientists during the workshop. specialists of Bhutan on the latest tech- is the founda- Photo by David Tallman niques used in wildlife conservation tion for many ists,” Janecka said. “By collecting and efforts. Another goal of the workshop research and conservation initiatives, properly maintaining tissues and DNA was to produce a handbook of practi- including describing species diver- samples in Bhutan, there will be a cal procedures for conducting wildlife sity, understanding the relationship wealth of possible studies that can be research in remote rugged landscapes. among species, examining biology and initiated by Bhutanese scientists. These The workshop included two days in a ecology, and illuminating population will greatly expand the information demography,” available for wildlife in Bhutan, facili- Janecka said. tating sound conservation initiatives.” The work- Janecka received his PhD in wild- shop taught life sciences in 2006 through a joint the Bhutanese program of Texas A&M University and many concepts, Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He including how to is currently the genetics research pro- set up a DNA lab, gram director for the Snow Leopard conduct non- Conservancy. He is also a member of invasive DNA the International Union for Conserva- surveys, and ex- tion of Nature Cat Specialist Group, tract DNA from and he has traveled and conducted re- tissue and scat search in Thailand, Laos, India, China, (feces collected and Mongolia. in the field). “It was an honor to be asked to go “The DNA and share my knowledge in such a will be stored beautiful country filled with charismat- and later used ic people who took our conservation to study specific efforts seriously,” Janecka said. “The regions of the Bhutanese were so passionate about genome that are wildlife and conserving the environ- of interest to ment. The potential to discover some- researchers and thing in this remote area is great, and The majestic mountains of Bhutan near the site of the newly established lab. conservation- I am excited that I had the possibility Photo by Jan Janecka to do so.”

40 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Faculty/Staff Focus Dr. Lees helps pet owner find answers, closure

Dr. George Lees, professor of “Initially we tested the dogs’ DNA origin of the disease by conducting veterinary internal medicine at the for the abnormality that affects English further research. Even though Perry Texas A&M University College of Cocker Spaniels,” Lees explained. “But was overwhelmed by the passing of her Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sci- we found that the English Springer dogs and research that followed, she ences (CVM) and his team, along with Spaniels did not have the same DNA understood that she needed to allow DDr. Keith Murphy, former colleague abnormality as the English Cocker the research to continue so that it at CVM, answered questions for a Spaniel, so we continued with our re- could benefit other dogs in the future. grieving pet owner as they discovered search. We finally discovered their spe- “It is important to develop an under- another form of hereditary nephropa- cific mutation in about a year. Then we standing of genetics and to conduct thy (HN), an inherited disorder that went to the dogs’ family to try to find a selective breeding to eliminate the damages tiny blood vessels in the kid- pattern of DNA abnormalities that was problem,” Lees said. “When a dog gets neys that help filter blood, in a canine consistent with their inheritance.” sick, it takes time to do an investigation breed—the English Springer Spaniel. They found that the disease is and to characterize the disease. Many In 2007, after a 15-year development recessive. There are many carriers, but diseases remain an unsolved prob- process, Lees and his team patented a few dogs have the disease. However, lem. We, at CVM, set ourselves apart genetic test to identify English Cocker the results can be devastating for the because we have the expertise and are Spaniels that are carriers of HN. Their affected dogs, as there is no cure and able to spend the extra time needed to efforts and research led to the eradica- their lives are severely shortened. pursue problems like this to the point tion of this inherited kidney disease “The cause of the disease is a condi- of understanding their root cause. This through selective breeding in English tion that is known as Alport syndrome permits us to build a better future than Cocker Spaniels. in people, but it is usually called he- would otherwise be possible.” In 2009, Katherine Perry, owner of reditary nephropathy or ‘HN’ in dogs,” “I realized that Ginger and Coco two English Springer Spaniels, Ginger Lees said. “In both people and dogs, were brought into our lives for a and Coco, was referred to Lees when this disease is caused by defects in the purpose,” Perry said. “At the time, her puppies showed signs of a kidney genes that encode type IV collagen, I assumed it was because they were problem. Lees evaluated both dogs and which is a protein that is an important going to need a lot of extra tender quickly determined that they did have structural component of the parts of loving care. I never dreamed my selfish a similar disease that would shortly the kidneys (called glomeruli) that search for answers would benefit other take their lives. filter the blood.” animals. I encourage anyone who has “What I learned from the first Armed with information provided a pet with a terminal illness to find out discovery of HN was that the end of by Lees and his team about the genetic what created the illness. By doing so the disease took their lives so quickly,” status of related dogs, the breeders of you can prevent other animals from explained Lees. “HN is similar to an the English Springer Spaniels that were having to suffer.” avalanche because it starts off slow, but affected have been able to breed their the end is so fast and devastating.” dogs selectively so that no other HN The dogs died shortly after the cases have occurred in initial visit with Lees. Lees requested their English Springer Perry’s permission to take their kidneys Spaniels. and DNA to conduct further research. “I would highly recom- Perry allowed Lees and his team to mend Dr. Lees and his do research on her dogs because she team to anyone who has wanted her questions answered. She a sick pet,” Perry said. wanted to know why they died at such a “Several months after young age—less than one year. the girls were put down, “I did get my answers,” Perry said. I received a package “Until this situation occurred, I never from the clinic with two understood nor appreciated the detail hand-painted clay forms and dedication involved in medical of the girls’ actual paw research. When I was first informed prints. This thought- of the possibility of having the girls’ ful gesture touched my kidneys researched, I assumed that heart in a way words it was going to be a cold and calcu- could not convey. Lees lated business agreement. Never did and his team are an I imagine that this team would be so exceptional group of understanding, gentle, sincere, or com- individuals—very caring passionate. The needs of the girls were and understanding.” their priority. After the girls were gone, Lees explained to their focus was on finding out how this Perry the importance disease originated.” of understanding the Dr. George Lees with (clockwise from top) Ike, Ethan, and Eddie.

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 41 Faculty/Staff Focus

CVM recognizes college staff at 2010 awards ceremony

In August 2010, the Texas A&M professional programs, was the master technician III at the VMTH; Jimann College of Veterinary Medicine & of ceremonies. Jones, senior customer service assis- Biomedical Sciences (CVM) honored The first award, the 2010 Pearl tant at the VMTH; Jovanna Guillen, 11 employees at its annual staff awards Enfield Staff Leadership Award, was business assistant II in the veterinary ceremony for their continued excel- presented to Cheryl Chamblee, lead of- integrative biosciences (VIBS); Debo- lence and commitment to the college. fice associate at the Veterinary Medical rah Daniel, business coordinator I in IDr. Bert Dodd, clinical associate Teaching Hospital (VMTH). The 2010 VIBS; Brandon Oyler, biowaste facility professor, and David Sessum, veteri- CVM staff awards were presented to manager in veterinary pathobiology nary technician II in the Small Animal ten employees based on nominations (VTPB); Sybil Camcho, business as- Hospital, provided the entertainment. by their colleagues and faculty. Recipi- sociate II in veterinary physiology and Dr. Kenita Rogers, associate dean for ents included Sandra Nunn, veterinary pharmacology (VTPP); Dana Whitaker,

Galen Pahl presented a Staff Award Dr. Kevin Washburn presented a Staff Award Dr. Evelyn Tiffany-Castiglioni presented a Staff to Sandra Nunn, veterinary technician III to Jimann Jones, senior customer service assistant Award to Jovanna Guillen, business assistant II at the VMTH. at the VMTH. in veterinary integrative biosciences.

Dr. Evelyn Tiffany-Castiglioni presented Cheryl Chamblee presented a Staff Award Yvonne Kovar presented a Staff Award a Staff Award to Deborah Daniel, business coor- to Brandon Oyler, biowaste facility manager to Sybil Camcho, business associate II dinator I in veterinary integrative biosciences. in veterinary pathobiology. in veterinary physiology and pharmacology.

42 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Faculty/Staff Focus veterinary technician II in VTPP; Cin- “Congratulations to all who earned who makes us better every day and dy McGee, customer service associate awards this year,” Green said. “The who contributes to an important CVM at the VMTH; and Dawn Currin, senior descriptions of who you are, what you culture.” medical transcriptionist at VTPB. give to the CVM, and how you perform Each recipient received a plaque Dr. Eleanor M. Green, Carl B. King were both impressive and touching. We along with a monetary award. Dean of Veterinary Medicine, congrat- are so proud of you.” ulated the recipients at the staff awards “We at the CVM are clearly blessed,” Photos by Matthew Crawley as well as giving her thanks to all staff Green said. “Since people make members at the CVM. programs, there is no way we can fail. Thanks to each and every one of you

Dr. Lisa Howe presented a Staff Award Dr. Keith Chaffin presented a Staff Award Dr. Timothy Cudd presented a Staff Award to Dana Whitaker, veterinary technician II to Cindy McGee, customer service associate to Raine Lunde, veterinary technician II in veterinary physiology and pharmacology. at the VMTH. in veterinary physiology and pharmacology, who was not present.

Dr. Roy Pool presented a Staff Award to Dawn Currin, Dr. John Edwards and Dean Eleanor Green presented the 2010 Pearl Enfield Staff senior medical transcriptionist in veterinary pathobiology. Leadership Award to Cheryl Chamblee, lead office associate, at the VMTH.

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 43 Faculty/Staff Focus

CVM recognizes college staff at 2011 awards ceremony

The Texas A&M College of Veteri- III in the Veterinary Medical Teach- macology; and Vickie Weir, radiology nary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences ing Hospital (VMTH); Dana Cornett, laboratory supervisor in VMTH. (CVM) honored 11 employees at its an- business associate I in veterinary patho- Dr. Eleanor M. Green, Carl B. King nual staff awards ceremony on Tuesday, biology (VTPB); Betty Gaston, animal Dean of Veterinary Medicine, con- August 16, 2011, for their continued caretaker II in VMTH; Julie Harris, vet- gratulated the recipients of the staff support and dedication to the college. erinary technician II in VMTH; David awards. She expressed her heartfelt TThe first award, the 2011 Pearl Kindt, animal caretaker II in VMTH; gratitude for all of the hard work they Enfield Staff Leadership Award, was Jennie Lamb, graphic designer in put in each day to help run the CVM. presented to Linda Fillip, administra- Creative Technologies; Lynn Mayton, “This is truly one of my favorite days tive assistant for the associate dean for animal caretaker supervisor in VMTH; of the year for a number of reasons,” professional programs. The 2011 CVM Carin Ponder, veterinary technician Green said. “Most importantly, we staff awards were presented to ten em- II in veterinary small animal clinical pause to acknowledge the staff, without ployees based on nominations by their sciences; Rebecca Simmons, office as- which we could not be successful. Con- peers and faculty. This year’s recipients sociate in veterinary physiology & phar- gratulations to all who earned awards were Lessa Block, veterinary technician this year.”

Lori Atkins presented a Staff Award Dr. James Derr presented a Staff Award Lynn Mayton presented a Staff Award to Lessa Block, veterinary technician III, to Dana Cornett, business associate I to Betty Gaston, animal caretaker II, at the VMTH. in veterinary pathobiology. at the VMTH.

David Sessum presented a Staff Award Galen Pahl presented a Staff Award Michelle Kerr-Pankonien presented to Julie Harris, veterinary technician II, to David Kindt, animal caretaker II, a Staff Award to Lynn Mayton, animal at the VMTH. at the VMTH. caretaker supervisor, at the VMTH.

44 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Faculty/Staff Focus

“I would like to thank our won- Green said. “I would also like to thank professional program, who was our derfully talented entertainers, Dr. the amazing, creative, spontaneous, emcee for the event.” Bert Dodd, James Sessum, RVT, and humorous, capable, and caring Dr. Each recipient received with a plaque Amanda Mills, 4th year DVM student,” Kenita Rogers, associate dean for the and a monetary award.

Dr. Sandee Hartsfield presented a Staff Award Dr. Jon Hunter presented a Staff Award Dr. Ben Young presented a Staff Award to Vickie to Carin Ponder, veterinary technician II, to Rebecca Simmons, office associate, Weir, radiology laboratory supervisor, in veterinary small animal clinical sciences. in veterinary physiology and pharmacology. at the VMTH.

VeLisa Bayer, Angela Clendenin, Jennie Lamb, graphic designer Dr. Kenita Rogers and Dean Eleanor Green presented the 2011 Pearl Enfield in Creative Technologies, Dean Eleanor Green, and Stacey Doreck, Staff Leadership Award to Linda Fillip, administrative assistant celebrate Jennie’s Staff Award. for the associate dean for professional programs.

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 45 Faculty/Staff Focus

Washburn named Food Animal Continuing Educator of the Year

Dr. Kevin Washburn, associate medicine. He gave four presentations professor in food animal internal during the 2010 conference. medicine at the Texas A&M College “I am humbled and honored to have of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical been chosen as the lead educator of Sciences (CVM), was awarded the 2010 the food animal section,” Washburn DContinuing Educator of the Year award said. “This award came as a complete in the Food Animal category from surprise to me. It is very special to me the Western Veterinary Conference because it was chosen by my peers.” (W VC). Washburn joined the CVM faculty The WVC is an annual continu- in 2005. He received his DVM in 1993 ing education conference held in Las from Oklahoma State University. Vegas, NV, that has been providing Washburn holds numerous leadership education for almost 83 years. One positions in several organizations. He of the largest meetings of veterinary is a program committee chair for the practitioners around the world, the Southwest Veterinarian Symposium conference focuses on six topics: small as well as the interactive laboratory animal, avian and exotics, food animal, coordinator. He is also active in the practice management, education for American College of Veterinary Inter- technicians, and equine. Each year nal Medicine, for which he has served attendees of the conference select a as food animal program chair. Dr. Kevin Washburn winner from each category to receive Washburn received this award at the great experience. I saw a lot of former the coveted Continuing Educator of Western Veterinary Conference in Las students, colleagues, and other profes- the Year award. Vegas, Nevada, in February 2011. sionals that I enjoyed connecting with. About 60 other professionals also “I have been asked to be a speaker at This conference holds a lot of tradi- spoke in the food animal division. the Western Veterinary Conference in tion, and I am happy and proud to be a Washburn’s topic was small ruminant 2012,” Washburn said. “I am excited to part of it.” return because this year I had such a Pool bestowed honorary membership by the ACVP The American College of Veteri- pathologist. It was presented to him at to still be active in academic practice in nary Pathologists (ACVP) bestowed the ACVP annual meeting on Novem- the United States. an honorary membership on Dr. Roy ber 2, 2010. Pool has taught many courses in Pool, director of the surgical pathology Honorary membership is bestowed several veterinary institutions across service and director of the osteopa- on a nonmember by a majority vote the United States and Europe. Sites thology specialty service at the Texas of the Council and confirmed by a have included University of California TA&M College of Veterinary Medicine & majority vote of the membership of the Davis, Cornell University, and Missis- Biomedical Sciences (CVM). College. sippi State University. His instruction This award—given only to a select Over the years, Pool has contributed has dealt with diseases and disorders of few individuals—was given to Pool for much to the understanding of the the musculoskeletal system of domestic his many causes and pathological diagnosis of animals, radiology, and lameness of impor- musculoskeletal diseases of domestic athletic horses. tant animals. His research has focused on Over the years, Pool’s knowledge has contri- the effects of the internal radioac- been passed down to more than 3,500 butions tive emitters on the bones and dental students, who are now veterinarians in to his tissues of beagle dogs as a model for private and institutional practices in profes- understanding the long-term effects of most of the United States. sional radioactive fallout on human skeletons; “My award is likely in part for my disci- pathology and pathogenesis of veteri- dedication to the training of veteri- pline nary orthopedic diseases; studies of the nary pathology residents and graduate over his skeletal neoplasia of bones and joints students in their preparation for the more of animals which were the basis for the ACVP board exams and in part for than World Health Organization Classifica- my contributions to research involv- 40-year tion of animal bone tumors; and the ing bone, joint, and tendon/ligament career pathogenesis of biomechanical lesions diseases of animals,” Pool said. as a vet- of bone, joints, tendons, and ligaments Pool was recruited by the CVM in erinary of athletic horses. 2002. In addition to his diagnostic du- musculo- Pool is the last of the five original ties, he gives lectures in his specialty to Dr. Roy Pool skeletal veterinary musculoskeletal pathologists veterinary students.

46 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Faculty/Staff Focus Dr. George Lees receives two national awards award is given by the ACVIM to ACVIM to orchestrate and pull things together. Diplomates who have outstanding Science is a team effort.” careers in veterinary medicine, with Lees earned his DVM from Colorado national and international recogni- State University in 1972. After gradua- tion for their contributions and service tion, he was a Captain in the U.S. Army in such activities as clinical medical Veterinary Corps for three years (1972- practice, instruction, research, and/or 75). He then completed an internship public service. at University of California Davis (1975- The AVMF/AKC Career Achieve- 76) and an internal medicine residency ment Award in Canine Research was and MS degree at the University of established in 2009. Lees is the first re- Minnesota (1976-79). Then he joined cipient of this award, which recognizes the CVM faculty in 1980. individuals who have made long-term Lees’ contributions to veterinary contributions to canine research. medicine include his work with he- “I am honored to receive both reditary kidney diseases in dogs. His awards,” Lees said. “The Kirk Award efforts led to the eradication of an Dr. George Lees is especially significant to me because inherited disease in the English Cocker Dr. George Lees, professor of Vet- I have been an ACVIM member for Spaniel. His groundbreaking efforts erinary Internal Medicine at the Texas most of my professional career and the also include spearheading the estab- A&M College of Veterinary Medicine ACVIM is composed of my peers. The lishment of the Texas Veterinary Renal & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), has AVMF/AKC Career Achievement award Pathology Service to help improve and Dreceived two distinguished awards: The also means a lot to me because the standardize the pathologic diagnosis Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional selection was solely based on my CV.” of renal diseases in dogs and cats and Excellence from the American Col- “I know that I could not be in this to facilitate sharing and analysis of lege of Veterinary Internal Medicine position if it were not for my family, digital pathology imagery throughout (ACVIM) and the American Veteri- colleagues, and the department and the world. nary Medical Foundation (AVMF)/ college leaders who encouraged me to “I have worked hard for many years,” American Kennel Club (AKC) Ca- continue my research,” Lees said. “My said Lees. “I am happy that my work is reer Achievement Award in Canine job is similar to that of conducting an being recognized, but it is on behalf Research. orchestra. There is a wind section, a of a large group of people that I have The Robert W. Kirk Award for Pro- percussion section, and many other accepted these awards.” fessional Excellence is an annual award sections that are all great at what they that has only 21 recipients to date. The do. Someone has to stand at the front

Congratulations are in order…

• Dr. Tige Witsberger, lecturer in Small Animal nert Graduate School of Management in cooperation Clinical Sciences, passed the veterinary surgery board with the American Animal Hospital Association. examination administered by the American College • Andrew Steelman, postdoctoral research associ- of Veterinary Surgeons, making him a Diplomate of ate at the CVM, recently received a postdoctoral fel- the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. His lowship from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society so scholarly interests include orthopedic surgery, fracture he can continue to develop his work. fixation, arthroscopy, minimally invasive surgery, and • Dr. Peter Rakestraw, clinical professor in Large intervertebral disk herniation. Animal Clinical Sciences, was named the Equine Pract- • Dr. Sarah Israel, former chief surgical resident at ictioner of the Year by the Texas Veterinary Medical the CVM, recently passed the veterinary surgery board Association. His scholarly interests include post-oper- examination administered by the American College of ative complications of equine colic, gastrointestinal Veterinary Surgeons, making her a Diplomate of the motility, post-operative ileus, upper airway disease in American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Her schol- horses, equine pharyngeal cicatrix syndrome, wound arly interests include orthopedics, neurosurgery, and healing in horses, laparoscopy, and reproductive arthroscopic treatment of conditions of the canine surgery. stifle, elbow, and shoulder. • Danilo Landrock, assistant research scientist un- • Matthew Durham, financial manager at the der the direction of Dr. Ann Kier at CVM, completed Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, completed a his master’s degree and received a 2011 Association of three-year graduate program in Veterinary Practice Former Students Distinguished Graduate Award. Administration offered by Purdue University’s Kran-

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 47 Faculty/Staff Focus Veterinarians hit the road for rescued donkeys

During summer 2010 the Texas A&M to make the trip for this large-scale College of Veterinary Medicine & Bio- castration. The doctors, along with medical Sciences (CVM) held a donkey Terry Stiles, director of the Veterinary and mule seminar from which a new Medical Teaching Hospital at the relationship was spurred between CVM, agreed to move forward with the DAggie veterinarians and the Peaceful project, offering a discounted price, Valley Donkey Rescue team. Peace- because of the vast number of donkeys ful Valley’s headquarters, formerly and the exciting opportunity to help based in California, made the move to with the great cause to which Peaceful Texas. With locations across the United Valley is dedicated. States, Peaceful Valley is the largest “The students perform the castra- rescue organization of its kind. tions under faculty guidance,” says Mark Meyers, executive director of Rakestraw, “We wanted to get as many Peaceful Valley, had an acquaintance people as possible to participate from with CVM anesthesiologist Dr. Nora the college to increase the training Matthews, who has done previous re- available for them.” search with donkeys. Matthews learned So far four trips have been made to at the seminar that Peaceful Valley was Peaceful Valley. The doctors are joined Dr. Justin McCormick interested in developing a relationship on average by six to eight students as well as the needed pharmaceutical with the veterinary school in hopes of each time and have castrated about 70 supplies. getting their donkeys castrated. donkeys. Other doctors at the CVM McCormick is currently working on Dr. Peter Rakestraw, clinical associ- assisting with the project include Dr. a study comparing two ways to castrate ate professor in the department of Carolyn Arnold, assistant professor, donkeys using different equipment. large animal clinical sciences, teamed and Dr. Michael Martin, associate “One of them involves using an up with Dr. Justin McCormick, a resi- professor. emasculator, which has been the dent instructor at the CVM, to set up “The students are very keen on doing standard in the literature for years,” a group of fourth year students willing this, and are also happy to take time explains McCormick, “and the second out of their Christmas break for the way involves using the Henderson experience,” Rakestraw said. Castration Device, originally developed The donkeys healthy enough for sur- for cattle and previously used on horses gery are selected and vaccinated before but not yet reported in donkeys.” the veterinarians arrive. The next day Texas A&M veterinarians are playing McCormick stays behind with a couple a vital role in these rescue efforts by of the students for follow-up sessions. offering their services. The goal is to “At first they were going to bring adopt all of the donkeys out, and there the donkeys to Texas A&M,” said is not much demand for intact ani- Rakestraw. “Since they could only mals. Therefore, having these donkeys manage 10 at a time, we decided that castrated is an important step in giving it would be easier to take the students them a chance at a new life. there where there are facilities to To learn more about Peaceful Valley Don- handle the job. We also can see some key Rescue and ways to help its efforts, visit of the wilder donkeys that will still run its website at donkeyrescue.donordrive.com. through the chutes.” To learn more about McCormick’s research, The veterinarians bring all of the send an email message to JMcCormick@ equipment necessary for the castration cvm.tamu.edu. Dr. Peter Rakestraw Suchodolski receives prestigious EEC Award

The European Emesis Council article: “The effect of the macrolide 11, 2010. The award was presented to (EEC) presented Dr. Jan Suchodolski, antibiotic tylosin on microbial diversity Suchodolski by EEC member Dr. Reito clinical assistant professor and associ- in the canine small intestine as demon- Neiger and Dr. Karine Savary-Bataille ate director of the Gastrointestinal strated by massive parallel 16S rRNA from Pfizer Animal Health, which Laboratory at the Texas A&M College gene sequencing.” The award was supports the Council financially and Iof Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical presented at the European College of administratively. Sciences (CVM), with the award for Veterinary Internal Medicine-Compan- Suchodolski is the second recipient 2009 Best Publication in Small Animal ion Animals (ECVIM-CA) Congress of this award since it was initiated in Gastroenterology for his research in Toulouse, France, on September continued on page 49

48 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Faculty/Staff Focus Moyer named a charter diplomate of ACVSMR—now recognized as a veterinary specialty organization

