May 01, 2021

Event

Annual Conference and Iverson Bell Symposium, held virtually, March 3-5

Program

A record 365 attendees, from 57 U.S. and foreign veterinary colleges and a dozen corporations and associations, gathered for the first virtual AAVMC Annual Conference and Iverson Bell Symposium. The theme was “Catalyze 2021: Connect and Innovate in the Face of Global Challenges.” More than 20 sessions covered enhancing diversity, strategic communication to increase outreach, and building a pipeline for leaders. Robin DiAngelo, PhD, the author of “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism,” discussed systemic racism during a keynote session. A keynote from Jay Dolmage, PhD, included a discussion around ableism, or discrimination against people with disabilities. During another keynote, Hal Gregersen, PhD, spoke about creativity and creating change.

Awards

Iverson Bell Award, sponsored by Banfield Pet Hospital
Dr. Ruby L. Perry (Tuskegee ’77), dean of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. The award recognizes leadership and contributions in promoting opportunities for underrepresented students in veterinary education. Dr. Perry is the first African American woman to be dean of the Tuskegee veterinary college. She formed the first Diversity and Inclusion College Committee at the veterinary college and signed a memorandum of understanding with Auburn University and the University of North Carolina-Pembroke to further veterinary medical training and increase racial diversity. Dr. Perry also serves as AAVMC secretary. She is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology.

Billy E. Hooper Award
Dr. Corrie Brown (Guelph ’81), professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. The award is given to an individual whose vision has made a significant impact on veterinary education and the veterinary profession. Dr. Brown developed an elective in international veterinary medicine and mentors veterinary students who are interested in global animal health. She is involved in an educational research program in transboundary disease that has received funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health.

Excellence in Research Award
Dr. Juergen A. Richt, a 1985 veterinary graduate of Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, Germany, and professor at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He is also the director of the Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases and the Center on Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, a National Institutes of Health Center of Biomedical Research Excellence. The research award recognizes individuals who throughout their career demonstrate excellence in original research and leadership within the scientific community. Dr. Richt investigates zoonotic and transboundary diseases in livestock. His work has made an impact on veterinary medicine, human health, and food security by identifying, controlling, and eradicating pathogens. Recently, Dr. Richt has focused on establishing preclinical animal models for SARS-CoV-2 infection to evaluate the efficacy of vaccines and therapeutics for COVID-19.

Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award
Dr. Stephen A. Hines (Ohio ’81), professor at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The teaching award recognizes excellence in professional veterinary medical education and is presented to someone who is dedicated to the advancement of the profession. Dr. Hines describes his teaching style as that of a coach. He encourages critical thinking and collaboration. Dr. Hines pioneered the WSU Diagnostic Challenge, which is a clinical simulation that involves simulated clients. Dr. Hines has also been integral to the development of teaching academies to improve veterinary education. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. Dr. Hines is the only person to win the award twice, having won previously in 1996.

Senator John Melcher, DVM Leadership in Public Policy Award, sponsored by The Animal Policy Group
Dr. Michael J. Blackwell (Tuskegee ’75), director of the University of Tennessee’s Program for Pet Health Equity, a program working to improve access to veterinary care. The award, established in 2007, is presented to a current or former faculty member, staff member, or student at an AAVMC member institution whose leadership in public policy advances veterinary medical education and advocates for veterinary education. Dr. Blackwell was previously dean of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine. He also served as chief of staff for the Office of the Surgeon General of the U.S., and he attained the rank of assistant surgeon general of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps during his 23 years of active duty.

The Patricia M. Lowrie Diversity Leadership Scholarship
Melissa Sheth, a student in the Class of 2021 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. The $6,000 scholarship is awarded to veterinary students who demonstrate promise as future leaders and have made contributions to enhance diversity and inclusion in veterinary academia. Sheth served as the clinic administrator for Wisconsin Companion Animal Resources, Education, and Social Services, a community veterinary clinic that offers services for low-income and families facing homelessness. She also served as chapter president of the Veterinarians for One Inclusive Community for Empowerment at the veterinary school.

Officials

Dr. Paul Lunn, North Carolina State University, president; Dr. Mark Markel, University of Wisconsin, immediate past president; Dr. Susan Tornquist, Oregon State University, president-elect; and directors-at-large—Drs. Jeffrey Wichtel, University of Guelph, director representing Canada; Jonathan Huxley, Massey University, representing Australia, New Zealand, and Asia; Christina Sigurdson, University of California-Davis, representing departments of comparative medicine; and James Hurrell, Penn Foster College, representing the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators

Note: The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges announced it had changed its name to the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges as of April 9.