Popular Purdue Veterinary Conference Draws Over 1,000 Attendees

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Dr. Paulo Gomes, PVM clinical assistant professor of dermatology, engages with session attendees during a Small Animal conference session.

Veterinary professionals traveled from near and far to attend the 2018 Purdue Veterinary Conference September 18-22 on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus. A total of 1,006 attendees from 30 states registered for the conference, including 276 veterinarians; 148 veterinary technicians; 155 PVM faculty, staff, and faculty emeriti; 176 students; and 105 other guests.  Additionally, the Exhibit Hall in the Purdue Memorial Union South Ballroom was staffed by 79 exhibitor representatives and served as a popular break location with interactive displays, giveaways, refreshments, and engaging conversation.

Conference sessions were led by 67 speakers who conducted 118 continuing education (CE) sessions.  Tracks included small animal, swine, ruminant, professional development and communication, exotics, APHIS modules, emergency preparedness, and topics of interest to veterinary nurses.  Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in two interactive workshops, one focusing on communications and the other titled, “Necropsy Tips and Tricks.”

Dr. Kate Creevy, lead veterinarian for the Dog Aging Project, presents the 2018 Dr. Jack and Naomi Stockton Lecture.

In addition to offering a solid line-up of general sessions, the conference included special lectures on diversity in veterinary medicine and veterinary wellness, as well as the Dr. Jack and Naomi Stockton Lecture, which was delivered by Dr. Kate Creevy, the lead veterinarian for the Dog Aging Project.  The Dog Aging Project studies aging and age-related disease in thousands of companion animals throughout the country with the goal of identifying the genetic and environmental factors that shape variation in health span and lifespan, and asks whether canine health span can be increased through pharmacological interventions.

The public also had a chance to participate in the conference by attending the Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture Tuesday evening, September 18.  Dr. Sally Irvin, the founder of the Indiana Canine Assistant Network spoke about the role of assistance dogs in healing.  Entitled, “What Prisoners’ Dogs and People with Disabilities Tell Us About the Healing Role of Assistance Dogs,” the free public lecture was held in Stewart Center’s Fowler Hall.

PMO’s Purduettes gave an engaging performance Thursday, September 20, at the Meet Me @ the Mixer event honoring the College’s class anniversaries.

The conference doubles as the College’s homecoming and also featured special events celebrating PVM’s outstanding alumni, faculty, and supporters. The Awards Celebration held Wednesday evening, September 19, honored nine awardees, including several faculty members and distinguished alumni. Additionally, the Meet Me @ the Mixer on Thursday evening, September 20, featured entertainment by the Purduettes and provided an opportunity for conference attendees to mix and mingle.  As part of the reception, Dean Willie Reed recognized reunion classes, and in particular honored the Golden Anniversary Class of 1968 and the Silver Anniversary DVM Class of 1993.

Bookending the conference week were two fun recreational outings.  Golfers and golfer-wannabes were able to enjoy the September sunshine while raising funds for scholarships and the support of student activities at the annual Indiana Animal Health Foundation/PVM Golf Outing Tuesday, September 18.  The Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog on Saturday, September 22, capped-off the week, with PVM faculty, staff, students, and alumni as well as community residents and their canine companions participating in the 5K fun run/walk that began and ended in front of Lynn Hall. The event finished just in time for everyone to migrate across campus for the Purdue Homecoming and tailgating festivities that took place around Ross-Ade Stadium and along Stadium Mall prior to the football game against Boston College.

The conference was made possible with the generous support of Banfield Pet Hospital, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Nutrena, Purina Veterinary Diets, Elanco, Zoetis, Coyne Veterinary Services, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Indiana State Board of Animal Health.

Look for more detailed stories in next week’s Vet Gazette on the conference’s special events.

Golfers participating in the IAHF/PVM Golf Outing enjoyed beautiful weather Tuesday, September 19.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

New PVM Hire a Boilermaker Career Fair Deemed Huge Success

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Representatives of a variety of veterinary practices and companies staffed booths that filled the Veterinary Medical Library in Lynn Hall during the Hire a Boilermaker Career Fair Friday, September 21.

The week of the Purdue Veterinary Conference was full of events. This year, a new event that coincided with the conference made students and employers very happy: the PVM Hire a Boilermaker Career Fair. Coordinated by the PVM Office of Student Services, the career fair was held Friday, September 21.  Booths filled the Veterinary Medical Library in Lynn Hall, as a total of 31 veterinary enterprises, including private practices and companies participated.

Third-year veterinary student Kristi Crow, who is president of the Purdue Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA Purdue), was very excited about the opportunities the career fair offered. She said the event proved beneficial to all PVM students, as there were opportunities for internships, externships, and jobs. Kristi also felt that, aside from helping students with their job searches, the career fair provided “… a great chance for students to get practice talking to others in the industry.”

The popularity of the career fair was evident by the number of PVM students who enjoyed talking with prospective employers and mingling with each other.

The employers in attendance were equally excited about the event. Representatives of Indy Vet said they were impressed by the large turnout of both DVM and Veterinary Nursing students. They mentioned how they used fliers in previous years and preferred this face-to-face opportunity much more, noting, “There’s nothing like person-to-person interaction.” Family Pet Health Center also hosted a booth at the career fair and was surprised by the large turnout at the event, with a representative explaining, “This is so much busier than I ever expected it to be.” Employers also mentioned the professionalism of the students, noting that each student was dressed well and had a resume on-hand.

Employers and students thoroughly enjoyed the event especially because of the opportunity for face-to-face interaction. “I’m really proud of our students,” said Dr. Jim Weisman, assistant dean for student affairs.  “The turnout was excellent, and it was great to see so many of our students take advantage of this chance to meet personally with veterinary professionals representing a variety of employment opportunities.  I also deeply appreciate all of the employers who hosted booths and gave our students a wonderful snapshot of the exciting profession they are preparing to enter.”

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA), SAVMA Purdue, and the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) partnered with PVM to host the Hire a Boilermaker Career Fair.  Many participants also mentioned that they are excited about the potential, after this year’s success, for the career fair to become an annual event.

Writer(s): Amanda McCormick, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Canine Companions Draw Attention for SAPC at Homecoming Booth

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A young Purdue Homecoming guest tries his hand at “Tick Toss” at the Purdue Veterinary Medicine booth along “Tent Row” during the annual Purdue Homecoming festival Saturday, September 22.

Wearing a #9 Drew Brees football jersey, Carmella, the canine companion of Dr. Paulo Gomes, is ready to greet visitors at the PVM “Kissing Booth.”

Thank you to all the PVM booth volunteers (left-right): veterinary students Niki Cruz (Ross University) with her dog Mouse, Natalie Gregory, Sydney Byerley, and Tara Patrick; along with Dr. Lori Corriveau, SACP wellness clinician; and Carmella, who belongs to Dr. Paulo Gomes.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine was on display for Purdue alumni, football fans, and community residents last weekend at “Tent Row,” which was part of the Homecoming Celebration Saturday, September 22, on Stadium Mall before the Purdue vs. Boston College Homecoming football game. The PVM booth captivated the attention of many passersby, especially children, with the help of Carmella, a mixed-breed dog belonging to Dr. Paulo Gomes, clinical assistant professor of dermatology, and Mouse, the fur baby belonging to clinical year student Niki Cruz from Ross University. Small Animal Primary Care (SAPC) Wellness Clinician Lori Corriveau (PU DVM ’99) and several fourth-year veterinary students in the SAPC rotation were on-hand to educate visitors on Lyme disease and the importance of flea and tick preventatives and to answer other veterinary questions.

