Well-Being Resources for Students, Faculty and Staff

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A message from Psychologist and PVM Lead Therapist Colleen Maguire Jackson, Ph.D., HSPP

Hello PVM Family,

It is understandable if the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus and the adjustments we have to make to personal, professional, and academic lives are causing increased stress and anxiety.  This is a reminder that as we continue to make sure to wash our hands regularly and maintain appropriate social distancing, we should also be mindful of our mental well-being.  There are several resources that are being provided to help people manage their responses throughout this challenging pandemic.  I’m offering the following information and links that may be helpful as you navigate your own responses as well as for those who you are working so hard to support.  This is a time to emphasize self-care and not underestimate human resiliency.

1. PVM Counseling and Wellness Services now has the capability of offering counseling services for students (who are currently located in Indiana) via teletherapy to help support them in this transition while upholding the Governor of Indiana’s Stay-At -Home Order.  Counseling sessions can be held either on the phone, or through a secure web-based platform.  To schedule an appointment, email pvmwellbeing@purdue.edu. (FREE). Please note that both PVM therapists are only licensed to practice in the State of Indiana.  For students who are currently out of state, please use the LiveHealth Online Psychology resource described below.  They have licensed therapists throughout the country, or you may get in touch with us and we will help you find a referral in your current location.
2. LiveHealth Online provides online access to licensed therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists (controlled substances can’t be prescribed online).  If you are covered by Purdue Anthem BCBS insurance, visit: LiveHealth Online Psychology (This resource can be used by both students and Faculty/Staff enrolled with Purdue’s Anthem BCBS; please call the number on your insurance card to see if this service is FREE for your specific plan – see announcement here).
3. Purdue RecWell will offer virtual wellness programs including Group X Fitness Classes, Cooking classes, Wellness Master Classes, Meditation Classes, Financial Coaching and Wellness Coaching, and Nutrition Consultations.  Click here for more information. (FREE for ENTIRE PURDUE COMMUNITY)
4. For those of you who listen to podcasts, and/or have colleagues who listen to podcasts, this link from the AVMA has some very helpful information which is focused on wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.  I’m sharing it here because I’m hoping you all will listen to it and share it broadly (it’s helpful for others outside of the veterinary profession as well):  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellbeing-in-a-time-of-covid/id1455412037?i=1000468786878.
5. These additional websites from the CDC and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) also serve as helpful resources:
   • This CDC resource addresses the topic of managing anxiety and stress: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
   • This ADAA site is being updated daily with a variety of resources:  https://adaa.org/finding-help/coronavirus-anxiety-helpful-resources.

Take good care,

Dr. Maguire Jackson

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

Update from the Veterinary Medical Library

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Purdue Libraries physical locations are now closed, except Hicks Undergrad Library, which is opened only for students who need internet access. The Veterinary Medical Library commons area is still accessible to the PVM community using swipe cards, but the service desk and stacks are closed.

However, the Veterinary Medical Library is “open” as an online library.  Check the Veterinary Medical Library’s web page for these resources:

• Links to ebooks, databases, and more
• Request a book we don’t own by submitting a “Suggest a Purchase” (at https://apps.lib.purdue.edu/suggest-a-purchase/ — Purdue log-in required)
• Request an ebook version of a print book we own by clicking on “Request purchase of online version (if available)” in the library catalog (at https://www.lib.purdue.edu/services/interlibrary-loan)
• Request a scan of a book chapter (section only—not entire book) or journal article from a print resource through Interlibrary Loan (at https://www.lib.purdue.edu/services/interlibrary-loan)
• Find more information about our electronic resources. (at https://www.lib.purdue.edu/help/access)

Note that the Libraries are extending due dates for all currently loaned items and will not charging overdue fines. We recommend that you keep any library materials you have in your possession for the time being.

If you need help with literature searching (or anything else Libraries-related), you may email vetmlib@purdue.edu, or contact Librarian Jane Yatcilla (janeyat@purdue.edu), who is working with library clients by email, WebEx, or phone.

