Spring 2019 Spring

UF collaborate to to collaborate UF veterinarians calf okapi a rare of eye the save florida The College of Magazine Medicine Veterinary of College Florida of University The

CONTENTS

2 Message from Advancement

3 New acupuncture center opening

5 Open heart program announced

8 Q&A: Forensic Pathologist joins faculty

10 Lifetime study: The heart of a Doberman

13 Cover Story: A Rare Sight: Saving the eye of a rare okapi calf 13 19 Roy Curtiss — A pioneer in research 23 New teaching consortium formed

25 Love & Philanthropy: 30 years of giving

27 Small Investments

30 Calendar of events

Florida Veterinarian is published by the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine for alumni and friends. Suggestions and comments are welcome and should be emailed to:

Sarah K. Carey Editor, Florida Veterinarian [email protected]

Dean James W. Lloyd, D.V.M., Ph.D. 03 Executive Associate Dean Thomas W. Vickroy, Ph.D.

Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs Juan Samper, D.V.M.

Interim Dean of Research and Graduate Education David Pascual, Ph.D

Associate Dean for Clinical Services and Chief Medical Officer Dana Zimmel, D.V.M

Senior Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs Katie Boudreau

Director of Communications Sarah K. Carey, M.A., A.P.R.

Events Manager Jessalyn Fernandes

Graphic Design Selena Carter

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is supported through funding 23 from UF Health and the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. MESSAGE FROM ADVANCEMENT AND ALUMNI AFFAIRS

Being asked to write a column for the Yokohama, Japan, and our college will make Florida Veterinarian magazine sounded this all possible. Dr. Uechi has agreed to very daunting at first. What could an train UFCVM cardiologists, surgeons and advancement/development officer have to other essential staff in mitral valve repair say that would be of interest to our readers? surgery. The collaboration will also involve cardiologists at UF Health Shands Children’s After some contemplation, I realized that as Hospital. Simon Swift, D.V.M, chief of the an avid animal lover (and a certified crazy cat cardiology service, will head up the UFCVM lady), I get the opportunity to talk about my team. This story is certainly an exciting one favorite subject every day with some of the for my team to tell, and we look forward to most amazing professionals in the veterinary sharing it with you. Sarah Carey’s story is field. I’m able to see the ever-changing work included in this issue. that continues to improve the lives of our companion animals, food animals, wildlife In the equine and large animal field, the and aquatic creatures that we all care so UFCVM is developing new robotic imaging deeply about. Many people think my job is technology that will eliminate the need just about raising money but in reality, it’s for animals to be anesthetized before the also that of a storyteller. scanning process. This groundbreaking technology will be developed through I find many of our veterinary stories so a collaborative effort of UF scientists compelling that asking people for support in the veterinary field, engineering and becomes secondary to raising their human medicine. Stay tuned for further awareness of how their dollars can make developments. an impact in moving our college forward. I’d like to briefly tell you about a couple of Aside from storytelling, my job is also to our most recent initiatives that our team is manage a team of committed advancement excited to share. professionals who work tirelessly to garner support from individuals who care about the The first development is the exciting news health and welfare of animals. Whether you that the UFCVM will soon have the first fully are a grateful client of the hospital clinics, a functional open heart surgery program for shelter medicine advocate who cares about dogs in the country will be the only one to rescue animals, or someone with an interest offer a complex procedure known as cardio in providing scholarship opportunities for mitral valve repair. I’m not an authority on our students, our goal is to help you find all the technical explanations of how the a way to make a difference in the lives of procedure is performed, but I do know that people and animals. it will save hundreds, maybe thousands of dogs that suffer from this issue. Small-breed Please call me at 352-294-4256 or email GO GATORS! dogs most commonly develop this cardiac me at [email protected] if you have any Sincerely, problem, which has previously been treated questions about our many programs or how Katie Boudreau on a temporary basis with medication. you can help. We have a great team; we’re all Senior Director of Advancement honored to be here supporting the UFCVM, and Alumni Affairs A collaboration between renowned veterinary and we’re here if you need us. cardiologist, Masami Uechi, D.V.M., Ph.D, of

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is supported through funding from UF Health and the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. 3 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 4 New Equine Acupuncture Center: COLLEGE OPENS NEW EQUINE ACUPUNCTURE CENTER IN OCALA By Sarah Carey

n an effort to better serve horse Acupuncture involves the use of owners in the Ocala/Marion specific methods to stimulate points County area, often referred to as on the body in order to elicit a I the “horse capital of the world,” therapeutic effect. These points are the UF College of Veterinary Medicine referred to as Shu-xu, or acupuncture opened a new acupuncture center for points, Xie said. horses in Reddick, Florida, on Sept. 4. Studies have shown that acupuncture The UF Equine Acupuncture Center therapy may be effective in treating consists of a 6,240-square-foot musculoskeletal conditions, lameness, barn, which includes 12 stalls neurological disorders, reproductive, and a treatment area, as well as a respiratory and gastrointestinal 12,500-square-foot arena. The center disorders, dermatological issues and will function as a clinic through even behavioral problems. which Huisheng Xie, BScVM, Ph.D., a clinical professor in the integrative “Although we have occasionally medicine service at the UF Veterinary provided equine acupuncture Hospitals, will provide acupuncture through our farm call service, therapy to aid in treatment of a this new operation will be offered variety of conditions affecting horses. regularly, every Monday through Wednesday,” Xie said. “I am very Xie, who founded The Chi Institute honored and also proud of being of Traditional Chinese Veterinary part of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998, is a world- Medicine to bring this unique renowned veterinary acupuncturist medical care to our local equine with decades of experience in the community.” field. The new center will be located adjacent to the Chi Institute, about Hours of operation will be 9:30 a.m. two miles west of Interstate 75 in to 5 p.m. All visits must be made Reddick. through appointments scheduled with the UF Large Animal Hospital. “Acupuncture has been practiced in both animals and humans for Visit vethospitals.ufl.edu for thousands of years in China,” he said. more information. To make an “The benefits of acupuncture have appointment, call 352-392-2229. been documented in an increasing number of clinical trials, and, as a result, we have a better understanding of acupuncture’s method of action. Our patients can benefit greatly from these new developments.” Photos courtesyPhotos of Huisheng Dr. Banner Star Xie and Alan Youngblood/Ocala

3 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 4 5 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 6 Story by SARAH CAREY

From the heart College to launch open heart program

The UF College of Veterinary Medicine will launch an open heart surgery program for dogs in mid-2019, becoming the only fully functional program of its type in the United States and the only one to offer the complex procedure known as mitral valve repair.

The program will be a elsewhere with a success rate over “This will lead to a teaching and collaboration between UF and 90 percent. research collaboration between renowned veterinary cardiologist UF, the JASMINE Clinic and Azabu Masami Uechi, D.V.M., Ph.D., “The plan is for Dr. Uechi to come University.” of the JASMINE Veterinary with his team and equipment for Cardiovascular Medical Center in a week later this year to perform As part of an agreement Uechi Yokohama, Japan. the procedure initially on one dog, reached with UF, he and his then to return two months later team would provide training Uechi visited UF last February at to do four more cases. From then in mitral valve repair surgery the college’s invitation and gave on, he and his team plan to operate to UF cardiologists, surgeons, a presentation on the complex on six dogs every two months,” anesthesiologists, perfusionists, procedure known as mitral said Simon Swift, D.V.M., a clinical critical care specialists and other valve repair, which he performs associate professor and chief of the key staff, with the ultimate regularly in Japan and has cardiology service at UF’s Small goal of UF being able to operate performed in the past with his Animal Hospital. and maintain the program team in France and occasionally independently.

5 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 6 DISCUSSION FEW WORDS ABOUT LOREM & THE HISTORY BEHIND IT

34m ago 37

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Dr. Simon Swift examines Zoey, a 12-year-old maltese, while her owner, Janette Jordan of Oviedo, looks on. Zoey received a mitral valve repair procedure from Dr. Masami Uechi approximately one year ago in France and has come to UF subsequently for checkups. (Photo by Sarah Carey)

Mitral valve repair surgery treats a are more likely to have the disease, “Medication can slow the progression condition known as degenerative but some breeds get this disease at a and we can treat these dogs medically mitral valve disease, or endocardiosis. younger age. For example 50 percent once they develop heart failure, but This disease has a genetic component of cavaliers have this disease by 5 to 6 the average survival is only about nine and is responsible for about 75 percent years of age, according to Swift. months,” Swift said. “It’s a surgical of all canine cardiac issues, Swift said. disease, and it needs a surgical cure.” “We currently have three clients of the The disease causes a thickening of UF Small Animal Hospital that have The cardiology service at UF consists the heart valves, weakening them gone to France to have the surgery and of four board-certified cardiologists and allowing a backflow of blood to are sending a further two to Japan,” with three residents supported by flow into the left atrium from the left Swift said, adding that the first patient two technicians. In addition to the ventricle, causing the heart to dilate to receive the procedure would be medical treatment of degenerative and increasing left atrial pressure. selected based on need and severity of mitral valve disease, UF veterinary Ultimately, fluid builds up in the illness. Only patients deemed qualified cardiologists have studied gene lungs as pulmonary edema, causing to receive the procedure after referral therapy of dilated cardiomyopathy congestive heart failure and ultimately from a veterinarian will be considered, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy death. he added. as well as advanced interventional techniques. Although any dog breed can develop Prior to coming to UF, Swift worked degenerative mitral valve disease, as a cardiology specialist on faculty “In collaboration with cardiologists at small breed dogs such as cavalier at the Liverpool University Teaching UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, King Charles spaniels, dachshunds, Hospital. He served as the cardiology we have recently published details Malteses, poodles and chihuahuas are advisor to the Cavalier Spaniel Club in relating to the long-term follow-up of most commonly affected. Older dogs the United Kingdom for 20 years. stenting the right ventricular outflow

7 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN Q & “ A I am very excited to develop innovative medical and surgical treatments through academic exchanges between UF, JASMINE and Azabu University.” — Masami Uechi, D.V.M., Ph.D. VETERINARY FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST JOINS UF FACULTY

n August, the UF College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed Adam Stern, D.V.M., a veterinary tract in dogs with pulmonic stenosis, a congenital forensic pathologist, to its faculty, strengthening disease in which this area is narrowed,” Swift said. I an already unique program and creating new opportunities for internal and external collaborations. The UF Small Animal Hospital has the expertise We asked him to share more about his background, and facilities to support this complex work, and reasons for coming to UF and what he hopes to achieve the pediatric bypass team at UF Health has offered here in his new role. to assist the new program in the early stages, Swift added. FV: Welcome, Dr. Stern! Why don’t we start with your telling us how you happened to join the UF College of Veterinary Medicine faculty and what most Uechi has visited several universities in the United attracted you about our program. States over the past five years and performed this surgery on an occasional basis, but the UF program AS: The veterinary forensics program at UF is really unique. There is already represents the first time he and his team have good collaboration between the College of Medicine, with its Maples Center made a formal agreement to come on a recurring for Forensic Medicine, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the basis with visa status to work in the U.S. administration within Vet Med sees the importance of advancing this field. That importance is not limited to assisting in forensic cases; it also includes “We want to give the maximum effort to save teaching students about forensics in the classroom and advancing veterinary many dogs with mitral regurgitation, working forensic research. with the UF team,” Uechi said. “I am very excited to develop innovative medical and surgical The position I have here is also unique, as to my knowledge, a similar position treatments through academic exchanges between does not exist in any other vet school in North America. At UF, I will be able to UF, JASMINE and Azabu University.” apply my skills to help work-up forensic cases. At my previous institution, I was heavily involved in forensic cases, but there was no other faculty member to allow for collaborative efforts.

FV: Could you tell us more about your background, and how you developed your interest in forensics?

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 8 & Q A

AS: I received my D.V.M. from the University of Prince Edward Island and completed my anatomic pathology residency training at Oklahoma State University. I was exposed to very few animal abuse cases at OSU, but did see the need for pathologist involvement. The cases intrigued me, probably because of the “mystery” aspect of each case. From there, I went on to Illinois, where I started a forensic pathology service and taught veterinary medical students about forensics.

FV: What are some of the more interesting cases that you have been involved in?

AS: Fire cases are quite interesting. Not only do you have to figure out, was the animal alive or deceased when the fire was burning, but there is also the added component of, was the fire an accident or intentional. Working with the fire investigators is very interesting, as several investigators thought it was quite cool to work up the animal side. Usually they are just involved with the human victims.

Some of the more memorable cases involve situations where there is very close contact between the suspect and the victim. It is with these cases that there can be transfer of trace evidence, such as blood or hair, both of which contain DNA, from victim to suspect and vice versa. In these types of cases, there is significant collaboration between the pathologist, law enforcement and DNA analysts. When DNA is recovered and these samples match each other, it is rewarding for all parties involved.

FV: How do you hope to contribute to the forensics program as a whole, and who do you feel will be your major collaborators here at the college and outside of UF?

AS: For starters, the plan is to start a forensic necropsy service at UF sometime this fall. This will be of significant value for law enforcement in Florida and surrounding states. I’m just settling in on campus, so have not met with many collaborators as of yet. Dr. Jason Byrd, an associate professor in the UF department of pathology, immunology and laboratory medicine and associate director of the William R. Maples Center for Forensic Medicine at the College of Medicine, will be a collaborator here at UF. We are starting a project involving forensic photography with the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s office. We are also looking to improve photo documentation of cases involving gunshot injuries.

Another area of research will involve determination of the time of death of an animal. Time of death is estimated by a number of modalities, such as temperature-based methods and entomology. I’m beginning to evaluate several nontraditional methods for determination of time since death. Time of death is an important question that might need to be answered during a forensic investigation and the more ways an investigator has to estimate this time the better.

FV:: Is there anything else I haven’t asked you that you’d like to share about yourself and/or your professional goals?

AS: I want to add to the material we teach to the UF vet med students about veterinary forensics. This can be through lectures and/or wet labs. It would be nice to form a student forensic club as well. I would also like for investigators and veterinarians to know that I am available for consultation if the need arises.

9 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN Lifetime Doberman Pinscher Study: UF PARTICIPATES IN NEW STUDY OF HEART DISEASE IN DOBERMANS By Sarah Carey | Photos by Mindy Miller

UF faculty member is one veterinary practices, and at of a three-person team national and regional shows,” of veterinary cardiology Estrada said. specialists who are conducting a first-ever lifetime study She and Ryan Fries, D.V.M., also a evaluating the influence of genetic specialist in veterinary cardiology and mutations on the development of a an assistant professor at the University potentially fatal heart disease that of Illinois, came up with the idea of commonly affects nearly half of all developing a lifetime study of the disease Doberman pinschers. after brainstorming ways of better understanding DCM in Dobermans Amara Estrada, D.V.M., (’98), a professor during a conference in late 2017. The of cardiology at the UF College of third veterinary specialist involved Veterinary Medicine, and many of her in the collaboration is Nancy Morris, veterinary cardiology collaborators D.V.M., of Mass Veterinary Cardiology across the country, have spent almost a Services in Agawam, Massachusetts. decade studying the disease, known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM. The researchers reached their full enrollment quota in early January. “While much has been learned over this “Although there are two known genetic timeline, there are still many unknowns mutations associated with DCM, dogs that require long-term investigation, as without either mutation have developed well as collaboration with scientists here the disease, and dogs with one or both at UF and other institutions across the mutations might not ever develop the country,” Estrada said. disease. We have multiple projects happening simultaneously that are Although DCM affects many breeds designed to understand why some of of dogs, it strikes Dobermans more these Doberman pinschers develop the than any other breed, the researchers disease and others do not,” Estrada said. said. The inherited disorder can cause sudden death, or can eventually lead to Although genetics determine a risk for congestive heart failure. developing a disease, scientists don’t really know much beyond that, Fries More than 1,000 Dobermans have said. collectively been evaluated over the years. “If you look at a population and all you know is the genetic status, you can make “Important questions have arisen a statement such as 80 percent of dogs during these evaluations, and we have with this mutation will develop the now launched a prospective clinical disease,” Fries said. trial enrolling 300 Dobermans that have been screened for DCM and “But what is unique about those 20 followed longitudinally at our respective percent? What factors influence the 80

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 10 Left: Dr. Meg Sleeper, Darcy Adin and Amara Estrada, all veterinary cardiology specialists, review an electrocardiogram — a test which is able to detect and diagnose abnormal rhythms — at the UF Small Animal Hospital.

Bottom: A Doberman pinscher is receiving an electrocardiogram, while being restrained by a veterinary cardiology technician.

percent? Maybe our study will shed outcomes recorded for each dog. the amount and type of daily activity some light on those factors in addition Tracking each dog will be a large on the expression of this disease. to providing basic information about undertaking, the researchers said. the entire population.” “Many dogs with this genetic “We will call on our cardiologist mutation will express it differently,” The Doberman Pinscher Club of colleagues around the country to Fries said. America will be funding the $12,250 help us follow these dogs, as well as study, which will cover the costs provide regular screening at national “We are hopeful that our survey of genetic testing for participating shows and regional shows, and at our to owners and regular follow-up Dobermans from cheek swab samples respective institutions,” Fries said. through their lifetime will provide submitted to the North Carolina us some insights beyond simply State University Veterinary Cardiac Additionally, the researchers are trying the genetics, including how factors Genetics Lab. Participating dogs will to evaluate the effect of environmental such as environmental, nutritional, be followed over their lifetime, with factors, diet, dietary supplements and epigenetic, etc., influence the disease.” screening tests, owner surveys and

11 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN 11 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 12 Bottom: Dr. Darcy Adin(left), Dr. Amara Estrada(middle) and Dr. Meg Sleeper,(right), sit with two Doberman pincher friends. All three board-certified veterinary cardiologists are participating in separate studies relating to heart disease in Dobermans. Although Estrada’s lifetime study has reached its maximum enrollment, both Adin and Sleeper are actively engaged in research. More information about their work, and other clinical research studies at the UF Veterinary Hospitals, can be found on the college website, https://research. vetmed.ufl.edu/clinical-trials/.

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 12 11 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 12 Story by SARAH CAREY aRARE SIGHT UF veterinarians collaborate to save the eye of a rare okapi calf

13 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN 13 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 14 UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 14 13 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 14 Six weeks after receiving a groundbreaking procedure performed by a University of Florida veterinarian to correct a rare eye abnormality, an endangered okapi calf is recuperating well at White Oak Conservation Foundation in Yulee, Florida.

Caryn Plummer, D.V.M., (’02), an associate professor of ophthalmology The okapi are part of White Oak’s at the UF College of Veterinary conservation breeding program, the Medicine, served as the primary largest of its kind in the world, with surgeon, collaborating with White 17 okapi — including the new baby — Oak veterinarians in the procedure, residing at the center. The calf’s name called a keratectomy. It was the first is Maziwa, which is Swahili for milk. ever reported to be performed in the species. Donnelly said the center’s okapi keepers saw the eye abnormality “Mom and calf are doing great,” shortly after birth, and the animal was said Kyle Donnelly, D.V.M., (’16), taken to surgery 15 days later, on Dec. a third-year zoological medicine 19. That period of time allowed White resident at the college who, through a Oak to coordinate with Plummer to decades long collaborative relationship perform the procedure and for the between UF and the center, also serves team to separate the okapi baby from as White Oak’s resident veterinarian. its mother — a sensitive undertaking The arrangement provides additional for several reasons. training to UF zoological medicine residents while supplementing “We are lucky at White Oak, because the strength of the center’s on-site since our team has worked with this veterinary medical team. unique species for so long, the keeper staff is acutely aware of how tricky “Her eye is expected to have only removing a calf and then successfully a small scar, once fully healed,” reintroducing her to the dam can be,” Donnelly said. Donnelly said, adding that the risks of separating the two include maternal The calf had a condition known as a rejection and potentially even harm to dermoid, a congenital lesion where the calf. normal tissue appears in an abnormal location, Plummer said. “Our priority was to save the eye and keep the two together, which would “She had haired skin on her cornea, give the calf the best chance at life,” which would have been very uncom- she said. fortable,” Plummer said. “Although the condition is not common — we Keepers began separating the pair for see it occasionally in horses and cows, short periods, then gradually working and in dogs and cats — none of us have up to the estimated length of the calf’s ever seen it before in exotic hoofstock.” procedure.

15 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 16 “OUR PRIORITY WAS TO SAVE THE EYE AND GIVE THE CALF THE BEST CHANCE AT LIFE.” — Caryn Plummer, D.V.M.

15 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 16 Keratectomy

Surgical removal of a section or layer of the cornea. Illustration by Janice P. Gelatt P. Janice by Illustration

“Once the big day arrived, the dam and probably would have had scar remained calm while the calf was tissue that could have led to blindness. separated and reintroduction was smooth,” Donnelly added. “If she was uncomfortable, she might have rubbed her eye against A large group participated in the something that could have resulted in procedure, including Plummer as injury,” Plummer added. “She’s going primary surgeon, Donnelly, White to have a scar, but that’ll get smaller Oak veterinarians Scott Citino, D.V.M., and smaller as she grows and as the and Jessica Emerson, D.V.M., and cornea remodels.” second-year UF zoological medicine resident Jane Christman, D.V.M., who White Oak Conservation, which is drove to White Oak with Plummer to owned by philanthropists Mark and scrub in. Kimbra Walter, works to save endan- gered species and wild places, leading Plummer said there is usually some global conservation through innova- way to address a dermoid surgically, tive science, education, training and through removal, excision and collaborations, said Brandon Speeg, reconstruction. Where the condition is the organization’s director of conserva- present determines the type of surgery tion. White Oak is located on 17,000 performed, she added. acres of quiet forest in the northeast The University of Florida and White corner of Florida, about an hour north Oak teams prepare the okapi calf for surgery on Dec. 15. “Fortunately for this little girl, it was of Jacksonville. quite a large lesion on the cornea, but it was superficial,” Plummer said. “I “Okapi live in the wild in the performed a keratectomy, basically Democratic Republic of Congo, and shaving off the front layers of the are endangered because of multiple cornea that contained this tissue.” factors, including civil unrest and destruction of habitat from illegal The procedure itself took about 30 mining for rare earth minerals, many minutes, she said, adding that the calf of which end up in our cell phones seemed to be “healing beautifully.” and other electronics,” Speeg said. “Our goal is to build an assurance — or Had the procedure not been per- back-up — population at White Oak in formed, the calf would have suffered case of species extinction in the wild. from the discomfort of having the Nearly 50 okapi have been born at feeling of hairs in her eyes all the time White Oak as part of that effort.”

17 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 18 Okapi live in the wild in the Democratic Republic of Congo

17 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 18 UF professor Roy Curtiss changed the course of poultry history when he helped develop a vaccine to prevent Salmonella infection in broilers and laying hens.

Photo by John Jernigan

19 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 20 Story by SARAH CAREY

RESEARCH PROFILE:

IN VETERINARY MEDICINE

Roy Curtiss III, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has made a huge impact on infectious disease research in his 84-year lifetime, and he has no intention of stopping anytime soon.

19 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 20 Making agriculture more productive while at the same time enhancing food safety for consumers is a major objective in developing vaccines to prevent infectious diseases.”

— Roy Curtiss III, Ph.D.

2121 | | FLORIDAFLORIDA VETERINARIAN VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 22 ired through the UF who never took a course in basic broilers with better meat structure preeminence initiative microbiology or virology. and production, and better genetics in 2015, Curtiss is a to protect against Salmonella and E. H professor in the college’s Among his most notable scientific coli infections. department of infectious diseases contributions is the co-discovery and immunology and a member of of the molecular genetic means by His life story reflects his early the prestigious National Academy of which Salmonella bacteria invades passions: a fascination with science, Sciences. cells of the body. Salmonella is a a thirst for excellence and a desire common bacterial disease that affects to make a difference in the world — Elected as a fellow in the National the intestinal tract in humans and something Curtiss is clearly doing Academy of Inventors in 2016, Curtiss animals. every day. is internationally known for his intersectional expertise in multiple His influence regarding Salmonella fields, including genetics, micro- research goes back to the early 1990s, biology, biomedical sciences and when Curtiss formed a company vaccinology. His pioneering work in known as Megan Health to develop the areas of microbial pathogenesis, animal vaccines, and he eventually genetic manipulation and vaccine left a departmental chair position in development has been used to address academia to work part-time there. In worldwide problems in animal, 1998, the company developed a vac- human and environmental health. cine to prevent Salmonella infection in broilers and laying hens. In 2016, Also in 2016, the Sid Martin this vaccine was administered to over Biotechnology Institute, the leading 3 billion chickens. biotechnology incubator at UF, announced that Curtiss Healthcare, “Making agriculture more productive a startup vaccine-technology while at the same time enhancing company Curtiss formed in 2015, food safety for consumers is a major had been admitted into its Alachua objective in developing vaccines to bio-incubation program. prevent infectious diseases,” Curtiss says, adding that the company’s Before joining UF, Curtiss enjoyed technologies improve food quality a rich career in microbiology and and safety and help treat and prevent genetics research at Arizona State serious infections in animals and University, where he worked for 11 humans. years and directed The Biodesign Institute’s centers for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology and You could even say Curtiss’ Microbial Genetic Engineering. He previously chaired the department of story started with a chicken. biology at Washington University in St. Louis, where he served as a faculty member for 22 years. As a 16-year-old in 1950, he won the Chicken of Tomorrow contest at the The American Society for New York State 4-H competition. This Microbiology honored Curtiss with led to his early work in avian genetics: its Lifetime Achievement Award in crossbreeding white Plymouth Rock 2014. This was a highlight for Curtiss, and white Cornish chickens to yield

21 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITY OFOF FLORIDAFLORIDA | | 2222 Advancing Excellence in Teaching: COLLEGE INITIATES NEW REGIONAL CONSORTIUM TO ENHANCE TEACHING EXPERTISE By Sarah Carey

An initiative spearheaded by the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine aims to advance teaching excellence in academic veterinary medicine through a new regional consortium.

“Many people might not know that when faculty come to a veterinary “I just started to think we need to school, they’re teaching their trade, enhance our existing teaching efforts but may not be teachers at heart,” said at UF and really try to broaden these Juan Samper, D.V.M., the college’s efforts to collaborate with our peer associate dean for academic and institutions on the East Coast,” he student affairs. “Our goal is to address said. this by combining the mindset of ‘professional veterinarians’ with He subsequently initiated communi- ‘professional teachers.’ cation with deans from other colleges, and saw there was mutual interest. To that end, the college has formed Joining UF as participants in the con- UF pledged an initial $10,000 in seed the East Coast Regional Consortium sortium will be North Carolina State money, which was supplemented by for Teaching and Learning as a way University, the Virginia-Maryland contributions from the other colleges to encourage collaborations among Regional College of Veterinary who have committed to participate. faculty with teaching duties at Medicine, Lincoln Memorial An initial meeting is in the planning veterinary medical colleges located University, the for sometime in 2019, Samper said, in the Eastern United States. Another and the . adding that he envisions annual similar consortium already serves meetings would be held subsequently veterinary colleges in the Western Members will collaborate “to develop, at different institutions, focusing on U.S., Samper said. evaluate, implement and share best how to better support faculty in their practices in veterinary medical educational academic initiatives. “We have excellent instructors, but education, and will help to promote “We veterinarians don’t get taught the veterinary program has so many the educational track as a valued path how to teach,” he said. “We come in facets as to what is required of teach- for promotion and tenure at their trying to emulate the great teachers ers,” Samper said. “It’s different to different institutions,” according to we had, but in these changing times, teach in the classroom than in clinics, the group’s mission statement. technology is affecting the way we as it’s different to teach residents do things. The newer generations than it is to teach veterinary students. Samper came up with the idea during have a different way of learning, and There are lots of levels of teaching and a professional meeting earlier this we need to think about how we as we need to address this and make sure year at which many of his academic educators adapt to these different we excel in all these facets.” peers from other colleges were in learning styles.” attendance.

23 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 24 “Many people might not know that when faculty come to a veterinary school, they’re teaching their trade, but may not be teachers at heart.” — Juan Samper, D.V.M.,

Top: The college’s Clinical Skills Lab provides an opportunity for first-and-second-year students to gain valuable skill sets prior to entering their clinical rotations. In this file photo, Dr. Bobbi Conner, right, a clinical assistant professor of emergency and critical care, demonstrates CPR techniques.

Bottom Left: Clinical teaching in academic veterinary institutions requires many incoming faculty members to learn skills they didn’t necessarily hone in private practice. In this file photo, Dr. Chris Sanchez is shown in the Alex P. and Louise H. Courtelis Equine Hospital with a student on his large animal medicine rotation.

23 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 24 Philanthropy LOVE, PARTNERSHIP & PHILANTHROPY: UF VETERINARY ALUMNI APPROACH 30 YEARS OF GIVING BACK By Linda Homewood

FROM CLASSMATES TO SOULMATES “The college was extraordinarily technology. Mark has called on UF’s meaningful to us. It launched us to Small Animal Hospital specialists to Going from classmates to soulmates, where we are now,” Mark said. confer on a difficult case or to help Mark Gendzier, D.V.M., and Virginia Each came to veterinary medicine make a referral decision. For cases (Ginny) Quelch, D.V.M., are Class of from a different approach. Ginny, who involving multiple systems, or test ‘87 UF College of Veterinary Medicine showed quarter horses, always wanted results that don’t offer a clear solution, alumni who met in their first year and to become a veterinarian, earning a Mark tells pet owners UF is the place married on graduation day. They still master’s degree in microbiology at where they are most likely to get an work side-by-side, and each is quicker to UF. Mark studied math at Brandeis answer. tell you about the other’s achievement University before coming to UF. Mark than their own. was in the restaurant business and “Our clients think more highly of us decided to return to college at UF. when we make a referral because they Considering the intertwining of their are so grateful for the care they receive lives and profession, their ongoing PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT at the UF Small Animal Hospital,” commitment and relationship to UF Mark said. is not surprising. In fact, they hold Mark and Ginny value their UF the longest record as consecutive veterinarian colleagues as extended After graduation, the couple began supporters of the college, which practice partners with experience in their careers in Ginny’s home continues to hold a very warm place in treating some of the most complex state, New Jersey. Ginny gained their hearts. conditions and access to the latest valuable experience as the director

25 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 26 of scientific affairs for a veterinary veterinarians. Mark and Ginny now animals to their habitats. pharmaceutical company, heading manage the hospital administration, product development, where working literally shoulder-to- Ginny served many years, most she developed the MicroPearls shoulder at desks next to each other recently as chairwoman, for the dermatological shampoo line. from home. St. Augustine Society, shepherding the organization through two After a couple of years, they were CARING & GIVING hurricanes. Its shelter programs ready to be on their own. Noting include Port in the Storm Youth the immense popularity of “All Ginny and Mark began to Center and St. Francis House, a Creatures Great and Small,” a book understand the importance of their housing crisis shelter that in 2017 and television series at that time, role as caregivers not only to pets, placed 210 families in permanent Mark wonders if it sparked their but also to their owners in times housing. Mark serves on the board dream of starting a practice. of loss. They knew right away they for St. Augustine Regional Veterinary wanted to support UF’s Pet Memorial Emergency Center, an initiative HOMEWARD BOUND program. They found that the most started through a coalition of area meaningful thing to their clients was veterinarians recognizing a need for Mark was considering a move to receiving a note from the college that animal emergency care. Colorado, where they could enjoy a donation was made in their pet’s mountains and skiing. His mom was name. Last year, the college honored the having none of that and prompted couple with its Distinguished Service Mark’s dad to look for a practice back “In those days, support for someone Award for their multifaceted and in Northeast Florida. Her mission who just lost a pet wasn’t the same longtime support, and for their paid off when his father pointed as today,” said Mark. “Families efforts on behalf of their community them to Dr. Jack Shuler’s small didn’t always understand, and and the veterinary medical veterinary practice on U.S. 1 in St. the veterinarian and veterinary profession. Augustine. Mark and Ginny agree: staff became the person’s support The spot turned out to be an ideal network.” location in a growing community offering the best of both worlds Not long after that, they experienced — Colorado skiing vacations and the tragic loss of a classmate, who Florida snow-free winters. had been practicing in Marathon, Florida. Working with the veterinary “Our clients In 1991, they purchased St. John’s practice and clients who had Veterinary Hospital and Cat Clinic so appreciated their friend and think more highly with 12 employees. As their practice colleague, Mark and Ginny also grew, Ginny reflected that being reached out to other classmates. of us when we a veterinarian is very hard work, physically and emotionally. They Turning to UF to establish a make a referral worked long hours in every capacity memorial fund, they led the effort from primary care to surgery, to create the Dr. Beatriz Lopez-Van because they are carrying beepers and responding to Beuren Memorial Scholarship fund. emergencies at all hours. so grateful for the In addition to the direct gifts to “The world of veterinary practice the college, Mark and Ginny more care they receive we entered wasn’t quite the life recently have taken steps for planned of the veterinarian in the English giving in the form of a bequest to the at the UF Small countryside,” Mark joked. college from their estate. Animal Hospital.” “Sure, there were lots of happy WHERE THE HEART IS ‘puppy moments,’” Ginny added, — Mark Gendzier, D.V.M. “but there was also trauma and death Ginny and Mark’s generosity also over the years.” supports the community they love, helping people and wildlife in need. Today, their hospital has doubled In partnership with local wildlife in size to accommodate a state- rescue organizations, they offer free of-the-art intensive care area and services to treat injured wildlife, 38 employees, including five finding reward when they can return

25 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 26 Philanthropy SMALL INVESTMENTS, BIG REWARDS By Linda Homewood

ave Heine, a native of to need is innate. An amateur Kirsten Cooke in the hospital’s Cleveland, never attended radio operator, he answered an internal medicine practice, who the University of Florida unexpected request for emergency diagnosed the conditions and D and never imagined a volunteer communications help in provided treatments. path that would lead him to become New York City following the 9-11 an advocate and supporter of the UF attack when the city lost all of its In 2014, Mishka returned again, College of Veterinary Medicine. radio communications. He returned this time needing an advanced He and his wife, Tatia, moved to after two weeks with a profound knee reconstruction that Heine Orlando in 2001 where he built a appreciation for the small things in life learned would be a first-of-its-kind career in title insurance and mortgage and for giving. procedure capitalizing on technology closings and she worked in surgical advancements. nursing. Heine’s giving journey with UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine began Kelly Fishman, D.V.M., who was an A self-made entrepreneur, Heine in 2010 with his first of three Boston integrative medical intern at that time, currently owns two businesses. His terriers, Mishka, who needed a third was always there to care for Mishka first is based on a software patent he corrective knee surgery. Referred by his during her long recovery and many developed. More recently, he also has veterinarian in Orlando, he continued rehab visits that followed. As a client in teamed up with a former employee to rely on the college’s Small Animal need of a variety of specialists, Heine to establish a successful and growing Hospital in the years that followed. was grateful to all the practitioners, partnership. When asked about his technicians and staff at UF’s Small philosophy of life, he quotes his wife, Over her 13-year lifespan, Mishka Animal Hospital. who often says you get back three developed other special needs, times what you give. including two chronic and Through Mishka’s recovery, Heine difficult to manage gastrointestinal began to better understand the needs To Dave, rescue and responding conditions. Heine turned to Dr. of the college. With each visit, he

27 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 28 Photos by: Sarah Carey by:Photos Sarah Left: Dr. Kelly Fishman, then a resident with the UF Small Animal Hospital’s integrative medicine service, with Mishka, Heine’s first Boston terrier. Heine’s first gift to the college established a fund to aid Fishman’s research. Right: Dr. Audrey Collinet, Dave Heine and Dr. Sheila Carrera-Justiz are shown Dec. 13 in the neurology ward of the UF Small Animal Hospital. Heine established the Sasha Heine Neurology Support Fund in memory of his Boston terrier, Sasha Marie. He was inspired to make this gift because of the care Sasha received from Collinet, a small animal neurology resident. Resident-support funds at the college aid the scholarly activities and training of CVM residents.

noticed the names of large corporate quest by creating resident support resident support funds, providing donors inscribed above the hospital’s funds and making planned and cash opportunities for veterinarians main entrance. He met with Melissa gifts to a total of 17 funds. completing their residency training. Headrick, an associate director of Supporting travel and attendance to development at the college, to see After becoming involved with Boston important conferences, Heine says his how he might be able to help in a Rescue of Florida in 2017, the Heines’ gifts have an added knowledge-sharing, smaller way. hearts were soon won by Sasha Marie, ripple effect. Upon returning, each a Boston terrier they fostered only resident must prepare a report to their “I pointed to the names above the one day before adopting. A year- advisor on what they learned, and then door and told Melissa I wanted to and-a-half later, at only 4 years old, deliver a seminar on the topic to their donate too, but I didn’t have millions Sasha unexpectedly suffered a very cohort. of dollars like they do,” said Heine. rare spinal stroke. Heine knew it was “That’s when I learned about what I serious and called UF for emergency Besides his support of UF, Heine call, ‘small dollar giving.’ help, driving to Gainesville from continues to give back to his Orlando that night. After ensuring her community in Orlando. His first office Headrick replied that “no matter how comfort, the neurology specialist on was located in Orlando’s downtown much the gift, it’s always welcome, duty performed tests and a thorough Parramore district, historically because the dollars of many smaller exam. Sadly, Sasha Marie could not be a struggling African American donors add up to accomplish so much,” saved as the neurological damage she’d community. He funds the police chief’s Heine recalled. experienced was too severe and was not initiative, “Christmas Dinner from a reversible. Cop,” by purchasing turkeys and foods “So, I asked Melissa, ‘what could a for a complete family dinner feeding $2,500 donation do?’ She answered Last December, on Christmas night, more than 700 families each year. that it could pay for an intern’s research the couple once again became happy Consistent with his giving philosophy, project,” Heine said. pet-parents of their third Boston his donation is a way to support the terrier, Allie Katherine, a 4-year-old police department and also feed the Heine and his wife’s first donation to in dire need of rescue and medical hungry. the college was to establish a fund to do intervention for heartworms. They just that. Funding Fishman’s research knew exactly where to take her. The Heines’ small-giving plan has was a way they could support education given them and the college much more and training, and, at the same time, give With the quality-of-life care given to than three-fold in return. They are now back to the intern who had provided so his three dogs, Heine gained first-hand planning estate giving that one day will much love and care for Mishka. knowledge about the many services add up to something really big in their and specialty practices provided by UF pet-family legacy. With Mishka’s passing, Heine the UF Small Animal Hospital. In continued his “small dollar giving” appreciation, he has established six

27 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 28 Honors and Awards: GRANT SUPPORTS FACULTY MEMBER’S STUDIES OF CANINE DIABETES By Sarah Carey

llison O’Kell, D.V.M., a small ani- Ph.D., the Hills Professor of Oncology metabolic blood markers. She also will mal internal medicine specialist and interim director of clinical and be evaluating the role of immune system Aand clinical assistant professor translational research at the UF College dysfunction in the disease and is seeking at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, of Veterinary Medicine. to identify possible biomarkers of early has received a Mentored Clinical Scientist All of the research involves naturally disease, or prediabetes. Research Career Development Award occurring diabetes in pet dogs that live from the National Institutes of Health in in the community. For more information about O’Kell’s support of her studies relating to canine O’Kell will be studying diabetic dogs clinical trial and inclusion criteria, call diabetes. to better define the function of the pan- 352-392-2235. The five-year grant, known as a K08, creas over time, and will be investigating will support O’Kell’s career and research project. “The overall goal of my research is to study the causes of diabetes in the dog,” O’Kell said. “We hope that the work will benefit dogs with this disease, but also to help us better understand whether study- ing the disease in dogs may be a novel way to understand the disease in humans.” The disease has been increasing in prevalence over time in both dogs and humans, emphasizing the importance of research to determine the underlying causes of the disease as well as methods for prevention and treatment, she added. O’Kell’s primary mentor is Mark Atkinson, Ph.D., the American Diabetes Association Eminent Scholar for Diabetes Research and Jeffrey Keene Family Professor in the UF College of Medicine. Atkinson also directs the UF Diabetes Institute and has been investigating human Type 1 diabetes for over 30 years. Her co-mentor is Rowan Milner, B.V.Sc.,

Dr. Allison O’Kell is shown with her dogs, Misha and Dash. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Allison O’Kell)

29 | FLORIDA VETERINARIAN CALENDAR SPRING 2019

APRIL 13 JUNE 15 OCT. 22 Annual UF College of Veterinary Referring Veterinarian Team Vet Med bike ride/Horse Medicine Open House, 10 a.m. to Appreciation Day and Dean’s Farm 100 4 p.m. Circle Reception DEC. 7-11 MAY 10 AUG. 2 American Association of Equine Sophomore Professional Coating American Veterinary Medical Practitioners Conference: Alumni Ceremony Association Alumni Reception Reception MAY 18 NOV. 9-13 Florida Veterinary Medical American College of Veterinary Association Conference: Alumni Pathology Conference: Alumni Reception Reception MAY 25 OCT. 5 Commencement Homecoming The Gators will play Auburn. JUNE 6 Look for more information on American College of Veterinary our website, vetmed.ufl.edu/ Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Alumni homecoming Reception

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | 30

Non-Profit PAID U.S. Postage U.S. Organization Permit No. 94 No. Permit Gainesville, FL Gainesville, vetmed.ufl.edu Gainesville, FL 32610-0125 Gainesville, FL College of Veterinary Medicine College of Veterinary Box 100125 P.O.