Western University of Health Sciences | College of Veterinary Medicine Winter/Spring 2014 | Volume 15, Issue 1 Our students are on journeys of discovery.

Your gift will help pave their road.

WesternU College of Veterinary Medicine 309 E. Second Street • Pomona, CA 91766-1854 Contact Tim McPheron at (909) 706-3762, [email protected]

Veterinary Outlook Magazine

Editor: Paul Gordon-Ross, DVM, MS Photographer: Jeff Malet Western University of Health Sciences 909.706.3529 • [email protected] 909.469.3790 • [email protected] College of Veterinary Medicine

Associate Editor: Carla Sanders Photographer: Mirza Hasanefendic 309 E. Second St. [email protected] 909.469.5298 • [email protected] Pomona, Calif. 91766-1854 909.469.5628 Assistant Editor: Caren Tse Graphic Designer: Paul Gettler www.westernu.edu 909.706.3874 • [email protected] 909.469.5256 • [email protected] [email protected] OVueterinarytlook MAGAZINE Winter/Spring 2014 | Volume 15, Issue 1

I N S I D E

2 Word from the Dean 3 Commencement Speaker Preview 4 The CVM Hollywood Connection 6 Strategic Plan Part II 7 CVM Professors Aid in Gibbon Surgery 8 Veterinary School Collaboration 9 Professor Helps Birds of Prey 10 Helping the Giant Panda Population 12 Veterinary News & Notes 14 Research Update 15 Student Research Day 16 Around Campus 17 WAVE 18 Student Profiles 21 Alumni Connection/Calendar

Veterinary Outlook Magazine is published three times per year by the College of Veterinary Medicine of ON THE COVER Western University of Health Giant pandas in the United States Sciences. All rights reserved. No and China are thriving, thanks in portion of this publication may be part to the CVM's Dr. David Kersey. duplicated without permission. (Story, Page 10). If you would like to be removed from the Veterinary Outlook mailing list, contact Liz McGowan at 909.469.5392 or email [email protected]. Veterinary Outlook 1 Word from the Dean

The great Mahatma Gandhi is often quoted as saying that “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Similarly, Michael Mountain, founder of Best Animal Society, has stated, “Kindness to animals and respect for all life are the only meaningful foundations for a civilized world.”

Mountain suggests the most meaningful pillar of civilization is a communal respect for life – including animals. Gandhi also asserts that the “greatness” of a nation is related to its compassion for life, and that compassion can be measured in the way the nation’s animals are treated.

Our College’s contribution to America’s “greatness” can be measured by the compassion of our Our College’s contribution to graduates and their future roles in assuring the health and respectful treatment of their charges America’s “greatness” can be – because they understand the importance of their roles in protecting and promoting the “public health.” Through our “Reverence for Life” founding principles, our curriculum measured by the compassion repetitively exposes our students to the inter-relationships of human, animal, and ecological of our graduates and their health. future roles in assuring the This “One – Health” paradigm is also modeled by the activities and research of our faculty. health and respectful Their function as mentors and models of behavior shouldn’t be taken lightly. In this issue, we treatment of their charges... tell a few of their stories. Dr. David Kersey provided valuable information to Chinese scientists regarding the reproductive cycle of the giant panda and will be traveling to China this summer to help even further. Dr. Miguel Saggese has become a noted expert about birds of prey and is often featured at international conferences. Even Hollywood has come a-callin’, featuring many of our faculty either as experts on-screen or consultants behind the scenes.

Such exposure means that time and again, the spotlight is on WesternU. Thankfully, with our stellar faculty and staff, guiding principles, and innovative curriculum, we are all ready for our close-up – and for the work ahead.

Perhaps President John F. Kennedy said it best: “To educate our people, and especially our children, to humane attitudes and actions toward living things is to preserve and strengthen our national heritage and the moral values we champion in the world.” As the class of 2014 joins the professional ranks, I would like to remind them (and all of our alumni) of their responsibility to the “greatness” of our society.

Phillip Nelson , DVM, PhD

Dean’s Calendar

June 19-22, 2014 June 22-24, 2014 July 26-29, 2014 PacVet Conference, San Francisco WITCHE, Hawaii AVMA, Denver, Colo.

2 College of Veterinary Medicine cardiologist, OneHealth lecturer and best-selling author will address the Class of 2014 at this year’s WesternU College of Veterinary Medicine Commencement Ceremony on May 15. Barbara A Natterson-Horowitz, MD, is a professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She is actively involved with patient care, medical education and research. Dr. Natterson-Horowitz holds a professorship in the UCLA Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and is co-director of the Evolutionary Medicine Program at UCLA.

She serves as a cardiovascular consultant on the Medical Advisory Board of the Los Angeles Zoo and lectures frequently on One Health and the potential for novel investigation, improved global health, and advancement in clinical care through collaborations between human physicians and veterinarians.

In 2010, she founded the annual “Zoobiquity Conference: A Species Spanning Approach to Medicine,” a discussion among doctors treating the same diseases in their patients of different species. Zoobiquity Conferences are in their fifth year bringing physicians and veterinarians – and medical and veterinary students – from around the world together for connection and collaboration.

In 2012, Dr. Natterson-Horowitz co-authored the New York Times bestselling book, “Zoobiquity: The Astonishing Connection Between Human and Animal Health.” It was named Discover Magazine’s Best Book of 2012, The China Times’ Best Foreign Translation of 2013, and was a finalist in the American Association for the Advancement of Science Excellence in Science Books 2012. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, Wall Street Journal, Nature, Scientific American, and New Scientist, among others.

“Veterinarians are very aware of the deep linkages that exist between the health of all species and the power of the comparative approach,” she explained. “It is time to engage the physician community in this important and exciting conversation. The OneHealth movement has already led to important scientific insights. It’s an exciting time to be at the interface between veterinary and human medicine.”

Her own interest grew out of what she calls “an aha” moment at the zoo 10 years ago. Listening to the veterinarians discussing arthritis, diabetes, breast Zoobiquity cancer and other disorders, she realized veterinarians were taking care of the same Conference Founder disorders in their animal patients that she was in her human patients. Why, she wondered, in her years as a physician at a major teaching To Speak at CVM hospital, had she never once collaborated Commencement with a veterinarian? “Ever since that spark happened for me, my career shifted dramatically. OneHealth is one of the most fascinating scientific stories of the moment and I am grateful to be part of it.”

Dr. Natterson-Horowitz completed her undergraduate studies at Harvard College and received a master’s degree from Harvard University. She received her medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco.

Veterinary Outlook 3 WesternU Faculty Expertise Sought by Filmmakers

ore and more, when film and television productions need expertise The biggest project to date with which she has been involved was “Whale in anything related to the veterinary field, they are turning their Wars” on Animal Planet, a show in which a conservation group takes on M cameras toward WesternU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Japanese whalers. Her involvement lasted for nearly a year, as she reviewed, among many things, all the relevant international agreements “We’ve become the Hollywood vet school,” said Associate Professor Diane and national laws of Japan and other countries, as well as the McClure, DVM, PhD, DACLAM. political, scientific and ethical issues.

