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August/September 2014 Edition
FROM THE DEAN
The fall semester brings a number of “firsts” for me as dean.
I’m excited to see familiar faces at my first Fall Conference as dean this week. I hope many attendees will stop in to meet me tomorrow morning before sessions start or will seek me out during the conference meals. Also tomorrow I will have the honor of helping to present the college alumni awards for the first time. The worthy recipients are listed below in this newsletter.
Last month I got to greet the 126 students entering our DVM program as the Class of 2018. The class is made up of 14 men and 112 women, and 87 are Illinois residents. Those from outside Illinois come from across the country, including Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Washington, and 12 other states. I will enjoy sharing new experiences with their class as we all progress through the Illinois curriculum together for the first time.—Peter
IN THE NEWS
Dr. Matt Allender, comparative biosciences, recently told Purdue University's The Exponent that “box turtles are very good sentinels of environmental health, so we’re constantly expanding to look at other things that affect environmental health – things like toxicology, antibiotic resistance, liver function, infections, and new infections.” Read more
Dr. Jodi Flaws, comparative biosciences, was quoted in The New York Times stating “I think most scientists working today agree that BPA is an ovarian toxicant,” said Jodi Flaws. Read more.
Dr. Adam Stern, veterinary diagnostic laboratory, shared his expertise on veterinary forensics with The Paw Report. Watch the video.
Cheryl Weber, social worker at the College of Veterinary Medicine, spoke to The Paw Report about grief after the loss of a pet. Watch the video.
Dr. Julia Whittington, director of the Wildlife Medical Clinic, was interviewed about the growing numbers of Canada geese flocking around Champaign-Urbana and other Illinois cities, thanks in part to new development creating open sources of water for them. "We have created a beautiful habitat for geese," said Dr. Whittington. Read more | Watch the video.
A recent News-Gazette story featured three Vet Med faculty members—Berit Fischer, Matt Wallig, and Karen Terio—who answered the question: What is the most interesting corner of the world where your work has taken you?
SPOTLIGHT ON CHICAGO
Dr. Drew Sullivan has been named as the new medical director at the Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois.
Dr. Sullivan earned his undergraduate degree as well as his veterinary degree on the flagship campus in Urbana, and was part of the cheerleading team throughout his years on campus. He joined the Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois last fall.
Both he and Dr. Lindsay Seilheimer will continue to deliver high quality and low stress care for pets and their people. Read more about Dr. Sullivan and his new role.
FALL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
This year's CE tracks include companion animal medicine, business management, equine medicine and surgery, one health, ophthalmology, heart and lung/cancer treatment and vaccines.
Hands-on learning opportunities in bone marrow biopsy, pediatric sterilization, and non-surgical neutering are available for an additional fee. Find out more about Fall Conference offerings.
And don't miss the chance to meet Dean Peter Constable and hear him discuss his vision for the college on Thursday, September 11, from 8:30 to 8:50 am.
Help us honor our distinguished alumni at the annual Alumni Awards Ceremony and Dinner, Thursday, September 11, at 5:00 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn. The winners of the 2014 Dr. Small Distinguished Alumni Award are Dr. Lloyd Helper, Dr. Linda K. Tollefson, Dr. Richard F. Wallin and Dr. William H. Wright. The winner of the 2014 Special Service Award is Dr. Herbert E. Whiteley. Read more about this year's winners.
Get the party started with the Class Reunion Kick-Off on Friday, September 12, at 3:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Hit the greens for Vet Med at the 8th Annual Veterinary Medical Association Golf Outing, Saturday, September 13, 9:00 am, Lake of the Woods Golf Course, Mahomet, Ill. This event supports student and alumni activities. Join us or sponsor a student. Find out more or register now.
Get all your reunion details on our 2014 Class Reunion website.
KUDOS
- The members of the Class of 2017 who took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Watch the video.
- Kiana Davis, a high school student who worked with Dr. Dennis French in the Research Apprenticeship Program this summer, received the Outstanding Scholar award during the Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Awards Banquet on August 2, 2014.
- Dr. Hilari French, who completed a residency at Illinois, is a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenology, and has taken a position as Assistant Professor in Theriogenology at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.
- Dr. Santiago Gutierrez Nibeyro is now a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.
- Dr. Devon Hague is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology).
- Dr. Margarethe Hoenig received the 2014 Society for Comparative Endocrinology Oxford Laboratories award for Excellence in the Advancement of Knowledge Concerning Small Animal Endocrinology.
- Dr. Melissa Kubai is now a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology.
- Dr. Jennifer Langan has recently been recognized as a De Facto Diplomate, European College of Zoological Medicine (Zoo Health Management) for her outstanding contributions in the area of Zoo Health Management.
- Former resident Dr. Marcos Santos has accepted a faculty position as a clinical instructor of equine surgery at the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Dr. Cliff Shipley has received the “Practitioner of the Year Award” by the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners.
UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS
- October 17, 2014, Combined Class Reunions
- November 8, 2014, ISVMA Alumni Reception
- December 8, 2014, AAEP Alumni Reception, 6 p.m., Salt Lake City, Utah
- January 17-21, 2015, NAVC, Orlando, Fla.
- February 15-19, 2015, Las Vegas, Nev.
SAVE THE DATE FOR VET MED OPEN HOUSE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5
Don't miss the chance to see our students in action at our annual Vet Med Open House, Sunday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tour the Clinical Skills Learning Center and see our new Communications Skills Center., serve as an exhibit judge, or Invite a future veterinary student to attend.
Find out more on the Vet Med Open House website.
PET COLUMNS
- Core Vaccines for Dogs and Cats
- Optical Coherence Tomography Advances Veterinary Cancer Treatment
- Heat Stroke Is Deadly to Dogs
UPCOMING CONTINUING EDUCATION
- Fall Conference for Veterinarians, September 11-12, Champaign, Ill.
- Executive Veterinary Program: Swine Health Management, October 2014-April 2016, Urbana, Ill.