The executive board of the Ameri- knowledgeable faculty that provide can Veterinary Medical Association solid leadership and keep us at the (AVMA) recently recognized the forefront of our profession. Through American College of Veterinary Sports their efforts, we work to offer the Medicine & Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) latest in rehabilitation services to our Ias a veterinary specialty organization. patients so that we can have the best Dr. William Moyer, professor and opportunity for successful recovery.” department head of large animal clini- “We are proud to have Dr. Moyer as cal sciences at the Texas A&M College a charter diplomate, as his efforts spe- of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical cifically in equine rehabilitation have Sciences (CVM), was recently named a brought this specialty service the recog- charter diplomate for ACVSMR. nition it has needed,” Green said. “He “As a charter member of the will take the experience and knowl- ACVSMR, I am thrilled at the possible edge that he has from other organiza- impact this recognition will have for tions and he will prove to be an asset to our specialty service,” Moyer said. “The the newly recognized ACVSMR.” natural role of animals as athletes has The ACVSMR was established in always been the case, and thus as the Dr. William Moyer 2003 to create educational opportuni- disciplines of sports medicine and re- and rehabilitative medicine is a newer ties and to initiate research collabora- habilitation in humans continue to de- service, the ACVSMR exists to provide tions in the specialty field of rehabili- velop it is a natural application in our a platform for specialists to collaborate tative medicine. Since its inception, animal world. The sports and activities and expand their knowledge to opti- the sports and rehabilitative industry that horses and dogs perform are often mize performance and treat injuries has grown from a niche service to a reasonably as varied as human sports, with rehabilitation. mainstream service. The ACVSMR and thus risk, injury, and correction “Veterinary medicine is always encompasses two species categories: can vary among those activities.” evolving and at the CVM we know that Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabili- In the past decade, new and im- it is important to stay on top of new tation and Equine Sports Medicine and proved technology and knowledge technology and new services,” said Dr. Rehabilitation. have allowed these four-legged athletes Eleanor Green, Carl B. King Dean of The American Board of Veterinary approximately the same rehabilitative Veterinary Medicine. “I am delighted Specialties (ABVS) currently consists opportunities as their owners. Be- that the AVMA recently recognized of 21 recognized veterinary specialty cause animal participation in sports the ACVSMR as a veterinary specialty organizations. and services activities has increased organization. We are fortunate to have

The winner receives free registration “After doing the research we learned for the ECVIM-CA Congress. that every animal has an individual EEC is a group of leading veterinary response to tylosin,” Suchodolski specialists from the European Union. explains. “We used to look at bacteria The group meets several times a year using culture methods; however what to review and discuss current issues we now know is that culture is under- relevant to canine emesis. EEC’s goal is estimated to total bacteria counts. The to contribute toward improved profes- more we studied, the more we realized sional understanding of canine emesis that there is more to learn to under- because it is common in many health stand gastrointestinal microbial ecol- problems. ogy. Even though we did not find the The purpose of Suchodolski’s study result we had intended to, this research was to evaluate the effects of tylosin, an changed our perspective, and it helped antibiotic that is successful in treating us to re-focus our efforts so we can con- Dr. Jan Suchodolski chronic diarrhea in canines, but the tinue with a more specific approach.” exact effects and mode of action of Suchodolski earned his DVM from continued from page 48 which remain unknown. Suchodolski the University of Veterinary Medi- 2009. Criteria are reviewed by mem- notes that his results did not provide cine in Vienna, Austria, in 1997. He bers of the EEC in all publications of the answers he was looking for, but received his PhD in veterinary micro- small animal gastroenterology, and a Suchodolski and his team discovered biology from Texas A&M University in piece is chosen based on the following: that the bacteria in the intestines are 2005. Suchodolski joined the CVM as a originality, clinical applicability, and much more complex than was previ- research assistant in 1999. pertinence to small animal medicine. ously recorded.

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 49 Faculty/Staff Focus

Jones uses her ‘big heart’ to work with ‘little horses’

Over in the Large Animal Hospital Soon, the Joneses found that an “Cash will walk right up to the bed at the Texas A&M College of Veteri- impact was not just being made on the of an elderly person surrounded by nary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences horses, but on the family’s lives as well. machines…but all he sees is a person (CVM), a sense of family can be ob- Jones’ daughter, Madeline, 17, has been reaching his hand out for some love.” served and experienced daily. Whether showing these horses for six years and When shown love and attention, Oit is a large animal surgeon operating loves every minute of it. these little guys reciprocate it tenfold. on a steer or a customer service associ- “We have had regular-sized horses “We love bringing our horses here ate—like Jimann Jones—helping a but decided to try Madeline out with a to Texas A&M, and the doctors are client, there is a shared sense of caring miniature so that we would not have to always so excited to see them,” Jones and concern for all animals in the worry about her as much as a younger said. “Any time we bring them in, they facility. girl going out to work with or feed it on receive the same attention that we show Every morning Jones makes the her own,” explained Jones. them at home.” 45-minute drive to work from her The bond between Madeline and her Madeline was introduced to show- ranch in Milano, Texas, “Whispered first miniature, Cash, is undeniable, ing through some friends at the CVM. Prayers”. The ranch is currently home and the two have been inseparable ever After proving her dedication with to seven horses standing 14 hands or since that first day the family spotted Cash and expressing her desire to her under. him in a pasture off the road. Madeline mother about training, despite the “In the beginning, our intention was shows Cash love and attention through doubts of others who told her that Cash to just love on these animals that have working with him for competitions, was not “show material”, the duo has not had much attention and get their parades, and the occasional visit to gone on to win many awards and travel confidence and gentle nature going nursing homes. all over the country. Jones makes all of and to find them a good home,” Jones “The beauty about horses is that the outfits for the horses, from top hats said. they don’t discriminate,” Jones said. to tuxedos. “This experience has taught Madeline tremendous respon- sibility, and it is so rewarding to see her have a sense of ac- complishment after all of the hard work and training she does with these horses,” Jones said. Jones explained the ranch’s buy-back pol- icy in the event that a new owner decides they no longer can care for the horse. “If we can’t take them in, we work to try to find them a life- long home because the last thing we want is to see them back at a sale somewhere,” Jones said. At Whispered Prayers Ranch, the Jones family works united in the belief that all little guys deserve to be loved by a child or a “child- at-heart.” Just a little time can bring a lot of love to horses and people of every size. Thunder Clouds Bit of Lightning and Jimann Jones

50 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Development News Diagnostic Imaging & Cancer Treatment Center, student scholarships, and planned giving priorities

the remaining $2 novel methods, such as charitable million needed to remainder trusts, life estates, and gift completely equip annuities, that have tax advantages and the facility, please that also allow a donor the opportunity let us know. We to see the results of their giving during would be happy to their lifetime. Please let us know if you visit with you about or any of your clients or friends have the opportunities questions or interest in this area. We that are available. would love to show you some of the op- As you may tions available. know, the Texas We have had another good year for Higher Educa- development at the CVM. The gradu- tion Coordinating ates and friends of this great institu- Board recently tion are so very generous with their Dr. Guy Sheppard, Director of Development, and recommended financial support, and we are extremely Dr. O.J. “Bubba” Woytek, Assistant Vice President for Development that the Texas appreciative. Please let us know if there Construction of the Diagnostic A&M College of is anything that we may do for you, and Imaging & Cancer Treatment Center is Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical please stop by for a visit whenever you complete. There were no construction Sciences (CVM) significantly increase are in College Station. delays, and the center had its grand the number of veterinary students that Please visit our website at vetmed.tamu. opening on September 17, 2011. The it produces. The Coordinating Board edu/giving. highlight of this event was the Inaugu- also recognized the fact that our lec- ral Paws to the Pavement Beat the Hell ture rooms and other academic space C are currently at maximum utilization, Out of Cancer Pet 3K Walk/5K Run, and it was a success. so the Board further recommended that additional academic space be O. J. “Bubba” Woytek, DVM, ’65 At the center, the capabilities for Asst. Vice President for Development specialized imaging, cancer treat- constructed. Texas A&M University has ment, and research for large and small declared additional academic space for animal species, as well as for human the CVM to be one of its highest priori- research, are almost limitless. The ties, and efforts to secure funding from the state legislature are under way. Guy A. Sheppard, DVM, ’78 center is the finest in the land, and it Director of Development sets a new standard for veterinary care An ever-increasing portion of the in Texas. The best news is $8.5 million private funding support for the CVM is of the $10.5 million construction cost is coming to us by what we call “planned in hand. If you or anyone you know has giving.” The primary form of planned an interest in providing part or all of giving is through the use of a will or Chastity Rodgers bequest. There are, however, many Director of Development CVM welcomes Chastity Rodgers to Development team

Chastity Rodgers joined the Texas Rodgers, a devoted and A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & passionate animal owner, is Biomedical Sciences (CVM) Develop- very fond of her Harlequin ment Team on July 1, 2011, as Director Great Dane, Keightley. She of Development & Alumni Relations. also enjoys spending time CRodgers is a Kentucky native and a outside, whether that be on graduate of the University of Florida. the sidelines of a football She was previously a development game, learning how to officer for Mays Business School at become a skilled horseman, Texas A&M University, and she has also or training for a half-mara- worked in development for the busi- thon. Rodgers is a great ad- ness school at the University of Ten- dition to the Development nessee. Most recently, she worked in Team, and we welcome her development for the Humane Society to the CVM family! of the United States. Chastity Rodgers, Director of Development, and Keightley