The PVM tent included a variety of activities, such as a Kissing Booth featuring Carmella garbed in Purdue football attire associated with Purdue favorite Drew Brees and adorned with a stuffed tick toy for the occasion; the “Wheel of Tick” trivia game; and a “Tick Toss.”  Joining Dr. Corriveau, Carmella, Mouse, and Niki at the booth were fourth-year DVM students Sydney Byerley, Natalie Gregory, and Tara Patrick.  A big thank you to all the booth volunteers and PVM Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events Susan Xioufaridou who coordinated the booth details and helped represent the College at the event.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

PVM’s Golden Anniversary Class Shares Memories at Reunion Dinner

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Dr. Bill Blevins (PU DVM ’68), PVM professor emeritus, shared his veterinary career experiences with fellow Golden Anniversary class members at a reunion dinner Friday, September 21.

Members of Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s fifth Golden Anniversary Class, the DVM Class of 1968, received special recognition Friday, September 21, when they gathered at the Beck Agricultural Center for their class reunion dinner. The evening began with a reception and entertainment by the Purdue Musical Organization’s Purduettes Trio performing group. Dinner was followed by an opportunity for class members to share their recollections of memories from times at Purdue and their life experiences that have transpired over the 50 years since the class graduated.

Earlier in the day, class members had a chance to gather at Lynn Hall and don white coats for nostalgia’s sake before taking a tour led by representatives of the Class of 2019. Afterward, the class convened for lunch to hear an update on College initiatives and plans for the coming years. Their visit included a bus tour of campus.  Congratulations to the Class of 1968!

Members of the PVM Class of 1968 donned white coats for a nostalgic tour through Lynn Hall.

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

Today is World Rabies Day

Each year on September 28, the international community comes together to promote the fight against rabies. World Rabies Day is a day of action and awareness-raising.  Rabies is one of the most deadly zoonoses. According to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), each year, rabies kills nearly 60,000 people worldwide, mostly children in developing countries. The OIE website points out that “… over 95% of human-cases of rabies are due to dog bites and unlike many other diseases, we already have all the tools needed to eradicate it.”

The OIE provides science-based standards, guidelines, and recommendations for the control of the disease in animals and to prevent its spread as well as standards for the diagnosis of rabies and the production of high quality veterinary vaccines. Through its global network of more than 300 Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centers, the OIE provides policy advice, strategy design and technical assistance for the diagnosis, control and eradication of rabies. The organization works closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) to develop international recommendations aimed at greater intersectoral collaboration and global implementation of the most appropriate strategies.  These major health organizations have pledged to eliminate human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030.

Click here for more information from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

PVM Alumna Mary Beth Leininger Named Germinder20 Power of Pink Honoree

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Germinder + Associates, a woman-owned marketing communications firm specializing in the pet and veterinary sectors and other niche industries, has named Dr. Mary Beth Leininger (PU DVM ’67) as a #Germinder20 #PowerofPink Honoree. Using the hashtags #Germinder20 and #PowerofPink, Germinder announced the recognition program in January 2018 as part of the celebration of Germinder’s 20^th Anniversary Year.  A veterinarian for more than five decades and the first woman president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Dr. Leininger is the seventh #Germinder20 #PowerofPink honoree to receive the award.

The award recipients are given the opportunity to designate a $1,000 donation to be made in their name through Germinder’s 20^th Anniversary Fund Giving Back program to a not-for-profit organization of their choice.  Dr. Leininger designated the student scholarship fund at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine to receive the $1,000 Germinder Honoree donation.

Dr. Leininger’s distinguished veterinary career spans more than 50 years and includes service as a private practitioner, volunteer leader, industry executive, and spokesperson for the profession.  A 1967 Purdue DVM graduate, she became president of the AVMA in 1996. Germinder and Dr. Leininger first met when Dr. Leininger was AVMA president-elect and Germinder presented, “Pets Need Dental Care, Too!” to the AVMA PR Council.  “It is so generous of Lea-Ann to include me as one of her Germinder20 Power of Pink Honorees! I have treasured the many years we have worked together and am grateful to call her my friend,” said Dr. Leininger.

