the Preceptor of the Year: Dr. Gary Rupp, Director of the Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center Outlook at the University of Nebraska College of Veterinary Medicine Western University of Health Sciences Summer 2009/Volume 10, Issue 4

Dr. Marty Becker Offers Inspiration to ’09 CVM Graduates Giant Panda Research Dr. Wael Khamas Named Distinguished Teacher CVM News WAVE Program

n A Work Of Heart the Word from the Dean n Outlook Summer 2009/Volume 10, Issue 4 The Faculty and Staff of the College of Veterinary Medicine have just completed graduation exercises for the Class of College of Veterinary Medicine 2009 – took a short breath – and immediately began Western University preparation for the incoming class of 2013. Although it of Health Sciences seems like a never-ending cycle, (applications for the Class of 2014 are already being received), I would like to take a moment to extend our sincere congratulations to the Class Associate Editor: of 2009. During this brief hiatus from frenetic activity, Paul Gordon-Ross, DVM, MS I would also like to extend my appreciation to the faculty 909.706.3529 and staff of the college for their professional diligence and [email protected] commitment to the well-being of our student body. I have already addressed my admiration for the staff in a previous Associate Editor: Carla Sanders issue. This time, I want to share with you my respect and [email protected] admiration for the faculty.

It is a pleasure to come to work with colleagues who are Contributor: Renee Cook committed to a common purpose. It is gratifying and 909.469.5651 reassuring to work with a dedicated group of people who genuinely care about the well- [email protected] being of its student body, as well as each other.

The individual accomplishments of this faculty extend beyond their role in establishing the Photographer: Jess Lopatynski academic environment of our college. Many are nationally recognized in their respective 909.469.5298 disciplines, while some are establishing themselves in their fields. All have provided [email protected] significant contributions to the development of this new college and its curricular philosophy. Graphic Designer: Paul Gettler It is difficult enough to establish a new veterinary medical college, private or public, in any 909.469.5256 economic environment. It is even more challenging when that college establishes new [email protected] paradigms for basic and clinical veterinary education. Yet, this collective of educators from 17 different countries, including the U.S. have been able to work together to develop a ------curricular model that incorporates many of the “desired” attributes of education recommended by the profession for decades. It is that much more of an accomplishment 309 E. Second St. when the results of our efforts also include the development of a cohesive core faculty. Pomona, CA 91766-1854 I would be remiss if I did not mention the importance of our Clinical Associates who serve www.westernu.edu/cvm as Preceptors for our core courses in the third and fourth years of the Curriculum. We are [email protected]. fortunate to be located in a region of the country where a dense concentration of some of the best practices in the world are located. The College’s Clinical Associates have demonstrated the same professional commitment to our students as our core faculty, and, n for their efforts, have received similar gratifying experiences. My visits to these clinics have A Work Of Heart revealed one common unifying characteristic – a philanthropic spirit! They want to give back to the profession in ways that will enhance it. On The Cover

I wish to extend my appreciation to the Faculty of Western University College of Veterinary CVM students during Commencement Exercises at the Medicine for their professionalism and dedication to our students. Pasadena Civic Auditorium in May of 2009. Photo by Jess Lopatynski

Phillip Nelson , DVM, PhD

2 CVM News n On behalf of Dean Phil Nelson , we congratulate Dr. Tracey paper, “Comparison of Adoption Agency Breed Identification and McNamara as the recipient of the 2009 Association of Women DNA Breed Identification of Dogs” on July 12. Veterinarians Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her Linda Kidd Peggy Barr work in advancing the field of veterinary medicine and improving Drs. and presented at the American the status of women in veterinary medicine. This prestigious College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Annual Meeting in national award recognizes the accomplishments of Dr. McNamara, Montreal, Canada, in June 2009. Their topic was “Evidence for who was instrumental in reporting the correct diagnosis for the Spotted Fever Rickettsioses in Southern California Dogs and 1999 West Nile virus outbreak in New York and demonstrated the People: Novel species, Novel vectors.” important role of veterinarians in public health. Dr. McNamara received her award at the American Veterinary Medical Association Upcoming Event Convention in Seattle, Wash., in July.

n The first Current Research in Avian Diseases Conference will be held at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Dr. Suzana Tkalcic participated in the 20th Ljudevit Jurak Health Sciences on Sept. 19-20, 2009. The goal of this conference is International Symposium on Comparative Pathology in Zagreb, to allow avian researchers to present, share and discuss their Croatia, June 5-6, 2009. She gave an Oral Presentation: research findings and other advances on free-ranging and captive “Interprofessional Medical Education and Role of Comparative birds’ diseases. For more information, please visit the conference Pathology;” and served as session chair and poster presenter with web page, www.westernu.edu/avian-conference. the topic “Transmissable Venereal Tumor in Male Dogs in the USA: You also may contact Dr. Miguel D. Saggese at Incidence and Characteristics.” The poster presentation was a [email protected] or by phone R. Moreland M. Blauvelt collaborative effort with Dr. and Dr. at 909-706-3532 for additional information. from Antech Diagnostics in Irvine, CA.

n Dr. Victoria Voith presented three topics at the 146th AVMA Annual Convention in Seattle, Wash., in July: 1) Shelter Medicine: A Comparison of Visual and DNA Identification of Dogs, 2) Shelter Medicine: A Comparison of Visual and DNA Identification of Dogs, and Panel, and 3) Facilitating the Human-Animal Bond in the Community. She also presented on “The Impact of Companion Animal Problems on Society” on July 13, and she presented a