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 51 Development News CVM accepts major gift from Simmons’ Estate

Simmons on behalf were very impressed that the CVM took of the Texas A&M such interest in their horses and pro- College of Veterinary vided excellent care for them, leading Medicine & Biomedi- to a lifelong friendship. The Simmons cal Sciences (CVM). were very supportive of the college and The executor of the were advocates of its mission. estate, Dr. Alan Gar- “We are thrilled to receive such a rett, presented the valuable gift from such a wonderful gift, which will be advocate not only for the college but used to help the col- for animals as well,” Green said. “These lege in areas deemed funds will be allocated appropriately to necessary by Green help build the college through educa- and the executive tion, teaching, and research efforts. council. Our donors help to make this college a Mr. and Mrs. Sim- top tier establishment, and we are truly mons were world appreciative of that.” travelers who eventu- Garrett, a CVM alumnus, was the ally resided in Corpus Simmons’ veterinarian for about 15 Christi, Texas. They years. He catered to all of their ani- had an admiration for mals, and he knew them very well. all animals, especially “The Simmonses were the gold stan- their own. They had dard of what good people should be,” Dr. Guy Sheppard, Director of Development, Dr. Alan Garrett miniature horses, a Garrett stated. “They lived a colorful (holding a portrait of Doris Simmons), and Dr. Eleanor M. Green, variety of birds, and life, and they loved their pets dearly. I Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine Chinese Tufted dogs. am honored to be the executor of the Dr. O.J. “Bubba” estate for Mrs. Simmons, and I know Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl B. King Woytek, assistant vice that Dr. Green and the executive coun- Dean of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. president for development, remem- cil will use her gift with the college’s Guy Sheppard, director of develop- bered their initial visit, when they best interest in mind.” ment, recently accepted a gift worth brought their miniature horses into the D$325,000 from the estate of Mrs. Doris Large Animal Hospital. He recalls they Research at the CVM offers donation opportunities Our world-class Veterinary Medi- These organizations are conducting populations of feral hogs in Texas and cal Teaching Hospital is made pos- tests on new chemotherapeutic drugs other states. sible in large part by the world-class to treat a particularly devastating brain Through technology derived from research that is conducted at the CVM. cancer known as glioblastoma multi- cloning projects, a new herd of goats Although a great deal of research is forme. This specific type of tumor is has been produced that can yield a Oconducted on a large variety of topics very similar in dogs and humans, and malaria vaccine in their milk. The and purposes, and although it is hard conventional medical, surgical, and ultimate goal of the project is to raise to predict which research results will radiation treatments offer little or no goats that produce useful forms of ma- have the greatest utility, we would like hope for improvement in any species laria vaccine in their milk for the mass to take this opportunity to point out a that it affects. Dogs will serve as the immunization of people in malaria few of the more notable research proj- model to test new treatments across endemic countries. ects that hold a great deal of promise multiple species. Production of food and work animal for both humans and animals. CVM researchers and their collabo- species with inherited resistance to Collaboration in research efforts rators also are testing the effectiveness diseases, as well as development of a spans departments, colleges, univer- of genetically altered “killer” lympho- clay substance to bind deadly toxins in sities, and institutes to draw on the cytes in treating lymphoma and mela- grain supplies in developing countries, expertise and talents of the bright- noma in animals and humans. are further examples of projects that est minds in various fields. Our most Reproduction scientists at the CVM could have profound impacts on hu- recent and notable collaborations are well known for their unrivaled man health worldwide. involve cancer research efforts among feat of having cloned six species of Contact the Development Team at investigators at the CVM, the MD animals. Out of this knowledge has 979.845.9043, for more information. Anderson Cancer Center, and Chil- come a research project to limit animal dren’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. reproduction by addressing the large ~ Dr. Guy Sheppard

52 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Development News What are the benefits of planned giving?

As Development Officers for the and well and continues to produce receiving from their investments in College of Veterinary Medicine & earnings that can be used to benefit this low interest rate environment, so it Biomedical Sciences (CVM), we are the CVM after the trust expires. This can be a very good method of increas- often asked about the benefits of is an outstanding way to multiply or ing cash flow for people who are living planned giving. Before that question is leverage the assets that a person has from the income of their investments. Aanswered, it might be helpful to define accumulated in order to benefit one’s Finally, creating a CRUT before the planned giving. family and the CVM. end of one’s life has some significant We usually think of planned giving CRUTs are versatile and can even be tax advantages and can further lever- as gifts that are made in the future established before the end of a person’s age one’s financial position by reduc- from one’s assets and that are gener- life. The earnings from the CRUT can ing the taxes paid on other sources of ally made after the donor’s life. The benefit the donor for the rest of his or income. most common method used to convey her life, and then a second generation Every situation is unique, but if you a planned gift is through the use of of family members can benefit for the have ever considered making a planned a will, and it is usually the simplest rest of their lives. Once again, when gift to benefit the CVM, please let us and most straightforward method of the trust is finally mature, the principal know. We would be happy to work with planned giving. Most of the planned value of the gift remains to provide you to show you the details of a plan gifts that are received by the Texas permanent benefit to the CVM. An- worked out for your specific situation. A&M Foundation for the benefit of other nice thing about a CRUT is that the CVM are placed into endowments. a donor can receive a higher rate of ~ Dr. Guy Sheppard Those who choose to share their trea- return on a CRUT than they are likely sure with us have worked hard to accu- mulate these assets, and an endowment allows the gift to remain in place and produce earnings that can support our Tired of low rates of return mission and the interests of the donor in perpetuity. on your investments? A very innovative method of planned giving is called a Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT). We like to refer to a Call about Texas A&M Foundation CRUT as the gift that gives twice. An example is probably in order to illus- Gift Annuity Rates! trate the benefit of a CRUT. If a person wanted to give their children a gift of $1 million at the end Age Rate* of his or her life, a will could be used to make such a transfer. The gift would be made, and the children would have this 50 4.20% sum of money to use as they choose. If, however, the donor decided to 55 4.40% give the $1 million to the Texas A&M Foundation (TAMF), the donor could 60 4.80% then specify that the funds be used to set up a CRUT for the benefit of their children. The funds would be invested 65 5.30% by the TAMF, and the earnings from the gift would be paid to the children 70 5.80% of the donor. The donor establishes what percentage is paid out and for 75 6.50% how many years. In this example, if 5% of the value of the CRUT is paid out annually for 20 years to the donor’s 80 7.50% children, then they will have received a total of $1 million from this gift. They 85 8.40% will receive more than $1 million if the CRUT is set up to pay out for longer 90+ 9.80% than 20 years, or if the percentage of the payout is set higher. In addition to *rates subject to change the payout received by the children, the initial $1 million gift is still alive

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 53 Alumni News CVM Honors 2011 Outstanding Alumni

The Texas A&M College of Veteri- Texas A&M as an active member in the nary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences student chapter of the American Veter- (CVM) honored five Outstanding inary Medical Association (AVMA). He Alumni with a special reception and is a past member of the Dallas County dinner at Miramount Country Club on Veterinary Medical Association, and he Tthe evening of Friday, April 1. The 2011 is a life member of the Tarrant County Outstanding Alumni are Dr. Eugene Veterinary Medical Association, where T. (Zeke) Skidmore, Class of 1956, of he has held several leadership roles, Hilltop Lakes, Texas; Dr. Dwight W. including president. He is an honor King, Class of 1970, of Wharton, Texas; roll member of the AVMA. He is also Dr. Glenn P. Blodgett, Class of 1974, of a life member of the Texas Veterinary Guthrie, Texas; Dr. H. Richard Adams, Medical Association (TVMA), where Class of 1966, of College Station, Texas; he has served as the president and in and Dr. Albert S. Abdullah, Class of several other leadership roles within Houston. In 1974, he bought Alamont 1957, of Dalhart, Texas. the organization, including chairman Veterinary Clinic in Wharton, TX. of the Board of Directors, twice. He Later he added ranch management to Dr. Eugene T. Skidmore played an instrumental role in forming his practice. Dr. Eugene T. (Zeke) Skidmore, ’56, the Regulatory Board for parimutuel From 1986 until 2006, Dr. King was has spent more than 50 years serving racing in Texas. director and chairman of the board the nation and the veterinary profes- Always finding time to give back to of Community State Bank. Banking sion as an inspection officer and a his community, Dr. Skidmore has given exposed Dr. King to prudent financial mixed animal veterinarian. several “career day” presentations at management and led to the formation local public schools. He has been a 4-H of K-Mana LLC, a business manage- leader as well as an FFA leader, and he ment company. Among the company’s is an honorary chapter farmer in Keller portfolio of clients are holdings in the ISD and Grapevine ISD. He has also ranching, banking, philanthropic fun- mentored several veterinary students. draising, private foundation, mineral Over his career, he has received production, and property management numerous awards including the Distin- industries. guished Achievement Award from the Dr. King has served several local TVMA in 2002. He is an active Aggie organizations, including the Rotary alumnus, as evidenced by his status as Club, Wharton County Youth Fair, the a Mark Francis Fellow; a member of local Boys and Girls Club, Wharton the George Bush Museum and Library ISD School Board, and the First United Foundation, where he is named on Methodist Church. In addition, his the Wall of Honor; and a long-time band, The Pot Lickers, has performed After graduation in 1956, Dr. Skid- member of the Association of Former at fundraisers for more than thirty more was commissioned by APHIS- Students Century Club. years. ISDA as a livestock inspector. From Dr. Skidmore has been married to Development of youth activities 1956 to 1959, he worked for the United his wife, Shirley, for 53 years. They became his passion, and in 1997, he States Army Veterinary Corp, stationed have two daughters (one of whom is founded and became the president in Copenhagen, Denmark. He also veterinarian, Dr. Gena Viator, ’85) and of Team Wharton, Inc., a nonprofit worked in Munich, Germany, inspect- four grandchildren. When he is not organization. Team Wharton, Inc. and ing food, beverage, and processing fa- practicing and serving his community, affiliates have raised more than $10 cilities for military personnel and their he enjoys traveling, learning to fish, million over the past 15 years to build families. In 1960, he joined a primarily working with horses, coin collecting, and fund operations for the Boys and large animal practice in Gainesville, and spending time with family and Girls Club of Wharton. Dr. King was Texas. In 1963, he joined a mixed friends. also instrumental in the formation practice clinic in Mesquite, Texas, and of the Mary Louise Dobson (MLD) in 1969 he moved to Fort Worth. For Dr. Dwight D. King Foundation. The MLD Foundation is the next 10 years he supervised and Dr. Dwight D. King, ‘70, has contin- dedicated to permanently endowing inspected the Fort Worth Stockyards ued to serve the veterinary profession the Boys & Girls Club operations. and the annual Fort Worth Stock Show. and the state of Texas for more than Dr. King’s service to the veterinary In 1979, he bought the Euless Animal 40 years with the same work ethic he profession started in the early 1970s Hospital, where he continues to run his learned as a child living on a dairy while practicing in Houston. He was mixed animal practice. farm. active in the Harris County VMA Dr. Skidmore is very involved in After his graduation from veteri- and served as secretary. In 1990, he veterinary professional organizations. nary school in 1970, Dr. King started became the director of the Gulf Coast His experience started while he was at practicing with Dr. Austin Weedon in District of the TVMA. In 1995, he was

54 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Alumni News elected Chairman of the Board of equine embryo transfer and artificial as endowments, for faculty positions, Directors, and in 2000, he was elected insemination. Under his leadership, graduate students, research, and opera- TVMA president. During his years with the ranch has consistently produced tions in an effort for Texas A&M to TVMA, he was directly involved in the and developed some of the most highly house the premiere equine program in formation of the Southwest Veterinary recognized racing and western per- the nation. Symposium and served as president for formance Quarter horses worldwide, Dr. Blodgett and his wife, Karen, the first two years. earning the ranch numerous awards have two daughters, four granddaugh- Since 1970, Dr. King has been a and distinctions from the American ters, and a new grandson. In his leisure member of the AVMA. He has been Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). time, he enjoys the outdoors, raising a Group Health and Life Insurance Dr. Blodgett’s professional contribu- horses, exercising, and horseback rid- Trustee (GHLIT) since 2006 and cur- tions are immense and encompass both ing. He also enjoys traveling with his rently serves as treasurer. His motiva- veterinary medicine and the horse in- family and photography. tion for serving as trustee is to provide dustry. He was a member of the Texas quality, affordable insurance for AVMA Racing Commission and also served on Dr. H. Richard Adams members and their families. In 2010, the Board of Directors of the American As an exemplary biomedical scien- Dr. King led the negotiation team that Association of Equine Practitioners. He tist, an accomplished administrator, generated a new PPO provider contract currently serves on the board of direc- and dedicated teacher, Dr. H. Richard that should save veterinarians more tors of the AQHA. In addition, he is an Adams, ’66, has served higher educa- than $33 million in medical insurance active member of the Texas Equine Vet- tion and the veterinary profession for costs over the next three years. erinary Association (TEVA), the Texas more than 40 years. Dr. King married Jamie Farley in Quarter Horse Association(TQHA), After serving in the Texas A&M 1968. They have two daughters and the TVMA, the American Association Corps of Cadets for four years and three granddaughters. Whether it is in of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), and graduating with his DVM in 1966, Dr. regard to his passion for his family, his the Ranching Heritage Association. Adams served as a research veterinar- profession, or his community involve- Commitment to community ser- ian and captain in the United States ment, Dr. King endeavors to follow his vice plays an important role in Dr. Army at Fort Detrick, Maryland, for personal motto: “Make It Better!” Blodgett’s life. He served on the Guth- two years. He then received his PhD in rie Common School District as a board pharmacology in 1972 from the Univer- Dr. Glenn P. Blodgett member for 24 years and was a member sity of Pittsburgh while also serving as His colleagues, his profession, and of the advisory board for Tarleton research associate. In 1972, he became his community recognize Dr. Glenn State University in Stephenville. He is an assistant professor in the depart- P. Blodgett, ’74, as a leader in equine currently chairman of the King County ment of pharmacology at the University veterinary medicine. Tax Appraisal Board and is an active After graduation, Dr. Blodgett supporter of the 4-H and FFA. joined Spur Veterinary Hospital, a Over his career, Dr. Blodgett has mixed veterinary practice in Spur for been recognized on numerous oc- two years. In 1976, he became self- casions for his contributions to the employed at the Hansford County equine industry. In 1992, he received Veterinary Hospital in Spearman, the Joan Pew Award from the National Association of State Racing Commis- sioners. He also received the AQHA Register of Merit Award in 1990. In the same year, he was named Equine Prac- titioner of the Year by the TVMA. In 1994, Dr. Blodgett was awarded an adjunct professorship in the De- partment of Large Animal Clinical of Texas Southwestern Medical School Sciences at the CVM. He also teaches in Dallas. In 1975, he was tenured and at Texas Tech University as an adjunct promoted to associate professor. In graduate faculty member. In addition, 1984, he moved to the University of he mentors 25 to 30 senior veterinary Missouri-Columbia College of Vet- students each year from throughout erinary Medicine, where he became the country at the 6666 Ranch. a professor and the chairman of the where he served primarily large-animal In honor of Dr. Blodgett’s outstand- department of veterinary biomedical clientele for 6 years. In 1982, he joined ing alumnus recognition and his sciences. Burnett Ranches, LLC (6666 Ranch) in contribution to the equine industry, While at the University of Missouri- Guthrie, where he is currently resi- the Burnett Foundation announced Columbia, Dr. Adams held several dent veterinarian and horse division a $2.5 million cornerstone gift to the leadership positions, including profes- manager. While at Burnett Ranches, Equine Initiative, establishing the sor of pharmacology at the UM Medi- Dr. Blodgett has grown the largest Glenn Blodgett Equine Chair. This will cal School, associate director of the individually owned ranch property in aid in the Equine Initiative campaign, Dalton Research Center, and interim Texas to an equine industry leader in which is to include facilities, as well continued on page 56

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 55 Alumni News

continued from page 55 of Pharmacology and Experimental was the director, vice president, and Therapeutics, Shock Society, American president of the Bi-County Fair Board dean and then dean of the College Physiological Society, American Asso- for Dallam and Hartley counties. He of Veterinary Medicine from 1992 to ciation for Accreditation of Laboratory has been a member of Rotary Inter- 1998. In 1998, he answered the siren Animal Care, Department of Defense national for 49 years, serving on the call of his alma mater and became the Trauma Study Section, and American first Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary College of Veterinary Emergency and Medicine at the CVM. He is one of few Critical Care. Dr. Adams’ bibliogra- who has served as dean at two separate phy lists more than 100 peer-reviewed Association of American Universities publications, nearly 60 book chapters, (AAU) institutions. He served as dean and editorship of two editions of the of the CVM until 2009 and continued textbook Veterinary Pharmacology and as professor of veterinary physiology Therapeutics. He currently serves on the and pharmacology until his retirement Board of Directors of the Brazos Ani- in 2010. He is now professor and dean mal Shelter of Brazos County, Texas. emeritus at both the University of Mis- souri and Texas A&M University. Dr. Albert S. Abdullah During his career, Dr. Adams re- Dr. Albert S. Abdullah, ’57, has ceived several outstanding teacher and served his country, his community, and research awards, most notably the pres- the veterinary profession since 1957. Board of Directors, as vice president tigious Excellence in Education award He is licensed to practice veterinary and president, and a Rotary camp in pharmacology from the University medicine in four states: Texas, Okla- counselor. He also has had a Masonic of Missouri-Columbia Medical School homa, New Mexico, and Kansas. affiliation since 1957. four times. In 1997, the Missouri Veter- After graduation, Dr. Abdullah Dr. Abdullah served on the Board inary Medical Association named him worked in the Dumas Animal Hospi- of Directors with the Dalhart Area the Missouri Veterinarian of the Year. tal. He was quickly commissioned as a Chamber of Commerce and was In 1999, the University of Missouri- second lieutenant in the United States named as the 1966 Citizen of the Year. Columbia named a new building in his Army Reserve. He served in active duty He has served on the Board of Trustees honor, the H. Richard Adams Multi- from December 1957 to June 1958 in for the Dalhart Independent School Purpose Conference Center. He was Fort Knox, Kentucky, after which he District for 13 years and as a mentor for named an Honorary Diplomate of the returned to practice in Dumas. In HOSTS (Help One Student to Suc- American College of Veterinary Emer- 1963, he started the Dalhart Veteri- ceed) for 14 years. He was the rodeo gency and Critical Care and received nary Clinic in Dalhart, Texas, which arena veterinarian for XIT Rodeo and the 2004 Distinguished Alumnus award was a mixed animal practice. During Reunion for 29 years and served on the from the University of Pittsburgh. this time, he was an active reservist for Board of Directors for the La Rita Per- Dr. Adams has been involved in seven and a half years, receiving an forming Arts Theatre for four years. many professional associations includ- honorable discharge in June 1966. He Commitments to professional affili- ing the AVMA, Sigma Xi, American continued to practice in Dalhart until ations in the industry are as important Academy of Veterinary Physiology 1995, when he sold his business. to Dr. Abdullah as his community ties. and Pharmacology, American Society A strong par- He has been a member of TVMA since ticipant in his 1957 and served on the Board of Direc- community, Dr. tors from 1967 to 1969. Since 1957, he 2012 CVM Abdullah is very has also been a member of the AVMA. involved in the He, along with four of his veterinary First Presbyte- colleagues, helped to found the Acad- Outstanding Alumni rian Church in emy of Veterinary Consultants (AVC) Dalhart, serving in 1970, and he has served as vice presi- as an Ordained dent and president. Today, the organi- Call for Nominations Elder and a zation has well over 750 members, and Nominations are being accepted for the 2012 Outstanding Sunday school he hopes to live long enough to see it Alumni through December 16, 2011. Graduates of the CVM may teacher. In 2007, reach 1,000 members. be nominated for this honor. A resume, or curriculum vitae, that he originated In addition to his involvement with summarizes major career accomplishments and two letters of sup- the Homework numerous community and professional port are required, as well as any additional information or letters Help Ministry organizations, Dr. Abdullah is involved that may be helpful to the selection committee. Awards will be to help third in several university alumni activities. presented at the annual dinner to be held on March 23, 2012 at graders needing In particular, he has memberships in Miramont Country Club in Bryan, Texas, as part of the 2012 CVM extra atten- the XTI A&M Club, The Association of Homecoming Weekend celebrations. tion with their Former Students, and the Texas A&M Nomination packets may be found online at vetmed.tamu.edu/ studies. He has Corps of Cadets. alumni, or by contacting Noell Vance, Development and Alumni volunteered for Dr. Abdullah married his wife, Nan- Relations Coordinator, at 979.845.9043 or [email protected]. the Cal Farley’s cy Jane, on June 21, 1958. They have Boys Ranch and a daughter, a son, and three grandsons.

56 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 Alumni News CVM alumnus completes term as AVMA president

were to bring unity to the profession in 1991 he became president of the and to encourage diversity within the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. growing field. He said that as a veteri- He has served on the AVMA Executive narian he has witnessed significant Board, representing Arkansas, Louisi- changes in the veterinary profession ana, and Texas. He has also been the since he started his practice almost 40 Executive Board liaison to the Council years ago. Kornegay stated that female of Communications, the Committee veterinarians now outnumber men and on Human-Animal Bond, the Strategic that he has hired bilingual employees Planning Committee, the Committee at his clinic to accommodate more on Veterinary Technician Education diverse clients. and Activities, the American Board “As veterinarians, we share a com- of Veterinary Specialties, the Member mon bond, and I have worked during Services Committee, and the Council my presidency to strengthen this bond on Veterinary Services. In 2005, the by welcoming everyone’s input, by CVM presented Kornegay with an Out- opening my mind to varied perspec- standing Alumnus award. tives, by offering guidance when I The AVMA was established in 1863 could, and by helping build unity to as a not-for-profit association struc- Dr. Larry Kornegay mend those fractures,” Kornegay said. tured to work for its members and to Dr. Larry Kornegay, a 1971 graduate “I worked tirelessly over the past year to be a united voice for the veterinary pro- of the Texas A&M University College welcome everyone to the table. While fession. AVMA represents more than of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical I am so proud of what we have accom- 80,000 veterinarians in all fields of the Sciences (CVM), has recently com- plished, particularly when it comes veterinary profession. Kornegay is the pleted his term as president of the to the great work our staff is doing to sixth Aggie to serve in this prestigious DAmerican Veterinary Medical Associa- enhance diversity in the profession, you office. tion (AVMA). His election to this office and I both know we can do more.” Kornegay attended many CVM came at the association’s 147th Annual Kornegay has practiced compan- events during his term in support of Convention in Atlanta on July 30, 2010. ion animal veterinary medicine in the initiatives of his alma mater. The In his acceptance speech at the Houston for 36 years. He has served CVM family is grateful for the accom- convention before the AVMA House in many leadership roles. In 1981, he plishments during his presidency and of Delegates, Kornegay outlined his became president of the Harris County his lasting legacy. platform and goals. His main goals Veterinary Medical Association, and Class of 1951 celebrates 60th reunion

The College of Veterinary Medicine Unable to attend: Professors Dr. Clarendon, Texas; Dr. D.J. McDermith, & Biomedical Sciences was recently Horace Barron, Taylor, Texas, and Summersville, Missouri; Dr. Tom Ryan, honored by a visit from members of the Dr. Bill Lumb, FT. Collins, Colorado; Kingsville, Texas; Dr. Bill Hancock, Class of 1951. Class Members Dr. Joe Waidhofer, Ft.Dodge, Iowa; Dr. Jim Prine, Stay- These esteemed veterinarians attend- Stockton, California; Dr. E.B. Range, ton, OR.; Dr. Jim Gandy, Brownwood, Ted the annual Homecoming Weekend Big Spring, Texas; Dr. Chuck Deyhle, Texas. and celebrated the 60th anniversary of their graduation. Attending the event were, from left to right, Dr. Clifton Pfeil, Refugio, Texas; Dr. Monte Swatzell, Cleburne, Texas; Dr. James Lamp, Bellville, Texas; Dr. Jack Duwe, Junction, Texas; Dr. Barry Allen, Old Glory, Texas; Dr. Bill Alexander, Broken Arrow, Okla- homa; Dr. Charles Aiken, Georgetown, Texas; Dr. Thomas Matthews, Luling, Texas; and Dr. Don Williams, Colorado Spring, Colorado. Not pictured: Dr. Chester Studdard, Gilmer, Texas.

