Residents Embark on First-Year Studies at PVM

Make a Gift
Support the College

New PVM clinical residents and cardiology specialty intern in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital: (front row, left-right) Drs. Tara Boozer, Gianninne Bedoya Nader, Whitney Vickery, and Jaya Mehra; (middle row, left-right) Drs. Fallon Segarra, Sarah Ostenkamp (intern), Ana Aghili, and Adrienne Cheney; (back row, left-right) Drs. Dillon Devathasan, Victoria Lyons, Beatriz Belda Lopez, Rothman Reyes, and Orion Stollar. (Not pictured: Dr. José Goñi)

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed new and familiar faces to the College last week as first-year residents began their orientation in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. A total of 13 residents representing 11 different specialties will soon begin work in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital while also completing graduate studies through the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Joining the ADDL are three new anatomic pathology residents as well as an avian pathology resident. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital also welcomed Cardiology Specialty Intern Sarah Ostenkamp who joined the residents in the orientation. Please extend a warm welcome to these veterinarians as they begin their advanced training programs:

Dr. Ana Aghili (Emergency and Critical Care) earned her DVM from Louisiana State University in 2015. She then completed a rotating internship at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Kentucky before completing an emergency and critical care internship at Washington State University this year.

Dr. Beatriz Belda Lopez (Small Animal Surgery) comes to Purdue from North Carolina State University where she recently completed a small animal surgery internship and worked in the Comparative Pain Research Laboratory. She earned her DVM degree in 2012 from the University of Murcia before completing a small animal rotating internship and small animal surgery internship at the Hospital Veterinario in Valencia Sur, Spain.

Dr. Tara Boozer (Diagnostic Imaging) earned her DVM degree in 2010 from Tuskegee University.  She worked as an associate veterinarian at practices in Georgia and Florida before completing a small animal rotating internship and diagnostic imaging internship at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson.

Dr. Caitlin Brown (Anatomic Pathology) earned her DVM degree from Kansas State University.  She gained additional clinical medicine/surgery training and anatomic pathology training from the University of Tennessee, the University of California, Davis, and The Marine Mammal Center.  She also completed additional research training at the University of Cambridge, U.K., Kansas State University, as well as The Marine Mammal Center.

New small animal surgery resident Beatriz Belda Lopez (right), visits with (left-right) current small animal surgery residents Anastsia Olsen and Ken Brand and diagnostic imaging resident Emily Donaldson at a welcome reception hosted by the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Wednesday, July 18, for the residents and faculty.

Dr. Adrienne Cheney (Small Animal Medicine) most recently completed a small animal rotating internship at Iowa State University. She earned her DVM degree from Oregon State University in 2017.

Dr. Dillon Devathasan (Neurology) earned his DVM degree in 2015 from the University of Adelaide in Australia.  He completed a small animal rotating internship at Queensland Veterinary Specialists, as well as a neurology and surgery internship at the Centre for Animal Referral and Emergency before coming to Purdue.

Dr. José Goñi (Large Animal Medicine) comes to Purdue from the University of Georgia where he most recently completed a rotating internship.  He earned his DVM degree in 2015 from Rio Cuarto National University before completing a rotating internship at the Kawell Equine Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in Argentina. He then completed an internship in 2016 at Park Equine Hospital followed by a fellowship with Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, both in Kentucky.

Dr. Victoria Lyons (Ophthalmology) earned her DVM degree from Western University of Health Sciences in 2016.  She completed a small animal rotating internship in 2017 at the Encina Veterinary Hospital in California.  Before coming to Purdue, Dr. Lyons finished an ophthalmology internship with Animal Eye Specialists, also located in California.

Dr. Jaya Mehra (Neurology) earned a DVM degree in 2016 from the University of California, Davis, followed by a rotating internship at the VCA Northwest in Oregon and a neurology internship at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital in California.

Dr. Laura Morman (Avian Pathology) earned her DVM degree in 2016 at Purdue University. She then served as a feedlot veterinarian at Alberta Beef Health Solutions before returning to Purdue to complete her poultry diagnostic medicine residency.

Dr. Gianninne Bedoya Nader (Cardiology) comes to Purdue from Michigan where she completed a cardiology internship at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners.  Dr. Nader previously finished a small animal rotating internship at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Illinois.  She earned her DVM degree in 2016 from St. George’s University.

New anatomic pathology residents in the ADDL pictured: (left-right) Drs. Caitlin Brown, Stacey Piotrowski, and Melissa Swan.

Dr. Stacey Piotrowski (Anatomic Pathology) earned her DVM degree in 2015 from the University of Illinois. She then completed a laboratory animal medicine residency through the Gulf Coast Consortium Training Program in Houston, Texas. As a participant in the NIH Comparative Biomedical Scientist Training Program, Dr. Piotrowski will complete two years of anatomic pathology training at Purdue University and will then go on to perform PhD research at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Dr. Rothman Reyes (Oncology) earned his DVM degree in 2016 at Michigan State University.  He completed a small animal rotating internship in 2017 at Purdue University before serving as an oncology specialty intern at Blue Pearl Georgia Veterinary Specialists.

Dr. Fallon Segarra (Large Animal Surgery) earned her DVM degree at Auburn University in 2016. She completed internships at both Peninsula Equine Medical Center and Missouri University before coming to Purdue.

Dr. Orion Stollar (Animal Behavior) earned his MSc and DVM degrees from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.  He worked as a veterinary general practitioner at practices in Israel before owning and serving as behavioral consultant at the Veterinary Behavior Consultation Service.  He also served as general practitioner and clinic manager at the Bet Hayot Leholim Clinic in Israel before coming to Purdue.

Dr. Melissa Swan (Anatomic Pathology) earned her DVM degree from Purdue University in 2018 before beginning her residency program in the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

Dr. Whitney Vickery (Small Animal Medicine) earned her DVM degree at the University of Tennessee before completing an internship with the US Army Veterinary Corps – First Year Graduate Veterinary Education Program in Colorado. She then served as branch chief of veterinary services in Japan and, most recently, in Kentucky.

Writer(s): Allison Carey | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Faculty Participate in 2018 Veterinary Communication Project

Make a Gift
Support the College

Participants in the 2018 IHC Veterinary Faculty Program gather for a group photo in New Haven, Conn. Among them are Dr. Bianca Zenor (front row, far left) and Dr. Jennifer Koziol (front row, third from left).

Attendees at the Institute for Healthcare Communication’s (IHC) 2018 “Train-the-Trainer” program included two Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members.  The week-long course for veterinary medical faculty was held in New Haven, Conn., July 9 – 13.  Dr. Bianca Zenor, director of PVM’s Veterinary Nursing Program and clinical associate professor, and Dr. Jennifer Koziol, clinical assistant professor of theriogenology and production medicine in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, participated in the program that was attended by 25 faculty members from universities across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. This brings the total number of Veterinary Communication Project trained faculty to nearly 470, representing 52 schools and colleges.

Train-the-Trainer is a program that’s designed to help participants build their communication skills. The Veterinary Communication Project at IHC was developed to address gaps in veterinarian-client communication training at veterinary schools.

Noting how Purdue Veterinary Medicine recognizes the importance of enhancing communication skills within the entire veterinary healthcare team, Dr. Zenor said she found the program to be extremely valuable. “It challenged me personally and gave me a toolbox of modules that I can begin using with my students this fall,” Dr. Zenor said. “I look forward to enhancing my skills and looking for better ways to integrate veterinary nursing and DVM students.”

Writer(s): Rachel Nellett, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

McAfee Animal Hospital 75th Anniversary Marks Three Generations of Veterinary Care

Make a Gift
Support the College

The McAfee Animal Hospital, which is associated with three generations of veterinarians, including two Purdue graduates, held a grand 75th anniversary Open House and celebration July 21 in Vaparaiso, Ind.

Dr. Larry McAfee (PU DVM ’73) recounted the history of the practice, which was started by his father, Dr. John McAfee.

Saturday, July 21, was a very special day for Dr. Larry McAfee (PU DVM ’73) and his daughter Brooke (PU DVM 2011), as they celebrated the 75^th anniversary of the McAfee Animal Hospital with an Open House event on the facility grounds.  Brooke represents the third generation of McAfee veterinarians.

Located in Valparaiso, Ind., the McAfee Animal Hospital was started by Larry’s father, John. A graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. John McAfee passed the enterprise along to Larry, a member of the Purdue DVM Class of 1973, who recently has passed it along to Brooke, a 2011 Purdue DVM graduate. Purdue decorations were prominent, as today, every veterinarian that works for the McAfee Animal Hospital is a Purdue graduate.

Dr. Brooke McAfee (PU DVM 2011) represents the third generation of McAfee veterinarians to work at the practice founded by her grandfather.

Among the visiting dignitaries at the anniversary was Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed, who welcomed the crowd at the celebration, and thanked Larry for his support of the College.  The hospital’s 75^th anniversary celebration also featured remarks by Dr. Bret Marsh (PU DVM ’84), Indiana State Veterinarian, who thanked Larry and the clinic for their good service to the community and the state. Additionally, Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas expressed appreciation to Larry for his service to the community and for the way the hospital provides veterinary care that gives such comfort to the city’s residents.

The event also included participation by local businesses and food vendors that had tables featuring information, giveaways, and activities.  Exotic animals also were present as was the Valparaiso Police K-9 unit that gave demonstrations.  In addition, guests were able to take hospital tours that showcased the facility and the various procedures and treatments offered.  PVM was represented at the celebration as well with an informational table promoting the College and its programs.

Congratulations to the McAfee Animal Hospital for 75 great years!  Click here for more information and to view photos from the website Valpolife.com.

Writer(s): Tanya Finkbiner, Rachel Nellett, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

With Spanish Classes, Vet Schools Aim To Break Down Barriers With Farmworkers

Make a Gift
Support the College

Esperanza Yanez can spot a sick cow just by looking at it.

“The head hangs down and they don’t eat,” says Yanez, who immigrated from Mexico two decades ago and has been caring for cattle ever since.

While learning to communicate with animals takes years of patience, Yanez says the true language barrier exists between the dairy workers and the veterinarians who rarely speak Spanish. Medical terminology can be confusing, and to avoid embarrassment, Yanez says she and other workers may feign comprehension.

Read more at: With Spanish Classes, Vet Schools Aim To Break Down Barriers With Farmworkers

Writer(s): Purdue Veterinary Medicine News | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Fridgey the Bengal Cat Receives First Feline Hip Replacement Surgery at Purdue VTH

Make a Gift
Support the College

Fridgey, a two-year-old Bengal cat, uses the aquatic treadmill as part of his rehabilitation program after undergoing a full hip replacement at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. (Purdue University photo)

As busy as it is beautiful, the Bengal cat is an energetic domestic breed that tends to have a lot in common with its cousins in the wild – high jumping, climbing and even a love for water. So, imagine the pain and disappointment when Fridgey, a two-year-old Bengal cat, started to have problems with his hips.

That’s when Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital came in to help. The hospital’s orthopedic surgery team began treating the cat in 2017, initially performing a commonly done surgery on his left hip called a femoral head ostectomy (FHO), which involves removing part of the femur bone.

When Fridgey later began to have issues on his right side, his owner, Tyler Goldsberry of Schererville, Ind., again brought him to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.  This time, the surgery team led by Dr. Mark Rochat, clinical professor of small animal orthopedic surgery, and Dr. Sarah Malek, assistant professor of small animal orthopedic surgery, proceeded to perform a procedure commonly used in human medicine, but never before used on a feline patient at Purdue – total hip replacement surgery.

“The technology has been around for years; it’s just that the availability of the systems and training for the people performing the procedures weren’t as commonplace in the past,” Dr. Malek said. “Now it’s much more commercially available and technically feasible.”

Dr. Malek said the first human hip replacement actually was inspired by a procedure originally performed in dogs, and it has taken some time for the process to work its way from people back to small animals.  She also explained that total hip replacement surgery better addresses quality of life issues than the FHO procedure, which has been done for decades in dogs and cats to treat hip dysplasia, severe fractures, and arthritis.

Fridgey’s successful hip-replacement surgery was performed in March 2018, and while he’s not yet ready to take any giant leaps, he’s resting and continuing with physical therapy sessions, which he began with the hospital’s physical rehabilitation service immediately after surgery.

Just like human patients, animals benefit from physical therapy to increase their endurance and stamina following a surgical procedure.  “For people, physical therapy isn’t something that’s ‘recommended’ after a procedure; it’s required,” said Jessica Bowditch, RVT, CCRP, rehabilitation and neurology technician at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. “I think it’s great that animals are now getting that same quality of care.”

Technicians in the rehabilitation service set up physical therapy schedules with the pet owners, then use everything from an aquatic treadmill to balance boards, wheeled carts and a slalom course of orange cones to help a wide array of animal patients regain full strength and range of motion.

“We’ve been able to get a goat and a 4-H calf walking again.  We’ve also helped rabbits, tons of dogs, and of course, a few cats,” said Jessica. “We’re up for doing rehab on any sort of animal.”

Click here to a view a Purdue NOW video of Fridgey with his treatment team as he undergoes physical therapy post-surgery at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Writer(s): Tim Doty | doty2@purdue.edu; Lauren Bruce | pvmnews@purdue.edu

College to Welcome Exchange Students from Three Partner Universities

Make a Gift
Support the College

A veterinary student from Kitasato University exams a dog in the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital while visiting in 2016.

In the next few weeks, Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Office of Global Engagement will have the privilege of hosting students and faculty participating in exchange programs involving three partner universities. The first group to visit Lynn Hall includes eight DVM students, four veterinary technology students, and three professors from Sichuan Agricultural University in China and Rakuno Gakuen University in Japan. They will arrive July 23 and stay until August 3.

The second group will visit PVM August 13 – August 24 from Kitasato University in Japan. The Kitasato delegation will consist of six veterinary students and one faculty member. While the students are here they will focus on doing clinical observations and shadowing veterinarians and veterinary nurses. They will have the opportunity to learn about such areas as small animal community practice, large animal ambulatory services, anesthesiology, ICU & emergency, ophthalmology, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, behavior, surgery, neurology, physical rehabilitation, oncology, and pathology.

Purdue veterinary students and faculty also have opportunities to visit the partner universities. In late June, Dr. Riyi Shi, professor of basic medical sciences, accompanied Purdue veterinary students during their trip to Sichuan Agricultural University. Students completed clinical rotations throughout the Sichuan Agricultural University Veterinary Hospital, attended lectures by faculty of Sichuan Agricultural University, visited different small and large animal clinics throughout the Sichuan Province, and even had the opportunity to participate in a short-term internship in Panda medicine within a Panda base in Ya’an. Next year, Dr. Tomohito Inoue, continuing lecturer in anesthesiology, will lead a two-week exchange program to Rakuno Gakuen University. Both DVM and veterinary nursing students will have the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations at Rakuno Gakuen’s veterinary hospital.

Make sure to look for our visiting international students this summer and help give them a warm welcome!

Writer(s): Rachel Nellett, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Dr. Ruple Addresses Management of Zoonotic Diseases at AVMA Convention

Make a Gift
Support the College

Dr. Audrey Ruple

A Purdue Veterinary Medicine One Health expert called for better communication between physicians and veterinarians about zoonotic diseases during a lecture at the 2018 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention.  Dr. Audrey Ruple, assistant professor of one health epidemiology in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology, gave a presentation on what physicians know about zoonotic diseases, which was covered in an article published by the American Veterinarian.  In the story, the author, Dr. Nicola Parry, reports on Dr. Ruple’s explanation of why and how physicians and veterinarians need to join forces to improve management of zoonotic diseases in people and animals.

The AVMA annual convention was held July 13-17 in Denver, Colo.  According to the article, Dr. Ruple shared information during her presentation about studies that have shown how people in communities lack knowledge about zoonotic diseases. Surveys of the general public regarding zoonotic diseases in dogs indicated that only 85% would seek emergency medical help if they thought they had been exposed to rabies and less than 60% were aware that untreated rabies can be fatal.  When questioned about where they obtained information about these diseases, just under 50% cited the media and internet, 35% said they asked veterinarians and just six percent asked physicians.

Dr. Ruple also highlighted information indicating a general lack of awareness among physicians about zoonotic diseases, even though many infectious diseases that occur in people are zoonotic and more than 50% of U.S. homes have pets.  One study indicated that physicians not only were uncomfortable in advising patients about zoonotic diseases, but also believed that veterinarians should take on that role.  A study of physicians with farmer patients showed that 50% indicated they felt “mostly” or “strongly” uncomfortable with their knowledge about zoonotic diseases.  In contrast, another study in Tennessee showed that only 13% of veterinarians were uncomfortable advising clients with HIV/AIDS about the potential to contract zoonotic diseases.

The article went on to spotlight factors that Dr. Ruple identified which contribute to the shortfall in physicians’ knowledge of zoonotic diseases.  For example, she pointed to differing accreditation standards between veterinary and medical schools.  She emphasized that one of the accreditation standards for veterinary schools has public health significance because it indicates the need for schools to provide education about zoonotic disease.  However, she said, no such public health–related standard exists for accreditation of medical schools.

Dr. Ruple believes lack of communication between physicians and veterinarians also adds to physicians’ knowledge gaps in managing zoonotic diseases. She said there are a variety of ways to build bridges between physicians and veterinarians, such as collaborating with physicians on local public health boards or considering starting a journal club with physicians. Click here to read the full article about Dr. Ruple’s talk on the American Veterinarian website.

Writer(s): Rachel Nellett, PVM Communications Intern; Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

PVM Alumni Celebrate at AVMA

Make a Gift
Support the College

Members of the Purdue DVM Class of 2016 get together in Denver at the Purdue Alumni Reception that was hosted by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine July 13 during the 2018 AVMA Convention.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni reconnected at the Purdue Alumni Reception that was held July 13 during the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention in Denver, Colo. More than 75 guests gathered to visit with colleagues and PVM faculty and staff, and to help celebrate Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s successes in research, engagement, and discovery as recounted by Dean Willie Reed, who also provided a preview of new projects on the horizon. Alumni also enjoyed mingling with current DVM students representing Purdue’s Student Chapter of the AVMA (Purdue SAVMA) at the conference.

Writer(s): Susan Xioufaridou | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Bee Sure Not to Miss the Beekeeping for Veterinarians Workshop!

Make a Gift
Support the College

Purdue Veterinary Medicine is joining forces with the Department of Entomology in the Purdue University College of Agriculture to host the Beekeeping for Veterinarians Workshop next Friday, July 27.  This unBEElievable program will enlighten attendees about the veterinarian’s role in beekeeping and will provide veterinarians with the skills needed to work with beekeeping clients. The program is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and will begin in Lynn Hall and then continue at the Purdue Apiary.  The course is open to veterinarians, veterinary students, and veterinary technicians, but is limited to 40 participants.  Registration is required.

Participants will learn about a variety of topics including honeybee biology, honeybee diseases, disease prevention/treatment, and basic beekeeping skills. The workshop also includes hands-on training on beehive management.  Protective gear will be provided, but participants should wear pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes.

During the program, attendees will hear from Krispn Given, an apiculture specialist at Purdue University’s Department of Entomology.  Krispn, who has 25 years of experience in breeding bees, will be discussing “Honeybee Biology and Basic Beekeeping.” He maintains Purdue’s 120 research colonies, runs the Purdue honey bee breeding program, and manages the honey bee laboratory and extension activities.

In addition, Dr. Terry Ryan Kane will talk about the ”Veterinarian’s Role in Beekeeping.” Dr. Kane earned her DVM degree at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine after receiving her master’s degree in ecology from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Dr. Kane started A2 Bee Vet, a veterinary practice serving pollinator stewards.  She is knowledgeable about how pollinators are critical to food security and what new FDA guidelines mean to beekeepers.

The third speaker, Kathleen Prough, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) chief apiary inspector, then will give a presentation on “Indiana Apiary Laws and Inspection Protocol.” The workshop will conclude with hands-on training on beehive management where participants will spend time in the hives at the Purdue Apiary.

Don’t miss out on the buzz about this workshop.  Register today! Click here to register online.

Writer(s): Rachel Nellett, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

PVM Plays Role in First Purdue Grandparents University

Make a Gift
Support the College

In a Grandparents University session for older children, a Purdue alum’s granddaughter participated in a hands-on PVM activity in which she was able to look in the eye of Drew, one of PVM’s “Pet Professors,” during a demonstration by Purdue veterinary student Brent Unruh.

Purdue Conferences and the Purdue Alumni Association came together to create the first Purdue Grandparents University and Purdue Veterinary Medicine contributed to the valuable learning experience. For two days at the end of June, alumni and their grandchildren, ages 7 to 14, got to live the college life by taking classes in a major of their choice, eating and living in a residence hall, and exploring other highlights of the Purdue University campus.

Veterinary medicine was one of eight options participants could choose as a “major.” PVM offered two different class options based on the participants’ age groups. Grandchildren ages 7- to 10-years-old and their grandparents were taught by Dr. Sandra San Miguel, associate dean for engagement. Participants got to explore careers in the veterinary medical profession; use artificial models to learn what’s inside of animals; practice performing wellness exams using real veterinary instruments; and pretend to be a surgeon. Examples of activities they performed using models included identifying skulls from different kinds of animals, placing a tube to help a dog breathe, and repairing a broken bone.

Purdue veterinary student Sara Canada helps during a Grandparents University session led by Dr. San Miguel in which a Purdue alumnus and his granddaughter learned how to perform a wellness exam.

Older grandchildren, ages 11- to 14-years-old, and their grandparents, learned about the day-to-day activities of veterinarians who work with both dogs and cows.  Dr. Jim Weisman, assistant dean for student affairs and clinical associate professor, led the session in which the participants engaged in a variety of hands-on activities.  They learned about physical exams, blood cells, and radiographs. In addition, they performed physical exam techniques on a dog, looked at blood cells under a microscope, and learned about the inside of the cow’s stomach.

For its first time, the Grandparents University program gave participants a great chance to explore the field of veterinary medicine. Equally important was the opportunity for alumni to relive their college days and create memories with their grandchildren.

Click here to learn more about the program.

Writer(s): Rachel Nellett, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu