the Alumni Connection CVM News Preceptor Profile Canine Poster Collaboration Outlook STARS Symposium College of Veterinary Medicine Western University of Health Sciences Research Update Winter 2012/Volume 13, Issue 1 Student Profiles WAVE Program

The Art of Communication CVM Course Teaches Effective Veterinary-Client Relationship Centered Care

A Work ™Of Heart the Word from the Dean Outlook ™ Winter 2012/Volume 13, Issue 1 College of Veterinary Medicine Western University of Health Sciences A little more than a year ago, Dr. Dominique Griffon Editor: joined the CVM as our associate dean for research. Paul Gordon-Ross, DVM, MS Since that time, she has encouraged and lauded our 909.706.3529 faculty members for their efforts in continually [email protected] seeking to uncover and unlock the mysteries of disease in this noble profession of veterinary Associate Editor: medicine. We even recently hosted our first Carla Sanders Preceptor Research Day. [email protected]

Our primary role at WesternU’s College of Veterinary Assistant Editor: Medicine is to train health care providers of the Jason Carter future. Our view of a health care provider is a 909.706.3874 comprehensive one, and includes basic and [email protected] translational research. Advances in disease prevention and intervention would not occur otherwise. Photographer: The core value of discovery is embodied in research Jess Lopatynski and must be an integral part of the curricular matrix. 909.469.5298 We are dedicated to contributing to the expansion of [email protected] knowledge in our profession, including the areas of professional and clinical training. Photographer: Jeff Malet Our dedicated faculty know that they, too, must endeavor to keep learning in order to 909.469.3790 bring the latest, most up-to-date information to their students. The CVM’s faculty has [email protected] studied species ranging from chickens to horses, from giant pandas to birds of prey. We are also encouraging our faculty to develop scholarly activities that document and Graphic Designer: Paul Gettler inform the profession of lessons learned from our unique curricular model. Every issue of 909.469.5256 the Outlook highlights their efforts, and it is research that will have an impact, in some [email protected] cases, on a global scale.

I believe the seeds of discovery that are planted today will affect the climate of the ------profession in the future. We have entrusted in our faculty the responsibility of identifying 309 E. Second St. areas worthy of further investigation and involving our students in the resultant Pomona, Calif. 91766-1854 investigations. We are looking forward to involving our preceptors in innovative www.westernu.edu partnerships that will hopefully lead to enhancing, enriching, and facilitating translational [email protected]. research and clinical trials.

I am proud to be associated with all of these individuals and look toward an amazing A Work ™Of Heart future. On The Cover Second-year students work with a “standardized patient” who is an actor portraying a pet owner while observing students learn interactive skills in a controlled setting.

Photo by Jeff Malet

Phillip Nelson , DVM, PhD

If you would like to be removed from the Outlook mailing list contact Liz McGowen at 909.469.5392 or email [email protected] 2

ALUMNI Connection News and notes for and about our grads

GRADS IN THE FIELD I can still remember the first time I went on a tour of the future building for the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences. It was an afternoon tour and I joined a small group of 20 other aspiring veterinary candidates. We sat in the semi-empty and unfinished cold building on folding chairs for a presentation about this new college. Problem-based learning and small group sessions were just the way I wanted to learn about veterinary medicine.

That was 10 years ago and I can honestly say I am proud to be an alumna of the 2007 charter class. Since graduation I have been working as a feline specialist at a feline only clinic in Orange, Calif. Although I love all animals, I knew I had the necessary skills to work with cats, something many of my classmates still don’t understand to this day. They are definitely not small dogs and have their own agenda. I plan to pursue board certification in feline medicine this year as I near my five-year experience mark. I also truly enjoy surgery and diagnostic imaging. The “self-directed” and “student-centered” learning curriculum at WesternU not only prepared me to be a competent clinician right out of college, but it also better prepared me for all of life’s little challenges. I can problem solve just about anything and I am not afraid to take on challenging cases. I have been a full-time clinician since graduation, but have always enjoyed teaching throughout my career. I satisfied this part-time desire by giving presentations at work to the technicians to further expand their knowledge on important feline diseases. But I wanted more! Dr. John Tegzes suggested I get involved with IPE, mini PBL sessions that involve all health colleges at WesternU. The fall of 2010, I For more on started working as a facilitator on my day off from the clinic. The following summer I was ecstatic when I was offered a position to WesternU’s be a full-time facilitating assistant veterinarian for the first and second year students. Having been through this rigorous process, I PBL process, see Page 5. hope to be able to convey to the students the importance of developing critical thinking and communication skills. When they feel overwhelmed and worry about their competencies, I eagerly remind them why they are here: to become excellent clinicians. These students are so lucky to be able to pursue their lifelong goals and become members of one of the best and most rewarding careers. I am happy to be part of their learning process while still enjoying my patients at the clinic. It really is the best of both worlds. Carmela Panza, DVM Class of 2007

CVM ALUMNI REUNION – CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2007 Mark your calendars for the College of Veterinary Medicine’s first alumni reunion event, planned for the weekend of Sept. 7-9, 2012.

All alumni are invited to attend to catch up with old friends and network with fellow alumni veterinary professionals while also celebrating the five-year reunion for the inaugural class of 2007. Specific details are being finalized, but professional programs based on veterinary entrepreneurship and business management are planned, along with plenty of social events for alumni and families.

Volunteers interested in helping to plan or share ideas for the event are invited to contact CVM Director of Development Tim McPheron at (909) 706-3762 or email [email protected]. Keep an eye on the CVM website, the email you have on file with the university and the CVM’s Outlook magazine for more details as we get closer to the event. Share Your News Have you recently married, started a new job, had a baby, or received a promotion? Update WesternU on your achievements and milestones so they can be shared with your fellow classmates. Send any news to [email protected] and to the CVM at [email protected]. Jobs for Alumni Interested in finding a new job or just seeing what’s out there? Check out the job postings for alumni at the Alumni Career Resources Center on the WesternU website at www.westernu.edu.

Post a Job DoyouhaveapositionthatalumnifromtheCollegeofVeterinaryMedicinemightbeabletofill?Tosubmitajobposting,contact theOfficeofAlumniRelationsat(909)469-5274ore-mailtheinformationto[email protected].Theinformationwillbe postedintheCareerResourcessectionoftheWesternUAlumniwebsite.

3 TRIBUTE EVENT SETS RECORDS

WESTERN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES ’ annual fundraising gala set new records at the fall event, raising more than $170,000 for student scholarships and selling the most tickets ever. The event, A Tribute to Caring, was held Nov. 12, 2011 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, Calif. Several magicians performed for the more than 600 guests as they mingled prior to the evening’s dinner and program. WesternU Founding President Philip Pumerantz, PhD, thanked donors for supporting the University’s mission. “When you study the science of healing, you must remember it has to intersect with compassion and caring. You think about the patient,” he said. “Your presence here tonight will have a direct impact on our work and our mission of fostering caring and compassion in health care.” A Tribute to Caring is a special opportunity for WesternU to recognize enduring contributions to the education of tomorrow’s health professionals, said WesternU Senior Vice President Thomas G. Fox, PhD. “Although past Tributes have sometimes honored more than one organization, tonight that is not the case,” he said. “All of us at the conscience. You care for people, you make a lot of scholarships University agreed that the commitment and spirit of partnership available, and the work you do uplifts the community.” demonstrated over the years by this evening’s honoree warrant their standing alone on our stage as the evening’s sole award recipient.” AmerisourceBergen sponsors the annual Good Neighbor Pharmacy/Institute for Community Pharmacy Scholarship Golf Classic, He was referring to longtime College of Pharmacy supporter AmerisourceBergen Corp., which was honored with the 2011 A which has raised more than $1 million for student scholarships at Tribute to Caring Corporate Humanitarian Award. In presenting the WesternU and USC. The golf tournament will celebrate its 10th year in award to company President David Neu, Dr. Pumerantz told him, “It is 2012. AmerisourceBergen is also establishing a $25,000 endowed an honor to present this award to you. You are a company that has a scholarship at WesternU.

4 The WesternU Way to Learn PBL spurs students to work together toward solutions

FOR FIRST YEAR CVM STUDENT JAYSON JOHNSTON , wrapping his mind around WesternU’s problem-based learning format initially was a struggle. “It was hard to adjust to,” he admits. Halfway through the first year, though, he’s become a convert to the PBL way, as have many of his classmates. “I get excited to try to find the answer,” says Adrienne Snider, another first-year student. “The PBL experience helps form bonds with our classmates.” PBL is “significantly different from the traditional lecture-based format,” explains the CVM’s web page for new studies to learn basic science and clinical concepts. As a student, you'll students. Through WesternU's learn to uncover answers, assess the quality of information, learn basic PBL curriculum, “groups of science knowledge and communicate effectively as you explore 64 approximately 7 students carefully selected cases during your first and second year in the actively engage in the program.” learning process while faculty facilitate and provide subject- “We want the process to be natural, organic,” says Stephen Waldham, matter knowledge. Working DVM, PhD, a professor as well as associate dean for Faculty Affairs. He independently and in small guides, encourages and shepherds the first year students in one of the groups, students explore case many sessions on campus, prodding them to uncover the reasons behind the case of the week which, on this particular Friday, was the mysterious death of dozens of dairy cows. The students, in turn, jump in, some more eagerly than others, tossing out questions and suppositions as they go about coming up with a “PBL is harder, but in the diagnosis. Two whiteboards are overflowing with information and their ideas as they plow through the material presented. One person’s speculation leads to additional avenues of discussion, while the ideas long run you become of another are expanded upon or countered by the group members. Humor and levity mingle with the serious discussion, and there is phenomenal veterinarians much support and encouragement. “I’m very proud of this speculation,” Dr. Waldham comments at one point. He later adds, “I want to encourage you to speak up and because you taught speculate. You need not be right.” The CVM’s John Tegzes, MA, VMD, DABVT, director of first year yourself. ” curriculum who oversees the CVM PBL program, says the benefits of the format are enormous. “PBL engages the students into active – First year student, learning, promotes the retention of new information, and gives Megan McCorkel relevance to the basic and clinical sciences.” The students seem to agree. Says first year student Megan McCorkel: “PBL is harder, but in the long run you become phenomenal vets because you taught yourself.”

5 PRECEPTOR PROfILE East County Large Animal Practice

WITH 2,500 ACTIVE CLIENTS and a 40-mile service radius, East County Large Animal Practice offers an array of opportunities for students from WesternU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. As a preceptor, the El Cajon practice seeks to help students gain additional expertise in their chosen profession, and perhaps sway a few to their specialty. “I’m a cheerleader for large animal medicine,” says Dr. Greg Smith, inland, including who founded the practice in 1981 out of the garage at his home in the communities Santee. “I tell the students that by the time they are done here I and cities of hope they can see why someone would go into large-animal Lakeside, El Cajon, medicine.” Ramona, Jamul, About 90 percent of the Poway, Imperial practice is devoted to equine Beach, Bonita and medicine while 4-5 percent Alpine. involves other specialties, Among the including sheep, goats, pigs, services and and cattle. The remainder is specialties offered devoted to small-animal by ECLAP are medicine. Four veterinarians advanced equine are on the staff of about a dentistry, breeding dozen people, which also assistance, a health-maintenance program, endoscopy/gastroscopy includes office personnel tests, a strategic de-worming program, vaccinations, microchipping, and other lay people. routine surgery, and tattooing and castration for cattle. The practice Students accompany the veterinarians on daily house calls, which also offers an annual health plan for pot-bellied pigs which are the primary focus of the practice, according to Dr. Smith. It includes trimming tusks and feet, worming and vaccinations and services from the Mexican border to Del Mar, and from the coast diet consultations. As preceptors, the ECLAP veterinarians try to makes themselves readily available to the students, says Dr. Smith. The students are involved in nearly every aspect at the practice, including administering vaccines, floating teeth, drawing blood, hooking up IVs, and giving sedations. And, on occasion, even the vets learn something from the students. “Sometimes we get pearls of information because of the practices where the students have worked before,” he adds. At the end of the two-week rotation, Dr. Smith hopes the students have gained, at the minimum, an appreciation for large animal medicine. “Some go ‘Wow! I’m going to rethink my specialty,’ ” Dr. Smith says. “At least it made them stop for two weeks and think that this is not a bad life.” East County Large Animal Practice 10312 Quail Canyon Road, El Cajon, CA 92021 (619) 561-4661 • www.eclap.org

6 RESEARCH

CVM Team Collaborates on Canine Poster

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR KRIS IRIZARRY , P HD, was invited to present who has purified DNA and managed the genotyping portion of the during the “Dog and Cat Workshop” section his study, “RUNX2 project, Dr. Rutllant, who has developed the anatomical allelic variation in the Bullmastiff,” at the International Plant and measurements and collected head measurements from the dogs in Animal Genome Conference XX in San Diego Jan. 15, 2012. the study, Banfield’s Marc Togneri, DVM, who has provided radiographs of bullmastiff heads to help This conference includes a large, diverse elucidate breed associated phenotypes, international audience of agricultural student Stephanie Telarroja, DVM genomics scientists. In addition, 2014, who has drawn great Dr. Irizarry presented a poster illustrations of craniofacial co-authored with other anatomical features that are WesternU faculty members variable among members of and a DVM student: the bullmastiff breed based on “Characterization of data from the project. Bullmastiff Head Morphology and Identification of RUNX2 Frank Bossong, DVM, also Allelic Variation within the helped by providing access to Breed.” The authors are Dr. Irizarry, dogs for the project and helping student doctor Jennifer Scudder, DVM arrange times and space for head 2013, Dr. Katherine Mitsouras (COMP) and measurements and DNA collection. Josep Rutllant, DVM, PhD. Dr. Irizarry expressed special Josip Borovac, first year MSBS student from the Graduate College appreciation for the efforts of Dr. Rutllant in making the of Biomedical Sciences at WesternU, is working in The Applied anatomical measurements of the bullmastiff head and also for Genomics Center with Dr. Irizarry to build a better understanding suggesting ways to analyze the data. of how variation in the RUNX2 protein can alter the genetic The project is aimed at identifying the genetic contribution to program controlling skull shape and snout anatomy in dogs. canine head morphology. The multidisciplinary research team Victoria Voith, DVM, MSc, MA, PhD, DACVB, has helped with efforts includes Dr. Kristopher Irizarry, who has developed and managed to better understand how head shape contributes to stereotypes the project, Ms. Scudder, who has played a major role in analyzing of dog behavior and has provided valuable contributions to the the data and interpreting the data for over a year, Dr. Mitsouras, research design of the study.

A lateral view of the dog head illustrates bones of the skull contributing to inter- individual variation in head shape within bullmastiffs. A lateral radiograph shows how the upper and lower jaws of one bullmastiff in the study are not aligned properly. Bullmastiff heads were carefully measured to determine anatomical phenotypes affecting craniofacial morphology.

Genetic variation in the canine gene for RUNX2 alters the number of repeated amino acids (Q = glutamine and A=alanine shown in red and green respectively) that occur within the protein encoded by this gene. Variation within the number of glutamines and alanines changes the activity level of the protein, which normally functions as a transcription factor to turn on a host of genes involved in bone formation within the skull. Some genetic versions of the gene act like antagonists while other genetic variants act like agonists. Depending upon the specific genotype of RUNX2 gene within each dog, measurable differences in skull shape can be detected.

7 STARS BRINGS TOGETHER WESTERNU STUDENTS

Students from colleges throughout the WesternU campus met for winners, honored for Most Interesting Use of a New Applied the fourth annual Summer Student Technology and Research Research Approach. Ann-Marie Aumann, DVM 2014, received Symposium (STARS), a showcase of student research experience. honorable mention, being recognized for her presentation and enthusiasm. The symposium on Sept. 6, 2011, brought together students with varying levels of research experience. Sixteen students presented “You are the cream of the crop,” Steven Henriksen, PhD, WesternU their work. “Each year the presentations have improved in both the vice president for Research and Biotechnology, told the group. quality of the data presented and the level professionalism of the “We’re very impressed with the quality of research that is going on presentations. This year was no exception,” reported CVM and here. It’s part of my responsibility to stimulate this kind of activity GCBS Professor Tom Phillips, DVM, PhD, who helps oversee the throughout the University and to help young scientists to get program. together and understand what research is all about.” The CVM’s Annie Oh, DVM 2014, was one of three top award The students and faculty from the CVM who participated were:

Student Name: Ann-MarieAumann Student Name: Hye-Young(Erica)Kim Student’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine Student’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine Graduation Year: 2014 Graduation Year: 2014 Advisor’s Name: BabakFaramarzi,DVM,Msc, Advisor’s Name: Dr.DevendraH.Shah PhD Advisor’s College: DepartmentofVeterinary Advisor’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine MicrobiologyandPathology,CollegeofVeterinary Project Name: FoalHematology Medicine,WashingtonStateUniversity Project Name: SalmonellaEnteritidismutantswith reducedCaco-2cellinvasivenessshowimpaired survivalinchickenmacrophagesandreduced invasivenessinchickenlivercells Student Name: ZachCrouse Student’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine Graduation Year: 2013 Advisor’s Name: LindaKidd,DVM,PhD,DACVIM Advisor’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine Student Name: BryanLui Project Name: Post-chemotherapyperforationin Student’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine catswithaclinicaldiagnosisofintermediateorhigh Graduation Year: 2014 gradealimentarylymphoma Advisor’s Name: HrvojeSmodlaka,DVM,PhD Advisor’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine Project Name: AmazingEyeoftheNorthern ElephantSeal Student Name: JosephDeBrota Student’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine Graduation Year: 2013 Advisor’s Name: MiguelSaggese,DVM,MS,PhD Student Name: AnnieOh Advisor’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine Student’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine Project Name: Theroleofavianpathogensand Graduation Year: 2014 pollutantsasacauseofpopulationdeclineof Advisor’s Name: Dr.AndrasM.Komáromy variousbirdsofpreyinSouthernCalifornia Advisor’s College: SchoolofVeterinaryMedicine, UniversityofPennsylvania Project Name: MolecularMechanismsofCNTF- inducedPhotoreceptorDeconstruction Student Name :ValerieKendall Student’s College: GraduateCollegeofBiomedical Science Graduation Year: 2011 Student Name: JessieUhler Advisor’s Name: PeggyBarr,DVM,PhD Student’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine Advisor’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine Graduation Year: 2014 Project Name: SnowLeopardFunctionalGenomics Advisor’s Name: KristopherIrizarry,PhD Initiative:Comparativeanalysisofimmunefunction Advisor’s College: CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine genes Project Name: SNPAnalysisofanuclearfamilyof BullMastiffs

8 The Art of Communication CVM course teaches effective veterinary-client relationship centered care

KNOWLEDGE AND point, such as “So TECHNIQUE are you were hoping to excellent traits for avoid surgery ...” a good Empathy “calls for veterinarian, but if the veterinarian to the veterinarian is understand what unable to gain the the experience is trust and or was for the confidence of the client at multiple client, all of that levels,” she says. An expertise won’t be example might be: nearly as effective “I can see that this in treating a discussion is hard patient. That’s for you given your where CVM recent experience.” Professor Beth Boynton, DVM, Training is achieved comes in. through presentations, film Dr. Boynton, clips and analysis, director of the discussions, and Hill’s Wellness Center, teaches students in the WesternU College of student role-playing with standardized patients. In a training film Veterinary Medicine how to be more engaged with their future shown in class, the brusque, no-nonsense veterinarian uses a harsh clients, working toward effective collaborative care. During her tone of voice, fires off a barrage of questions, and displays certain course, she works with the students in developing key areas of nonverbal communication (heavy sighs, eye-rolling among them) communication: open-ended questions, reflective listening, which made the client feel uncomfortable. Hands shoot up across attention to body language, and empathic comments. the room as Dr. Boynton asks what the veterinarian did well and “Don’t interrupt the client,” she tells her students. “Let the client what could be done differently. tell their story. You may often find out more information that way.” “She’s very cold,” says one. “Her whole In communication research, most body language is stiff,” adds another. physicians interrupt after about 20 “She never let the client explain her seconds. If they allow the patient to “The value of story,” says one more. Dr. Boynton smiles finish talking, concerns that are the in agreement. The students are getting it most important can be expressed, and communication cannot there is an increase in efficiency if be overrated. It makes On another day, the students are able to problems are addressed earlier in the practice these skills with standardized visit. Despite fear of the long narrative, a huge difference.” clients who simulate real scenarios. The most patients finish talking in less than students learn to establish a relationship one minute. - Dr. Beth Boynton and get the crucial information. Then they demonstrate skills of explaining Dr. Boynton expands on the their diagnosis and collaborating with components. “Invite a narrative, a story,” the client on a plan for the pet’s care. Afterwards they self- she says of open-ended questioning. She encourages beginning a evaluate and review with the trainer and classmates what worked conversation with phrases such as “Tell me about…,” “What was well, what they should do less of, and how they could better going on in your mind when…,” and “What happened next…” achieve their goals. “The data and the facts will come out,” she says, “but what is most It is instruction that seems to be working, according to Dr. important is that they come out within the context of a story.” Boynton. She reports that graduates of the program express Through reflective listening, “you are letting the client know that gratitude for the skills that have helped them through difficult you are paying attention to what they are saying,” she continues. situations. “The value of communication cannot be overrated,” This is done by using their comments or phrasing to summarize a Dr. Boynton says. “It makes a huge difference.”

9 CVM Student Profiles - Class of 2015 ™

I grew up in Huntington Park, Calif., and I grew up in South Gate in Los Angeles received my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science County. I received my Bachelor’s degree from California State Polytechnic University, in Neurobiology from the University of Pomona. I have volunteered at several places California, Irvine. I interned for a dog and including the Sheep & Swine Unit at Cal Poly cat practice as an undergraduate, and I Pomona, an emergency animal hospital, and a volunteered at the Irvine animal shelter. baboon rehabilitation center in South Africa. I am interested in small animal medicine. Paulina Alcaraz Erick Ballesteros

I grew up in Merced and received my BS degree I received my Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in Animal Science and a Leadership minor from from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. the University of California, Davis. I volunteered I worked as a photographer and at a pet store in equine, food animal and small animal practice before becoming a flight attendant and and interned as a foal and stallion manager at an eventually obtaining my prerequisites for vet equine breeding farm. I am interested in large school. I also interned at the Toledo Zoo and animal medicine. worked at a wildlife rehabilitation center to Marisa Brooks explore my current interests. Gina Cipolla Canella

I’m from Kansas and received my I am from Oakland, Calif., and received my Bachelor’s in Animal Sciences from Bachelor’s in Animal Science from California Kansas State University. I have 10 years Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. of experience with small animals and Originally focused on animal behavior, I exotic pets. I have 2 dogs and 3 worked on movie sets then made my way into snakes. I am interested in small animal veterinary medicine. I now work at a small and exotic medicine. animal and ophthalmology practice. I am Anthony Carrier Jessica Coote interested in public health and research.

I lived in New Jersey through college and I grew up in New Jersey. I received my received a Bachelor’s in International Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences with a Business from Kean University. I worked in focus on Animal Biology from the University animal hospitals in New York and California, of Florida (Go Gators!). I have worked in and studied Biological Sciences at Chapman small and equine practices, and my interest is University. My professional interests are in in orthopedic surgery. I enjoy snowboarding, mixed animal medicine and public health. rugby and impromptu road trips. In my free time I surf and ski. Leah Cowburn Devin Cunningham

I grew up in Central New Jersey and I grew up in La Verne, Calif., and received my received my Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from the Technology from Quinnipiac University in University of California, Davis, in 2010. I have Connecticut. I worked in a small animal experience working with laboratory animals, private practice for the past four years. I small animals, and in research. I am interested also volunteered on a horse farm in in small animal medicine. Connecticut. I am interested in small animal Christopher Drastura medicine. Brenda feig

10 CVM Student Profiles - Class of 2015 ™

I grew up in Minnesota and received my I grew up outside of Philadelphia and Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science from the received my Bachelor’s degree in Biology University of San Diego. I worked at a small from Temple University. I worked in animal practice as an undergraduate. I recently rehabilitation, the OR and the ER at the completed an internship at a marine animal Animal Medical Center in Manhattan. park in Hong Kong. I am interested in small I interned at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary animal medicine. in Utah. I am interested in small animal Kelsey Gapstur Brittany Lancellotti medicine and behavior.

I grew up in New York and received a I grew up in a small town in central Pennsylvania Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Sacred called Hummelstown, right outside of Hershey. Heart University. I have been an I received my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and equestrian for almost my entire life. Nutrition, with a minor in Equine Studies, from West I have interned with small animal, equine Virginia University in Morgantown. I have worked for and zoo veterinarians. As of right now, both large animal, equine and small animal practices as I am not sure what field of medicine an undergraduate. I am highly interested in large animal I would like to pursue. Alessandra Lyons medicine, with an emphasis on equine medicine. Megan McCorkel

I grew up in Marlton, NJ, and received a Bachelor’s I grew up in Greensboro, Md., and received degree in Animal Science from Rutgers University. I my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and gained experience with exotic/wildlife animals while Management from the University of working for a specialty private practice and gained Maryland. I then was commissioned in the research experience working as a biologist/chemist Navy and served four years as a Surface for a large pharmaceutical company. I am interested Warfare Officer. I am interested in small in Laboratory Animal medicine. animal medicine and animal research. Alexis Mackiewicz Carrie Muller

I am from Southern California and I grew up in Los Angeles and Orange County, received my Bachelor’s degree in Biology and have lived in other countries around the from San Diego State University, with world. I graduated from the University of emphasis in Cell & Molecular Biology. My California, Irvine, with a BS degree in Biology. experience has been in small animal I worked at the Orange County Emergency Pet preventive medicine and cardiac stem cell Clinics as a technician, and am interested in research. I am interested in laboratory exotic/wildlife medicine. animal medicine and biomedical research. Lauren Neidig Natalie Nguyen

After graduating from Davidson College in I have spent most of my life in Northern Charlotte, NC, with a BA in Anthropology and California. I obtained my Bachelor’s Spanish, I moved to Aspen, Colo. I trained the degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and avalanche search and rescue dogs while on Behavior from the University of California, ski patrol and worked in several veterinary Davis. I have worked at a multi-doctor clinics. I’m excited to acquire the medical small animal practice since graduation and knowledge needed to open a mixed look forward to pursuing my interests in Annie O’Donnell veterinary practice in the mountains. Amy Oberstadt small animal medicine.

11 CVM Student Profiles - Class of 2015 ™

I grew up in New Jersey, and received my I grew up in Ventura, Calif., and received my Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from from the University of Findlay, with the University of California, Davis, with emphasis in Animal Science. I worked at emphasis in Equine and Physiology. I worked the Philadelphia Zoo and interned with at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching equine and small animal veterinarians. Hospital as a large animal surgery technician I wish to pursue a career in either equine and interned at the UC Davis Swine Facility. Elizabeth Perry or exotic and wildlife medicine. Stephanie Pinkerton I am interested in large animal medicine.

I grew up in Sierra Madre, Calif., and received I grew up in South Africa, and received my my Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Bachelor’s in Biochemistry at the University emphasis in Evolution, Ecology and Organismal of California, San Diego. At UCSD and at a Biology from California State University, small animal practice, I worked as an animal Channel Islands. During my undergrad years, I technician. I am interested in small animal worked for the Aquarium of the Pacific, the and wildlife medicine. I enjoy pursuing Santa Anita Race Track, and the Humane fitness and riding motorcycles. Society. My interest is large animal medicine. Madison Rose Christoff Saaiman

I’m a native Vermonter and graduated I was born in Taiwan and came to the U.S. at the from the University of Vermont with age of 10. I grew up in Diamond Bar, Calif., and a BS in Animal Science. I’ve worked received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with dairy cattle, penguins, and most from the University of California, San Diego. recently as a small animal technician. I volunteered at emergency clinics and wildlife I’m interested in aspects of both rescue shelters. I’m interested in small animal small and large animal medicine. medicine. Adrienne Snider Dan Su

I am from Florida, and received my Bachelor’s I was born in Orange County and graduated and Master’s degrees in Animal Science from from the University of California, Davis, the University of Florida. I worked with with a BS in Animal Science. I am interested research dog colonies, one with Glycogen in small animal medicine and behavior. Storage Disease type 1a and another in Atopic I have worked with small and large animals Dermatitis at the UF College of VetMed. I am as well as exotics and wildlife. I enjoy interested in small animal medicine. ballroom dancing in my spare time. Amanda Thomas Alisha Tran

I grew up in San Jose, Calif., and received my I grew up in San Marino, Calif., and Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in received my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Physiology from San Francisco State University. Science at the University of California, As an undergraduate, I worked for a small Davis. While at Davis, I worked as a animal practice and volunteered for the pathology lab assistant and simultaneously Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley. I am interested volunteered at sanctuaries and interned at in small animal and zoo/wildlife medicine. the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Amily Truong Rachel Yeung I am interested in small animal medicine.

12 CVM faculty Profile ™ ASSISTANT PROFESSOR FRANK BOSSONG , His parents were not surprised at his career change, having DVM, is a whirl of activity. Along with suspected all along that veterinary medicine would be his career his role as a faculty member in the choice. “They said, ‘We’ve been waiting for you to do this,’ ” Dr. College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Bossong recalls fondly. Bossong works with rescue groups, raises show dogs, loves to cook (and He looked westward for his professional career, taking the eat!), and is a devoted uncle to 17 California board exams in 2001 and joining the staff of Foothill nieces and nephews. Veterinary Hospital in Pasadena, where he remained for four years. During this time he started working with the San Gabriel Valley “I have a lot of interests,” he says, Humane Society and now sits on the Board of Directors. laughing. Frank Bossong Dr. Bossong arrived at WesternU in January 2009 and his main Dr. Bossong, who has been on the focus has been the Veterinary Ambulatory Community Service CVM staff for three years, didn’t set out to be a veterinarian, and (VACS) program. He also teaches first and second year students his route to WesternU took him on a path that traversed several and is the faculty advisor to the Shelter Club. states and across the country. Born in New York as one of eight children, Dr. Bossong was raised in Charlottesville, Va., and earned “I love it,” he says of his educator role. “I like to talk anyway, and a BS in Architecture from the University of Virginia in 1988. His teaching takes what you know to the next dimension. It’s really architectural eye also developed an interest in photography and uplifting to see the students get so excited about what they’re he headed back to New York after graduation, working for six learning. It makes it all worthwhile.” years in the photo department for Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation. In his spare time, Dr. Bossong raises and shows Norwich terriers While living in Brooklyn, where he says there was little animal (and has a houseful of them), does a little gardening, and the self- control, he began volunteering with a rescue group, which proclaimed “foodie” is ready to offer tips on where to eat, stores to spurred his thinking in a new direction: He wanted to become a frequent and is always on the lookout for something new and veterinarian. He moved south again, this time to Athens, Ga., where interesting. And finally, he’s putting his architecture degree to use: he worked as a veterinary technician and attended the University He’s renovating his 1926 bungalow in Monrovia. of Georgia. He received his DVM from Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001.

Seventh Annual CVM Open House set for April 21

WesternU’s College of Veterinary Medicine will once again throw open its doors to the community this spring with the Seventh Annual Open House, planned for April 21. Among the highlights of the 2012 day-long affair will be the return of the mobile aquarium from the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, K-9 unit demonstrations, shelter pet adoptions, microchipping and pet vaccinations. Students will host booths on pet care, tours will be provided of the college and Banfield, the Pet Hospital, and food vendors also wIll be on hand. Boy and Girl Scouts also will participate in the event, earning scouting badges as they learn about various aspects of animal care.

13 RESEAURpCdHa te

Associate Dean for Research Dominique Professor Tracey McNamara, DVM, DACVP, Griffon, DMV, MS, PhD, DACVS, DECVS, has has published with a group of collaborators been awarded a grant of $34,000 by the from prominent US zoo, public health and American Kennel Club Canine Health diagnostic institutions a paper that leverages Foundation for her proposed study to her discovery of West Nile virus in 1999 and “Determine the predictive value of a furthers her vision of establishing a conformation score in identifying CCLD in nationwide (perhaps worldwide) Labradors.” The study of the cranial (anterior) surveillance system with diagnostic and cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) in the communication protocols among zoological canine stifle will involve radiographic institutions and government agencies. The Dominique Griffon measurements and a multicenter study with Tracey McNamara complete citation is: Pultorak E, Nadler Y, collaborators. Travis D, Glaser A, McNamara T, Mehta SD. Zoological institution participation in a West Nile virus surveillance system: Implications for public health. Public Health. Professor of Anatomy Wael Khamas, BVMS, 2011;March 13. MS, PhD, in cooperation with colleagues in Pakistan, contributed to the research and successful publication of an article in the Associate Professor Lyon Lee, DVM, PhD, Journal of Camel Practice and Research. DACVA, had an article published in Dr. Khamas has undertaken several studies Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. The regarding the camel during his career that article, “Cranial epidural spread of contrast began in Iraq and Jordan. He currently has medium and methylene blue dye in sternally several joint projects with researchers in recumbent anaesthetized dogs,” was in the several countries and therefore brings September 2011 issue of the journal. international visibility to our University. Wael Khamas The full citation is: Seasonal changes in the Dr. Lee also collaborated with colleagues at anatomy of the testis of one- humped camel (Camelus Seoul National University on research that Lyon Lee dromedaries). Journal of Camel Practice and Research. 2011; resulted in two scientific publications. These 18(1):145-153. collaborations also resulted in stronger ties between WesternU and the South Korean institutions. Two of the collaborators made arrangements as Visiting Scientists to the Veterinary pathologist and Assistant WesternU campus. The complete citations are: Kim YK, Lee S, Suh Professor Suzana Tkalcic, DVM, PhD, E, Lee L, et al. Minimum Anesthetic Concentration and published an article, “Incidence and factors Cardiovascular Dose–Response Relationship of Isoflurane in associated with early pregnancy losses in Cinereous Vultures (Aegypius monachus). Journal of Zoo and Simmental dairy cows,” in collaboration with Wildlife Medicine. 2011(Sept); 42(3):499-503; and Kim S, Lee SH, Croatian scientists who sought to establish Kang S, Lee L, et al. Involvement of c-Met- and Phosphatidylinositol the extent and patterns of early pregnancy 3-Kinase Dependent Pathways in Arsenite-Induced loss from days 32 to 86 of gestation, and to Downregulation of Catalase in Hepatoma Cells. Biol Pharm Bull. check relationships between management 2011;34(11):1748-52. system, milk yield, ambient temperature, Suzana Tkalcic body condition score, bull and parity on the early pregnancy loss rate for Simmental Veterinary virologists Yvonne Drechsler, dairy cattle in Croatia. MS, PhD, and Ellen Collisson, MS, PhD, Dr. Tkalcic also published an article, “Repeat breeder syndrome collaborated with Cal Poly Pomona scientists in dairy cows: influence of breed and age on its prevalence and and undergraduates in the 2011 showcase of the success of a hormone therapy.” The article is the result of the Agricultural Research Institute (ARI). collaboration with Croatian scientists who sought to establish the The showcase is hosted on the Cal Poly prevalence of repeat breeder syndrome (RBS) in different breeds Pomona campus each year and involves four and reproductive ages of cattle in central Croatia and to assess the universities in the Cal State system (Fresno, effectiveness of hormone therapy as a treatment option. Pomona, Chico and San Luis Obispo), all of Yvonne Drechler which are important sites for the education

14 RESEARCH

of students who pursue their post-graduate Dr. Diniz also was involved in several other professional education at WesternU. CVM publications and projects: benefits particularly from the graduates of • He collaborated with colleagues at their agriculture programs. Dr. Drechsler and North Carolina State University, IDEXX Dr. Collisson collaborated with Cal Poly Laboratories and a private practice in Pomona faculty and students to conduct a Minnesota to generate a report of 18 student research project that was reported “Typical and Atypical Manifestations of in this annual showcase event this year. Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection Other CVM faculty members were in in Dogs.” The manuscript continues Dr. attendance and also participated in other Diniz’s pursuit of tick-borne diseases. Ellen Collison programs at Cal Poly. The title of the Pedro Diniz The complete citation is: Eberts MD, presentation resulting from this Diniz PPVP, Beall MJ, et al. Typical and Atypical Manifestations collaboration was: “Vaccine Strategies for of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection in Dogs. J Am Protecting Poultry Against Avian Influenza Anim Hosp Assoc. 2011; 47:e86–e94. Infection: Liposomal M2e and NP Plasmid Vaccines” by Angela Beal, Chris Petro, • He received notice of a research grant sponsored by Yvonne Drechsler, Ellen Collisson and Jill Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica to conduct a study of Adler-Moore. “Prevalence of Leptospiruria and Antibodies Against Leptospira SPP in Sick Dogs in Southern California.” The total In addition, Dr. Drechsler, Dr. approved budget was $29,960 which includes $5,000 in Collisson, Ana matching funds from the CVM. In addition, lab tests for this study will be supported by IDEXX. The study is a Alcaraz, DVM, PhD, collaboration with Dr. Amy Raines at The Humane Society of DACVP, Frank Ana Alcaraz San Bernardino Valley. The investigators expect that the Bossong, DVM, and results of this study will define the incidence and seasonality Pedro Diniz, DVM, PhD, authored an article of canine leptospirosis in southern California. published in the November 2011 issue of Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small • He published an article, “Vector-Borne Diseases in Client- Animal Practice. The complete citation is: Owned and Stray Cats from Madrid, Spain.” The article was Frank Bossong Drechsler Y, Alcaraz A, Bossong FJ, Collisson the product of the work done in Spain by former graduate EW, Diniz PPVP. “Feline Coronavirus in Multicat Environments.” Vet student Tanya Ayllon (first author) who Dr. Diniz closely Clin Small Anim. 2011;(41):1133–1169. mentored during this study.

Veterinary magazine kicks off with article by CVM faculty

AnarticlebyateamoffacultymembersfromtheCVMwas testing.However,anunderstandingoftheheartwormlifecycle publishedintheinauguralissueof Today’s Veterinary Practice. andrecognitionofthelimitationsofcurrentdiagnostic Thepiece,“Diagnosisofcanineheartworminfection,”was proceduresarecriticaltosuccessfuldiagnosis. compiledby Peggy Barr, DVM,PhD, Beth Boynton, DVM, TwomajorlimitationsofmostCHWtestsare: Peggy Schmidt, DVM,MS,DACVPM, Frank Bossong, DVM and Gary Johnston, DVM,MS,DACVR. •Inabilitytodetectinfectionduringthelongprepatentperiod Thearticleranacrosssevenpagesofthemagazineand •Decreasedsensitivityofdetectionwhenveryfeworno includesdetailsonhowinfectionsarediagnosed,whentotest, femalewormsarepresent. heartwormhosts,thelifecycleofheartworms,microfilaria CommercialCHWantigentestshavehighsensitivityand detection,antigendetection,DNAamplification,imaging,ELISA specificitybutperformancemaybecompromisedwhenthese testprocedure,ICT(LateralFlowTest)procedure,evaluationof limitationsareencountered.” CHWantigentests,andstandardsforheartwormtesting. Thecompletecitationis:BarrMC,BoyntonEP,SchmidtPL, Thearticle’sconclusionstates: BossongF,JohnstonGR.Diagnosisofcanineheartworm “Inmostcases,diagnosisofCHWinfectionisrelatively infection. Today’s Vet Practice. 20111(1):30-37. straightforwardandeasilyaccomplishedthroughin-clinic

15 CVM News ™ Professor and dairy operations expert Jim Professor and animal behaviorist Victoria Reynolds, DVM, MPVM, was recognized with Voith, DVM, MSc, MA, PhD, DACVB, offered a the “Award for Excellence” by the American series of presentations at the Central Veterinary Association of Bovine Practitioners at their Conference (CVC) in San Diego Oct. 27-28, annual meeting in 2011. This national award 2011. Her wide spectrum of topics included: recognizes outstanding performance and cat elimination behaviors: the most common contribution to food animal practice and behavioral complaint; reducing development of veterinary medicine. Dr. Reynolds is regarded as aggression in dogs; managing separation the guiding light for animal welfare issues for anxiety in dogs; dog breed identification and AABP and bovine practice veterinarians. This what it means; effects of gonadectomy on Jim Reynolds Victoria Voith award also recognized his contributions for behavior of dogs and cats; ethological and decades to the education of veterinary medical students, numerous learning principles to understand companion-animal behavior; history veterinarians and agricultural producers. He has greatly advanced food taking techniques, behavioral analysis, and case examples. animal practice worldwide. Dr. Voith also was invited to speak at the Association of Professional In addition, Dr. Reynolds has been awarded a $422,121 grant from the Dog Trainers meeting in San Diego Oct. 16, 2011. At this meeting she United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health discussed: Agreement Among Professionals’ Visual Identification of Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, for research in the beef and Breeds of Dogs and Relationship to DNA Identification. dairy industry. ™ ™ Associate Professor Lyon Lee, DVM, PhD, Professor of Equine Internal Medicine DACVA, made the following presentations in Joe Bertone, DVM, MS, DACVIM, presented at September and October in the United States the following three international professional and Korea. Dr. Lee co-presented an abstract, meetings: At the annual meeting of the “Effect of Needle Size and Length on Simulated Asociación Mexicana de Médicos Veterinarios Epidural Injection Pressure,” at the Annual Especialistas en Equinos, Oct. 19-23, 2011, in Scientific Meeting of the American College of Guanojuato, Mexico, Dr. Bertone’s presentation Veterinary Anesthesiologists on Sept. 21 in topics included neurology, antimicrobial use Nashville, Tenn. He presented four anesthesia and cardiac evaluation. At the Korean Racing and analgesia topics at World Small Animal Lyon Lee Association in Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 19, Veterinary Association Congress in Jeju, Korea on 2011, Dr. Bertone was invited to address topics Joe Bertone Oct. 14-17: Anesthetic Monitoring Utilizing Mechanical Devices - including neurology principles, case discussion, and dorsal cervical Questioning Limitations of Each Device; Preanesthetic Evaluations in articular injection. At the World Small Animal Veterinary Conference, Small Animals - Which Values to Look for?; Pain Management via Oct. 12-17, 2011, in Jeju, South Korea, Dr. Bertone was invited to Systemic Approach Beyond Opioids; Pain Management via address topics including principles of antimicrobial use, principles of Locoregional (Epidural) Approach Beyond Sodium Channel Blockers. pain management and clinical pharmacokinetics. He also presented CE talks to veterinarians and students at College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University on Oct. 18, “Monitoring ™ anesthetized patients utilizing physiologic monitors.” Finally, Dr. Lee Professor Beth Boynton, DVM, director of our presented at the meeting of the Korea Racing Association on Oct. 19, Hill’s Wellness Center and champion for “Equine anesthetic review – emphasis on premedication and communications and IPE in our veterinary induction.” curriculum, gave three formal presentations in ™ the fall in Canada. Dr. Boynton presented at the Primary Care Educators’ Symposium, Guelph, Professor and microbiologist Peggy Barr, Ontario, Canada. Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2011. Her topic DVM, PhD, presented on behalf of her was “Creating Practice Ready Students-WU- collaborators a poster describing the ongoing College of Veterinary Medicine.” Dr. Boynton snow leopard genomics project at the annual helped again this year in the meeting planning Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Beth Boynton and organization as well. She also presented at conference held in Atlanta, Sept. 12-17, 2011. the International Conference on Communication in Veterinary Medicine, In addition to Dr. Barr, authors included the Niagara, Ontario, Canada. Oct. 3-5, 2011. Dr. Boynton’s presentations CVM’s Kris Irizarry, PhD, and Janis Joslin, DVM; were: “Empathy Among Healthcare Professions Students” (authored by graduate student Valerie Kendall from GCBS, Dr. Boynton, Suzie Kovacs, MSc, and Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA) and Peggy Barr Dr. Katherine Mitsouras from COMP, and two “Interprofessional Education and Perception of Health Professions” external collaborators, Dr. Todd Mockler of Oregon State University (authored by Dr. Boynton and John Tegzes, MA, VMD, DABVT). and Dr. Jay Tetzloff, superintendent, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, Ill.

16 CVM News ™ Parasitologist Malika Kachani, DVM, PhD, Dr. Collisson also represented the CVM’s Avian Immunogenetics Group was one of two invited reviewers of ongoing at the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA) NE- research projects funded by the European 1034 Annual Technical Committee Meeting. The meeting was held at Union under “Framework 7” in several African Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. Oct. 28-30, 2011. The title of the and European countries to control neglected presentation was: “Correlation of innate immunity of B haplotype zoonotic diseases and encourage the “One defined chicks with resistance to respiratory viral infection.” The Health” approach. The European Commission CVM’s participants in this program are Suzana Tkalcic, DVM, PhD; brought Dr. Kachani to Johannesburg, South Yvonne Drechsler, MS, PhD; Maisie Dawes, DVM, PhD, DACVIM; Kris Africa, where she reviewed projects involving Irizarry, PhD; Miguel Saggese, DVM, MS, PhD, and Ghida Banat, PhD. Dr. 21 institutions from the UK, Belgium, Jill Adler Moore from Cal Poly Pomona, Dr. Elwood Briles from Malika Kachani Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, France, Northern Illinois University and Dr. Calvin Keeler from the University Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Morocco, Mali, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, of Delaware are collaborators. Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda. She was selected as a ™ reviewer because of her efforts on neglected zoonotic diseases in Africa, One Health and global health which complemented the other Professor of Pathology Tracey McNamara, reviewer’s background on socio-economics, cost of diseases and global DVM, DACVP, continues to draw international health issues. attention to WesternU for her interests and experience in biosurveillance strategies for During this visit to Johannesburg, Dr. Kachani attended a Joint zoonotic (animal to human) diseases. In recent Colloquium on zoonoses and neglected infectious diseases of Africa, months, Dr. McNamara, who first discovered held simultaneously in the same venue. Dr. Kachani contributed to the the West Nile virus at the Bronx Zoo in 1999, workshop discussions and shared her experience on the various was: topics. • Invited to speak on West Nile virus at the In addition, Dr. Kachani was invited to give a plenary presentation University of Zagreb School of Medicine and Tracey McNamara titled “One Health and Horizontal Approaches in Cystic College of Veterinary Medicine (Oct. 4-5, 2011). Echinococcosis Control: Challenges and Opportunities for Middle Eastern and North African Countries” at the 24th World Congress of • Served the US at the “Expert Meeting on One Health Governance Hydatidology in Urumqi, Xinjiang (China). Dr. Kachani also served as a and Global Network” (Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2011). At this invitation-only session chair and during the meeting she observed a high quality meeting at the CDC, participants defined actionable steps for a way Chinese hospital and program of clinical care and research on hydatid forward. Senior representatives of the World Bank, WHO, FAO, OIE, disease. and the EU were in attendance. Also, Dr. Kachani has learned that the report resulting from team • Delivered a keynote address on emerging viruses and conducted a efforts during the last WHO International Working Group (WHO-IWG) two-day workshop at the WAVES (Wild Animals Vigilance Euro- meeting on Echinococcosis has been published and posted on the Mediterranean Society) VIIth International Symposia on Wild Fauna WHO website. Dr. Kachani was invited to the meeting as the chair of at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. The workshop was on the WHO (NZDs) Working Group and as an international expert on Necropsy Techniques in Wildlife and was held at the Royal (Dick) NZDs and Echinococcosis. Dr. Kachani is listed in the appendix of College of Veterinary Studies. participants and pictured in a photo on page 21 of the report. It is noteworthy that WesternU is again the only American university involved in this initiative. MILESTONES ™ Congratulations to the following CVM employees for their five Professor and virologist Ellen Collisson, MS, years of employment at Western University of Health Sciences: PhD, delivered a presentation to the Board of Directors of the Friends of Malawi foundation. Research Technician Omar Alvarado, BS Dr. Collisson serves as Grants Program manager for this organization and as a member of the Assistant Professor Maisie Dawes, DVM, PhD, DACVIM Board. Her interest in Malawi began with her Peace Corps service in Africa some years ago Professor Ellen Collisson, MS, PhD when she taught physics, biology and languages to secondary students in Ghana and Malawi. Dr. Associate Professor Lyon Lee, DVM, PhD, DACVA Collisson also serves on the Board of Frontiers Ellen Collisson of Knowledge (Uganda). This year’s meeting of Veterinary Technician Marlena Salinas, BS, RVT the Friends of Malawi Board was conducted during the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps in Washington, D.C., in September 2011.

17 Always In Our Hearts: Stories from

Coda By Ken Dorr and Mario Marchiaro

Coda was an unusual Basenji with black and white markings. The history of Basenjis as a breed dates back to the Egyptian times. The god Anubis is a human Eqyptian figure with a Basenji head and can be seen on many walls, tombs, statues and writings of that civilization. Basenjis are bark-less by nature and yet can sing as well if not better than a wolf baying at the moon. Coda was the Alpha dog in our family and has a brother named Nyoga (or Nyny) one year older (with brown and white markings). From the day we adopted Coda at age 4, he was an amazing companion and an endless, entertaining character in our lives. We are very pleased to know that Coda’s body is helping to further science at WesternU. The Egyptians believed there is no death and Coda’s spirit has moved now into the afterlife. We will miss him deeply.

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

18 Our students are on journeys of discovery. CVM Calendar

MARCH 2012 19-23 Spring Break

21-23 California Regional Education Symposium (CARES)

26 Honors Day

APRIL 2012 21 Open House

MAY 2012 17 Fourth Year Dinner-Dance

18 ChristinaPortus,DVM’10 CVM Commencement Your gift will help SEPTEMBER 2012 pave their road. 7-9 CVM Alumni Reunion

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

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

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

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MISSION STATEMENT:

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

™ where cooperative learning, public service and scholarship can flourish. 20640-2/12-P