Germinder + Associates created #Germinder20 #PowerofPink as a women’s storytelling initiative that highlights the founder’s story of breast cancer survivorship and also shines a spotlight on 20 leaders whose stories have touched and inspired Germinder to success. Founded by Lea-Ann O’Hare Germinder, the company connects and consults with executives in both established companies and organizations interested in entering the veterinary and pet industries in the U.S.

“Dr. Leininger is beloved by her colleagues, she excels at everything she does, and her love of veterinary medicine knows no bounds. My gratitude to this amazing honoree deepens with every passing year,” Germinder said.

Dr. Leininger spent 28 years in private practice with her husband and fellow Purdue graduate, Dr. Steve Leininger (PU DVM ’66), as a companion animal practitioner and co-owner of the AAHA accredited Plymouth Veterinary Hospital.  From 1999 to 2009, she served as the director of professional affairs for Hill’s Pet Nutrition before assuming the responsibility of project manager for the North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium (NAVMEC), an initiative of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.  Additionally, Dr. Leininger served in a number of roles with the AVMA, most recently on the Council of Education.  She also has been active in leadership roles in the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and in the Michigan and Southeastern Michigan Veterinary Medical Associations.  Last year, Dr. Leininger retired as vice president of veterinary relations for the Hartville Group. She now plans to devote considerable time to volunteerism focused on the student debt issue.

Dr. Leininger is passionate about continuing to have an impact on students and veterinary education, particularly with the Veterinary Debt Initiative that was the result of the “Fix the Debt” Summit in 2016. She believes that student debt is a critical issue that affects the health and happiness of colleagues over their lifetimes and will drive their career opportunities. “We all can play a part… each individual veterinarian helping to make a change,” Dr. Leininger said in an interview with Germinder. “I know we can make a difference.”  Click here to read the complete interview.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

PVM establishes National Academy for Veterinary Medicine to increase diversity and address veterinarian shortages

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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —  With help from a new federal grant, the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine is stepping up to expand access to the veterinary profession for talented  individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds  and address the need for more veterinarians serving rural areas and protecting food safety.

The Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has awarded Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine a $3.18 million grant to launch Vet Up! The National Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) Academy for Veterinary Medicine.

Read more at Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine establishes National Academy for Veterinary Medicine with federal grant to increase diversity in profession and address veterinarian shortages

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

ICAN Founder Speaks about Healing Role of Assistance Dogs at Public Lecture

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Dr. Sally Irvin, founder of ICAN, will present the Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture Tuesday, September 18.

“What prisoner’s dogs and people with disabilities tell us about the healing role of assistance dogs” is the topic of a public lecture at Purdue University Tuesday evening, September 18, featuring the founder of ICAN – the Indiana Canine Assistant Network.  Dr. Sally Irvin will give the Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture, which is held in conjunction with the annual Purdue Veterinary Conference hosted by the College of Veterinary Medicine.  The lecture begins at 5:30 p.m. in Fowler Hall in Stewart Center and is free and open to the public.

Dr. Irvin has a PhD in psychology and founded ICAN in 2001 with the desire to use dogs as a conduit to help rehabilitate incarcerated adults and provide independence to people with disabilities. She served as Executive Director until August 2013 when she stepped down to pursue another of her passions – teaching at the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University. Dr. Irvin also serves on the international board and North American board of Assistance Dogs International where she focuses on veteran affairs, access, and advocacy for service dogs throughout the world.

In her talk, Dr. Irvin will explain the importance of understanding the nature of the relationship between humans and their assistance dogs, the behaviors that promote healthy growth and the behaviors that increase stress.  She emphasizes that, while assistance dogs provide incredible benefits to their human partners, the relationship is interdependent, and the assistance dog is not there by its own choice. Therefore, humans have a responsibility to ensure that the bond is truly mutually beneficial.

Dr. Irvin will be introduced by Dr. Alan Beck, director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond and Dorothy N. McAllister Professor of Animal Ecology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, who also will serve as the session moderator.  The lecture is sponsored by Elanco. A light reception will follow in the Robert L. Ringel Gallery.

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

Purdue Veterinary Conference Starts Tuesday

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The 2018 Purdue Veterinary Conference begins Tuesday, September 18, offering continuing education for the entire veterinary team.

After months of planning and preparation, the 2018 Purdue Veterinary Conference begins next week.  The majority of the conference sessions and special events will take place in the Purdue Memorial Union and Stewart Center.  The conference starts Tuesday, September 18, and runs through Saturday, September 22.

The continuing education program line-up includes:

• Small animal dermatology, gastroenterology, genetics, neurology and physical therapy, infectious disease, and internal medicine topics
• Anesthesia and pain management focus for veterinary nursing specialty sessions
• A practice management and communication track designed to build a positive practice environment
• Large animal sessions on applied topics for swine, equine, and ruminants
• Animal well-being topics in the shelter medicine and exotics tracks
• Keynote lectures that will address such challenging issues as diversity and wellness in veterinary medicine

Speakers include some of PVM’s outstanding faculty and staff members, as well as leading veterinary professionals from across the country.  Attendees can earn up to 26 continuing education (CE) credits during the conference.

Conference activities include the Exhibit Hall Social on Wednesday, September 19, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The conference also offers participants a variety of special events throughout the week:

• On Tuesday, the Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture (free and open to the public) will feature Dr. Sally Irvin, the founder of the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN), at 5:30 p.m. in Stewart Center’s Fowler Hall. Earlier in the day, golfers will enjoy playing on Purdue’s Ackerman-Allen course in the annual Indiana Animal Health Foundation/Purdue Veterinary Medicine golf outing.
• On Wednesday, enjoy a social hour in the Exhibit Hall from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., and then join in the recognition of faculty and alumni who will be receiving awards at the annual Awards Celebration Dinner.
• On Thursday, Dr. Kate Creevy, the lead veterinarian for the Dog Aging Project, will present the Dr. Jack and Naomi Stockton Lecture at 4:30 p.m. in Fowler Hall, prior to the annual Meet Me @ the Mixer reception, when reunion classes will be honored and special recognition will be given to the 25^th and 50^th anniversary classes.
• The conference week concludes with the annual Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog at Lynn Hall Saturday morning. Check-in will start at 7:00 a.m., with the race beginning at 8:00 a.m.

The conference is sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Nutrena, Banfield Pet Hospital, the Indiana State Department of Health/Indiana Board of Animal Health, Elanco, Zoetis, Purina, and Coyne Veterinary Services.  Click here to view the full conference schedule, and don’t forget to check out the special events!  Registration is still available by visiting walk-in registration in Stewart Center, Room 107.

A related special feature of the Purdue Veterinary Conference this year is the Purdue Veterinary Medicine “Hire a Boilermaker” Career Fair, which will be held Friday, September 21, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the PVM library.  Open to all PVM veterinary and veterinary nursing students, the event is being coordinated by the PVM Student Services Office in partnership with the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, SAVMA-Purdue, and VBMA.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Stethoscope Dinner Honors First-Year DVM Students

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Members of the new first-year DVM class, the Class of 2022, pose for a group photo after the annual DVM Stethoscope Dinner at the Purdue Memorial Union.

Members of the DVM Class of 2022 enjoyed a Purdue Veterinary Medicine tradition Thursday, September 6, when they attended the annual DVM Stethoscope Dinner. Held in the Purdue Memorial Union, the event is co-sponsored by the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association (PVAA), the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA), and Patterson Veterinary. After remarks by Dean Willie Reed and representatives of the other sponsors, each student received a complimentary stethoscope. The event signals the start of the freshman classes’ veterinary education. The Stethoscope Dinner concluded with the classmates gathering for a formal picture outside at the entrance to the Purdue Memorial Union Great Hall. There are 84 students in the DVM Class of 2022. Congratulations to all!

A similar event was held August 20, when the Veterinary Nursing Stethoscope dinner honored PVM’s second-year veterinary nursing students.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu