Affiliated groups meet in Denver

Forty-five allied and other veterinary-related organizations and 30 alumni groups from colleges and schools of veterinary medicine convened this July at the 151st AVMA Annual Convention in Denver.

These groups engaged in a wide variety of activities during the convention, including lectures, certification examinations, business meetings, workshops, and social gatherings. Many of the organizations co-sponsored the AVMA’s educational sessions.

The following highlights the activities and honors reported by some of these organizations.

Avian pathologists

Event: American Association of Avian Pathologists Inc. meeting, July 26-29, Denver
Awards: Phibro Animal Health Excellence in Poultry Research Award: Dr. Lisa K. Nolan, Ames, Iowa, for sustained excellence in poultry disease and health for 20 years or more. Dr. Nolan received her DVM degree from the University of Georgia in 1988 and her doctorate in medical microbiology from the University of Georgia in 1992. She is dean of the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Lasher-Bottorff Award: Dr. Charles L. Hofacre, Watkinsville, Georgia, won this award, given in recognition of an avian diagnostician/technical services veterinarian who has made important contributions to the poultry health program in North America over the past 10 years. Dr. Hofacre earned his DVM degree from The Ohio State University in 1984 and his doctorate in medical microbiology from the University of Georgia in 1992. He is a professor and director of clinical services at the University of Georgia Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center. Dr. Hofacre serves as executive vice president of the AAAP. Bruce W. Calnek Applied Poultry Research Achievement Award: John K. Rosenberger, PhD, Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, for research contributions resulting directly or indirectly in a measurable, practical impact on the control of one or more major diseases of poultry. Dr. Rosenberger obtained his doctorate in virology and immunology from the University of Delaware in 1972. He is president of AviServe LLC, a resource laboratory and consulting service for the poultry and allied industries. Bayer-Snoeyenbos New Investigator Award: Dr. Naola Ferguson-Noel, Loganville, Georgia, for research contributions to the field of avian medicine. Dr. Ferguson-Noel received her DVM degree from the University of the West Indies in 1996 and her doctorate in medical microbiology from the University of Georgia in 2002. She is an associate professor at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. Outstanding Field Case and/or Diagnostic Report Award: Dr. Chad Malinak, Athens, Georgia. Dr. Malinak received his DVM degree from Louisiana State University in 2012 and his master’s degree in avian medicine from the University of Georgia in 2014. A diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians, he serves as director of veterinary services at Pilgrim’s. P.P. Levine Award, presented to the senior author of the best paper published in Avian Diseases: Daral J. Jackwood, PhD, Wooster, Ohio. Dr. Jackwood earned his doctorate in molecular virology from The Ohio State University in 1982. He is a professor at the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Reed Rumsey Student Award: Dr. Stivalis Cardenas Garcia, Athens, Georgia, a 2008 graduate of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and Dr. Christina Parr Lindsey, Knightdale, North Carolina, a 2013 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Richard B. Rimler Memorial Paper Scholarship: Dr. Kevin Maschek, Brandon, Mississippi. Dr. Maschek is a 2013 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. L. Dwight Schwartz Travel Scholarship: Callie S. Pierce, Statesville, North Carolina. Pierce is a third-year student at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Arnold S. Rosenwald Student Poster Award: Dr. Jin Yong Noh, Seoul, South Korea, a 2013 graduate of Konkuk University, won in the category of basic research, and Dr. Soo-Won Choi, Seoul, South Korea, also a 2013 graduate of Konkuk University, won in the category of applied research. Eskelund Preceptorship Award: Emily Aston, Cornell University; Katherine Backel, Cornell University; Luke Baldwin, Iowa State University; Elizabeth Beilke, Iowa State University; Sheilena Brookshire, University of Georgia; Seiche Genger, University of Tennessee; Michelle Janik, Oregon State University; Molly Parker, North Carolina State University; Amy Sents, Kansas State University; Eric Shepherd, University of Georgia; Meagan Slater, North Carolina State University; and Laura Tensa, Oregon State University. AAAP Foundation Poultry Scholarship: Randi Clark, William Carey University; James D. Longoria, Auburn University; Valerie C. Marcano, University of Georgia; Laura Morman, Purdue University; Grace Mountainspring, Oregon State University; Callie S. Pierce, North Carolina State University; Corissa A. Steimling, Pennsylvania State University; Laura Tensa, Oregon State University; and Jessica N. Walters, Virginia Tech University
Officials: Drs. Francene Van Sambeek, Cullman, Alabama, president; Robert Porter, North Oaks, Minnesota, president-elect; Charles L. Hofacre, Athens, Georgia, executive vice president; Richard Fulton, Lansing, Michigan, immediate past president; Eva Wallner-Pendleton, Port Matilda, Pennsylvania, Northeast director; Eric Jensen, Elkmont, Alabama, Southern director; Eric Gingerich, Zionsville, Indiana, Central director; Victoria Bowes, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Western director; and directors-at-large—Drs. Ian Rubinoff, Urbandale, Iowa, and Sara Steinlage, Bentonville, Arkansas
Contact: Janece Bevans-Kerr, Director of Member Services, American Association of Avian Pathologists, 12627 San Jose Blvd., Suite 202, Jacksonville, FL 32223; phone, 904-425-5735; fax, (281) 664-4744; aaapaaap [dot] info (aaap[at]aaap[dot]info); website