CVM Students Rise to the Challenge ONCE AGAIN , CVM STUDENTS FROM WESTERN UNIVERSITY of Health in progress; the next challenge begins Jan. 1, 2010. Sciences emerged victorious in the Josh Challenge, raising more than $15,000 during the 2008 calendar year. Dr. Sanchez stresses that each kit is a tool, not a toy, to aid children approximately 3 to 10 years old. The nationwide event spurs veterinary colleges to raise funds in “The book included in the kit is told by Josh, a puppy, who tells support of The Josh and Friends Project. Through this program, about the time he went to the veterinarian to have surgery and Josh kits – a plush Golden Retriever stuffed animal and a book how he ended up being OK,” Dr. Sanchez explains. “It’s being used entitled, “I’ll Be OK” – help make hospital stays easier for as a tool to help children in the hospital understand what they’re youngsters. going through, to provide mental support and to help them know “It’s a friendly competition between all of the participating they’re going to be OK.” veterinary schools,” explains Dr. Darlene Sanchez , who has been She says the program has a deeper meaning for her. a co-chair for this project since 2006. Sanchez, 29, graduated in June with her DVM and now is working in Norco as a small-animal “It reminds us all how human and veterinary medicine is all one practitioner. medicine. It’s a way for veterinarians and veterinary students to contribute to human medicine in yet another way. To see the faces Dr. Sanchez says the WesternU CVM students raised funds of the children, and know it’s actually helping them with their primarily through a letter-writing campaign to family and friends quality of life, means a lot to me.” of the students and supporters of the college. The CVM students have taken top honors each year they’ve been involved in the If you would like to make a donation to The Josh and Friends challenge, raising more than $10,000 in 2007 and about $6,000 in Project, or for more information, contact Lauren Higgins at each of several years before that. The 2009 challenge is currently [email protected]. 3 Dr. Marty Becker Offers Words of Inspiration to ’09 CVM Graduates

DR. M ARTY BECKER IS A MAN OF MANY WORDS , a great deal of them humorous. But it was also his inspirational side that took center stage on May 15 as he gave the commencement address for the Western University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Amid the quips and laughter was a message to this year’s graduates that will serve them well through the years to come: “People won’t care how much you know until you show them how much you care.”

The nationally known veterinarian firmly believes that caring and medicine are the keys to being a great vet. He’s an avid proponent of the human-animal bond and espouses it regularly.

“Dogs and cats don’t just make us feel good, they are good for us,” he said during an interview prior to commencement. “There’s a reason for that.”

Becker talked about that bond in “Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul,” the 1998 volume he co-authored with several others. His work on that book led to an initial one-time shot on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” which in turn has become a 12-year- long stint as the veterinary contributor for the popular morning program. He has co-authored 17 books, sold more than 7 million copies and has had three New York Times bestsellers. In addition, the human-animal bond and the human-animal health connection.” he is co-author of a syndicated column, Pet Connection , and has He wanted to know more, and now he’s the one spreading the been featured in dozens of television programs and national word to millions. publications. Most recently, he met with Oprah Winfrey’s production company about starting his own television show. Becker calls veterinarians America’s elite in the medical field. Only about 2,500 vets graduate every year, he says, and there are only Despite his fame and recognition these days, Becker, of Bonners 60,000 practicing vets in the country. He cites recent surveys that Ferry, Idaho, is still a practicing vet at the North Idaho Animal show vets are favorites among the general public. In a Harris Poll, Hospital in Sandpoint, Idaho. He is a 30-year veteran veterinarian, the top three most prestigious positions were astronaut, Supreme and he has never forgotten the spark that ignited his own passion Court justice and veterinarian. A similar poll on trustworthiness for working with animals. was led by nurses, pharmacists and vets.

Raised on a small farm in southern Idaho, he was “about 6 or 7 “Not only do you get a uniformly positive response, but the rest of when I knew I wanted to be a vet. I knew it was right for me. I your family gets the reflective glory – your mom, dad, loved animals, I loved science.” He adds that he helped a vet with grandparents.” animals large and small – his community’s own James Herriot – and “I saw the power the man had. There was such respect for him His own family includes Teresa, his wife of 30 years; daughter and trust and admiration.” Mikkel Becker Shannon, 23, a nationally syndicated columnist who co-authored his last three books, and son Lex, 18, who just Similarly, most kids start under the age of 10 seeking a life as a vet, completed his freshman year at the University of Idaho. Also in the he says. mix are three dogs – a golden retriever and two “canine cocktails,” as he calls the mixed breeds – and four barn cats. “They are the ones who use their own cats and dogs as pretend patients, wrapping up a ‘broken’ leg or doing ‘surgery.’ They are the He praises WesternU’s College of Veterinary Medicine in preparing ones who wanted to bring strays home or stop by the side of the its students for what lies ahead. road to pick up an injured animal.” “They have been very innovative and have created a really unique Becker grew up wanting to become an equine veterinarian. On his educational experience in preparing society ready vets,” he says. first day of class in college, “the dean gave an incredible talk about “They’ve gotten a head start.”

