Puerto Rico VMA
Event: Annual convention, Sept. 7-9, Fajardo
Program: The convention, which offered continuing education for veterinarians and veterinary technicians and featured a presentation on AVMA issues, was dedicated to Dr. Bernardino Ortiz-Santiago, Caguas, in recognition of his lifetime contributions to veterinary medicine. A 1964 graduate of the Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Ortiz-Santiago is in farm animal practice in Caguas. From 1964-1978, he worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture, contributing to the eradication of screwworms, brucellosis, tuberculosis, and hog cholera. Dr. Ortiz-Santiago confirmed leishmaniasis in two Paso Fino horses in the mid-1990s. He has chaired the PRVMA’s Legislative Commission for the past 13 years. During that time, a new pharmacy law was approved in Puerto Rico’s legislature, replacing a 1942 statute that did not include provisions for veterinary needs. Amendments to the Puerto Rico Veterinary Practice Act, providing for the licensing of veterinary technicians and new or updated definitions, were also approved. Dr. Ortiz-Santiago is a past president of the Puerto Rico VMA and the Puerto Rico Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
Officials: Drs. Yesenia Fernández-Santos, San Juan, president; Ernesto Casta-González, San Juan, president-elect; Javier Rodriguez-Soto, Gurabo, secretary; Lemuel de Jesús-Varona, Luquillo, treasurer; Miguel Borri-Diaz, Caguas, immediate past president; Marilucy Quiñonez-Porrata, San Juan, metro region representative; Bianca Aguirre-Hernández, Caguas, East region representative; Edgardo Mercado-Iguina, Arecibo, North region representative; Victor Oppenheimer, Ponce, South region representative; Eloisa Pagán-Sánchez, Boquerón, West region representative; and AVMA delegate and alternate delegate—Drs. José V. Arce-López, San Juan, and Walter E. Colón-Lilley, Caguas