Public health and federal veterinarians

Event: American Association of Public Health Veterinarians, National Association of Federal Veterinarians, joint meeting, July 26, Denver
Awards: AAPHV student scholarship: Dr. Jordan Dieckman (Wisconsin ’14), and Gabby Eddings (Washington State ’15)
Business: The AAPHV reviewed the annual treasury report; discussed the policy working group’s new standard operating procedure for position statements and endorsements and the development of a subject matter expert database; went over the communications work group’s plans to create social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook and to move job postings, member publications, and communications to the AAPHV LinkedIn page; and discussed the results of the outreach work group’s survey of allied public health organizations for potential partnerships and its request for images from the membership for the AAPHV Flickr image library. AVMA Congressional Science Fellows and AAAS Fellows shared experiences from their assignments. The NAFV discussed how the association has raised the visibility of federal veterinarians and their contributions to veterinary medicine and public health; influenced laws, regulations, procedures, and policies that impact federal veterinarians; and provided a forum for networking and interaction of veterinarians, and legal counsel and management support for federal veterinarians.
Officials: AAPHV—Drs. Jeffrey Baravik, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, president; Tegwin Taylor, Campbell, California, president-elect; Thomas Doker, Lewistown, Maryland, secretary; Arlene Buchholz, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, treasurer; Millicent Eidson, Albany, New York, immediate past president; and directors-at-large—Drs. Kelly Vest, Silver Spring, Maryland; and Nora Pihkala, Washington, D.C. NAFV—Drs. Douglas Fulnechek, Springdale, Arkansas, president; Kenneth Angel, Jackson, Mississippi, president-elect; John Sanders, Kearneysville, West Virginia, secretary-treasurer; Gary Brickler, Sacramento, California, immediate past president; and board members—Drs. Gary Brickler, Sacramento, California; Linda Riggs, Ridgeland, Mississippi; Brian Archer, McPherson, Kansas; Deanna Brown, Batesville, Arkansas; Kermit Harvey, Flora, Mississippi; and Douglas Meckes, Alexandria, Virginia
Contact: AAPHV—Dr. Thomas Doker, Secretary, American Association of Public Health Veterinarians, 2607 Caulfield Court, Lewistown, MD 21701; phone, 678-862-2281; thomas [dot] dokergmail [dot] com (thomas[dot]doker[at]gmail[dot]com); website. NAFV—Dr. Michael J. Gilsdorf, Executive Vice President, National Association of Federal Veterinarians, 1910 Sunderland Place NW, Washington DC 20036; phone, 202-223-4878; fax, 202-223-4877; mgilsdorfnafv [dot] org (mgilsdorf[at]nafv[dot]org); website

Senior veterinarians

Event: American Association of Senior Veterinarians meeting, July 28, Denver
Program: The president of the AASrV, Dr. Bruce W. Little, presided over the meeting. Dr. Apryl Steele described an increase in marijuana toxicosis cases in dogs since the drug’s legalization for recreational use in Colorado. Dr. Mark Lutschaunig addressed issues facing the AVMA Governmental Relations Division this midterm election. Dr. Jan Strother spoke on the creation of the Veterinary Care Charitable Fund by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Dr. Jody Johnson presented an analysis of the ramifications of the Affordable Care Act and outlined features and benefits of the term life, dental, and long-term care insurance available to AVMA members through the AVMA Group Health & Life Insurance trust.
Business: Officials and directors were elected, and amended bylaws were approved. Dr. Little announced that the registered trademark for the AASrV logo had been approved by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He also described initiatives to increase funding for hospital visitation by Josh and Friends and to raise money to translate the brochure “I’ll Be O.K.” into Spanish.
Officials: Drs. Bruce W. Little, Las Vegas, president; Bert Mitchell, Sarasota, Florida, vice president; Everett Macomber, Centralia, Washington, secretary; William McEniry, Ashton, Illinois, treasurer; Earl Strimple, Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania, Eastern region director; Robert Dietl, Richfield, Minnesota, Central region director; and Richard Coon, Forest Grove, Oregon, Western region director
Contact: Dr. Bert Mitchell, Vice President, American Association of Senior Veterinarians, 5186 Cote du Rhone Way, Sarasota, FL 34238; phone, 941-320-1997, 941-921-6426; fax, 941-923-2640; bert [dot] mitchelltenell [dot] net (bert[dot]mitchell[at]tenell[dot]net); website

Poultry veterinarians

Event: American College of Poultry Veterinarians meeting, July 26-29, Denver
Business: The college will be revising its bylaws. The title of secretary-treasurer has been changed to executive vice president. The college is in the process of revising its certification examination and conducting a cut-score analysis (via standard-setting), to be completed in spring 2015.
New diplomates: Eight new diplomates were welcomed into the ACPV. They are as follows:

Yugendar Reddy Bommineni, Mount Jackson, Virginia
Vijay Durairaj, Athens, Georgia
David French, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Chad M. Malinak, Athens, Georgia
Elise A. Myers, Dover Centre, Ontario
Takumu Niino, Apex, North Carolina
Jocelyn Romano, Durham, North Carolina
Ian Rubinoff, Urbandale, Iowa

Officials: Drs. Samuel Christenberry, Cullman, Alabama, president; Becky J. Tilley, Goldsboro, North Carolina, president-elect; Karen B. Grogan, Dacula, Georgia, executive vice president; and Timothy Cummings, Starkville, Mississippi, immediate past president
Contact: Janece Bevans-Kerr, Director of Member Services, American College of Poultry Veterinarians, 12627 San Jose Blvd., Suite 202, Jacksonville, FL 32223; phone, 904-425-5735; fax, 281-664-4744; aaapaaap [dot] info (aaap[at]aaap[dot]info); website

Veterinary preventive medicine

Event: American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine meeting, July 27, Denver
Awards: Helwig-Jennings Award: Dr. Marianne Ash, Lafayette, Indiana, for outstanding and prolonged service to the ACVPM. A 1977 graduate of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Ash is director of the Division of Animal Programs at the Indiana State Board of Health. Earlier in her career, she was staff veterinarian for a swine and poultry company in central Indiana. Dr. Ash is president-elect of the ACVPM and has served on the AVMA Council on Public Health and Regulatory Veterinary Medicine, Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee, and Committee on Environmental Issues. Distinguished Diplomate Award: Dr. George E. Moore, Battle Ground, Indiana, for significant contributions to the specialty of veterinary preventive medicine. A 1979 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Moore is a professor of clinical epidemiology and director of the clinical trials group at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. A diplomate of the ACVPM and American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Dr. Moore has research interests that include evidence-based medicine and epidemiology of companion animal diseases. Frank A. Todd President’s Award: Drs. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, Ames, Iowa, and Glenda Dvorak, Ames, Iowa, for meritorious service to the college. Dr. Bickett-Weddle earned her DVM degree from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999 and obtained her doctorate, also from Iowa State, in 2009 in veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine. She is associate director of the ISU CVM Center for Food Security and Public Health. A diplomate of the ACVPM, Dr. Bickett-Weddle serves as the Iowa VMA’s delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates. A 2001 graduate of the ISU CVM and a diplomate of the ACVPM, Dr. Dvorak is assistant director and a veterinary specialist at the ISU CVM Center for Food Security and Public Health. Her work focuses on zoonotic diseases, emergency preparedness and response, and infection control.
Business: Chairs of the ACVPM standing committees presented reports. Also presented were findings from a survey conducted to assess the future direction of the college.
New diplomates: Fifty-one new diplomates were welcomed into the college following their successful completion of the certifying examination. The new diplomates are as follows:

Mary C. Avriette, Savannah, Georgia
Janice L. Baker, Vass, North Carolina
Eileen C. Ball, Leesburg, Virginia
Cassondra Bauer, San Antonio
Riva Ben-Ezra, Hashmonaim, Israel
Rebecca H. Benisch, Baltimore
Robert G. Bonifacio, Waterford, California
Andrew S. Bowman, Worthington, Ohio
Peggy K. Brinkman, Sheldon, Iowa
Elizabeth C. Broel, Charlotte, North Carolina
Brandy A. Burgess, Blacksburg, Virginia
Cara C. Cherry, Fort Collins, Colorado
Jodi L. Collins, Elkader, Iowa
David M. Cox, Silver Spring, Maryland
Wendy B. Cuevas-Espelid, Canton, Georgia
Mark Cunningham, Gainesville, Florida
Jean S. DeNapoli, Coventry, Connecticut
Abel B. Ekiri, Brandon, England
Tara M. Harrison, Davis, California
R. Reid Harvey, Rockville, Maryland
Zarah N. Hedge, San Diego
Sara R. Hegge, Rockville, Maryland
Nathan Hoyt, Silver Spring, Maryland
E. Jane Kelly, Springville, Utah
Karen D. Kendrick, Wetumpka, Alabama
Amanda J. Kieffer, College Station, Texas
Marc G. Knobbe, Carthage, North Carolina
Gael Lamielle, Santa Monica, California
Morgan A. Mander, Dade City, Florida
Angela Maxted, Wynantskill, New York
Branden M. Maxwell, Ijamsville, Maryland
Anthony D. May, Silver Spring, Maryland
Anna B. Mullins, Ijamsville, Maryland
Monica Murphy, Brooklyn, New York
Chika C. Okafor, Guelph, Ontario
Amos Peterson, Pullman, Washington
Katherine C. Polak, Lombard, Illinois
Kamala S. Rapp, Burke, Virginia
Gregory T. Reppas, Vicenza, Italy
Noel B. Ritson-Bennett, Calgary, Alberta
William E. Sander, Hyattsville, Maryland
Jeff Sarchet, Decatur, Texas
Tamerin M. Scott, Santa Monica, California
Richard H. Smilie, Washington, D.C.
Heather E. Stone, Bethany, West Virginia
Shelley Stonecipher, Fort Worth, Texas
Kimberly A. Thompson, Lansing, Michigan
Ernest P. Weber III, White Post, Virginia
Virginia C. White, San Diego
Lynne White-Shim, Roselle, Illinois
Timothy W. Wilson, Woodland, California

Officials: Drs. Scott Brooks, Bedford Corners, New York, president; Marianne Ash, Lafayette, Indiana, president-elect; Sherry Burrer, Atlanta, secretary-treasurer; Candace L. McCall, Selma, Texas, executive vice president; Mo Salman, Colorado Springs, Colorado, immediate past president; Mark Starr, Rocklin, California, Specialty of Epidemiology president; and councilors—Drs. Paul Garbe, Atlanta; Armando Hoet, Columbus, Ohio; and Tom Berg, Richland, Michigan
Contact: Dr. Candace L. McCall, Executive Vice President, American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, 16505 Lookout Hollow Circle, #718, Selma, TX 78154; phone, 210-382-5400; preventionfirstgmail [dot] com (preventionfirst[at]gmail[dot]com); website

Veterinary medical association executives

Event: American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives meeting, July 25, Denver
Awards: Executive of the Year: Philip Hinkle, Orlando, Florida, for exemplifying the best in association management and continually bringing credit to the profession and the association community. Hinkle is executive director of the Florida VMA and a member of the ASVMAE board of directors. He has served three terms as mayor of Haines City, Florida. Distinguished Service Award: Michelle Wagner, Reno, Nevada, for exceptional service to the ASVMAE, demonstrating initiative, integrity, and commitment in serving the veterinary profession and association colleagues. Executive director of the Nevada VMA, Wagner is a past president of the ASVMAE and has served on and chaired several of the society’s committees.
Officials: Dina Michel, Hastings, Nebraska, president; Adrian Hochstadt, Schaumburg, Illinois, president-elect; Dan Tjornehoj, South St. Paul, Minneapolis, secretary; Candace Joy, Snoqualmie, Washington, treasurer; and David Foley, Lexington, Kentucky, immediate past president
Contact: Dina Michel, President, American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives, P.O. Box 637, Hastings, NE 68902; phone, 402-463-4704; fax, 402-463-4705; dina_vmetinebraska [dot] com (dina_vmet[at]inebraska[dot]com); website

Veterinary epidemiologists

Event: American Veterinary Epidemiology Society meeting, July 28, Denver
Awards: Karl F. Meyer–James H. Steele Gold Headed Cane Award, sponsored by Hartz Mountain Corporation: Drs. Robert Crandell, College Station, Texas, and John Clifford, Washington, D.C., for outstanding lifetime contributions to veterinary epidemiology and public health. Dr. Crandell received his DVM degree from Michigan State University in 1949 and a Master of Public Health from the University of California-Berkeley in 1955. Prior to retirement in 1987, he was head of diagnostic microbiology at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Earlier in his career, Dr. Crandell served as an Air Force veterinarian and was professor and director of the veterinary diagnostic laboratory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and American College of Veterinary Microbiologists. A 1983 graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Clifford is deputy administrator of veterinary services with the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. During his career with the USDA, he has served as area veterinarian in charge in Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, and Indiana; was the National Health Monitoring System coordinator in Ohio; served as brucellosis epidemiologist and veterinary medical officer in Kentucky; and was the associate deputy administrator of the National Animal Health Policy and Programs. Honorary diplomas, sponsored by Hartz Mountain Corporation, were given to Dr. Max Coats, Killeen, Texas; Virginia Dato, MD, Pittsburgh; Dr. Kelley Donham, Iowa City, Iowa; Dr. Ronglian Hu, Changchun, China; Dr. Lisa Nolan, Ames, Iowa; Jack Woodall, PhD, Rio de Janeiro; and Edward Young, MD, Houston
Business: The AVES is collaborating with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and World Health Organization on global canine rabies eradication.
Officials: Drs. Charles O. Thoen, Ames, Iowa, president; Konrad Eugster, College Station, Texas, vice president; Craig N. Carter, Lexington, Kentucky, executive director; George W. Beran, Ames, Iowa, immediate past president; and board members—Drs. Lonnie King, Columbus, Ohio; Saul Wilson, Tuskegee, Alabama; George Beran, Ames, Iowa; Georgette Wilson, Secaucus, New Jersey; and Bruce Kaplan, Sarasota, Florida
Contact: Dr. Craig N. Carter, Executive Director, American Veterinary Epidemiology Society, P.O. Box 11093, Lexington, KY 40512; phone, 859-321-4890; craig [dot] carteruky [dot] edu (craig[dot]carter[at]uky[dot]edu)

Veterinary history society

Event: American Veterinary Medical History Society meeting, July 28, Denver
Program: The immediate past president of the AVMHS, Dr. Helen Wojcinski, presided over the meeting. This year’s program featured several speakers. Dr. Howard H. Erickson, Manhattan, Kansas, spoke on “Early African-American graduates of Kansas State University” (on behalf of Dr. Ronnie Elmore, Manhattan, Kansas) and “Kansas City Veterinary College”; Jeffrey Douglas, Christianburg, Virginia, presented “History of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges” (on behalf of Dr. Andrew Maccabe, Washington, D.C.); Jacqueline Paritte, PhD, Stillwater, Oklahoma, spoke on “History of the veterinary technician program”; and Dr. Donald F. Smith, Ithaca, New York, presented “Overview of the history of veterinary medical education in the United States.” In keeping with the educational theme of the program, Dr. Erickson displayed a poster highlighting important historical features of the Kansas City Veterinary College. The college was in operation from 1891-1918.
Awards: J. Fred Smithcors Student Veterinary History Essay Contest, sponsored by the Donaldson Charitable Trust: First place ($1,200)—Sarah M. Oates (Wisconsin ’16), for “Uncloaking cognitive decline: The emergence of canine cognitive dysfunction in veterinary medicine and its implications for understanding Alzheimer’s disease”; second place ($1,000)—Jennifer Yu (California-Davis ’16), for “The rise of Chinese acupuncture in the West: How an ancient Eastern tradition became an American medical staple”; third place ($800)—Amanda Fox (North Carolina State ’17), for “One health: Back to our roots”; and fourth place ($500)—Brittany Blattner (Kansas State ’16), for “Helping paws throughout history: The evolution of the service dog.” Receiving honorable mention were Michael Sanders (Purdue ’16), for “The worm conqueror” and Samantha Schimming (Kansas State ’16), for “Hay, oats, and water? A brief look at the history of drug use in Thoroughbred racing.”
Business: Reports of ongoing activities were presented. Practices continue to be added to the Registry of Heritage Veterinary Practices, honoring veterinary hospitals and clinics across the country more than 50 years old. Lesley Ann Gentry, registry coordinator and the society’s liaison to the World Association for the History of Veterinary Medicine, noted that there are nearly 60 listings in the registry so far. She is seeking additional practices on an ongoing basis. A logo was designed this year that can be placed on heritage practice websites to provide further recognition of their longevity and achievements. The AVMHS updated its Directory of Veterinary and Related Museums, Historical Exhibits, and Preservation Restorations with an online guide and informational brochure. Additional listings continue to be sought along with efforts being made to encourage the establishment of more exhibits and collections that inform the public about veterinary medicine’s interesting past and enable the preservation of antique instruments and other artifacts. Web coordinator Dr. Kevan Flaming indicated plans for updating and redesigning the society’s website in the coming year. Dr. Phyllis Larsen, coordinator of the AVMHS Time-Bites project, reported that 43 of these historical ministories have been published since 2009 by the Veterinary Information Network. She also shared her analysis of usage of these time bites by VIN readers and recommended continuation of the project. Lesley Ann Gentry described plans for the 41st International Congress in London, including the themes, “History of one health” and “War, animals, and the veterinary profession.”
Officials: Dr. Ronnie G. Elmore, Manhattan, Kansas, president; Dr. Boris Brglez, Fayetteville, North Carolina, president-elect; Susanne K. Whitaker, Ithaca, New York, secretary-treasurer; Dr. Helen Wojcinski, Ann Arbor, Michigan, immediate past president; and members-at-large—Dr. Ana Alcaraz, Claremont, California; Dr. Peter Cowen, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Lesley Ann Gentry, Beloit, Kansas; and Dr. Cynthia Hoobler, Friendswood, Texas
Contact: Susanne K. Whitaker, Secretary-Treasurer, American Veterinary Medical History Society, 23 Wedgewood Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850; phone, 607-257-9248; skw2cornell [dot] edu (skw2[at]cornell[dot]edu); website

