September 2008

Welcome to the September 2008 edition of Connect to Veterinary Medicine, the latest news and information from the College of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University.

News at the College

Online CE to soon be available

Beginning in November, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine will begin to offer new online continuing education courses to all veterinarians, technicians, breeders, and owners – across the country. These one-hour long courses have been created by nationally recognized and award-winning faculty within the college. Courses will be both audio and visual, utilizing an easy-to-access web site in which users can view the available resources and listen to synchronized audio simultaneously. Each course will take about one hour to complete and include a 15-minute post-test. After completing the test, those who pass with at least a 70 percent score will have access to their certificates and records via the continuing education web site. Twelve courses will be offered on a variety of topics in small animal medicine and surgery during the first year. In addition, surgery and medicine courses will be added for both large animal and equine during the second and third years of the program. Each completed course earns one hour of continuing education credit at a cost of $40. Registration information and new courses will be available at the continuing education web site, www.vet.osu.edu/ce. For more information, contact Jennifer Simmons, director of instructional technology, at simmons.232@osu.edu or (614) 247-4370.

Check out Tim Vojt's creative image!

Tim Vojt, medical illustrator (extraordinaire) for the College of Veterinary Medicine, created the amazing image that graced the Spring 2008 cover of the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education.

Check it out

Graduate student wins prestigious award

Dr. Gillian Beamer, resident in anatomic pathology and PhD candidate, has been selected for the highly prestigious Harold W. Casey Scholarship Award by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). The Harold W. Casey Scholarship Award is intended to recognize and reward one outstanding individual each year who is training in pathology and striving to achieve ACVP certification.  Dr. Beamer will receive the award at a ceremony at the ACVP Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas in November.

Orientation highlights

The entering first-year class at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine participated in a unique team-building experience to kick off their four-year professional education program. After spending their undergraduate years competing for admission into the college, the orientation teaches them to work in groups, trust each other and communicate more effectively. Team-building activities were led by staff from Camp Mary Orton. Students also learned about the results of their DISC® survey, a behavioral and work-style assessment. Since the program began in 2005, staff and faculty from the college have observed immediate positive changes in student attitudes and abilities to work as groups -- characteristics not always developed during the competitive undergraduate years. The activities and values learned at orientation help students during their program of study, as well as in their profession.

The orientation is made possible through financial support from:

• The Ohio State Veterinary Medicine Alumni Society
• Hill's Pet Nutrition
• The Ohio Veterinary Medical Assocation
• AVMA-GHLIT
• Novartis Animal Health
• Merial LTD
• Nestle Purina Healthcare
• Bayer Animal Health
• P&G Pet Care
• AAHA

Welcome new faculty

Department of Veterinary Biosciences

Dr. Krista La Perle has joined the faculty in the Department of Veterinary Biosciences as an associate professor. Dr. La Perle is a leader in the field of laboratory animal pathology, in particular the pathobiology of genetically modified animals. She will be instrumental in the further expansion of our mouse phenotyping program and will act as a central resource to department, college, and university researchers. She received her bachelor's degree and her DVM from North Carolina State University and her PhD at Ohio State. She is a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. Prior to coming to Ohio State, Dr. La Perle worked at the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research and served as assistant professor in pathology and laboratory medicine, at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences

Dr. Cristiane Rubio joined the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences as a clinical instructor. Dr. Rubio received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the São Paulo State University in Brazil. She completed her residency in Physiopathology of Reproduction and Obstetrics at São Paulo in 2005. Dr. Rubio then attended North Carolina State University to pursue an internship in theriogenology, immediately followed by a Theriogenology residency, which she completed this past June. She is a member of the American Society for Theriogenology and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Dr. Rubio joins Dr. Carlos Pinto in the Theriogenology and Reproductive Medicine Service, which will offer small animal, food and fiber animal, and equine reproductive services. This includes breeding soundness examinations, semen cryopreservation (freezing), embryo transfer, pregnancy determinations, management of the high risk pregnancy, and obstetrics.

Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine

Dr. Gustavo M. Schuenemann joined the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine as an assistant professor and extension veterinarian with a specialty in dairy medicine. Dr. Schuenemann received his DVM from the Universidad Nacional del Centro, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina and completed his Master's and PhD degrees at the University of Tennessee, Department of Animal Science. His research interests include dairy herd fertility. He is also looking at the use of software as a tool to improve record keeping and analysis.

Faculty searches continue in the Department of Veterinary Biosciences

The Department of Veterinary Biosciences currently is engaged in two faculty searches, both of which are tied to an interdisciplinary initiative supported by the university, the Public Health Preparedness for Infectious Diseases (PHPID) program. The initiative is focused on improving animal and human health and minimizing infectious disease threats through innovative interdisciplinary research. Outstanding scientists with PhD, DVM, and equivalent degrees are invited to apply for these tenure track assistant and associate professor positions. The faculty positions are available in:

• Microbiology (zoonosis), complete description
• Molecular Mechanisms of Retroviral Pathogenesis and Therapeutics, complete description

Former residents qualify for board certification

Drs. Nate Nelson and David Reese, former residents in radiology in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, each passed the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) Certifying Examination, a crucial step in achieving ACVR board certification. Dr. Nelson is currently on faculty at Michigan State University and Dr. Reese is now on faculty at the University of Florida. The faculty and staff in radiology are acknowledged and commended for their instruction and mentorship to Drs. Nelson and Reese.

Vet Med in the News

Gee receives out-of-this-world bow tie

As part of the festivities at Alumni Reunion Weekend, Dr. Rick Linnehan (DVM '85) presented Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee with a scarlet and gray bow tie during the banquet at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Café. Dr. Linnehan took the tie into outer space during his most recent trip on the space shuttle Endeavor. Several media outlets carried the story:

• NBC News
• Associated Press via Beacon Journal

College participates in WAG!

Students and technicians from the Veterinary Teaching Hospital hosted a first-aid and information booth at WAG! the dog-friendly festival, held at the Prairie Oaks Metro Park west of Hilliard in August. Prior to the event, the canine rehabilitation program was featured on a live broadcast from the park. Abbey, a bull mastiff that has participated in rehabilitation, was featured as a "miracle dog:" formerly paralyzed and now walking.

Upcoming Events

Events support canine programs at Ohio State and Central Ohio

Two events scheduled during the next few weeks will support programs in the College of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University as well as the Franklin County Dog Shelter. The first event, scheduled for October 17 and 18, promotes the placement of microchips in dogs (and cats) to assure that lost animals will be reunited with their owners. The minimum donation of $25 for each microchip includes a $15 donation to the Blood Bank and the Greyhound Health and Wellness Program at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Ohio State.

The second event is the Third Annual Vets for Pets 5K walk/run scheduled for Sunday, November 2. Organized by the Veterinary Medicine students in the classes of 2010 and 2011, proceeds will benefit the Franklin County Dog Shelter, as well as provide support to the classes. The registration fee includes a –goody bag” of coupons and items Early registration of $20 must be received by October 22 to guarantee a free T-shirt.

Microchips for dogs (and cats) Blood Bank Fundraiser!

• When: Friday, October 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: Ohio State Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 601 Vernon Tharp St.
• Cost: Minimum $25 donation
• Why: To provide a valuable service for your pets and raise funds for the Blood Bank at Ohio State's Veterinary Teaching Hospital and the Greyhound Health and Wellness program.
• More information: http://vet.osu.edu/bloodbank.htm

Vets for Pets 5K walk/run (Dogs welcome)

• When: Sunday, November 2; registration begins: 8:30 a.m.; walk starts at 10
• Where: College of Veterinary Medicine, 1900 Coffey Rd. (Ohio State campus)
• Cost: $20 per person, before October 22 includes free T-shirt, lunch and goody bag. After October 23, including day-of-race registration: $25 (T-shirt not guaranteed.
• Why: To have fun and raise funds for the students in the veterinary medicine classes of 2010 and 2011 and the Franklin County Dog Shelter.
• More information: http://vet.osu.edu/Vets4Pets.htm

Planning ahead: Buckeye Cruise for Cancer

The second annual Buckeye Cruise for Cancer hosted by Stefanie and Chris Spielman, is scheduled for February 12-16, 2009.  The four-night cruise on board Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas will sail out of Tampa Florida to Key West and sunny Cozumel, Mexico. The cruise will unite Buckeye fans in the tradition of team spirit to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.  Funds raised on board the Grandeur of the Seas will benefit the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research at Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

More information

Alumni Updates

Reunion weekend

More than 350 alumni and guests attended the annual class reunions and banquet held Friday, September 5 at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Café. Attendees were treated to a visit by the Ohio State cheerleaders and Brutus, as well as alumni band members who have formed a special group, "The Hyperactive Band." One of the highlights of the evening was an appearance by Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee, who received a framed bow tie presented by College of Veterinary Medicine alumnus and NASA Astronaut Dr. Richard Linnehan (DVM '85), who flew the tie on the space shuttle Endeavor. The annual auctions raised $24,000 for Projects to Aid the College.

On Saturday, more than 370 alumni and guests enjoyed the traditional barbecue and tailgate on the college lawn following Dr. Hubbell's "state of the college" address and Alumni Society board meeting.

Projects to Aid the College

At the Alumni Society Board Meeting, Dr. Michael Rings presented his recommendations for funding from the 11 proposals received from students, staff and faculty for Projects to Aid the College. Six projects were chosen for at least partial funding:

• Big Sib/Little Sib Picnic
  This event is held at the beginning of the school year to allow first-year veterinary students to meet upper class students who can help them with "what they need to know" about their first year of veterinary school.
• Computers for Large Animal area
  This request will allow the installation of additional computing work stations to help students in the large animal rotation access the records and test results of animal patients in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. (Partial funding)
• Toxic Plant Garden
  The development of a toxic plant garden will display potentially toxic plants, in all stages of growth, with appropriate identification and descriptions. Plants would include those growing in the wild that are indigenous to Ohio and the Midwest and are likely to present a hazard to livestock as well as plants which are commonly found in gardens and landscapes that pet animals might encounter. This will serve as an enhancement to several areas of the student curriculum.
• Overhead Cameras for surgery
  The installation of a ceiling-mounted video camera inside the surgical suite and an LCD monitor for observation for students to more easily observe surgeries, specifically those involving soft tissue and orthopedics, and be able to view techniques and procedures they would not be able to see given the current observation setup.
• Monitors for ultrasound
  This proposal requested the installation of 32-inch plasma screens for display of real-time ultrasound examinations to enhance teaching of veterinary students, interns and residents.
• Senior board review
  The class of 2009 meets regularly as a group, inviting faculty to aid them in studying for their board exams. Since these study sessions are typically held in the evening, students requested financial support so they could purchase dinner.

Alumni Association recognizes college alumni Drs. Epperson and Hamlin

The Ohio State University Alumni Association presented 16 awards at its 50th annual recognition banquet last Friday, and two of those awards were given to alumni of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Boyd Epperson (DVM '58) and his wife Anne, also an Ohio State graduate, received the Duncan Citizenship Award, and Dr. Robert "Bob" Hamlin (DVM '58) won the Alumni Professional Achievement Award.

The Duncan Citizenship Award is presented to alumni who have distinguished themselves in service to humanity by performing significant voluntary service to their community beyond the call of business or professional duty. Dr. Epperson, who retired from private veterinary practice in the Galion, Ohio area, and his wife Anne, were recognized for their tireless support of The Ohio State University at Mansfield as well as their community commitment and support of organizations ranging from the YMCA to the local hospital.

The Alumni Professional Achievement Award is presented to alumni who have superb records of distinguished career accomplishments and who have made outstanding contributions to their professions. Dr. Hamlin, Stanton Youngberg Professor of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, was recognized for his pioneering contributions to the field of veterinary cardiology. (In addition to international recognition for his scholarly work, he also plays jazz trombone.)

Details about the awards and bios of each of the award recipients

Special message from Alumni Association President Archie Griffin

The Ohio State University Alumni Association has provided a message directly from President and CEO Archie Griffin. "Technologically Speaking" is a commentary on better utilization of technology as a way to keep alumni connected to college alumni societies. It's available on the alumni section of the College of Veterinary Medicine web site.

In Memoriam

Claudia Inés "Yaya" Cartwright (DVM 2002)

Dr. Claudia Inés "Yaya" Cartwright (nee Barrientos-Olea), age 37, passed away Friday, Sept. 19, 2008 from colon cancer. Claudia received a B.A. from the College of Charleston, a DVM from The Ohio State University, and an M.A. in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She served as a federal veterinarian for the USDA and helped to create an emergency operations center for avian influenza with the U.N. in Rome. She was the beloved wife of Fletcher P.; loving mother of Catalina Inés; most dearest daughter of Francisco Javier Barrientos and Isabel Olea Barrientos; dear sister of Maria Isabel Vogel (Ricardo), Laura Luz Barrientos (David) and Maria Soledad Mirsky (Andrew); daughter-in-law of James and Alice Cartwright. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Colon Club, 17 Peach Tree Lane, Wilton, NY 12831

Special notice to the Class of 2002

Class officers report that funds still remain in the class treasury. Officers would like to donate these funds to Catalina Ines Cartwright, three-year-old daughter of 2002 classmate Claudia Barrientos Olea Cartwright, who passed away last week. A fund to benefit Catalina's college education has been established for her and is accepting donations. (Read more about their family and struggle during Claudia's illness). At this time, officers request input from class members to verify that this transfer of funds is agreeable. Please contact Amy Meyer Voss at meyer343@yahoo.com by October 10.