4 Community Turns Out for Open House

RECORD CROWDS AGAIN FLOCKED TO THE WESTERN U CAMPUS this spring for the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Fourth Annual Open House, filling the esplanade throughout the day. Among those in attendance at the April 18 event were local elementary, middle and high school children and their parents; pre-vet clubs; Scouting groups (some from as far away as the San Fernando Valley), and other community members. The Scouts were able to earn a merit badge by visiting and talks, tours of the college, low-cost pet micro-chipping, and participating in specific stations at the Open House. information about how to become a veterinarian. Visitors to the daylong event also heard from CVM students, who The barbecue and food area are always a huge part of the open yearly are excited and eager to educate and promote their career house and this year was no exception. The proceeds from these choice to visitors. Other activities included a reptile/Bunny Bunch sales help fund student club trips to conferences and veterinary House, agility dog demonstrations, a mobile milking parlor, career educational seminars.

GRADS IN THE FIELD “Grads in The Field” is a regular column in Outlook. CVM alumni are encouraged to e-mail [email protected] sharing experiences from their first years as veterinarians.

It is with great excitement that I am leaving the hospital at which I have been working for the past two years and heading off toward a new adventure. My decision to leave does not reflect any dissatisfaction or unhappiness. On the contrary, working for my present hospital has been a wonderful experience. Although I could discuss the many medical cases I have managed during the past two years, or the responsibility of becoming medical director after less than a year in the field, what has impressed me the most during this time is the profound effect we, as veterinarians, have on the lives of both animals and people. I am touched every day by the amount of trust people place in me to take care of their animal family members. While knowing how to care for my patients is obviously an extremely important skill, I believe being open and communicating clearly and compassionately with their caregivers is by far one of the most valuable skills I learned while at WesternU. By the end of this month (June) I will be on a two-week journey back to Fairbanks, Alaska, in a short school bus with a menagerie of dogs, cats, birds, and a turtle, as well as my life partner (Heather Nevill, DVM). This is the place I consider home. I will be accepting a position as an associate veterinarian with Mt. McKinley Animal Hospital. During my time in Southern California, I could not have asked for a better group of colleagues or more wonderful and dedicated clients. I have grown in many ways and will always treasure the opportunities and experiences provided to me.

E. Paige Heywood, DVM, MA Charter Class of 2007

Grads: Have you had a scientific paper published in a peer-reviewed journal? Please let us know! Contact [email protected]. Thanks!

5 PRECEPTOR OF THE YEAR

DR. G ARY RUPP , DIRECTOR OF THE GREAT PLAINS VETERINARY interact with the EDUCATIONAL CENTER at the University of Nebraska, was chosen livestock industry.” as the third-year Preceptor of the Year for 2009. Dr. Rupp says The students also are well he was “deeply honored” to receive the award on behalf of the rounded, he says, faculty and staff at the GPVEC and the livestock managers, demonstrating a strong workers, and cowboys at the United State Meat Animal desire to learn, have great Research Center (USMARC). diversity, and are very “(The award) provides us with an indication that students not enthusiastic during their only enjoyed the time but gained knowledge about livestock clinical skills rotation production which they can either utilize directly working here. The one area in with producers, or indirectly by educating their urban clients which the WesternU about our national food supply, animal welfare, and other students excel is in asking questions about livestock production when in veterinary questions and getting the most out of their time at GPVEC. practice,” he says. Dr. Rupp seemingly has been involved with animals all his life. In Nebraska, there is room for about 25 students at one time in He was raised on a dairy farm in Colorado and has been a the residence hall, according to Dr. Rupp. The students from veterinarian since 1964, when he graduated from Colorado WesternU are there for two weeks to learn about beef cattle, State University. He spent about 10 years in a predominantly sheep, and swine production, as well as health. beef cattle/equine practice in Western Colorado. In addition, he “This two weeks is very intensive and covers a wide variety of served on the veterinary faculty at UC Davis for two years, the topics from nutrition, selection, basic husbandry, management, large animal faculty at Colorado State University for eight years, economics, and animal health. In other words, it’s an industry the large animal faculty at Texas A&M University five years, and overview for beef, sheep, and swine production,” he explains. has been at the University of Nebraska as director of the Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center since its inception in “Our University of Nebraska facility is a teaching institution 1988. He also now owns a beef cow herd in Nebraska. located at the United States Meat Animal Research Center. We assist in the care, production, and health of approximately His profession could ask for no better advocate. 25,000 head of livestock on 35,000 acres of grass and “I believe the veterinary profession has a lot to offer mankind cropland. The veterinary students are a major part of our and all animals, regardless of whether they are companion, mission and structure as a teaching institution so they work performance, livestock, wildlife, laboratory or other type of into our situation very well.” animals. I am a firm believer in our profession because of the Dr. Rupp says the WesternU students who have been through compassion and sincerity of the veterinarians that I have the program are very goal oriented and interested in learning known and worked with in their desire to serve both animals about the aspects of production that affect animal health. and society in their best interest. “They are very capable of utilizing modern tools to research “My hope for the future is that new graduates will continue ideas, textbooks, published papers, and other resources in this tradition. And based upon the WesternU class of 2009, I addition to our faculty to gain knowledge of how veterinarians have confidence this will happen.”