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

Alumnus Appointed as New AASV President

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Dr. Jeffrey Harker (PU DVM ’94) assumed the top office in the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) earlier this month when he began his term as the association’s president.  This next step for Dr. Harker in his career dedicated to swine practice reflects a pattern of service in multiple organizations.

Having grown up on a diversified livestock and grain farm near Waldron, Ind., Dr. Harker was active in both 4-H and FFA in his youth and was presented with the FFA’s American Farmer degree in 1989. After earning his Purdue DVM degree in 1994, Dr. Harker joined fellow PVM alumnus Dr. Max Rodibaugh (PU DVM ’77) as an associate veterinarian at Swine Health Services (now AMVC Swine Health Services) in Frankfort, Ind. In 2001, he became a partner in the swine specialty practice that serves a diverse clientele, from those with small show pig herds to contract growers in integrated production.

Since joining the AASV, Dr. Harker has served on the Board of Directors, represented the organization in the American Veterinary Medical Association’s House of Delegates, participated on the AASV Annual Meeting Planning Committee, and held the office of President of the Indiana Pork Producers Association. In 2017, he received the AASV Meritorious Service Award. In addition to his work with the AASV, Dr. Harker has been involved with the National Pork Board’s Operation Main Street program since its inception in 2004. He also serves as an adjunct assistant professor in Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

“I am looking forward to working with the AASV board, members, and staff on solving the challenges as they arise over the next year. Considering the current poor market situation along with the increased threat of foreign animal disease, the AASV will need to continue to provide the best scientific information to the swine industry,” said Dr. Harker. “I hope that I can help maintain AASV’s past success in navigating through these challenges.”

Dr. Harker currently lives in Clinton County, Ind. with his wife, Traci, and two of their four children. His other two children and his grandchildren live nearby.

The other AASV officers serving with Dr. Harker are Dr. Nathan Winkelman (UMN DVM ’84), immediate past president; Dr. Mary Battrell (ISU DVM ’95), president-elect; and Dr. Michael Senn (KSU DVM ’91), vice president.  The new officers were installed March 10 during the association’s 51^st Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Ga.

Writer(s): Maya Sanaba, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Dr. Bret Marsh Honored with Prestigious Service Award

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In recognition of his persistent pursuit of improved animal health, Indiana State Veterinarian Bret Marsh (PU DVM ’84), recently was awarded the National Pork Board’s Distinguished Service Award.  The award is presented annually at the National Pork Industry Forum to recognize an outstanding leader’s lifelong contribution to the pork industry. Dr. Marsh received the award March 5 in Kansas City, Mo., during the forum’s annual business meeting. 

“Bret has transformed the way producers work with government officials on regulatory issues,” said David Newman, National Pork Board president and a producer representing Arkansas. “What he was able to do in Indiana, and then transfer to a national level, has not only improved animal health and well-being, but his efforts have elevated the industry’s working relationship with state and federal government agencies.” Click here to view a video about Dr. Marsh’s award that includes excerpts of interviews with David Newman and Purdue alumnus and swine practitioner Dr. Max Rodibaugh (PU DVM ’77).

Dr. Marsh grew up in rural Indiana and attended Purdue University, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and his DVM degree. After graduating in the DVM Class of 1984, he began his career in regulatory medicine as the director of swine health programs at the Indiana State Board of Animal Health and was appointed as the state veterinarian in 1994.

Dr. Marsh has served as a leader in multiple aspects of the pork industry, including co-chairing a working group to address influenza in exhibition swine, participating on a special detail to the U.S. secretary of agriculture’s homeland security staff, serving on both the national PEDV Task Force and the National Swine Disease Council, and helping make Indiana one of the first states to implement mandatory premises identification.

Writer(s): Maya Sanaba, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

PVM Graduate Students Stand Out at Health and Disease Poster Session

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When Purdue University hosted the seventh annual “Health and Disease: Science, Technology, Culture and Policy Research Poster Session” just before Spring Break, Purdue Veterinary Medicine graduate students showed-up in force.  Held March 5 in the Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom, the event offered cash prizes for the top three posters in each of six categories and PVM participants claimed three of the awards.  