Lesbian and gay association

Event: Lesbian and Gay VMA meeting, July 25, Denver
Program: Keynote lecturer Jeremy Pittman of the Human Rights Campaign addressed marriage and job security and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and whether it was appropriate to disclose sexual orientation on one’s resume or at work. AVMA President Ted Cohn shared his ideas on inclusion and cultural competency for the veterinary medical profession.
Awards: Leadership Award: Broad Spectrum Veterinary Student Association and its co-founders, Drs. Sonia Fang, Seattle; William Gilles, Minneapolis; and Nikki Wright, Norristown, Pennsylvania. The BSVSA is a student-run association that provides community and connection for veterinary students who identify anywhere on the spectrum of gender identity and sexual orientation. It also acts as the umbrella organization for the federation of veterinary medical student chapters and clubs with a similar mission on most veterinary campuses in North America. A 2013 graduate of the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Fang recently completed a small animal internship at VCA Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle. Dr. Gilles earned his DVM degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013 and is the founding director of Wisconsin Companion Animal Resources, Education, and Social Services. A 2014 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Wright works at Banfield Pet Hospital in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania. Achievement Award: The book “Navigating Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine” and its co-editors, Lisa Greenhill, Washington, D.C.; Kauline Davis, PhD, West Lafayette, Indiana; Patricia Lowrie, East Lansing, Michigan; and Dr. Sandy San Miguel, West Lafayette, Indiana; and the AVMA/Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges DiVersity Matters College Climate Survey and its co-authors, Dr. Paige Carmichael, Athens, Georgia; and Lisa Greenhill, Washington, D.C. Greenhill earned a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University in 2000 and her doctorate in education from Benedictine University in 2014. She serves as associate executive director for institutional research and diversity for the AAVMC. Dr. Davis obtained her doctorate in microbiology from Purdue University in 2005 and directs diversity initiatives at the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine. Lowrie is assistant to the dean of the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and directs the university’s Women’s Resource Center. A 1993 graduate of Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. San Miguel is associate dean for engagement and a professor of swine production medicine at the Purdue veterinary college. Dr. Carmichael earned her DVM degree from Tuskegee University in 1987 and her doctorate in veterinary anatomic pathology from the University of Georgia in 1994. She is a professor in the Department of Pathology at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine.
Business: The association is offering veterinary student leadership awards of $1,500 and veterinary technician student scholarships of $750 this fall. The LGVMA congratulated the AVMA House of Delegates for electing officers in July who bring diversity to the Board of Directors, which the LGVMA sees as a strong signal that the profession is actively trying to align with diversity in society.
Officials: Dr. Sandy Hazanow, San Francisco, president; Tony Wynne, Washington, D.C., vice president; Dr. Linda Detwiler, Millstone Township, New Jersey,secretary; Dr. Michael Chaddock, College Station, Texas, treasurer; Dr. Wayne Hollingshead, Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, Quebec, immediate past president; Nikko Grossapoulos, Minneapolis, student representative; and members-at-large—Drs. Nikki Wright, Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania; Michael McGuill, Boston; Tatty Hodge, Richland, Michigan; and Dane Whitaker, San Francisco
Contact: Betsy Grenier, Managing Director, Lesbian and Gay VMA, Hannah Street Consulting Inc., 302 Pearl St. #108, Providence, RI 02097; phone, 401-780-0900; fax, 401-780-0940; bgrenierhannahstreet [dot] com (bgrenier[at]hannahstreet[dot]com); website, lgvma.org

Christian Veterinary Mission

Event: Christian Veterinary Mission meeting, July 27, Denver
Program: The meeting, hosted by executive director Dr. Kit Flowers, began with a worship service. Dr. Flowers reported that the CVM has 35 veterinarians serving full-time in faith-based veterinary development projects in 13 countries. He also shared a report that 494 veterinary professionals participated in short-term volunteer trips in the past year to 28 countries. Student fellowship groups of the CVM are engaged on 34 veterinary school campuses, with more than 1,600 students involved in groups, weekend retreats, and short-term volunteer trips. CVM staff and veterinarians attend more than 50 conferences each year to encourage fellowship and to motivate veterinarians to live their faith through the profession.
Contact: Dr. Kit Flowers, Executive Director, Christian Veterinary Mission, 19303 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98133; phone, 206-546-7226; fax, 206-546-7458; kflowerscvmusa [dot] org (kflowers[at]cvmusa[dot]org); website

Veterinary medical colleges

Event: Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, July 28, Denver
Officials: Dr. Trevor Ames, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, president; Dr. Eleanor M. Green, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, president-elect; Dr. Lisa Nolan, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, secretary; Dr. Douglas Freeman, University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine, treasurer; Dr. Kent Hoblet, Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, immediate past president; Tony Nitido, Western University of Health Sciences, at-large Student AVMA liaison; Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe, Washington, D.C., executive director; and directors-at-large—Drs. Elizabeth Stone, University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College; Robert Dysko, University of Michigan Medical School; Michael Lairmore, University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine; David Argyle, University of Edinburgh The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies; and Sandra Bushmich, University of Connecticut
Contact: Jeanne Johnson, Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, 1101 Vermont Ave. NW, Suite 301, Washington, DC 20005; phone, 202-371-9195, ext. 144; fax, 202-842-0773; jjohnsonaavmc [dot] org (jjohnson[at]aavmc[dot]org); website