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 57 Mark Francis Fellows

The Mark Francis Fellows recognizes Dr. Kristen M. Hassler Dr. and Mrs. Howard W. Whitford donors who have given $1,000 or more Lantana, TX Hamilton, MT to the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Donors are Mr. and Mrs. David A. Jennings Members Advancing grouped into two alphabetical lists: Dallas, TX to Higher Level of Giving: New Members and Members Advanc- T Mr. and Mrs. James C. Kempner ing to Higher Levels of Giving. The Dolly Bille following donors are honored for their Sugar Land, TX Pearland, TX cumulative giving from September 1, Jackie Krshka 1991, through December 31, 2010. Dr. and Mrs. Marvin S. Cannon Yukon, OK College Station, TX New Members: Dr. and Mrs. J. Wayne Kyle Dr. Laura B. Cauthen Carthage, TX Catherine O. Albert Gilmer, TX Dallas, TX Phillip J. Laas Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Edge Plano, TX Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence T. Baron Dallas, TX Columbus, TX Dr. and Mrs. Jock D. Lee Dr. Barron P. Hall Fritch, TX Donna Broder Fairfax, VA Terrell, TX John W. Lyons, Jr. Dr. Scott M. Henslee & Amy Gordon Dickinson, TX Dr. and Mrs. Jerry O. Brumlow San Antonio, TX Floresville, TX J. Kyle McNeely Dr. and Mrs. James R. Holcomb Cincinnati, OH Rebecca L. Burghardt West Lake Hills, TX College Station, TX Lannie L. Mecom Dr. and Mrs. Larry Johnson Avondale, CO Edward J. Cakl College Station, TX Midland, TX Dr. Stephanie L. Mont Dr. and Mrs. Ben F. Knotts, Jr. Landstuhl, Germany Gary S. Charlson Cocoa Beach, FL Plano, TX Dr. Georgia E. Myers James C. Ledlow, Jr. Odessa, TX Kingwood, TX Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Cohen College Station, TX Mr. and Mrs. Norman D. Portner Dr. Joe D. Loftis Leesburg, VA Rockwall, TX Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cooper Waco, TX Mr. and Mrs. Steve Resnick Carole McCann Friendswood, TX Fulshear, TX Bonnie S. Cox Dallas, TX Elizabeth L. Roberts Tara L. McNeely College Station, TX Houston, TX Yong Culbertson Dallas, TX Mr. and Mrs. Darrell G. Shelton Mr. and Mrs. Richard Scott Osborne Belleville, IL Melrose, TN Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin M. Cutler Paradise Valley, AZ Dr. and Mrs. Guy A. Sheppard Irene Purcell College Station, TX Houston, TX Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Fregelette Erie, CO L. Joe Speed Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. Simpson Edna, TX Houston, TX Dr. Scott M. Gilpatric Knoxville, TN Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Sullivan Dorthy Thornton Humble, TX Edgewood, TX Mr. and Mrs. Joe Golding Dr. Lori M. Teller Cedar Rapids, IA David W. Wisdom Bellaire, TX Texarkana, TX Dr. Sonya S. Gordon Noell Vance College Station, TX Bryan, TX

Nancy Hall Alexander Harris Weisberg Purcellville, VA Washington, DC

58 • CVM Today • Fall 2011 In Memoriam

Dr. Arden G. Kemler Class of 1952 Gilbert Dale Lindsey, 86, of Levelland, TX, died Feb. 24, 2011. A scholarship fund has been start- Donald C. Pitts, 85, of Breckenridge, Texas, died Jul. 09, 2011. ed in memory of Dr. Arden G. Kem- Gilberto Treviño, 86, of San Antonio, TX, died Mar. 28, 2011. ler who was professor emeritus in the Department of Veterinary Anatomy at Class of 1953 Texas A&M University College of Vet- Dwayne L. Fitte, 80, of Marlin, TX, died Oct. 2, 2010. erinary Medicine. While at the CVM, A Class of 1955 he was a recipient of the Faculty Achievement Award and the Norden Paul Raymond Durham, 82, of Port Arthur, TX, died Nov. 20, 2010. Award for Teaching. Kemler received Jerry J. Hosek, 78, of Dallas, TX, died Feb. 26, 2011. his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1956 from Kansas State University and his Joseph Robisheaux, 78, of Coraopolis, PA, died Feb. 12, 2011. Masters of Science from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University Class of 1958 Dr. Arden G. Kemler of Georgia. Frank M. Roach, 81, of Jonesboro, LA, died May 1, 2010. Gifts in his memory may be made payable to the Texas A&M Foundation Class of 1959 under the “Arden Kemler Fund.” Charles H. Garrett, 81, of San Antonio, TX, died Oct. 22, 2010. Gifts in his memory may be made to the Texas A&M University College of College Alumni Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843. Col. USAF (Ret.) Norman Dale Heidelbaugh, 83, of Fairfax Station, VA, died Jan. 28, 2011. Class of 1960 Asa “Bill” Childers, 75, of Mart, TX, died Jul. 21, 2011. Class of 1939 Clinton D. Barrett, 94, of Victoria, TX, died Jan. 5, 2011. Class of 1964 John W. Henley, 70, of Coleman, TX, died Oct. 15, 2010. Class of 1941 Merida William Castleberry, 94, of Cherokee, KS, died Dec. 16, 2010. Class of 1967 Edward A. Driscoll, 93, of Pasadena, TX, died on Mar. 20, 2011. Allen Greer Hicks, 67, of Teague, TX, died Jul. 6, 2010. Henry B. Mostyn, 92, of Magnolia, TX, died Dec. 4, 2010. Class of 1970 Ole Henry Vernon Stalheim, 93, of Garretson, SD, died Nov. 15, 2010. Dorman “Mac” Warren, 77, Coryell County, TX, died Oct. 23, 2010. Class of 1942 Class of 1971 Dr. William W. “Doc” Merritt, 88, of Minneota, MN, died Jan. 25, 2007. Jack Moore, 62, Houston, TX, died Feb. 23, 2011. Class of 1943 Class of 1973 Dann E. Beckley, 91, of Tyler, TX, died Jan. 1, 2010. Jack “Don” Rux, Jr., 63, of Olney, TX, died Jun. 18, 2011. Warren A. Phillips of Pepperell, MA, died Aug. 4, 2010. Earl Stevens, 90, of Helena, TX, died Dec. 3, 2010. Class of 1974 Sidney W. Hanslik, Class of 1944 60, of Big Spring, TX, Jack Dalton Tiner, 87, of San Antonio, TX, died Oct. 6, 2010. died Mar. 24, 2010. Class of 1945 Odie Dan Wright, 59, Duard Desmond (Bill) Linam, 91, of Austin, TX, died Apr. 9, 2011. of Menard, TX, died James “Jim” Elnarr Reed, 86, of Gastonia, TX, died Mar. 30, 2011. Jan. 23, 2011. Donald L. Williams, 88, of Bryan, TX, died Oct. 21, 2010. Class of 1975 Class of 1946 Gary Parker, 63, of Walter F. Juliff Jr., 89, of College Station, TX, died May 30, 2011. Albuquerque, NM, died Jan. 12, 2011. Class of 1947 Henry Ash, 88, of Birmingham, AL, died Feb. 19, 2011. Class of 1978 Kathleen Gay Parker, Class of 1948 57, of Chickasha, OK, Charles Michael Corbett, Jr., 83, of San Antonio, TX, died Dec. 15, 2010. died Jan. 12, 2011. Pierce Humble, 91, of Albuquerque, NM, died Nov. 8, 2010. Class of 1980 Class of 1949 JoGayle Howard, 59, Richard Dix Howe, 82, of Fort Worth, TX, died Nov. 15, 2010. of Dallas, TX, died Mar. Roy Wilson, 86, of La Grange, TX, died Dec. 3, 2010. 5, 2011. Class of 1950 Class of 1990 James Edward Hoban, 86, of San Antonio, TX, died Sep. 21, 2010. Susan Lea Fulton, 47, Class of 1951 of Lubbock, TX, died Paul Waddell Landrum, Jr., 87, of San Marcos, TX, died Aug. 10, 2010. Aug. 12, 2011. Robert Lendol McDonald, 86, of Round Rock, TX, died Jan. 14, 2011.

CVM Today • Fall 2011 • 59 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CVM COLLEGE STATION Today TEXAS 77843 Public Relations, Office of the Dean PERMIT NO. 215 Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University, 4461 TAMU CHANGE SERVICE College Station, TX 77843-4461 REQUESTED

Parting Shot by Larry Wadsworth

Dean Eleanor Green talks with Charles “Doc” Anderson, representative from the 56th district in the Texas House of Representatives, at a reception at the Hirshfeld-Moore House on February 1, 2011. This reception wrapped up Veterinary Day with the Texas Legislature, which was the first event of the CVM’s year-long celebration of World Veterinary Year.