Lefebvre joins Publications Division

Dr. Sandra L. Lefebvre joined the AVMA Publications Division as an assistant editor Nov. 5, 2007.

Four years after graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in 2003, the university awarded Dr. Lefebvre a PhD degree in epidemiology for her research on health risks associated with therapy dogs and hospitalized people.

While working on her doctoral thesis, Dr. Lefebvre lectured on select topics at the university, including teaching second-year veterinary students how to review scientific literature critically.

Dr. Lefebvre was instrumental in convening an international meeting of stakeholders in animal-assisted activities and therapy to develop guidelines for animal-assisted interventions in health care facilities.

In addition, Dr. Lefebvre is a charter member of the Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Association. The association advocates the practice of veterinary medicine on the basis of valid, clinically relevant research data instead of on authoritative judgments.

"I am very excited to have found a career that draws upon every skill that I acquired through my eclectic academic experience, and I look forward to the further learning opportunities that this position will undoubtedly offer," Dr. Lefebvre said. "I am also honored to be invited to join the team that is responsible for producing such prestigious journals."