That statement is borne out by the numerous times faculty members have During her years with AHA, she provided services on the sets of theatrical provided input for various projects, as well as the celebrities who have motion pictures including “The Horse Whisperer” and “The Grinch.” One visited the WesternU campus in Pomona, Calif., only a short drive from the of her favorite projects was overseeing the use of a famous grizzly, Bart the entertainment capital. Bear, at the 70th Academy Awards in 1998. Bart helped actor Mike Myers present an Oscar for Best Sound. In the past year alone, Hollywood has come calling several times. Dr. McClure served as a technical consultant for an episode of TV’s popular “During rehearsals, all these film crews who were used to working with “Grey’s Anatomy,” which aired in December. Also, in December, a celebrities came to watch him,” recalled Ms. Barrett. “It was quite production crew from Prometheus Entertainment was on the Pomona something. He was wonderful!” campus, filming for the “Ancient Aliens” TV series, which explores the theory that extraterrestrials have visited Earth for millions of years. The On the show airs regularly on H2, a sister channel to The History Channel. The episode of crew interviewed Professor Jim Reynolds, DVM, MPVM, DACAW, for an “Grey’s episode that aired this spring titled, “Aliens in America.” Anatomy” with which Moreover, for 25 years, Associate Professor Gini Barrett, BS, has been Dr. McClure involved in film and television production, reviewing projects and was involved, providing advice regarding potential content and issues. the fictional Dr. Meredith “I have been involved with animals in film since 1989, when I joined the Grey, played Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and dealt with these by actress issues from the point of view of the producers,” she explained. Ellen Pompeo, In 1997, she joined the Association (AHA) and oversaw practiced transplanting a 3-D printed blood vessel – seeded with human the use of animals in film from the humane community point of view. She DNA cells – into a sheep. Dr. Grey was using the sheep to research the left AHA in 2001 and began consulting for all the Discovery channels, procedure and determine if the implant would graft into a new host, primarily Animal Planet, as well as for other media companies. She joined making the procedure a viable option for humans. To make the scene look the WesternU faculty in 2002 and has continued consulting for media authentic, a veterinarian, played by actor Henry G. Saunders, was included companies. during the surgery.

4 College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Diane McClure on the set of TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” with actor Henry G. Saunders, who played a veterinarian.

According to Dr. McClure, the special Dr. Reynolds is quoted as saying, “Just looking at the pictures, I can’t effects team from the show did a explain how this happened.” great job with the simulated sheep. It had tubes, blood, real wool – and Previously, he was interviewed for a PBS documentary, “New Shepherds of even breathed! She helped set up the the Farm.” The program aired in 2011 and Dr. Reynolds is seen and replicated sheep for surgery, making it look authentic. She also worked quoted extensively about humane treatment of dairy cattle. Famous with the actors to get the procedure right, explaining technicalities animal advocate also in featured in the film. including how to hold a knife for the necropsy, how to use the monitor, The College of Veterinary Medicine’s link to Hollywood extends even how to administer anesthetic, and how to shear the sheep. And, she further. A media room in one of the CVM buildings is named for the late worked with the technical team on development of the script. Gretchen Wyler, a Broadway and film actress who was an early supporter “I definitely contributed to the authenticity of the scene and got things of the college and an avid advocate. In 1972, Ms. Wyler moving along, and they were genuinely listening to what I had to say,” became the first woman to serve on the board for the American Society Dr. McClure said. “I was really pleased with that. It was exciting.” for the Prevention of (ASPCA) and in 2005 she was inducted into the U.S. Animal Rights Hall of Fame. She did not receive any payment for her role, but said her compensation was the show having a veterinarian in the scene. “I wanted it to be known Actress Heather Locklear, of TV’s “Melrose Place” and “Dynasty” fame, that the surgeons don’t get to do these things unless a veterinarian is attended the dedication for a problem-based learning (PBL) room on there.” campus and everyone’s favorite “Golden Girl” Betty White offered the keynote address to the charter class at the CVM’s inaugural Dr. McClure said this was her first consulting job for TV or film. The commencement in 2007. 10-hour day was well worth it, she said. “I felt the set related to what I have done for 20 years.” She added that it is important that veterinarians be represented in the kind of research demonstrated on the show, and that it be conveyed that veterinarians are the best health care providers for animals.

In addition to veterinary skill, geography played a big part in Dr. McClure landing the TV gig. A “Grey’s Anatomy” team member called her former colleague, Dr. Pamela Eisele, a sheep expert at University of California, Davis, who referred the show to Dr. McClure because she was closer to the studio where the TV show is filmed.

Another faculty member who has spent time in front of the camera is Assistant Professor Betsy Charles, DVM, MA. She recently appeared in a documentary, “Furever Film,” about pet loss and how people memorialize their pets.

“I just had a small cameo role, but played a big part in helping the filmmaker make some connections with my colleagues at WesternU as well Entertainer Charo, left, visited the CVM with her pet bull calf for an exam in December of 2008. as at Washington State, who have all been championing the human animal bond,” she said. Memorably, Latin singer/dancer/actress Charo took advantage of the On “Ancient Aliens,” Dr. Reynolds, a bovine veterinarian, was featured for CVM’s expertise and brought a 14-week-old, 250-pound Angus-mix bull about 30 seconds in an episode titled, “Aliens in America.” He appears on calf to campus for an exam in 2008. Several faculty members were camera viewing photographs of dead cattle from the 1970s and 1980s in involved, with members of the media also present. the Midwest. Was the condition of their mutilated carcasses due to typical animal scavengers, the show asked, or was it possibly from ancient aliens As word gets out about WesternU and its pre-eminent veterinary college, having removed body parts? more requests may be on the way.

While he spent the morning discussing with the production team how “We’re not in the media center,” said Ms. Barrett. “If WesternU were scavengers usually eat carcasses, they wanted more. So, on camera better known, there would be a lot more requests.”

Veterinary Outlook 5 Strategic Plan

Strong Core Curriculum and Employee Well-being Are Important Components for Future Success

The WesternU College of Veterinary Medicine unveiled a five-year Strategic Plan in the summer of 2013. The plan – which runs from January 2014 to January 2019 – focuses on five “critical strategic issues” (CSI’s): Enhancement of the research program, strengthening the core curriculum and teaching methodology, employee well-being/job satisfaction, educational value, and enhancement of the college’s community image. In each edition of Veterinary Outlook this year, we are looking more in depth at the CSI’s.

In this edition: Strengthening the Core Curriculum and Teaching Methodology and Employee Well-being/Job Satisfaction

hile WesternU’s problem-based learning (PBL) was a curricular innovation  during the initial program design, according to the Outcomes Assessment W portion of the plan dealing with Strengthening the Core Curriculum and The Action Team identified several key issues regarding Employee Well-being/Job Teaching Methodology, “there is a tendency toward inertia or stagnation in Satisfaction. Among them were: ineffective communication, faculty members who educational methods as the college ages.” In addition, many aspects of the teacher- don’t feel involved in key decisions, and staff dissatisfaction or discontent. student dynamic, how teachers are valued and the curriculum could and should be assessed and strengthened. To address these issues the plan recommends that the CVM develop clear lines of communication at all levels, engage the faculty in a “bottom up approach to To accomplish this, the plan recommends “a commitment by the college, of both running the curriculum,” provide more opportunities for staff promotions and financial and human resources (time and personnel), to emphasize and incentivize recognition, lay out a comprehensive structure for staff positions in which roles and development, validation, and/or implementation of educational innovations in a responsibilities are clearly identified, provide a structured and verifiable feedback scholarly manner.” and evaluation process, and create a system whereby both staff and faculty can raise concerns about treatment and/or performance. Recommendations that relate to personnel include having technology savvy faculty on board, creating the position of associate dean of Veterinary Education, and The goal will be to “improve trust and transparency through improved creating a “promotion and tenure document that recognizes educational communications within college programs and between administration leaders, scholarship as a valued and viable path of career advancement.” faculty and staff.”

