May 01, 2020

Event

Annual Conference and Iverson Bell Symposium, March 6-8, Washington, D.C.

Program

Nearly 300 people, including 81 deans and other veterinary college representatives from 26 states, gathered in Washington, D.C., for the AAVMC Annual Conference and Iverson Bell Symposium. The theme was “Catalyze 2020: Innovate and Inspire.” Jeff Selingo, a writer for The Washington Post and The Chronicle of Higher Education, spoke about how technological and societal changes are sparking change within academia. The Iverson Bell Symposium, previously a biennial event, is now part of the annual conference, allowing for diversity and inclusion to be more consistently a part of the conversation. The AAVMC introduced a new strategic framework with goals and strategies structured around the association’s mission. Dr. Erin Sorrell of the Center for Global Health Science and Security at Georgetown University spoke about COVID-19.

Awards

Iverson Bell Awards
Jaime Gongora, PhD, and Dr. Sandra San Miguel (Purdue ’93). The awards recognize leadership and the promotion of opportunities for underrepresented minorities in veterinary education. Dr. Gongora, an associate professor in animal and wildlife genetics and genomics at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney in Australia, has implemented initiatives in areas such as cultural competence and research collaborations with Australia’s indigenous population. Dr. San Miguel is an associate dean for engagement and a faculty member in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion include a program for K-12 students, parents, and teachers called Fat Dogs and Coughing Horses: Animal Contributions Toward a Healthier Citizenry that focuses on the science involved in keeping people healthy. The program led to the development of This is How We Role, an after-school program dedicated to diversifying the veterinary profession; it focuses on disadvantaged students in kindergarten through fourth grade.

Billy E. Hooper Award
Dr. Eleanor Green (Auburn ’73), dean of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. The award is given to an individual whose vision has made a significant impact on veterinary education and the veterinary profession. Dr. Green was recently named senior adviser and consultant for the Animal Policy Group in Washington, D.C. Dr. Green will retire as dean from TAMU in June. While there, she oversaw the construction of the Veterinary & Biomedical Education Complex.

Excellence in Research Award
Dr. Peter J. Havel (California-Davis ’94), a professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at University of California-Davis College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Havel’s research includes the study of the causes and consequences of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related metabolic diseases. His research has played an important role in human and animal medicine including such contributions as further understanding of the regulation of glucose metabolism in diabetes and hypoglycemia and the roles and mechanisms by which sugar-sweetened beverages contribute to obesity, metabolic dysregulation, and cardiovascular disease.

Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award, presented by Zoetis
Dr. Jerome Masty (Purdue ’78), an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Biosciences at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Masty primarily teaches anatomy classes. He describes his teaching style as one that engages students through interactive notes and diagrams. His research includes the development of programmed self-instruction in veterinary anatomy and the role of brain-gut peptides in autonomic innervation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Senator John Melcher, DVM Leadership in Public Policy Award
Dr. Glen Hoffsis (Ohio ’66). The award is presented to faculty or staff members or students within an AAVMC institution to showcase leadership in public policy for veterinary education. Dr. Hoffsis, founding dean of the Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine, currently is special assistant to LMU’s president.

Officials

Dr. Mark Markel, University of Wisconsin-Madison, president; Dr. Paul Lunn, North Carolina State University, president-elect; Dr. Michael Lairmore, University of California-Davis, immediate past president; Dr. Rustin Moore, The Ohio State University, at-large director representing the U.S.; Dr. Sean Callanan, Ross University, at-large director representing Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean; and David W. Horohov, PhD, University of Kentucky, at-large director representing departments of veterinary science

(Photos by Risdon Photography/Courtesy of AAVMC)