FOR MORE INFORMATION

David Kirkpatrick
Phone: 847-285-6782
Cell: 847-409-0519
e-mail: dkirkpatrick@avma.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 1, 2009

Dr. James H. Steele

Schaumburg, IL

— Dr. Craig N. Carter, the author of "One Man, One Medicine, One Health – the James H. Steele Story," and Dr. Cynthia Hoobler, editorial assistant, announce a book signing to be hosted by the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM) at the American Veterinary Medical Association's 146th Annual Convention in Seattle.

Dr. Steele will meet and greet attendees on Saturday, July 11, through Monday, July 13, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the ACVPM booth in the exhibit hall and will personally sign any book that is purchased. All proceeds will benefit the Steele Endowed Lecture Series and the James H. Steele Professorship of Epidemiology at the University of Texas, School of Public Health, Houston.

Dr. Steele founded the veterinary division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1947. He then boldly introduced the principles of veterinary public health to the U.S. and countries all around the globe, saving untold animal and human lives along the way. His outstanding achievements have helped the world to achieve higher standards of living through a better understanding of the epidemiology of diseases shared by animals and man – the zoonoses.

As a U.S. Public Health Service officer, he became the first assistant surgeon general for veterinary affairs and later was appointed as deputy assistant secretary for health and human services at the rank of admiral. He has received numerous awards over his illustrious career, including the Surgeon General's Medallion in 2006, presented by Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona. He is the only veterinarian to ever receive the prestigious award.

The biography begins with Jim's birth and scrappy childhood in Chicago and takes the reader through his formal education, early work experiences and on through to his retirement from the CDC in 1971. Family and personal experiences are weaved into the story to include real-life adventure, success, tragedy and humor.

After leaving the CDC, Dr. Steele began a prominent second career as a professor of environmental health at the University of Texas, School of Public Health. There he compiled and edited the world's first comprehensive series of books on diseases shared by animals and man, the "CRC Handbook Series on Zoonoses." At the ripe young age of 96, he continues to lecture, consult, mentor, advise, write and inspire.

Dr. Steele's book signing will be held at the ACVPM booth (#2430 in the exhibit hall). The book is available at a special convention price of $20.

The story of Jim Steele's life is stirring to us all, both inside and outside the allied health professions. He is a true pioneer in the evolving philosophy of One Medicine, One Health, One World. He has been called by many of his colleagues "The Father of Veterinary Public Health."