Additional recommendations include reallocating faculty time to allow development or implementation of education innovation and having full-time In the next issue of Veterinary Outlook: equivalent faculty assigned specifically to curriculum evaluation/assessment. • Eduactional Value • Enhancement of the College’s Community Image The CVM also needs a “dedicated funding stream for internal development of innovation, partnerships with industry and “alternate funding sources beyond typical educational grants.”

6 College of Veterinary Medicine CVM Professors Aid in Gibbon Surgery

wo professors from the WesternU College of Veterinary Medicine played key roles earlier this year during a T successful collaborative surgery on an infant gibbon. The CVM’s Lyon Lee, DVM, PhD, DACVA, and Ohad Levi, DVM, were part of the team that operated on the infant of Phy Gyi at the Gibbon Conservation Center in Santa Clarita, Calif. The young gibbon successfully underwent surgery for an inguinal hernia repair.

The surgery became necessary after Dr. Howard Martin, a specialist at the center, noticed the infant had a bulge on his lower abdomen. Though the hernia was small and manageable at Dr. Martin’s first assessment, a few days later the staff noticed that the hernia had gotten larger. The veterinarians on staff decided the best course of action was to go into surgery to repair the hernia and avoid a life-threatening emergency.

Because the infant was only three weeks old and a mere 600 grams, The Conservation Center contacted Western University of Health Sciences for their support. With Dr. Lee, an anesthesiologist, monitoring the little guy closely, Dr. Levi and Dr. Martin were able to perform the very difficult and delicate hernia repair operation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnoFUYgdb0s

Veterinary Outlook 7 VETERINARY SCHOOL COLLABORATION FOCUSES ON TEACHING

ake teaching matter. Those three words are at the heart of a and Science of Veterinary Education from Externships to Preceptorships new initiative by the Consortium of Western Regional and Beyond,” and information about the program notes, in part, “Just as M Colleges of Veterinary Medicine. practicing quality veterinary medicine is a combination of both art and science, the practice of quality education requires both the knowledge of “Our goal is to really make teaching matter and provide resources and education as a science and the art of applying that science in a real- support to accomplish that,” said WesternU CVM Professor Peggy world setting.” Schmidt, DVM, MS, DACVPM, who is the current elected chair of the consortium’s new The idea for the Teaching Academy has been Teaching Academy. “We want to show that in the works since the 2011 inception of the veterinary education is a valued career track. consortium, which was formed after deans The deans of the consortium have said they of the five westernmost veterinary colleges value teaching and that there is an impact in the country agreed that many common being made and to be made.” issues could be addressed jointly and that a consortium would provide a greater voice on In the past, being a good educator played national issues. Along with Western only a minor role in advancement, University of Health Sciences, the other promotions and tenure at veterinary colleges members are Colorado State University, and universities. Most of the focus was on Oregon State University, Washington State research and the number of articles University and University of California, published, according to Dr. Schmidt. The Davis. The first full meeting of the Academy, Teaching Academy’s goal is to change that which will meet every two years, was held in focus. As such, they are looking at numerous the summer of 2013 at Oregon State. The variables to measure teaching success and next session will be in summer 2015 at how to evaluate it, including what makes a Washington State. good teacher, engagement and stimulation of students, impact on students’ futures, and “At that first consortium meeting, formation motivation. Part of the program also will of the Teaching Academy was the top involve faculty development. priority,” Dr. Schmidt said.

“There is a lot of literature about how to The Teaching Academy is composed of educate students, ” Dr. Schmidt said. “Good nominated faculty members from each teaching is based in science. We need to university. The current WesternU CVM make sure we are teaching to their members are Paul Gordon-Ross, DVM, MS, (students’) future, not our past.” Jennifer Buur, DVM, DACVCP, PhD, Peggy Barr, DVM, PhD, Suzie Kovacs, MSc, John In fact, at WesternU, one of the Tegzes, MA, VMD, DABVT, and Dr. Schmidt. recommendations in the CVM’s five-year The academy’s steering committee meets via Strategic Plan unveiled last summer deals teleconference every six to eight weeks and with this issue. It states that the CVM should various working groups hold one to two create a “promotion and tenure document that recognizes educational meetings in person about once a year. scholarship as a valued and viable path of career advancement.” “This Teaching Academy is the first cross-institutional academy of its Dr. Schmidt will spread the word even further in July, when she and kind,” said Dr. Schmidt. “We hope that it will allow collaboration and several of her colleagues from WesternU will lead a four-part resource sharing across institutions to improve the quality of veterinary professional development program at the AVMA National Convention in education for our students and quality of life for faculty dedicated to Denver, Colo. The program is entitled “Teaching in Your Clinic – The Art teaching those students.”

8 College of Veterinary Medicine CVM Spotlight

CVM Professor’s Knowledge Aids Birds of Prey

ssociate Professor Miguel D. Saggese, DVM, MS, PhD, considered Dr. Saggese also has been recognized an expert in the field of birds of prey worldwide, has been recently in the following ways: involved with several presentations and publications in the past A • He published an article titled “Parental six months, offering insight and knowledge at various international events. care and time-activity budget of a breeding Miguel Saggese pair of Black-chested Buzzard-Eagles In October, 2013, Dr. Saggese, who is director at large for the Raptor (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) in Southern Patagonia, Argentina.” Research Foundation (an international scientific society whose primary The article was in the journal Asociacion Colombiana de Ornitologia. goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors), was the main organizer and one of the three conference co- • He was invited to give a three-day course on chairs of the I Worldwide Raptor Conference. The event was held in raptor medicine, rehabilitation, biology and Nahuel Huapi National Park, Bariloche City, Rio Negro province, conservation and a wet lab on raptor Argentina, South America. More than 200 delegates from 30 countries and handling and clinical procedures in five continents Bogota, Colombia last December. The event was Dr. Miguel Saggese and his attended this meeting. held at the Zoo Parque co-chairs presented a talk Jaime Duque and was entitled “Everything you wanted During the co-organized by the to know about Patagonian meeting, Colombian National Dr. Saggese Associate of Zoos and raptors, but were afraid to ask!” presented four Aquariums (ACOPAZOA), the different Environmental and Sustainable papers (three posters and one oral presentation) some of them a result of Development Ministry, collaborative work conducted with researchers from the USA, Canada, Universidad LaSalle and the and Argentina, including CVM students Natalie Nguyen, Shelley Taylor Zoo Parque Jaime Duque. and Joseph Debrota, who conducted summer research projects with Dr. Saggese. The oral presentation was titled, “Breeding Biology of Southern • He was co-author of a study Crested Caracaras (Caracara plancus) in Santa Cruz Province, Southern presented by Dr. Pablo Regner Patagonia, Argentina.” The posters were: at the First Biennial Meeting of the Latin American Diseases • Lead Toxicosis in California Condors (Gymnogyps californianus) Association. This meeting took place at Admitted for Rehabilitation at the Los Angeles Zoo: a Retrospective Case the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Series Study (1995-2012) University of São Paulo, at São Paulo, Brazil, Sept. 19-22, 2013. • Solitary Crowned Eagles’ (Harpyhalieatus coronatus) Plasma Neutralizes Pit Viper (Bothrops alternatus) Venom In Vitro Dr. Saggese earned a veterinary degree from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, • Are Infectious Diseases and Environmental Toxins Decreasing Raptor completed a three-year residency and a Populations in Southern California? master’s degree at The Raptor Center In addition, during the conference, Dr. Saggese and his co-chairs University of Minnesota, and completed a presented a talk entitled “Everything you wanted to know about PhD in microbiology at the Schubot Exotic Patagonian raptors, but were afraid to ask!” Bird health Center, Texas A&M University. His main research interests are on investigating the On Oct. 28, after the conference concluded, Dr. Saggese was invited to role that infectious pathogens and pollutants present a seminar, “Medical Aspects in the Rehabilitation of Patagonian have in Southern California raptors, the conservation Raptors,” to veterinarians from Bariloche city and surrounding areas of and population ecology of Patagonian birds of prey, and Northern Patagonia. The venue for this seminar was Universidad FASTA, the impact of lead spent ammunition on crowned San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro province, Argentina. eagles, condors and other scavengers.

