Assemblies

Association of Avian Veterinarians

Event: Annual meeting, July 31-Aug. 5, San Diego
Awards: Dr. T.J. Lafeber Avian Practitioner Award: Dr. Keven Flammer, Raleigh, N.C., for advancing avian medicine and surgery while providing inspiration and showing compassion. A 1980 graduate of the University of California-Davis and a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (avian practice), Dr. Flammer is a professor of companion and wild avian medicine at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He also serves as the college's acting associate dean and director of academic affairs. Speaker of the Year: Dr. Rüdiger Korbel, Oberschleissheim, Germany. A 1986 graduate of the Ludwig Maximilian University, Dr. Korbel is a diplomate of the European College of Avian Medicine and Surgery and the European College of Zoological Medicine, and professor and chair of the Institute of Avian Studies at the University of Munich. Since 2009, he has also been associated with the university's Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Pet Fish. Dr. Korbel was chosen as the favorite speaker from the 2009 AAV conference. AAV Resident Manuscript Competition Award: Dr. Vanessa Grunkemeyer, Knoxville, Tenn., for "Humeral air sac cystadenocarcinoma in a moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) monitored via serial 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose integrated positron emission tomography-computed tomography scans." AAV Student Manuscript Competition Award: Krista Keller, North Grafton, Mass., for "Hydrocephalus in a yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala oratrix)."
Officials: Drs. Heather Barron, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, president; James Harris, Sandy Bay, Australia, president-elect; Paul Welch, Tulsa, Okla., treasurer; and Laurie Hess, Mount Kisco, N.Y., immediate past president and conference chair

Veterinary emergency, critical care groups hold symposium

Event: 16th International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium, Sept. 11-15, 2010, San Antonio
Program: This year's symposium, conducted jointly by the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society, American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, and Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians, drew 1,553 veterinarians, 683 veterinary technicians, 85 students, and 51 practice managers, representing 23 countries. The focus was emergency and critical care in today's world. More than 450 hours of continuing education were offered. An equine program, including an equine critical care workshop, and a three-day practice management program were some of the highlights of the symposium. The technician program included a lecture given by Army Major Chris Maani on the advanced techniques used by the military on the battlefield to gain rapid vascular access as part of their resuscitation protocol. The symposium also served as the venue for the annual meetings of the Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists, Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Foundation, and American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists. James H. "Red" Duke Jr., MD, presented the Robert P. Knowles Memorial Keynote Lecture on the inevitability of change and how technology has impacted people's daily and professional lives but how timeless character traits and values are still the most dominant influences. Dr. Duke is the John B. Holmes Professor of Clinical Sciences, a professor of surgery, and a professor of emergency medicine at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Special tribute was paid to four military working dog teams from Lackland AFB in San Antonio, recognizing their efforts and courageous service.
Awards: Hill's Dr. Jack Mara ACVECC Achievement Award: Dr. Stephen DiBartola, Columbus, Ohio, was honored for his work relating to advances in renal physiology and treatment. Dr DiBartola is a professor of medicine and associate dean at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He also serves as co-editor of the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Intervet/Schering-Plough Equine Emergency and Critical Care Educator of the Year: Dr. Barbara D. Schaer, Kennett Square, for contributions as a lecturer and educator for the past several years at the IVECCS. Dr. Schaer is an assistant professor of emergency medicine and critical care at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. ACVECC Research Grant Award ($10,000): Dr. Karl Jandrey, University of California-Davis, for "Platelet function in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: An assessment using the impact-R." VECCF Research Grant Award ($10,000): Dr Lenore Bacek, Auburn University, for "Determination of the in vitro effects of two forms of hydroxyethyl starch solutions on thromboelastography and coagulation parameters in healthy dogs". Small Animal Resident Abstract Award, sponsored jointly by VECCS, ACVECC, and Boehringer Ingelheim: A $500 stipend was awarded to Dr. Galina Hayes, Ontario Veterinary College, for "The feline acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation score: A severity of illness stratification system for hospitalized cats." This was the second year in a row that Dr. Hayes won this award. Large Animal Resident Abstract Award, sponsored by Mila International: A $500 stipend was awarded to Dr. Eric Schroeder, Michigan State University, for "Preliminary safety and biological efficacy studies of ethyl pyruvate in normal horses." ACVA Abstract Award, sponsored by Smiths Medical and Surgivet: First place— Dr. Olga M. Jurado, University of Zurich, for "Evaluation of the nociceptive withdrawal reflex in conscious chickens"; Honorable mention: Dr. Kristen Messenger, North Carolina State University, for "The effect of sampling site on the plasma concentrations of buprenorphine following sublingual administration in horses"; and Dr. Juan P. Pavez, University of California-Davis, for "Effect of fentanyl target-controlled-infusions on isoflurane MAD and cardiovascular function in red-tailed hawks." Case Report Award, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim: A stipend of $300 was awarded to Dr. Emily Thomas, University of Pennsylvania, for "Onion toxicity in a kitten." Technician Case Report Award, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health: A stipend of $300 was awarded to Jill Murray, Oklahoma State University, for "Whole blood transfusion for correction of anemia resulting from acorn toxicity in a Pekin duck." Also recognized was Dr. Ludivine Borion, Lyon, France, who won the European Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society's Small Animal Abstract Award, for "Renal hemodynamic response to amino acid infusion: Potential therapeutic interest in renal hypoperfusion."