The purpose of the poster session is to promote interdisciplinary collaboration in health and disease research across Purdue University. PVM was represented by a mix of DVM and master’s degree students, as well as PhD candidates, who made up almost one-fifth of the 108 participants. The judges for the competition came from all schools and colleges at Purdue. The PVM graduate student researchers who presented posters represented a number of PVM laboratories and research teams, including the O’Haire Lab, the Figueiredo Lab, the Santos Lab, the HogenEsch Research Group, the Couetil Lab, and the Comparative Blood-Brain Barrier Laboratory.

First and second prizes for the “Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases” category were awarded to Ahmed Hassan and Nader Abutaleb, who both work with Professor of Microbiology Mohamed Seleem, as part of the Seleem Research Group. Ahmed’s research focuses on the discovery of antibacterial agents targeting gastrointestinal pathogens, namely, Clostridium difficile and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Nader’s research focuses on repurposing drugs for treatment of those gut-associated pathogens. The two Department of Comparative Pathobiology PhD candidates have co-authored many research articles together.

In the category of “Health Care and Culture,” Leanne Nieforth, a graduate research assistant in the O’Haire group, received third place for her research evaluating how veterans’ expectations of how PTSD service dogs may affect their lives compare with their actual experiences.  Prizes also were awarded for posters in the other categories of cancer; cardiovascular and metabolic diseases; health care technology and engineering; and neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease.  Judges evaluated the posters on the basis of the significance of the results and quality of the student’s presentation.

The poster session was co-sponsored by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Colleges of Agriculture, Engineering, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts, Pharmacy, and Science as well as the Purdue Polytechnic Institute and the Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies.  The event also was supported by several other campus units, including the Purdue Center for Cancer Research; Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease (PI4D); Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN); and the Purdue Public Policy Research Institute.  Click here to view a news release about the poster competition, with a complete list of prize winners.

Writer(s): Maya Sanaba, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Update on PVM Measures Related to COVID-19

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The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine continues to fulfill its missions of serving animal owners, protecting public health and food safety, preparing the next generation of veterinary medical professionals and conducting veterinary and comparative medical research, while taking extra measures and precautions to protect our faculty, staff, students and clients in the midst of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.  In keeping with government directives as well as changes announced by the Purdue University administration, the College and its Veterinary Hospital and Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory have implemented a number of changes to ensure the safety and health of the Purdue Veterinary Medicine family and the people and animals we serve while remaining open.

Among the many steps taken so far by our faculty and staff:

• The College arranged for online delivery of preclinical courses beginning March 23, and is transitioning clinical teaching in the Veterinary Hospital and the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory into online and remote formats beginning on Monday, March 30. Clinical rotations will be offered online so that our students can meet their graduation requirements on time.
• The College remains open and the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory continue operating in order to serve the needs of animal owners and the veterinary medical profession, with a number of new measures and enhanced precautions.  The Veterinary Hospital has implemented new patient intake procedures and will limit caseload to urgent and emergency cases beginning on Monday, March 30.  “The overarching focus is on the health and safety of our veterinary medical teams, our clients, and our patients,” said the hospital director, Dr. Ellen Lowery. The ADDL also has adjusted its processes for receiving samples while continuing to provide full diagnostic services.
• The College has canceled the PVM Open House, PVM Research Day, the Veterinary Nursing Symposium and the Graduation Gala.  Tours of the College also have been suspended.  In addition, alternative arrangements are being made to conduct the annual White Coat Ceremony for third year DVM students and the Oath Ceremony for fourth-year DVM and Veterinary Nursing students in an online format.
• As much as possible, College employees are now teleworking.  Offices remain open but may be staffed remotely.  In keeping with changes being implemented by the University, Lynn Hall is closed to the public as of Wednesday, March 25.  Though the Veterinary Hospital and ADDL will continue to operate, clients will be met at their vehicles instead of coming into the building (see COVID-19 updates for the Veterinary Hospital and ADDL).

“These are especially challenging times for everyone, including all members of our Purdue Veterinary Medicine family, and we deeply appreciates everyone’s cooperation and understanding during this evolving situation,” said Dean Willie Reed.

The College is providing a COVID-19 resource page with helpful links involving different areas and programs of our college.  The resource page will be updated whenever there are additional changes.  For the most recent information and guidance for the Purdue University campus, follow the University’s COVID-19 website, which is being updated frequently.  Additional COVID-19 resources also are available on the Indiana Board of Animal Health website.

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

COVID-19 Update – ADDL Continues Providing Services

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COVID-19 Update – ADDL Continues Providing Services

The Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and Heeke ADDL, located at the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center in Dubois, Ind., are committed to continue supporting veterinarians, animal owners and the agriculture industry, and protecting public health and the food supply.  Therefore, the ADDL is open and providing full diagnostic services, while taking extra precautions and adjusting intake procedures to protect the health and safety of our diagnosticians, staff and clients.  As an essential service provider, the ADDL is not directly affected by the COVID-19 restrictions that have been put in place.  However, due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ADDL and Heeke ADDL may need to make additional changes as circumstances continue to change.  This web page will be updated continually if and as additional modifications to ADDL services become necessary.

Please note the following information and advisories regarding shipments and delivery of specimens to either of the ADDL facilities:

Important Notice Regarding Specimen Shipments

In an effort to streamline the sample delivery process under the current circumstances, the ADDL is recommending that all specimen shipments be sent via UPS or FedEx. Utilizing these services will help to ensure timely delivery and avoid potential delays.

Consider Overnight / Next Day Air Shipping

Due to the potential for courier services to be impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the ADDL highly recommends overnight or next-day air for time sensitive shipments.

Large Volume Submissions

Please call ahead before submitting a large number of samples to ensure that the ADDL has sufficient supplies and staff on hand to analyze the samples.

Submission Forms

Please visit the ADDL website to access the most up to date submission forms. Recently, many of our forms were updated to include additional tests. By utilizing the most current version of our submission forms, your diagnostic requests will be processed efficiently and accurately.

On-site Delivery of Specimens

For clients who plan to bring a specimen to the ADDL in West Lafayette, Ind.:

• Before coming to the ADDL, have your veterinarian complete the necropsy submission form and fax / email it to 765-494-9181 / addl@purdue.edu.
• When you arrive, stay in your vehicle and call the ADDL front desk for instructions at 765-494-7440.  Be sure to give your phone number in case you get disconnected and they need to reach back out to you.
• The ADDL staff will relay necessary information to a technician and then direct you to pull around to the loading dock.  Stay in your vehicle and the technician will come out to get the specimen from you.

For clients who plan to bring a specimen to the Heeke ADDL in Dubois, Ind.:

• Before coming to the Heeke ADDL, have your veterinarian complete the necropsy submission form and fax / email it to 812-678-3412 / addl@purdue.edu.
• When you arrive, stay in your vehicle and call the Heeke ADDL front desk for instructions at 812-678-3401.  Be sure to give your phone number in case you get disconnected and they need to reach back out to you.
• The Heeke ADDL staff will relay necessary information about where to go with your samples.  Drive to the designated location, stay in your vehicle and the technician will come out to get the specimen from you, or lab staff will give further instructions about where to leave the sample

Remember (for either Lab):  be sure you have provided the necessary documentation (submission form) or have it with you when you arrive.  Your sample cannot be accepted without the submission form, and due to safety protocols we cannot hand you a form to complete in person.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these challenging circumstances.  If you have any questions, please call the ADDL at 765-494-7440 or the Heeke Lab at 812-678-3401, or email either lab at addl@purdue.edu.

For more information regarding COVID-19, see the informational resources provided by the Indiana Board of Animal Health, as well as the COVID-19 updates from Purdue University and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

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

Can your pet help you cope during social distancing? Science says yes.

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WHAT: The coronavirus pandemic is forcing people all over the world to practice social distancing and stay home – but some of their housemates might be making the transition easier: their pets.

Researchers at the Center for the Human-Animal Bond in Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine say pets can provide a source of social support during stressful times and that interacting with companion animals can provide stress relief that can be measured biologically. For example, a recent study showed how service dogs can have measurable positive effects on the health and well-being of individuals with physical disabilities.

Read the full story at Can your pet help you cope during social distancing? Science says yes.

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

Purdue Veterinary Hospital Updates Procedures in Response to COVID-19 Crisis

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In order to protect the health and safety of our clients, our staff, and our community, the Purdue Veterinary Hospital has had to make some difficult decisions resulting in new policies.  The changes began taking effect as of Wednesday morning, March 18 and will be fully implemented by Friday, March 20. 

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital is committed to remaining open for those animal patients most in need and will continue to receive urgent and emergency cases.  As our team of veterinarians, veterinary nurses and staff continually work to identify and appropriately manage medically necessary cases, they will be reaching out to clients with appointments for elective procedures to reschedule those for a later date. 

In addition, to help ensure Purdue’s clinicians and staff can safely continue to deliver care to animals, clients will not be permitted to accompany their pet into the hospital.   We will be offering car-side service to our clients, and will utilize phone or digital technology to stay connected with clients regarding the care of their animals.  Exceptions will be made for emergency cases and difficult end of life decisions. 

Though the Hospital plans to maintain a level of urgent and emergency services, it is possible that in the future we will have to enact further restrictions to help maintain the health of our community as we continue providing quality care to our patients.  We will update this web-page as additional changes become necessary.

We recognize that these actions may cause inconvenience and distress for some of our clients.  We are committed to being a resource for our community during this challenging time and appreciate your understanding. 

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

PVM Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Receives AAVMC Presidential Award

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Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s own Dr. Kathy Salisbury, associate dean for academic affairs, was honored as a recipient of the Association of American Veterinary Medical College’s (AAVMC) Presidential Award for Meritorious Service at the organization’s 2020 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.  The award is presented periodically by the AAVMC to recognize distinguished service and professional achievement. Several individuals who have made special contributions to the AAVMC received the award during a conference session held on Friday, March 6.

Dr. Salisbury was one of 12 members of the Competency Based Veterinary Education (CBVE) Working Group to receive the award.  The CBVE has developed a framework that is currently serving as a model of instructional excellence in veterinary medical colleges and schools across the country and around the world. The award was presented to each member of the CBVE Group in recognition of the historic work they have accomplished in the field of academic veterinary medicine.

In addition to her role as associate dean for academic affairs, Dr. Salisbury is a professor of small animal surgery and in 2018 was named as a Purdue University 150^th Anniversary Professor in conjunction with the University’s Sesquicentennial.  Dr. Salisbury earned her DVM degree at Michigan State University and completed her specialty training as a surgery resident at Purdue before joining the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences faculty.  In 2010, she was appointed to the position of associate dean for academic affairs after serving five years as assistant dean.

Joining Dr. Salisbury as an AAVMC Presidential Award for Meritorious Service recipient at the 2020 AAVMC Conference was another veterinary medical specialist with Purdue University ties.  Dr. Karen Cornell (PU DVM ’88, PhD ‘93) received the award for her work as a co-director of the AAVMC Leadership Academy, which offers a unique growth opportunity for emerging leaders in academic veterinary medicine. After earning her DVM degree at Purdue, Dr. Cornell worked in private practice for two years before returning to the College to complete an internship and small animal surgery residency and earn her PhD. Since 2016, Dr. Cornell has served on the faculty of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, where she is currently associate dean for professional programs and the Earline and A.P. Wiley Endowed Veterinary Chair. Dr. Cornell returned to her alma mater last year to serve as keynote speaker for PVM’s 60^th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration, which was held March 1, 2019.

Writer(s): Maya Sanaba, PVM Communications Intern, and Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu