MARCH 2012 EDITION
FROM THE DEAN
I was pleased to make several legislative visits on Capitol Hill on March 8, joining forces as I have in previous years with dozens of academic veterinary leaders in a daylong effort coordinated by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. Our message highlighted the importance of the veterinary profession and the need for support of veterinary education.
Veterinary colleges across the nation, Illinois among them, have experienced severe cuts in state funding in recent years. More than two-thirds of colleges report being less able to recruit and retain faculty. Along with making every effort to reduce spending, colleges have had to raise tuition, adding to students’ educational debt.
In Washington we advocated for two key initiatives that involve loan repayment programs for graduates, one geared toward those opting for food animal practice in rural areas and another focused on veterinarians who go to work in public health. The AAVMC has a website aimed at helping students find ways to pay for their education. http://www.aavmc.org/Students-Applicants-and-Advisors/Options-for-Funding-Your--Veterinary-Medical-Education.aspx
My message this month to our alumni and friends is to remind them that the need is greater than ever before. You can have a big impact on today’s students by supporting awards and scholarships. Contact Brenda Betts in our advancement office (217-333-5545) to find out how.
SPOTLIGHT ON RESOURCES FOR REFERRING VETERINARIANS
Extra! Extra! The 2012 Directory for Referring Veterinarians includes up-to-date service and contact information from the Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, along with information from the Office of Advancement and the Office of Public Engagement. Haven't received your copy in the mail? Call 217-265-6588 to request a paper copy. You can also view it online at vetmed.illinois.edu/4dvms.
SNEAK PREVIEW: In the next issue of Illinois Vet News
Get to know Dr. Stanley Rubin, a new face in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital small animal internal medicine service.
Board-certified small animal surgeon Dr. Heidi Phillips will be joining our faculty next month. Her interests include feline kidney and other organ transplants, microvascular surgery, reconstructive surgery, and surgery of the urinary tract.
2012 DOODLE FOR WILDLIFE: RELIVE THE EXPEDITION
Purple potions, painted faces, and reptilian meet-n-greets. At the 2012 Doodle for Wildlife, earlier this month, 161 wildlife supporters embarked on an exciting expedition that bagged an impressive $50,000 in support for the Wildlife Medical Clinic.
It was also a night for giving thanks. Dr. Julia Whittington presented the annual Wildlife for Life award to Dr. LeRoy Neitzel, a longtime WMC supporter who had practiced veterinary medicine in Champaign and Urbana for 35 years before retiring in 2003. Karen Koenig, a former winner of the Wildlife for Life award, received a Special Service award from the College and its alumni association.
Thanks to everyone who came out to support the Wildlife Medical Clinic. Relive the fun on Flickr. Become a fan of the Wildlife Medical Clinic on Facebook and get the latest updates from the Clinic.
Did you know you can sponsor a day at the WMC? Find out more, including how to sponsor a day in honor of a birthday, anniversary, or other special date or milestone.
FEATURED PODCAST
Listen to Dr. Matt Allender, visiting instructor of comparative biosciences, examine the complex ways in which humans and other animals are affected when they share habitat and pass infectious agents between species.
FEATURED PRACTICE
All Cats Clinic, Inc.
Springfield, Illinois
Meet Dr. Dena Nelson (Class of 1989) and learn about her practice.
PET COLUMNS
- Be on the Lookout for Problems in Dogs' Ears
- Blastomycosis: Early Detection Key to Treating Deadly Fungal Infection
- Look Into Your Dog's Goopy Eye
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* Watch Dr. Amber Labelle discuss keratoconjunctivitis sicca on WCIA's Pet on the Set segment.
WORK AT VET MED
The Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine is seeking a full-time, 100% (12-month basis) open rank (clinical or tenure-track) assistant, associate or full professor in veterinary small animal surgery.
Learn about our residencies and other employment opportunities.
UPCOMING CONTINUING EDUCATION
- Industrial Toxicology and Pathology Short Course, July 23-27, 2012, Champaign, Ill.
- Canine Oral Surgery Intensive Short Course, August 3-4, 2012, Urbana, Ill.