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society

Business: It was reported that membership has increased compared with the same time last year. The strategic plan, approved by the board of directors in April 2009, is being implemented, and updates on various components of the plan were discussed. The plan focuses on increased availability of online continuing education offerings, increased volunteer participation, broader representation of the membership on the board of directors, expanded member benefits, and succession planning. The board of directors also announced and initiated a VECCS Ambassador program that will rely on the volunteering efforts and talents of more than 30 members to promote and provide information about VECCS programs.
Officials: Dr. Elke Rudloff, Glendale, Wis., president; Dr. Marie Kerl, Columbia, Mo., president-elect; Dr. Robert Messenger, Charlotte, N.C., treasurer; Andrea Battaglia, Ithaca, N.Y., recording secretary; Harold Davis, Davis, Calif., immediate past president; Dr. Gary Stamp, San Antonio, executive director; and members-at-large—Drs. Jim Clark, Novato, Calif., and Diana Hassel, Fort Collins, Colo.

American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care

Program: The ACVECC conducted its certification examination and held its annual business meeting.
New diplomates: Forty-nine individuals passed the certification examination. They are as follows:
Bradford Bentz, Georgetown, Ky.
Jessica Beymer, Fairfield, Calif.
Gareth Buckley, Gainesville, Fla.
Dana Clarke, Philadelphia
Melissa Claus, Toms River, N.J.
Suzanne Dempsey, Long Branch, N.J.
Amy Dickinson, North Mymms, United Kingdom
Amanda Duffy, Braintree, Mass.
Sarah Dukti, Leesburg, Va.
Trevor Enberg, Burnaby, Canada
Steven Epstein, Davis, Calif.
Renee Fenty, Venice, Calif.
Sharon Finster, Plains, Pa.
John Gicking, Zephyrhills, Fla.
Jennifer Gonzales, Clifton, Va.
Christine Guenther, Pittsburgh
Nicole Guma, Silver Spring, Md.
Galina Hayes, Guelph, Canada
Jamie Higgins, Nampa, Idaho
Melissa Holahan, Harwinton, Conn.
Samuel Hurcombe, Columbus, Ohio
Ricardo Irizarry, Ashland, Ore.
Shailen Jasani, Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom
Lindsay Kellett-Gregory, North Mymms, United Kingdom
Travis Lanaux, Vancouver, Wash.
Joshua Levinson, Avondale, Pa.
Erika Loftin, Vancouver, Wash.
Maureen Luschini, Fayetteville, N.Y.
Lisa Mahlum, Highlands, N.J.
Matt Mellema, Davis, Calif.
Ladan Mohammad-Zadeh, Portland, Ore.
Sarah Musulin, Zebulon, N.C.
Adesola Odunayo, Columbia, Mo.
Shana O'Marra, Providence, R.I.
Ryan Ong, Kardinya, Australia
Therese O'Toole, South Natick, Mass.
Garret Pachtinger, Pennington, N.J.
Ann Peruski, Morrow, Ohio
Lisa Peters, Appleton, Wis.
Christopher Piscitelli, Tampa, Fla.
Jennifer Pittman, Athens, Ga.
Thomas Potter, Round Rock, Texas
Allison Sande, Clarksburg, Md.
Claire Sharp, South Grafton, Mass.
Stephen Simpson, Aliso Viejo, Calif.
Tolina Tina Son, Culver City, Calif.
Lauren Sullivan, Loveland, Colo.
Tamara Swor, College Station, Texas
Conni Wehausen, Coon Rapids, Minn.
Officials: Drs. Dennis Burkett, Newtown, Pa., president; Tim Hackett, Fort Collins, Colo., president-elect; Elisa Mazzaferro, Denver, vice president; Scott Shaw, North Grafton, Mass., treasurer; Armelle de Laforcade, North Grafton, Mass., executive secretary; Jan Kovacic, Lafayette, Calif., immediate past president; and regents—Drs. Amy Carr, San Marcos, Calif.; Dan Fletcher, Ithaca, N.Y.; Alisa Reniker, Chandler, Ariz.; Justine Johnson, East Greenwich, R.I.; Barbara D. Schaer, New Bolton Center, Pa.; and Rebecca Syring, Philadelphia

Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians

Program: The 13th certification examination was conducted. The academy also held a pinning ceremony and reception for the class of 2009.
Business: A new ad hoc committee called the Mentoring Committee will be chaired by Jennifer Grady-Holmes. New candidates for the academy will be mentored through the application and examination process, and new technician speakers, laboratory coordinators, and laboratory instructors for the IVECCS will be mentored.
Officials: Rene Scalf, Fort Collins, Colo., president; Andrea Steele, Guelph, Ontario, president-elect; Brandy Terry, Malverne, Pa., treasurer; Angela Randels, Chandler, Ariz., executive secretary; Elisa Petrollini, Philadelphia, immediate past president; and regents— Dee Dee Schumacher, Ankeny, Iowa; Jessica Davis, Cincinnati; and Amy Breton, Tewsbury, Mass.

American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists

Program: The college celebrated its 35th anniversary with four of the founding diplomates and six charter diplomates in attendance. Forty-three abstracts were presented. Speakers addressed the history of veterinary anesthesia, pharmacogenetics in veterinary medicine, "wind-up" chronic pain and multimodal pain management, sedation of compromised but uncooperative patients, blood pressure and respiratory monitoring, common anesthetic complications, anesthetic equipment care and anesthesia, and analgesia of pregnant patients. Management of controlled substances and addiction in veterinary medicine was the topic of the special focus session. A discussion was held on α₂-adrenoceptor agonists. Interactive labs were conducted on small animal local anesthetic techniques and advanced anesthetic monitoring.
New diplomates: Ten new diplomates were welcomed into the ACVA. They are as follows:
Turi Aarnes, Columbus, Ohio
Sebastien Bauquier, Philadelphia
Jennifer Carter, St. Kitts, West Indies
Andrew Claude, Mississippi State, Miss.
Mauricio Lepiz, College Station, Texas
Lydia Love, Fairfield, N.J.
Cholawat Pacharinsak, Stanford, Calif.
Veronica Salazar, Madrid, Spain
Reza Seddighi, Knoxville, Tenn.
Yael Shilo, Davis, Calif.
Business: Amendments to the ACVA bylaws were approved. Discussions were held on the new website, the developing foundation, and issues related to recertification.
Officials: Drs. Robert Meyer, Mississippi State, Miss., president; Bruno Pypendop, Davis, Calif., president-elect; Lydia Donaldson, Middleburg, Va., executive secretary; and David Martin, Richland, Mich., immediate past president

Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists

Program: The certification examination was conducted. Two lecture tracks and two workshops were presented as part of the technician program.
Officials: Susan Bryant, Southbridge, Mass., president; Darci Palmer, Auburn, Ala., president-elect; Lynette DeGouff, Cortland, N.Y., treasurer; Missy Stillinger, Christiansburg, Va., executive secretary; and Sharon Johnston, Statham, Ga., immediate past president

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Foundation

Program: The VECCF held a silent auction and raised almost $8,000 for designated projects.
Officials: Drs. Bill Smith, Seale, Ala., president; Deborah Silverstien, Philadelphia, secretary; and Gary Stamp, San Antonio, administrator