Veterinary Outlook 9 Helping the Giant Panda Population

10 College of Veterinary Medicine Scientists from China visit WesternU Kersey Tops Zoo Awards cientists from the China Conservation and The CVM’s David Kersey, PhD, Research Centre took a crucial first step to has won the top prize in the web-based international repopulate the giant panda into the wild by S competition, “Giant Panda Zoo visiting with CVM Assistant Professor David Awards 2013.”Dr. Kersey, whose Kersey, PhD, a renowned reproductive biologist. specialty is physiology, shares the award with his colleague The scientists, Yingmin Zhou and Xiaoyu Copper Aitken-Palmer, DVM, Huang, were from an organization that PhD, chief veterinarian at the Smithsonian Conservation manages 60 percent of the captive Biology Institute. giant panda population at three AI and the breeding of perhaps dozens of female giant main giant panda breeding pandas each year. Dr. Kersey said the reason feces are The two captured gold with 33 facilities in Wolong, percent of the vote in the analyzed is because they’re easy to collect, and they store category of “Panda Personality Dujiangyuan, and Bifengxia. good hormone data. of 2013 - The Human,” Pandas International, a according to results announced nonprofit leader in panda Dr. Zhou said her team came to the U.S. to make sure Jan. 17, 2014, at Zoo Atlanta. conservation, funded the trip. they are doing the analysis properly. The training they Online voting was open to are receiving from Dr. Kersey and others will help them anyone worldwide from Dec. 13, In return, Dr. Kersey will head to 2013, to Jan. 14, 2014. More move beyond just collecting knowledge on captive than 239,000 votes were China this summer to help set up populations. registered during the one-month an endocrine laboratory in voting in 10 categories, Dujiangyuan. “The goal is to protect the giant panda,” she said. “It’s according to Giant Panda Zoo’s not enough to only populate pandas on reserves. We press release. The Chinese scientists began their want to bring the giant pandas into the wild to make the 20-day United States visit last fall “Dr. Aitken-Palmer and I were species stronger.” nominated for our collaboration with three days of training with Dr. in the successful artificial Kersey, a key contributor in artificially After learning from Dr. Kersey in the lab, Drs. Huang insemination (AI) of the twin inseminating (AI) Zoo Atlanta’s 15- and Zhou had planned to spend a week of additional cubs born at Zoo Atlanta and year-old giant panda training split between the Smithsonian Conservation the contribution she and I have made to the knowledge of giant Lun Lun. She gave birth to twin cubs Biology Institute and the Smithsonian National panda biology from our 10-plus on July 15, 2013. Zoological Park, but the federal government shutdown years of research,” said Dr. altered those plans. Instead, they received training at the Kersey. “To have been The scientists’ goal is to strengthen their technique on San Diego Zoo and Safari Park and Brookfield Zoo in nominated for this award is something special, but to have fecal hormone analysis to improve captive breeding, by Chicago. Afterward, Dr. Kersey escorted them to an won is very exciting.” maximizing the breeding potential of the captive giant endocrine conference. The two then visited an endocrine panda population and reintroducing pandas into the assay company before heading back to China. The Giant Panda Zoo Awards wild. The next step is to build the capacity to develop are organized by knowledge, bring it back to China, and apply it to Dr. Kersey’s reciprocal visit will be the latest in a string of www.GiantPandaZoo.com, a species conservation, according to Dr. Kersey. trips he has taken to China in the past decade. website about captive giant pandas around the world, to “We have been able to grow the captive population, in “Working with colleagues in the US and in China we promote the important panda conservation work in China part, by applying knowledge we generated from basic have been able to elevate the level of care provided to and abroad. science research,” he said. “They are looking to use the the giant panda,” he said. “and the efforts we have put in large captive population as a reintroduction reservoir.” are paying off.”

About 1,600 giant pandas are left in the wild. More than The life span for a giant panda in captivity is at least 20 300 live in zoos and breeding centers around the world, years, he said, and his mission, as he sees it, is to “make mostly in China. Nearly all the pandas in the U.S. and sure that whatever we do is for the conservation of the other parts of the world are on loan from China. The species.” Currently, he is involved in web-based exceptions are two at a zoo in Hong Kong; both were problem-solving conversations with his Chinese gifts from China, said Dr. Kersey. The panda is listed as colleagues several times a month. There will come a day, endangered in the World Conservation Union’s (IUCN’s) though, when that will end. Red List of Threatened Animals. “One day, they won’t need me,” he said. “And that will www.giantpandazoo.com/ panda/news/giant-panda- be a good thing because it will mean the giant panda is At their base in China, the scientists work in the zoo-awards-2013-the- endocrine laboratory, and are responsible for timing the no longer in danger.” winners-2

Veterinary Outlook 11 Veterinary News & Notes

CVM faculty members Spring Halland , DVM, CVA, DACVIM, Lyon Lee , DVM, PhD, DACVA, and Ohad Levi , DVM, and 12 students participated in the enucleation of a horse in a field in Norco, Calif. The caretaker of the horse is a staff member of WesternU. The students were all members of the Student Chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. They carried out, under close supervision of the faculty, many clinical procedures including tissue handling, suturing, IV catheterization, bandaging, administering local or general anesthetics, and they assisted in anesthetic induction and recovery. Students participating were Liz Perry, Amanda Blake and Mailie Fanning (all Class of 2015); Kristina Ridge, Randall Bryden, Lexi LaPorte, Kelsey Milich (Class of 2016); and Kathryn Slaughter, Rachel Williams, Kayla Ross , and Jackie Hofer (Class of 2017).  The Clinical Sites Advisory Board for the WesternU College of Veterinary Professor Malika Kachani , DVM, PhD, Medicine met in March on the WesternU campus. Representatives from traveled to her home country of Morocco to Nativis Inc. offered a presentation, “Voyager Anti-Cancer Medical Device present a course on One Health and zoonotic Canine Clinical Trials.” Shown at the meeting are, from left, Mike diseases to a group of tutors including Butters , vice president of technology at Nativis; CVM Dean Phillip veterinarians, physicians and biologists from the Nelson , DVM, PhD; John Butters , president and CEO of Nativis; Lisa Maghreb and the Sahel. This was a five-day Butters , chief operations officer of Nativis, and John Payne , chairman of course and was a contribution to the zoonotic the American Humane Association and a member of the Nativis Board of diseases module of a European Union project. Directors. She was invited by the European Union project CVM FACULTY coordinator and the Department of Parasitology Assistant Professor David Forster , MRCVS, of the Veterinary School in Morocco. Malika Kachani and the CVM Shelter Club, along with Mercy  House, located in Ontario, Calif., offered a free vaccine clinic for homeless and low-income pet Professor Tracey McNamara , DVM, DACVP, owners. They used the VACS mobile clinic and was invited by the Science Center programs of also were able to disperse donated pet food the U.S. Department of State to evaluate a along with the vaccines. More clinics are proposal submitted for funding. Her evaluation planned for the local area. will be used by science advisers to the State David Forster Department at Los Alamos and Brookhaven  National Laboratories and the State Department in determining whether the proposal should be Assistant Professor Suzana Tkalcic , DVM, funded. The Science Centers, which include the PhD, traveled to her homeland of Croatia International Science and Technology Center to lecture at the University of Zadar. The Tracey McNamara (ISTC) in Moscow and the Science and title of her lecture was “Pathology of Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU), were established in 1994 and 1995 Domestic Animals” in a course on as nonproliferation programs, with the primary objective of providing Diseases and Health Protection of peaceful, non-weapons opportunities to weapons scientists in the newly Domestic Animals at the University of independent states of the former Soviet Union (FSU), particularly those Suzana Tkalcic Zadar in Croatia. with knowledge and skills pertaining to weapons of mass destruction.

12 College of Veterinary Medicine ALSO: CVM STUDENTS • Associate Professor Jennifer Buur , DVM, DACVCP, PhD, will be By Gina Cipolla , DVM 2015 and Jessica Brown , DVM 2016 a judge at the 63rd annual California State Science Fair, April 28- 29, 2014, at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. More The last block of the year is under way and first year students are than 1,000 participants in grade 6-12 from 400 schools throughout finally settling into the swing of PBL and becoming familiar with all of the state are expected to attend this year’s event. They will the happenings on campus. As of Feb. 1, the first year student officers compete for awards totaling $50,000. gained the responsibility of being in charge of all clubs within the CVM for the next year. Leaving the clubs in the hands of the first years has In March, Dr. Buur presented a webinar for the Arizona Veterinary left the second years with more time to focus on their studies while Medical Association, “Maximizing Pain Control in Canine and also preparing for third year. Feline Patients.” There is a significant transition from second • Professor John Tegzes , MA, VMD, DABVT, provided video year to third year in which students will see commentary for the “Just Food for Dogs” YouTube website on the less of the campus and spend much of their FDA’s recent video, “Safe Handling of Pet Food in the Home.” time in clinics. Third year enables students to The video is featured in the “Video Spotlight” section of the gain exposure to many different fields in WesternU home page at www.westernu.edu. veterinary medicine and provides them with the • Professor Beth Boynton , DVM, assisted in a STEM (Science unique opportunity to Technology Engineering Mathematics) event held at Citrus travel and see a variety of College in Glendora, Calif. The purpose of the event was to Gina Cipolla practices. encourage more young woman to consider going into one of the STEM fields. Beyond clubs of the CVM, WesternU’s Student Chapter of the AVMA (SCAVMA) worked hard to • Professor Joe Bertone , DVM, MS, DACVIM, was a recent invited help send more than 30 students to the national presenter at the World Equine Veterinary Association meeting in Student AVMA Symposium in Fort Collins, Colo., Guadalajara, Mexico. The presentations were: “False Colic” and during spring break. With a fully active fundraising “Medical Management of Abdominal Pain.” committee, SCAVMA was able to raise more than Jessica Brown • Associate Professor Diane McClure , DVM, PhD, DACLAM, was $6,000 in only a few months to support this amazing a recent guest speaker at the Cal Aero Preserve Academy in the educational, networking and fun experience. Chino Valley Unified School District. Seventh- and eighth-graders Now that the year is coming to an end, second years are excited to from Lyle S. Briggs Fundamental School also were in attendance. plan their third year off campus while third years seem to be enjoying • Assistant Professor Betsy Charles , DVM, MA, has moved into life after PBL. Fourth years are finishing up their final rotations, the position of course leader for the third year course Small received their NAVLE scores in February, and are anxiously awaiting Animal Practice. Previously, she was a diagnostic imaging graduation in May. resident/instructor. During the summer, our students will be participating in some great opportunities, including bovine internships, small animal critical care, CVM MILESTONES cheetah conservation in Africa, aquavet trips, Rural Area Veterinary Congratulations to the following faculty and staff members for their Services (RAVS) trips, World Vets trips, research projects on and off milestone years of employment in the College of Veterinary Medicine campus and many other ventures. We all look forward to hearing about at WesternU: their experiences when classes begin again in August. Denisha Jenkins , 10 years Frank Bossong , DVM, 5 years Elizabeth Schilling , DVM, 5 years

Veterinary Outlook 13 Research

Assistant Professor Paul Gordon-Ross , Professor Victoria Voith , DVM, MSc, MA, DVM, MS, received word that a manuscript, PhD, DACVB, presented two papers recently at “Distributive Veterinary Clinical Education: the IFAAB meeting in Tucson, Ariz., on “Use of A Model of Clinical Site Selection,” on which he Dog Head-Halters and Restraint (Response collaborated with several CVM faculty was Prevention) Techniques” and “Aggression and accepted for publication in the Journal of Castration Controversy.” She also participated in Veterinary Medical Education (JVME). The others two panels on the same topics. involved were Elizabeth Schilling , DVM,  Linda Kidd , DVM, PhD, DACVIM, and Peggy Schmidt , DVM, MS, DACVPM. An online Professor Beth Paul Gordon-Ross Victoria Voith advance may be viewed at Boynton , DVM, is http://utpjournals.metapress.com/content/r67w366384852748/. presented a poster titled, “A Longitudinal and  Cross-Sectional Investigation of Health Professional Students’ Empathy.”at the National Assistant Professor Jijun Hao , PhD, has published several articles Academies of Practice, Annual Meeting and recently. Dr. Hao published a stem cell research paper entitled Forum in Alexandria, VA. She was also inducted “Neuregulin-1 β induces embryonic stem cell cardiomyogenesis via as a Distinguished Practitioner and Fellow. ErbB3/ErbB2 receptors.” The article was published in the Biochemical  Journal [458, pp335-341]. In the paper, the author reported a novel Beth Boynton β signaling pathway, Neuregulin-1 /ErbB3/p-CREB, which plays a critical A manuscript that describes student responses role in pluripotent stem cell cardiomyogenesis. Particularly, the discovery to active learning during a unique laboratory that activation of CREB transcription factor is indispensable in experience and in which numerous CVM faculty β Neuregulin-1 -induced stem cell members took part, has been accepted for cardiomyogenesis may provide a publication. Those involved were Jennifer novel approach for future stem cell- Buur , DVM, DACVCP, PhD, Paul Gordon- based therapy for cardiac repair. Ross , DVM, MS, John Tegzes , MA, VMD, Dr. Hao also recently published a DABVT, Lyon Lee , DVM, PhD, DACVA, Gini book chapter entitled “Molecular Barrett , BS, and Joe Bertone , DVM, MS, Mechanisms of Embryonic Stem Cell DACVIM. The citation is: Buur JL, Gordon-Ross P, Tegzes JH, Lee L, Barrett G, and Bertone JJ Pluripotency” in the book Jennifer Buur “Pluripotent Stem Cells,” INTECH (in press). “Iron Pharmacologist: Student Impressions, Satisfaction, and Self-Reported Learning in Response to press, ISBN 978-953-51-1192-4. In Jijun Hao this chapter, the authors reviewed the Active Learning Course Activity in Veterinary Pharmacology.” Pharmacy signaling pathways and transcription factors critical for Embryonic Stem Education Journal. An online advance may be viewed at the following: Cell Pluripotency, and deeply elucidated an emerging field of “naïve http://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/2014/02/iron-pharmacologist-student- embryonic stem cells,” and provided some prospect view of future field impressions-satisfaction-and-self-reported-learning-in-response-to- active-learning-course-activity-in-veterinary/. direction.  Moreover, Dr. Hao published a cancer research paper entitled “DMH1, a Small Molecule Inhibitor of BMP Type I Receptors, Suppresses Growth and Assistant Professor David Kersey , PhD, and Invasion of Lung Cancer” in PLoS ONE [2014:9(3): e90748]. In this paper, two others secured funding for a project entitled the authors reported that DMH1, a BMP signaling inhibitor previously “Assessing thyroid endocrine status in mammals: developed by Dr. Hao in zebrafish model, can significantly attenuate the a new approach to diagnosing thyroid disease.” migration, invasion and proliferation of human lung cancer cells. The The project is a collaborative effort among Dr. authors further demonstrated that DMH1 can dramatically reduce the Kersey, Copper Aitken-Palmer , DVM, PhD, of tumor growth of human lung cancer in a mouse xenograft model, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, suggesting that blocking BMP signaling with DMH1 or its analogs may and Kari Morfeld , MS, PhD, of the Lincoln offer a new approach for lung cancer treatment. This was a collaborated Children’s Zoo. The project was submitted by Dr. project of multiple colleges including College of Pharmacy and College of Morfeld to the Nebraska Wesleyan University - Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific at WesternU. David Kersey Research or Creative Endeavor Grant.

14 College of Veterinary Medicine Student Research Day Lauded

ore than 70 people – both students and faculty – took The 2014 winners, research topics and their advisors are: part in WesternU’s Third Annual College of Veterinary Outstanding Research and Presentation of A Clinical Project Medicine Student Research Day, which drew praise all M 1. Ainjil Bills, DVM ’15: “Establishing Normal Thyroid Hormone Values For around. Calling the January, 2014, event a “resounding success,” CVM Associate Dean for Research Dominique Griffon, DMV, MS, The Male Giant Panda.” CVM Assistant Professor David Kersey, PhD. PhD, DECVS, DACVS, said she was impressed not only with the 2. Lindsey Jett, DVM ’16: “Molecular Prevalence Of Vector Borne Disease presenters and mentors, but the faculty and students who attended. In Free Roaming Cats From Louisiana.” CVM Assistant Professor Pedro “While experiments are often a solitary or small group venture, it is Diniz, DVM, PhD. only through collaboration and involvement in the community that 3. Audrey Keebaugh, DVM ’15: “Factors Influencing Pressure Mat these undertakings become progressive research,” Dr. Griffon said. Analysis Of The Canine Gait.” CVM Associate Dean for Research “Dissemination of intellectual results is the capstone of every Dominique Griffon, DMV, MS, PhD, DECVS, DACVS. successful discovery. While a single data point may be important, it is only in the expanding graph that we see trends and build Outstanding Research and Presentation of A Basic Science Project conclusions. So, too, must research be shared by a community to be of true benefit to society.” 1. Natalie Punt, DVM ’15: “Regulation Of Pathogenic Antiviral Immunity By Peripheral and Meningeal Stromal Cells During Viral Meningitis.” Three CVM faculty members served as judges for the competition. Phillip Swanson, PhD, and Dorian B. McGavern, PhD, both from the They were Associate Professor Yiling Hong, PhD; Assistant Professor National Institutes of Health. Gagandeep Kaur, DVM, PhD, and Professor James Reynolds, DVM, MPVM. David Haworth, DVM, PhD, president and CEO of Morris 2. Andreana Lim, DVM ’16: “Inhibition of Pericyte Migration in Spinal Animal Foundation, was the event’s keynote speaker. Cord Injury Creates a Window for Cervical Contusion Treatment: A Pilot Study.” Drs. Chris Czisch, Seok Voon-Lee, CVM Assistant Professor Suzana Because of the excellent participation and fierce competition this Tkalcic, DVM, PhD, and Giles W Plant, PhD, Stanford University School of year, the judges recommended three awards in each category to Medicine. express their admiration with the level of scholarship and dedication, Dr. Griffon said. Certificates of Award and cash prizes 3. Kurt Michelotti, DVM ’15: “Comparison between Training Models to were officially presented during the annual CVM Honors Day Teach Veterinary Medicine Students Basic Laparoscopy Surgery Skills.” in April. CVM Associate Professor Ohad Levi, DVM.

Veterinary Outlook 15 Around Campus

WESTERNU TESTS TOMOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT STUDENT EVENT BRIGHTENS HOLIDAYS Western University of Health Sciences is one of six institutions testing two More than 100 children through the Los Angeles County Department of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) devices. The University’s College of Children and Family Services Optometry is creating a normative database for a U.S. Food and Drug received Christmas cheer, food and Administration-approved study of two OCT devices, Topcon OCT-1 gifts during Western University of Maestro and 3D OCT-200 Optical Coherence Tomography. Topcon Health Sciences’ Santa’s Workshop Corporation is a Tokyo, Japan-based company divided into three business Dec. 7, 2013. domains: Smart Infrastructure, Positioning and Eye Care. WesternU has been the proud host The study is being led at WesternU by College of Optometry Associate of Santa’s Workshop for the past 25 Professor Pinakin Gunvant Davey OD, PhD, FAAO. It is being conducted years. The Student Government Association (SGA) organized the in WesternU’s Patient Care Center on the Pomona, Calif., campus. workshop with support from the Office of University Student Affairs and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. “These devices are very state-of-the-art,” Dr. Davey said. “Current machines have to do three scans for what this device is capable of doing in one scan. It evaluates the nerve, retina, and takes a fundus photograph IN MEMORIAM: WARREN LAWLESS of the posterior retina in true color in one shot.” Warren Lawless, a pillar of Western University of Health Sciences and West Seattle, Wash., who dedicated his life to service, died on Jan. 13, Study subjects, who must be 18 or older without eye disease, will undergo 2014, in Washington. He was 95. an eye examination and will be scanned at least nine times on the 3D OCT-1 Maestro and at least six times on the 3D OCT-2000. Mr. Lawless served more than 30 years on the Western University of Health Sciences WESTERNU HONORED FOR ARTHRITIS WORK Board of Trustees, taking the helm as WesternU received the 2013 Partner in Progress Award from the Arthritis chairman a scant 10 months after the Foundation’s Inland Empire branch. The University is conducting a clinical College of Osteopathic Medicine of the study to evaluate the prevalence of dry eye in rheumatoid arthritis Pacific’s inaugural class had graduated. He patients, which could potentially lead to new served as chairman until 2013, when he took treatments. This interprofessional study is being on the title of chairman emeritus. conducted by College of Optometry faculty members Jasmine Yumori, OD, FAAO, Robert Warren Lawless He was a veteran of World War II, serving as Gordon, OD, FAAO, DPNAP, and Gillian an electrician’s mate in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater, and later Hollands, OD, MS; College of Osteopathic studied business and the humanities at the University of Washington Medicine of the Pacific faculty members Michael while working as a journeyman typographer for the West Seattle Finley, DO, and Dat Trinh, DO; and College of Herald. He rose steadily through the newspaper’s ranks, eventually Graduate Nursing faculty member Tina Escobedo, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, becoming manager of retail advertising sales before leaving to start his with a research grant from Allergan Pharmaceuticals. own printing and management company in the late 1960s, which he operated until his retirement in 1988. One of the biggest challenges for the research team, and for research projects in general, is recruiting subjects, said Dr. Yumori. WesternU Lawless was also deeply involved in community service, as part of the reached out to neighboring organizations such as Casa Colina Centers for West Seattle Chamber of Commerce but most notably as a member of Rehabilitation and local rheumatologists to help get the word out about the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle. He received an honorary Doctor of the study. Humane Letters degree from COMP in 1980, and in 1997 received the University’s Humanism in Medicine Award. WesternU held a “family “The Arthritis Foundation has been incredibly supportive,” said Dr. reunion” of Lawless relatives during COMP-Northwest’s Convocation Yumori. “We’ve been going to community events with them and sharing weekend in Lebanon, Ore. in August 2013, bringing together his blood information about the study. They’ve been really great in sharing our relatives and members of his WesternU family to share memories. educational material with their volunteers. It’s been a great learning process, learning about how much support and advocacy they do for The Board proclaimed Aug. 3 and Aug. 10, 2013 as “Warren Lawless patients with arthritis.” Days” on the campuses of Western University of Health Sciences.

16 College of Veterinary Medicine WAVE Always In Our Hearts George By Chrissy & Bill Valentine ne Saturday in November 2006, we decided to stop by the OPasadena , as we often do, and take a look at the animals. It was Chrissy’s birthday and what better way for two animal lovers to celebrate than to adopt a new member of the family? The cat room was filled with adorable, meowing kittens and full-grown cats rubbing their faces against cages, begging for attention. And then there was George. He was skinny, 10 years old, listed as a stray, facing the back of the cage and wheezing due to an upper respiratory infection he contracted while at the shelter. Without missing a beat, Bill said, “This is the cat for us.” We took him home and when his infection was gone, introduced him to the rest of the family, another cat named Miles and a dachshund named Ralphie. George and Miles became the best of friends, sleeping in the sun on the same chair together for hours at a time. After Miles passed away, George would split his time between that same chair and the bottom shelf of the linen cabinet in the bathroom. As the years passed, George developed kidney disease, but continued to eat his favorite canned food (but only if it was heated slightly in the microwave) and demand his morning grooming session with his favorite wire bristle brush. George was a sweet, dignified member of our family and we miss him very much. We don’t know what his life was like before he came to live with us, but we do know that we are so happy that he could spend his final years with us. We hope George will help other animals.

About the WAVE Program: Establishing a Pet Trust 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 Those concerned about what will happen to their commitment is the WAVE ( Willed deceased Animals for Veterinary Education) animals should their human caregivers become 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 incapacitated or die might consider including (WAVE Program is modeled after the Human Willed Body Program at WesternU). provisions in an estate plan. One means of doing More than 500 deceased animals have been donated to the college in the last so is to establish a charitable remainder unitrust two years. These special animals are providing a greater quality of education to future generations of veterinarians. to ensure their care in the event disaster strikes. This can be easily accomplished, and WesternU’s All donations to WAVE must be deceased due to age, serious illness or injury. An animal that has no owner to approve Planned Giving Office is available to assist in this the donation of its remains will not be accepted. When you know that the death of your beloved pet might be process. For more information, contact Olive imminent, and you live within 40 miles of the college, please ask your veterinarian about donating to WAVE. Your Stephens, Planned Giving administrator, veterinarian may contact Ms .Tami Miller at (909) 469-5597 to make all arrangements. (909) 469-5211 or [email protected]. Always in Our Hearts: Stories from WAVE appears as a regular feature in each issue of the Veterinary Outlook Magazine.

Veterinary Outlook 17 Class of 2017 Profiles First-year CVM students are profiled throughout the year

A native of Houston, Texas, I obtained my I am from rural Pennsylvania where I earned a bachelor’s in Animal Science from Texas A&M BS as well as an MS in Biology from University. I began work in research while Shippensburg University. My master’s thesis getting my master of science at the University of was on tick-borne pathogens. I hope to Houston - Clear Lake. I hope to apply my incorporate my background in equine experience and education to promote the welfare dentistry into mixed-animal medicine with a of laboratory animals. focus on tick-borne pathology.

Jessica Anderson Katherine Baldwin

I was raised on a small farm in Myrtle Creek, Ore. This I grew up in Southern California where agricultural experience plus my experience in nature I developed an interest in working with with my wildlife biologist mother influenced a large animals through many trips to local part of my career. I obtained a bachelor’s in Animal zoos and aquariums. I received my Science and Fisheries and Wildlife with an emphasis bachelor’s degree in Zoology from on poultry science and wildlife conservation. I plan to California State Polytechnic University, pursue wildlife and exotic or conservation medicine. Pomona, while working full time in a small animal clinic in Costa Mesa. Amy Ariel Barkhurst Christopher Bates

I grew up in Southern California and earned I grew up in San Diego and in 2012, I received my bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with my bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from emphases in Companion Animals and Animal California State Polytechnic University, Behavior from University of California, Davis. Pomona. I am newly married to my wonderful I went abroad to perform spay and neuter husband, Stephan, and we have a beautiful clinics and have interned at small animal year-old daughter, Clementine. I’m interested clinics. Companion animals are my primary in large animal and zoo medicine. focus during veterinary school. Kellie Berman Therese Bruno

I grew up in Battle Creek Mich., aka “Cereal City I grew up in Atascadero, Calif., and USA.” While the city smells of Fruit Loops, it was earned my degree in Animal Science & the surrounding farmland that captured my heart. Management from University of I received my bachelor’s degree from Michigan State California, Davis. I worked for several University and plan to study small animal medicine large animal and equine veterinarians in hopes of one day owning my own practice. and additionally was on the Western Equestrian Team at UCD. I plan to focus primarily on equine medicine. Gabrielle Carter Brenna Cherry

I grew up in Queens, NY, and received a BS in I grew up on a small cattle ranch in Chewelah, Cell and Molecular Biology from Binghamton Wash., and obtained my bachelor’s degree in University. As an undergraduate, I worked at a Biology from Montana State University in cat and rabbit exclusive practice, was involved in Bozeman. I worked for an equine referral clinic a few research projects, and had an internship in in Nampa, Idaho, and as a laboratory animal comparative medicine. I am interested in small veterinary technician at the University of animal surgery. Washington in Seattle, Wash. I plan to focus on large animal medicine, but am also interested Mario Costa Joseph Davis in specializing in surgery.

18 College of Veterinary Medicine Originally from Oklahoma, my veterinary I grew up in New Washington, Ohio, and background is primarily in shelter and small received my bachelor’s degree in Animal Science animal medicine. I have a master’s in Animals and Biology from the University of Findlay. and Public Policy from Tufts Cummings School I worked for the university farm for two years, a of Veterinary Medicine and hope to study mixed animal practice for six months, and a large animal medicine, combining my love for therapeutic equestrian facility. I am interested in farm animals with my passion for policy. food animal medicine.

Carin Ferdowsian Kerry Fortney

Born in Canada and growing up in Arizona, I grew up in Cypress, Calif., and received my I had many animal family members from lizards bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at to ducks. In undergraduate I studied physiology California State Polytechnic University, and neuroscience at University of California, San Pomona. I worked at Banfield Pet Hospital Diego, before finishing a master’s in Biomedical during high school and worked at VCA Animal sciences from Colorado State University. Hospital while completing my undergraduate I continue to be intrigued by small animal surgery. degree. I am interested in small animal medicine and owning my own practice. Daniel Gutman Lauren Heit

I was born and raised in San Jose, Calif., I was born and raised in central New Jersey and and obtained my bachelor of science in obtained my bachelor’s degree in Biology from Animal Science from California Pennsylvania State University. I have invested more Polytechnic State University, San Luis than 3,500 hours of work in a specialty animal hospital Obispo. I plan to pursue small animal in New Jersey and plan to pursue a small animal medicine. specialty certification upon graduation.

Ashley Keeley Cody Kent

I grew up in Chino Hills, Calif., and I grew up in Santa Maria, Calif., where I gained received my bachelor’s degree in Biological experience in shelter, exotic, wildlife, small animal, Sciences at California State University, and large animal medicine. I received my bachelor’s Fullerton, with a concentration in molecular degree from University of California, Davis, where biology/biotechnology. I worked at two I participated in a retrospective equine small animal hospitals as an thrombocytopenia study and research for the Sierra undergraduate. I am interested in small Nevada Red Fox's conservation efforts. I plan to animal medicine. pursue a mixed practice in the state of California. David Kim Stephanie Marie Klein

I am from Glendale, Calif., and I graduated I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Animal from The Polytechnic Institute of New York Science from California State Polytechnic University with a bachelor’s in Biomolecular University, Pomona, while working for the USDA, science. After school I worked full time at Food Safety Inspection Service. I also volunteered Montrose Pet Hospital, which fueled my at a horse rescue facility. I plan to pursue large desire to focus on small animal medicine animal medicine with a focus on public health during the next four years. and the investigation of disease outbreaks.

Marisa Mauerhan Brittany Newtown

Veterinary Outlook 19 I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Business I grew up on a hobby farm in southwest Florida Administration and Finance from California and obtained my bachelor’s degree in Biology State University, Fresno, and received my Pre- from Florida Gulf Coast University. I’ve worked Medical Certificate through UCLA Extension. for the past eight years at small animal clinics and I worked as a technician in small animal also have spent some time working with wildlife hospitals and volunteered my time with wildlife rehabilitation. I plan to pursue small animal and organizations. I plan to pursue small animal exotic medicine. medicine with a focus on internal medicine. Tony Nitido Meghan Schuman

I grew up in southeastern Pennsylvania, I graduated from Rutgers University in 2013 with a and hold a BS in Animal Science from the degree in Animal Science. In the past five years University of Delaware, as well as an MS in I have learned through research, an internship at the Animal Science from Oklahoma State SPCA, a mobile equine practice focused on University. I have worked in multiple racehorses and performance horses, and acupuncture positions at the University of and chiropractic medicine. I am pursuing a career as Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. I also a mixed animal veterinarian specializing in enjoy rock climbing and backpacking. acupuncture and chiropractic medicine. Joe Simmons Brianna Stafford

I am from Rockland County, NY, and I grew up in upstate New York and received graduated from the University of Delaware my BS in Cellular/Molecular Biology from with a BS in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Binghamton University. My employment in a Animal Biosciences. I have worked at a small animal practice and my experiences small animal veterinary hospital, horse with shelters, farms and large-animal farm, zoo, and did undergraduate research. veterinarians have all contributed to my Currently, I am interested in both large interests in small and large animal medicine. and small animal medicine. My interests are in preventive medicine and Monica Sterk Christina Tataryn client communication and education.

I was raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, I have always had a passion for physical and obtained my bachelor’s degree in Biology rehabilitation. I majored in kinesiology and from Washington University in St. Louis. received my doctorate in Physical Therapy. I have I was a research intern at the Saint Louis Zoo worked in canine rehabilitation for three years in and volunteered in small animal clinics, Los Angeles. I plan to pursue small animal shelters, and rescue centers. I plan to pursue medicine focusing on rehabilitation including small animal medicine. surgery, physical therapy, and alternative therapies.

Andrew Tsai John Wagner

I grew up in Fresno, Calif., and received my I earned my bachelor’s degree in Animal bachelor’s in Biology from California State Science at Rutgers, The State University of University, Fresno. I raised three puppies in New Jersey, and worked at the university’s training for Guide Dogs for the Blind and have farm as an animal care assistant and a worked in a small animal practice for nine years. research assistant for four years. I plan to I’m interested in dermatology. I enjoy hiking focus on small animal medicine. with my dogs and kayaking in my free time.

Lauren Waterhouse Ting-Ting Yang

20 College of Veterinary Medicine Mission Statement Alumni Connection  THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE is committed to serving society Virtual Veterinary Career Center and animals through the preparation of The WesternU College of Veterinary Medicine has implemented the online Veterinary Career Center students for the practice of veterinary (VCC), part of the nationwide Veterinary Career Network (VCN), which describes itself as “an industry wide alliance of the AVMA, State Veterinary Medical Associations, affiliate organizations, medicine, veterinary public health and/or other national industry associations and education institutions, that serve professionals working in veterinary research in an educational program the animal-health industry.” of self-directed learning, reverence for life and The VCC offers Job Directory services and enables employers to advertise their job opportunities on clinical education through strategic partnerships. the local directory for free or on the VCN for a fee. The VCC is accessible at http://cvmjobs.westernu.edu/. Information about pricing for the VCN can be found at Instruction and clinical opportunities http://cvmjobs.westernu.edu/rates/. are provided in a wide variety of domestic species, including food animal, The VCC provides access to the best, high-profile and even niche openings locally and nationwide from the industry’s leading institutions and practices. Students and alumni are able to do the equine, and companion animals. following and more free of charge: The college sustains a vibrant diverse faculty • Build an in-depth profile to market skills and talent by encouraging advancement through • Upload a resume and update it as often as desired (confidentially, if preferred) personal and professional development and • Set up a personal Job Agent and be alerted when new jobs are posted research. This creates an environment of • Review career-search tips and advice from recruiting experts • Search hundreds of jobs posted every day by leading institutions and practices competent, caring, ethical professionals, where cooperative learning, public service Contact Emmanuel Griffon, the CVM’s web content administrator, with any questions. He may be reached at [email protected] or (909) 469-8780. and scholarship can flourish.

Dean Hosts Reception in Las Vegas CVM Dean Phillip Nelson, DVM, PhD, hosted a reception in Las Vegas on Feb. 17, 2014, for the college’s alumni, students and faculty during the Western Veterinary Conference. The conference took place Feb. 16-20. The reception, in the dean’s suite at Mandalay Bay Hotel, was a wonderful opportunity for those associated with the CVM to reconnect with former classmates and faculty members, and meet current students.

Annual Alumni Reunion Set for October Alumni from the WesternU College of Veterinary Medicine should mark their calendars for Oct. 18, 2014, for the next CVM all-years reunion. The Class of 2009 will be spotlighted at this year’s gathering as it celebrates its fifth-year reunion. Watch for more information in Veterinary Outlook as the reunion date draws near.

Share Your News Have you recently married, started a new job, had a baby, or received a promotion? Update WesternU on your achievements and milestones so they can be shared with your fellow classmates. Send any news to [email protected].

CVM Calendar

July 25-29 AVMA Convention, Denver, Colo. July 28 AVMA Convention, WesternU CVM Alumni Reception, Hyatt Regency, Denver: Mineral Hall B July 30-Aug. 1 Preceptor/Faculty Summer Retreat Aug. 4-8 CVM Orientation Week Aug. 9 CVM Convocation and White Coat Ceremony Aug. 11 First Day of Fall Term Sept. 1 Labor Day Holiday Sept. 28 World Rabies Day

Veterinary Outlook 21 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 465 San Dimas, CA 91773

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

27159-5/14-P Parting Shot

Screech Owls On The Wire!

“Spring 2013, San Antonio Heights, Calif., a rare and stunning encounter with screech owls on an electrical wire. It turned out the encounter repeated four nights in a row as an entire family of screech owls had nested in the area.” – Emmanuel Griffon, CVM Web Content Administrator

If you have a Parting Shot photo to share, please contact us at 909.706.3874.