JOB FAIR October 1 & 2, 2009

Interview This Year’s Graduating Class for Intern or Associate Positions Tour the College of Veterinary Medicine Call or e-mail for information, Paul Gordon-Ross 909-706-3529 or [email protected] *RSVP Required • Event Location: 505 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA 6 CVM Adds Two Fourth-year Preceptor Awards

FOURTH -YEAR CORE I NTERNAL FOURTH -YEAR CORE S URGERY MEDICINE DR. H ELEN HAMILTON owns DR. G ARY BROWN calls the Preceptor Veterinary Internal Medicine Service Award “a great personal honor to be in the Northern California town of able to pass on pearls of wisdom and Fremont, near San Francisco. Under personal knowledge to our future her guidance, the WesternU CVM veterinarians. There is no greater students learn not only what to do, feeling than being able to educate but how to do it. Hands-on learning these students.” has become Dr. Hamilton's trademark Dr. Brown, who owns Veterinary contribution to aspiring future Orthopedic and Surgery Service in veterinarians. Fremont, California, generally has one “They go into the room, take a student at a time, which allows him history and come up with a the opportunity to work one on one Helen Hamilton, Gary Brown, DVM, DACVS DVM, MS, DACVIM treatment plan,” Dr. Hamilton with each student. The students spend explains. Then, she and the students four weeks at his practice and are responsible for book work, discuss the plan, and they both go back and present it to the hands-on patient care, and scrubbing into every surgery. He pet’s owner. sees the WesternU students as “very well-prepared.” “I put our students in charge of the case from the time the “They do not come here with the expectation that they are to patient is admitted to the time the patient is discharged,” read a book and watch surgery. This is hands on, and they are Hamilton says of the veterinary students under her tutelage. right there digging in. They want this education and are not “We discuss cases daily.” expecting to just slide through and pass a test.” She usually has no more than two students at a time for a In contrast, he says, “students from other schools seem to be month-long stay. Their responsibilities also include calling the spoon fed information and are more robotic in their education. clients and helping with discharge. The WesternU students fish and dig for information from me “I want them to be in charge. I want them to make the and other instructors and put it together in an applicable way. decisions, to justify them to me and talk about the diagnosis,” They have life experiences out in the rotation hospitals; says Dr. Hamilton. “With some students, it takes a while to start emergencies, surgeries that have twists and turns; wrapping their mind around this concept – that they are in complications. Books don't provide this.” charge.” Dr. Brown says he and the staff have a great time with the She praises the students from WesternU. “They are very self- fourth-year students and he loves to experience their motivated, more so than some of the other schools I’ve worked enthusiasm. with. The WesternU students are very, very good at solving “Each student has a different personality, education and problems.” background. It is fun to get to know them and what they are Born in Athens, Greece, Dr. Hamilton has led a peripatetic life. going to do with their degree. Each student brings a little She earned an undergraduate degree from Virginia Polytechnic something to the practice and leaves with a lot.” Institute and graduated from veterinary school at the Dr. Brown obtained his DVM from Ohio State University, University of Georgia. She served an internship at the followed by an internship and residency at Animal Medical University of Minnesota and completed her residency and Center in New York and received his board certification in master’s degree at Colorado State University. She now has been veterinary surgery in 1971. He was the service head in in private practice in California for 21 years. Dr. Hamilton is orthopedics at Animal Medical Center, from 1968 to 1972. Dr. currently a Clinical Professor of Veterinary Internal Medicine at Brown was an Clinical Assistant Professor of Veterinary Surgery WesternU. at University of California, Davis, from 1973 to 1976 and is This summer, Dr. Hamilton began her third year as a preceptor currently active in private practice and is a Clinical Professor of and says she is finding genuine satisfaction in being able to Veterinary Surgery at WesternU. His interests include limb pass on the skills of the profession she loves to the next alignment and total joint replacements. generation of veterinarians. Away from the office, he is a member of the Health Committee for the Irish Setter Club of America and enjoys judging Sweepstakes in Irish Setters.

7 CVM Student Profiles - Class of 2012 n

I am from the central coast of California, and attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo for my undergrad education in Animal Science. My main veterinary interest is in equine medicine. I recently married a wonderful man, and we’re excited to start our married life in a new city.

Natacha Staub Originally from the Silicon Valley in Northern California, I graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. When I’m not practicing Taiko drumming, or magic in front of a mirror, I enjoy gaining a variety of animal experiences and working with all animals. I am prepared to sacrifice my nap time to become the best veterinarian I can!

Kazuki Ueki I was born in New York, but moved around a lot, and graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a BS in Animal Science. I have worked with horses, small animals, and exotics, but I am finding that my passion is for exotic animal care and surgery.

Rebecca Walton I grew up in Renovo, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Eastern University in 2006 with a BS in Chemistry. I followed my husband to WesternU when he started the Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program, and am so glad to be joining the WesternU family. I am interested in small animals.

Raised in Sebastopol, California, I graduated from University of Jodi Wilson California, Davis with a BS in biotechnology in 2002. Subsequently, I pursued an MS in Clinical Microbiology, studying the Tc response to intradermal and intramuscular influenza vaccinations at University of Washington, La Crosse. I am interested in small animal medicine, public health and education, and zoonotic diseases. Kristi Winkler

I was born in Romania, and received a BA in Biology and Psychology from Rutgers University in New Jersey. After graduating, I processed biochemical structures for the Protein Data Bank, and conducted research in rat neurophysiology and fish evolutionary-developmental genetics. I worked at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital and Monmouth Racetrack.

Alice Xenachis I am relocating to the West Coast from the Great Lakes area of the Midwest. I grew up in Michigan and have lived in Chicago doing cancer research. I enjoy longboarding, swimming, and running and look forward to exploring the California landscape. Future interests include oncology and infectious disease.

Kacey Young

8 Pfizer Award for Research Excellence Miguel D. Saggese, DVM, MS, PhD

BEFORE THERE WAS THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL , before Animal Planet, before traveling the globe on the Internet, there was “Daktari.” That late-’60s children’s television show on CBS, about an American veterinarian and his family in East Africa, brought the wonder of that magical foreign land home to millions each week. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it made an indelible impression on one small boy. “We didn’t have everything that’s on TV today,” says Dr. Miguel Saggese . “But we had ‘Daktari’ and I got interested in animals and birds.” That interest has led him on a journey of research and discovery that today helps birds of prey worldwide. His efforts in avian disease research were recognized this spring at Western University when Saggese was honored with the Pfizer Award for Research Excellence. He is especially appreciative of the award as it was given by his peers. Saggese, DVM, MS, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Veterinary Microbiology and Avian Diseases at WesternU. But he also likens himself to the juggler in the circus, with many balls in the air at once. That includes not only research, but teaching and learning, as when he is in the field taking samples. “I like to do everything, many things, at the same time,” he says, laughing.

Saggese is passionate about the work that has taken him from his of prey – and the diseases that affect them – intensified. home country and led him across the United States. He earned his veterinary degree at the University of Buenos Aires and worked for “My country is a tropical region and has one of the richest many years at a teaching hospital as a small animal veterinarian. subcontinents in the world,” he says, noting there are about 1,000 species of birds. He went on to complete his He began looking at conservation problems with wildlife in the Masters of Science northern part of Argentina and started to worry. and a residency at the University of “Birds are the key to nature,” he explains. Minnesota in 2004. As his medical knowledge grew, so did his interest in avian He earned his PhD conservation and understanding the diseases that affect the birds, from Texas A&M including avian tuberculosis. He believes strongly in educating University in 2007 others as well, helping other colleges in their research and being and arrived at actively involved in two international organizations: He is the WesternU shortly Southern Hemisphere director for the Raptor Research Foundation thereafter. Inc. and is a director and board member of The Association of It was during those Avian Veterinarians. years working in He returns to Argentina once or twice a year not only to visit Buenos Aires and family – his mother, father and sister all live there – but to further taking a closer look the study of raptors and other birds of prey. at Argentina that his interest in birds The juggler never stops.

9 Giant Panda Research WHEN FUTURE GENERATIONS MARVEL at the many giant pandas Dr. Kersey has been at the CVM since February 2009. seen around the world, it may be thanks in no small part to the He’s not only enjoying the university and his work, but it has work of CVM Assistant Professor Dr. David Kersey, PhD . brought him back to his roots. He grew up in San Bernardino, For nine years, Dr. Kersey worked at the National Zoo in later moving to the Pacific Northwest for college. He obtained Washington, D.C., researching the reproductive physiology of his undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Washington the giant panda, a species that for years had bordered near State University in 1999 and went to work at the National Zoo. While there, he obtained his PhD from George Mason University at the end of 2008. Recently, he was appointed as a Research Associate in the Center for Species Survival, Conservation and Science Department at the National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution, for a period of three years, effective July 1, 2009. His research efforts into giant panda reproduction came about serendipitously. According to stipulations from China and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, any zoo that houses the giant pandas must conduct research to benefit the rare species. And, since Dr. Kersey, as he says, has always “been passionate about species conservation,” it was a natural fit. Dr. David Kersey, PhD and friend at the Chengdu Research Base for Currently, only four zoos in the the Giant Panda, Chengdu, China United States have the giant pandas, which total 14: San Diego, Memphis, Atlanta and the extinction. He now is finishing writing up that research and is National Zoo. in the infancy stages of a research project with the San Diego But Dr. Kersey’s focus isn’t just panda-centric. He recently Zoo to study giant pandas in the wild. received a Western “The female comes into estrus only once a year and she’s only University of Health fertile for one to two days during that time,” Dr. Kersey Sciences Intramural explains. “People see that and think they are doomed for Grant to study extinction.” peninsular He thinks otherwise – and is doing all he can to see that does pronghorn antelope. not happen. He’s always been The animals, which interested, he says, in “a marriage reside in Baja between reproductive California, are physiology and endangered critically endangered species conservation.” as a subspecies, he Currently, there are about 250- explains. For this 260 giant pandas worldwide, research, he is the vast majority of which reside collaborating in China. Dr. Kersey says the goal with the is to achieve at least 300 of the L.A. Zoo, species, which may be which has reached this September, a a small month when a baby boom captive usually occurs. population.

10 RESEAURpCdH ate

Congratulations to Dr. Miguel Saggese Dogs: An Update. Clinicians Brief: Consultant on Call. 4/1/2009. for his upcoming peer reviewed paper in Plier, M; Breitschwerdt, EB; Hegarty, B; and Kidd, L. Lack of the following compendium: Saggese, MD; evidence for perinatal transmission of canine granulocytic Quaglia, A; Lambertucci, SA; Bo MS; anaplasmosis from a bitch to her offspring. Journal of the Sarasola, JH; Pereyra-Lobos, R; and Maceda American Animal Hospital Association September/October JJ 2009. Survey of lead toxicosis in free- 2009. ranging raptors from central Argentina. In R. T. Watson, M. Fuller, M. Pokras, and W. G. Congratulations to Dr. Kristopher Hunt (Eds.). Ingestion of Lead from Spent Irizarry who presented, “Canine Ammunition: Implications for Wildlife and bioinformatics and genetics,” at the Humans. The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho, Biology Colloquium, Harvey Mudd USA. DOI 10.4080/ilsa.2009.0211. College, Claremont, CA, on April 15, 2009. Dr. Saggese also had the following Congratulations to Dr. David Kersey for presentations: Quaglia, A; Pereyra-Lobos, R; giving the presentation: Enigmatic: The Capdevielle, A; Sarasola, JH; Maceda, JJ; Rodriguez, R; Wiemeyer, Reproductive Biology of the Giant Panda. G; and Saggese, MD. Conservation medicine in action: the case Beckman Center Meeting Room, Wild of the endangered Argentine Crowned Eagle (Harpyhaliaetus Animal Park, Escondido, CA. May 27, coronatus). Proceedings AAZV ARAV Joint Conference, Los 2009. Angeles, CA, pp. 85. Saggese, MD; Tizard, I; Gray, P; Phalen, D. Congratulations to Dr. Pamela Govett for giving the following Oct. 2008. Recent advances in the molecular epidemiology, presentation: Pharmacokinetics of Ceftazidime in Koi following etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of avian single dose intramuscular or intracoelomic administration. mycobacteriosis. Proceedings AAZV ARAV Joint Conference, International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine in Los Angeles, CA Pp. 132. San Antonio, TX. May, 2009. Congratulations to Dr. Victoria Voith for obtaining a grant/gift STUDENTS of $30,000 from the “National Canine Research Council.” These Congratulations to four CVM students and their research funds are to support her dog breed identification research. advisers for successfully competing for the Morris Animal Congratulations to Drs. Yvonne Drechsler and Ellen Foundation’s Veterinary Student Scholars Program. Each Collisson for their recent publication. Virology is one of the scholar receives a $4,000 stipend and is invited to the premier journals in the field of virology. It is great to see this foundation’s annual meeting in Denver, CO., where they publication flanked by two of our faculty, as both the first and present their work to foundation scientific advisers and the last authorship positions are from our CVM faculty. trustees, and compete for cash awards. The students and their Drechsler, Y; Bohls, RL; Smith, R; Silvy N; Lillehoj, H; and advisers were: Nicole Giguere/Dr. Peggy Schmidt; Gordon Collisson, EW. An avian, oncogenic retrovirus replicates in Hui/Dr. Kris Irizarry; Gina Johnson/Dr. Miguel Saggese; vivo in more than 50% of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes Anna Mills/Dr. Margaret C. Barr. from an endangered grouse. Virology: 386 issue 2 (2009), Congratulations to the WesternU Summer Student Grant pages 380-386. awardees from the CVM. All the projects submitted were Congratulations to Dr. Ellen Collisson on her published considered of high quality but only a few could be funded. article. Smith, AG; Jayaram, J; Johnson, CB; Ellis, EA; Vitha, S; Congratulations on a job well done. The awardees and their Collisson, EW; Holzenburg, A May 9, 2009. Improved protein research advisers were: Erica Faulhaber/Dr. Katherine detection using cold microwave technology. Methods Mol Mitsouras; Kristin Nunez/Dr. Margaret C. Barr; Justin Biol.;536:533-43. Nowowiejski/Dr. Ellen Collisson; Brandy Nunez/Dr. Miguel Saggese; Roxanne Eberwine/Dr. Pia Phillips, Linda Kidd Congratulations to Dr. for the publication of one Gabrielle Galgoul/Dr. Kris Irizarry, Rachel paper and acceptance of another paper for publication: Rasmussen/Dr. Linda Kidd. Kidd, L. and Breitscherdt, EB. Spotted Fever Rickettsioses in

11 CVM Faculty Profiles n

DR. D AVID KERSEY , TRACEY S. M CNAMARA , DVM, assistant professor of DACVP, graduated from the physiology, is a native New York State College of Southern Californian. He Veterinary Medicine at Cornell earned his PhD in University. She served as senior Environmental Science zoo pathologist at the Bronx from George Mason Zoo from 1987 to 2003 and University and conducted held the Schiff Family his dissertation research Distinguished Scientist in Wild on the reproductive and Animal Pathology endowed adrenal physiology of the chair. giant panda at the Dr. McNamara specializes in Smithsonian’s National the recognition and Zoological Park. He has understanding of the diseases more than nine years of captive and free-ranging experience in the use of wildlife and is most well- DAVID KERSEY , P hD non-invasive fecal and TRACEY S. M CNAMARA known for her ground- urinary steroid techniques breaking work with West Nile to assess the reproductive status of diverse wildlife species. virus. In a special tribute issue of Avenue Magazine honoring While working at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, he was “Women in the Sciences 2000-2001,” her training as a among the first to validate enzyme immunoassays for comparative zoo and wildlife pathologist is cited as having “led estrogen, progestagen, androgen and glucocorticoid her to pursue a link between viral encephalitis in birds and metabolite monitoring in giant panda feces. After humans during the summer of 1999. This research ultimately led developing these techniques, he applied them in a to a diagnosis of West Nile virus, a virus never before found in comprehensive assessment of hormonal relationships in the the Western Hemisphere.” Her role in that discovery is described female giant panda during estrus, pregnancy, in the September 2000 GAO report “West Nile Virus – Lessons pseudopregnancy, acyclicity and adrenal seasonality; and in for Public Health Emergency Preparedness,” “Germs” by Judith the male during seasonal changes in testicular and adrenal Miller and “Secret Agents” by Madeline Drexler. She also has function. Dr. Kersey’s expertise in giant panda reproduction been profiled in The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The has been and is continually sought by national and Washington Post, Reader’s Digest, Nature, the Smithsonian international giant panda holding institutes to aid in the Magazine, The Scientist and many other publications. difficult task of timed breedings/artificial inseminations and In recognition of her work, the American College of Veterinary during periods of suspected pregnancy. Pathologist created and bestowed upon her its first Scientific Achievement Award. In July 2002, Dr. McNamara received The At Western University, he plans to continue his President’s Award from the American Veterinary Medical conservation-focused research by studying the reproductive Association. biology of other rare and endangered species while still being involved in giant panda reproductive studies. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science from St. Lawrence University, received the Schofield Medal from the Dr. Kersey recently became a member of the newly created University of Guelph, and received the James H. Nakano Award American Zoological Association Endocrinology Scientific from the National Center for Infectious Diseases of the Centers Advisory Group, which seeks to support endocrine research for Disease Control and Prevention. She also received the AAZV among zoological institutions and increase biological Presidential Service Award in recognition of her creation and information on rare and endangered species. He also has coordination of the “surveillance for West Nile Virus in conducted several national and international training Zoological Institutions” project. courses on the techniques of noninvasive endocrine In 2008, Dr. McNamara was appointed to a four-year term with assessment. the National Biosurveillance Advisory Subcommittee. Most In his free time, Dr. Kersey enjoys fishing in the Sierra recently, she was asked to serve as lead on a project with Nevada, building furniture, taking his dogs (Lemmy, Iggy and Russian colleagues on the “Human-Animal Interface” by the DeeDee) to enjoy the local mountains and beaches, Nuclear Threat Initiative’s Global Health and Biosecurity smoking ribs and making soap (long story). program in Washington, D.C. She is organizing a high-level meeting in Moscow and will present findings in Siberia in September.

12 Dr. Khamas Named Distinguished Teacher WHEN STUDENTS ASK DR.WAEL “Dr. Khamas was great in keeping us on our toes. I appreciate KHAMAS A QUESTION , he rarely his comments and the way he gets us thinking about things provides the answer. Instead, the that never crossed our mind.” veteran educator challenges them “He really tried to inspire our best efforts as a group – in to delve further, to look beneath teamwork and in our studies. He is a truly dedicated teacher, the surface. And, he does it with a and I feel very fortunate to have such a caring person on our sense of wonder and joy. faculty.” “I love my disciplines,” Dr. Khamas Dr. Khamas’ entry into the veterinary field was because of two says of the anatomy and histology influences: his love of birds and his desire to help the poor in disciplines he helped with. “I Iraq, his home country. think when you love what you are “In Iraq, one water buffalo affects the whole family,” he says, doing, this is infectious.” explaining that keeping such animals alive through his His pleasure in teaching was rewarded this year when he was veterinary skills was his way of helping. honored with the student-voted Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Dr. Khamas earned his BVM&S from the College of Veterinary Teacher Award at the CVM 2009 Honors Day Awards in April. Medicine at the University of Baghdad, followed by an MS and “Students can sense when you care about learning, and I care a PhD, both from the CVM at Iowa State University. very much for the learning process. I am continually He was a teaching assistant at both of his alma maters, then challenging my students,” Dr. Khamas says. “It is important to served on the faculty at the University of Baghdad from 1984 stimulate them, to tease their brains.” to 1993 and at Jordan University of Science and Technology He adds that “the brain is a mirror – the more you polish it, the from 1994 to 2003. Dr. Khamas was a Fulbright Scholar at more it will reflect beauty. I try to make the brain quite Purdue University in 2004-2005 and has taught at Western beautiful.” University since 2005. Many of the evaluations from students show just how much he He says a good teacher is more than that: he or she is also a has helped them. mentor, a guidance counselor, and a coach. His role is complete “Dr. Khamas was an excellent facilitator … I think our entire when he hears that his former students have been hired in the group found him pushing us to strive harder and dig deeper.” veterinary field. “Dr. Khamas pushes us to learn and is always willing to take “That makes my heart pulse faster,” he says. “Then I know time to help us understand.” we’ve done our job properly. It makes me very happy.”

Thank You CVM Donors! Fiscal Year 2008-2009

$200,000 + Peter & Sue Cheney Edna Q. Cova Genevieve Mak Banfield, The Pet Hospital Feeding Pets of the Homeless, Inc. Carlos E. Crocker Robert V. Mason $25,000-199,999 Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Eli Lilly & Company Tracey McNamara Hill’s Pet Nutrition Fort Dodge Animal Health Michelle Emmert Andrew & Helaina Mirchel National Canine Research Council Billy E. Hooper & Janice J. Hooper Carmen Fuentealba Joel & Theodora Moscot Iams Company Paul Gordon-Ross Vincent & Lenda Naimoli $10,000-24,999 Edward Leeds Gary M. Gugelchuk NAS Recruitment Communications Betty J. Jones & The Cassius Cat Foundation Sandy Lerner Michael Hawkins North American Nutrition Companies, Inc. $5,000-9,999 MAR3INE E. Charles Hendricks Nutramax Laboratories Inc Nestle Purina PetCare Phillip Nelson & Doris Nelson Cindy Hines Theresa Ortiz Huvepharma, Inc. $2,500-4,999 Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. Royal Canin Idexx Laboratories, Inc Bayer Corporation Peninsula Veterinary Medical Association, Inc. Kevin & Reinette Shaw Walter & Georgia Imhoff T.G. Wing Chow & Wennie Chow Larry Tilley Schering-Plough Animal Health Corporation Indiana State Poultry Association, Inc. Gary R. Johnston & Shirley Johnston Veterinary Pet Insurance Intervet, Inc. Harold W. Sowers & Judith A. Sowers Merial Select, Inc. Zinpro Corporation Kristopher Irizarry & Katherine Mitsouras Janette R. Thomas Ventura County Dog Fanciers Association Inc. $100-999 Irizarry Tena E. Tucker Victoria Voith Gloria A. Barr Kerry Americas Chris Vander Veen Western Veterinary Conference Margaret C. Barr Larry & Cynthia Kinney Stephen J. Waldhalm & Marilyn J. Waldhalm Gretchen Wyler Shannan M. Boss Terence A. Krentz Michael P. Waters $1,000-2,499 BIOMIN USA, Inc. Justin & Marnie L. Larsen Barry K. Watson & Roberta G. Watson All Pets Medical Centre California Veterinary Medical Foundation Y. Lyon Lee L. Leugh Wiemann Bubalo Family Foundation James Camparo Jennifer Magee Anna Wilton Charo Entertainment, Inc. Richard A. Clapper Kerry Mahoney Pat L. Zaharopoulos

13 Always In Our Hearts: Stories from the WAVE Program

Sweet, Sweet Leni By Jo McMullen

I was told Leni had been dumped in a park as a tiny kitten, never having any human contact until she was rescued at 6 months old. She was believed at first to be a feral cat, but as I ran my hand down her back, she proceeded to let out this very loud purr. Leni was the perfect lady being introduced to my 12 cats, never a hiss or a growl. She seemed to accept them immediately and they liked her too. Leni slept with the cats, let them groom her and really enjoyed play time. She would chase the feather toy around until she was so tuckered out she would start to pant. But the most amazing thing about her, given her background, was that she turned out to be the most loving, affectionate cat I have ever known. She loved to come sit in my lap and snuggle and would always have that loud motor going. Every morning as soon as I woke up she would jump onto the bed and walk right up to me and say hello. She had the cutest little noise she would make. It almost sounded like a little bark, “oof, oof.” Needless to say, I fell in love with this sweet little kitten from the moment I brought her home. Sadly at only 9 months old, Leni got FIP and died 10 days after being diagnosed. She was such a special girl who I will always remember. I decided to donate Leni to the Veterinary school to possibly help them learn about the horrible FIP virus that took my sweet girl. RIP Leni. I miss you.

The Willed Body Program for Veterinary Medicine, WAVE THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE ’S REVERENCE FOR LIFE COMMITMENT promises that animals will not be harmed in our teaching programs. A key element of this commitment is the WAVE ( Willed deceased Animals for Veterinary Education) Program, which reaches out to animal owners to ask that they consider donating their beloved pets’ remains to anatomy and clinical skills education at the college (WAVE Program is modeled after the Human Willed Body Program at WesternU). More than 500 deceased animals have been donated to the college in the last two years. These special animals are providing a greater quality of education to future generations of veterinarians. All donations to WAVE must be deceased due to age, serious illness or injury. An animal that has no owner to approve the donation of its remains will not be accepted. When you know that the death of your beloved pet might be imminent, and you live within 40 miles of the college, please ask your veterinarian about donating to WAVE. Your veterinarian may contact Ms. Tami Miller at (909) 469-5597 to make all arrangements. Always in Our Hearts: Stories from the WAVE Program appears as a regular feature in each issue of the Outlook.

14 The Evergreen Beauty of A Scholarship Endowment

Like a magnificent redwood tree, an endowed student scholarship:

begins as a precious seed gift,
grows larger with each passing year, and
provides benefits for generations of students— an evergreen, ever-giving legacy.

Your “evergreen” endowed scholarship gift—a lasting legacy bearing your name—will help WesternU’s College of Veterinary Medicine provide scholarships for generations of grateful students. With your help, these future veterinarians will change lives and save lives.

To learn how your endowment “seed” can help the College of Veterinary Medicine become securely Evergreen and Ever-Giving, contact Olive Stephens, Planned Giving Administrator, at (909) 469-5211 or by email at [email protected].

CVM Calendar n

August 3 - 7, 2009 ...... Orientation Week August 10, 2009 ...... First Day of Class October 5 - 9, 2009 ...... Fall Mid-Terms December 7 - 18, 2009 ...... Fall Finals December 21 - January 1 ...... Winter Break January 4, 2010 ...... Classes resume March 1 - 5, 2010 ...... Spring Mid-Terms March 22 - 26, 2010 ...... Spring Break May 10 - 19, 2010 ...... Spring Finals May 21, 2010 ...... Commencement

15 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 465 San Dimas, CA 91773

College of Veterinary Medicine 309 E. Second St. Pomona, Calif. 91766-1854

10007-8/09-P

MISSION STATEMENT:

THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE is committed to serving society and animals through the preparation of students for the practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary public health and/or veterinary research in an educational program of self-directed learning, reverence for life and clinical education through strategic partnerships. Instruction and clinical opportunities are provided in a wide variety of domestic species, including food animal, equine, and companion animals. The college sustains a vibrant diverse faculty by encouraging advancement through personal and professional development and research. This creates an environment of competent, caring, ethical professionals, where cooperative learning, public service and scholarship can flourish. n