JUNE 2011 EDITION
FROM THE DEAN
I saw a greeting card the other day. It said something like: “I’ve invented a new form of texting. Only instead of using digital technology, I write my message on paper and send it through the mail. I think it might really catch on.”
Good old-fashioned communication has never gone out of style. We can text, fax, IM, Skype, or email, but we still need to be listening with empathy, speaking clearly, and asking for confirmation and clarification. These are skills that we are teaching in our new curriculum so graduates can maximize client compliance as well as workplace harmony.
We also seek to model these skills in our college and hospital. ISVMA board members recently told me that they are receiving excellent communication from our clinicians regarding referred cases. I’m glad to hear it, and I’d like to hear from you as well. You can always reach me at dean@vetmed.illinois.edu – or you could even try writing your message on paper. -- Herb
SPOTLIGHT ON THE TEACHING HOSPITAL
Emergency care does not have to separate referring veterinarians from their patients. The Mind the Gap Emergency Program is designed to expedite emergency care and communication of information about their patient's ER visit.
By registering your practice online, you can specify how you want to receive consistent, timely communication and tell us your preferences for follow-up of ER patients. You'll also be listed on the "Good Human" client emergency pre-registration website, and we'll send you free customized informational materials for your clients.
Thank you to these veterinary practice partners who are helping their clients prepare for emergencies: A & E Animal Hospital (Urbana), Capitol Illini Veterinary Services (Springfield), Gill Veterinary Clinic (West Salem), Kankakee Animal Hospital, Meadows Animal Hospital (Champaign), St. Joseph Animal Hospital, VCA Heritage Animal Hospital (Savoy), The Village Veterinarian (Chatham), and Williamsville Veterinary Clinic.
IN THE NEWS
A Minute with Dr. Carol Maddox : The rise of the "super toxic" new strain of E. coli
Dr. Carol Maddox, associate professor of veterinary pathobiology, recently gave a microbiologist's perspective on efforts to discover the origins of the outbreak of the new, virulent strain of Escherichia coli in Europe.
> Read the full story
Dr. Wanda Haschek-Hock Honored by Midwest Regional Chapter of the Society of Toxicology
Dr. Wanda Haschek-Hock, professor emeritus of pathobiology, was presented with the 2011 Kenneth DuBois award from the Midwest Regional Chapter of the Society of Toxicology (MRC-SOT) at its recent annual spring scientific meeting.
> Read the full story.
FEATURED BLOG
Welcome to the "Frog Days of Summer."
Follow second-year veterinary student Joanna Sekowska this summer as she searches the wetlands of Illinois for Frog Virus 3 in northern cricket frogs.
PET COLUMNS
UPCOMING CONTINUING EDUCATION
- July 8-9, Canine Oral Surgery Intensive Short Course, Urbana, Ill.
- October 28-29, Canine and Feline Dental Techniques for Practitioners , Urbana, Ill.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
- Headed to AVMA? Stop by our reception at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch at 7 pm on July 18. Email advancement@vetmed.illinois.edu for more information.
- Join us for our first pet-friendly Yappy Hour, Saturday, July 30, from 4 to 6 pm at the Canopy Club in Urbana. Proceeds will benefit the Humane Connection Fund. Stay tuned for details.
- The 2011 Fall Conference for Veterinarians will be held September 15-16.
- Get ready to tee-off at the 2011 Vet Med Golf Outing, September 15. Registration details coming soon.
