JUNE/JULY 2012 EDITION
FROM THE DEAN
What’s growing in your garden this summer?
At Illinois, we are planting seeds for the next generation of biomedical researcher—and veterinary college faculty member.
Illinois is one of more than 30 North American veterinary institutions participating in the Merial Veterinary Scholars Program this summer.
“Exposing students to research experiences is the main goal of the program,” explains Dr. Lois Hoyer, associate dean for research and advanced studies. “Students are working with faculty from many campus units on topics that range from infectious disease and toxicology to neuroscience and oncology.”
In addition to working full-time in their mentors’ labs, the 16 participants at Illinois meet regularly as a group to learn about scientific writing, ethical conduct, and research careers in academia, industry, and government. And they learn the value of collaboration through a day-long get-together with the students in Purdue’s summer research program, and by presenting a research poster at the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium to be held at Colorado State University in early August.
For a taste of the early fruit from this ongoing program, read the abstracts from research projects over the past nine years. -- Herb
SPOTLIGHT ON THE TEACHING HOSPITAL
Meet Dr. Heidi Phillips
Dr. Heidi Phillips, the newest face in the small animal surgery service, brings with her "a passion for treating feline and canine surgical diseases" and expertise in complex ureteral surgery.
After receiving her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Phillips completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery, followed by a 3-year small animal surgery residency at Penn in 2005.
After attaining specialty certification in small animal surgery, she went on to work in a Pittsburgh private practice surgery for two years.
Before joining the faculty at Illinois, Dr. Phillips was an adjunct assistant professor of small animal surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where she was also assistant director of the feline and canine renal transplant programs.
Her current areas of clinical research interest include microvascular tissue transfer surgery, reconstructive surgery, and urogenital surgery, including feline and canine ureteral surgery. She is "looking forward to collaborating with other faculty throughout the College" and is "excited about being a part of the clinical services and residency programs."
Dr. Phillips can be reached for specialty surgery consultations, particularly those involving feline and canine urogenital surgery, at 217.333.5300.
Learn more about Dr. Heidi Phillips. | Read about Dr. Phillips' innovative treatment in a canine prostate cancer case.
More New Faces at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Dr. Tisha Harper joined the orthopedics and rehabilitation service on July 1. Dr. Amy Kubier has completed her residency and will be joining the companion animal & zoological medicine service on July 16. Neurologist Dr. Devon Hague will join the staff on August 1.
FACULTY IN THE NEWS
Dr. Yvette Johnson-Walker Leads "Flu at the Zoo" Event
Clinical epidemiologist Dr. Yvette Johnson-Walker recently facilitated "Flu at the Zoo," a daylong preparedness and communication exercise related to potential outbreaks of contagious diseases and epidemics, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1)
Researchers Develop New Pet CPR Guidelines
In June, Dr. Maureen McMichael, head of emergency medicine, and fellow researchers helped establish the first set of evidence-based recommendations to resuscitate dogs and cats with stopped hearts.
> Read more about the new pet CPR guidelines
Turtle Dogs Assist UI Researcher
Exotics veterinarian Dr. Matt Allender recently brought in the "Turtle Dogs" - that is, Boykin spaniels trained to sniff out turtles and bring them to people - to gather box turtles for his research on the health of local turtle populations.
> Watch the video. | Read more about Dr. Allender's research.
> Read more about our faculty in the news.
ALUMNI CORNER
AVMA Alumni Reception
Headed to AVMA? Join us for an alumni reception on Monday, August 6, from 7 to 9 pm, at WineSteals Wine Bar & Retail, East Village, San Diego, Calif.
> R.S.V.P. for the 2012 AVMA Alumni Reception
Mark Your Calendars for Golf & Tailgate Good Times
It's almost time to hit the greens. The annual Veterinary Medical Alumni Association Golf Outing will be held on Friday, September 14, at the University of Illinois Orange Golf Course in Savoy, Ill. The fun will start at 1:30 pm. Admission is $125.
If you're heading to the Illinois vs. Charleston Southern football game on September 15, start the party early at our 9 am tailgate. Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for kids under 12, and free to kids 5 and under.
> For more information, or to register, call the Advancement Office at 217.333.2761.
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GET READY FOR FALL CONFERENCE
Reunions, continuing education, and more!
Mark your calenders for Fall Conference for Veterinarians, September 13-14.
CURRENT CLINICAL TRIALS
Clinical Trial in Veterinary Dermatology
The dermatology service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital is conducting a six-month study of a new treatment for dogs with atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies).
> Learn more about our new dermatology clinical trial.
> Find out about all current clinical trials.
KUDOS
Gymnast David Sender, Class of 2014, was one of several Illinois students who competed in the 2012 Olympic trials. Even after taking two years off from his training to attend veterinary school, David finished fourteenth overall and second overall in the vault. Congratulations, David. You've made your College proud!
> Read more about David Sender.
Dr. Wanda Haschek-Hock, professor emerita of pathobiology, has recently been named a Fellow of the International Academy of Toxicologic Pathology.
PET COLUMNS
- Congratulations! It’s a Cat!
- An Ounce of Prevention: Benefits of Yearly Veterinary Exams
- CSI for Animals: Veterinary Forensics
Watch Dr. Adam Stern, veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, talk about his work as a certified medical investigator and forensic consultant on WCIA's Pet on the Set.
UPCOMING CONTINUING EDUCATION
- August 3-4, Canine Oral Surgery Intensive Short Course, Urbana, Ill.
- August 17, Canine and Feline Dental Techniques for Technicians, Urbana, Ill.
- September 13-14, Fall Conference for Veterinarians, Urbana, Ill.
- October 12-13, Canine and Feline Dental Techniques for Practitioners, Urbana, Ill..
