New Year Begins with Special Emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion in PVM

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During the week surrounding Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the College of Veterinary Medicine’s chapter of VOICE (Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment) hosted Inclusive Excellence Week with several virtual events focused on the theme, “Finding Our Voices.” VOICE provides a common ground for veterinary students, staff, and faculty from all backgrounds to exchange ideas and celebrate diversity.

“As a minority entering a predominantly white career field, organizations like Veterinarian’s as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment have been major influencers in creating a sense of inclusion and hope for me and other students,” said Malaycia Goldsmith, president of Purdue VOICE. “There is power in actions of inclusion. That power is formed by making connections, learning from, and uplifting people that have differences – actively working to listen, understand, and support one another.” Malaycia further shared, “As a member and the president of our Purdue VOICE chapter, I have continuously been filled with gratitude to be surrounded by and learn from the people within this community, whether they are our members or supporters. I hope that our organization can continue to shed light on socio-cultural issues and influence all of us to continue to reflect and see how we can play a part in increasing diversity in spaces that need it.”

Kicking-off Inclusive Excellence Week, the MLK Day of Service included a food drive in support of Purdue’s ACE Campus Food Pantry. Food donations were accepted all week long in the college’s Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Lynn Hall as well as at locations around campus.

A Q&A Panel entitled, “Making Room in Veterinary Medicine,” featuring Danielle Lambert and Dr. Tierra Price, was hosted via Zoom on Tuesday, January 19. Danielle Lambert is the founder of Snout School, an organization dedicated to supporting women in veterinary medicine. Dr. Tierra Price is the founder of the Black DVM Network, an organization for Black veterinary professionals to connect and grow while increasing the exposure of diversity in veterinary medicine.

A virtual panel discussion on Wednesday, January 20, featured some familiar faces to the PVM family.  The panel consisted of Dr. Henry Green, the first African American veterinary cardiologist and a former PVM faculty member; Dr. Margie Lee, one of the first African American veterinary graduates of the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine; and PVM alumna, Dr. Mary Beth Leininger (PU DVM ’67), the first woman to serve as president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.  The trio led the panel discussion on “Breaking the Ceiling: Significant Firsts in Veterinary Medicine.”

The Inclusive Excellence Week schedule continued Thursday, January 21 with a Zoom session featuring Dr. Kate Toyer, the president of the Australian Rainbow Veterinarians and Allies, an organization dedicated to supporting Australian Veterinarians who are part of the LGBT+ community. Dr. Toyer led the open forum focused on creating the new norm in veterinary medicine.

Finally, on  Friday, January 22, the week of activities was capped-off with a virtual Amazon Prime Watch Party for the movie Hidden Figures, which tells the story of a team of female African American mathematicians who played a pivotal role in NASA’s success during the Space Race in the 1960s. “VOICE put a lot of work and effort into Inclusive Excellence Week, and it showed,” said Dr. Latonia Craig, the college’s assistant dean for inclusive excellence. “I was happy to see so many faculty, staff, and students support their programming. We want to do everything in our power to continue to promote engagement in the area of diversity. I’m so proud that VOICE is an extension of the PVM Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Their commitment and innovative programming will take this college to greater heights.”

Writer(s): Jonathan Martz, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

DVM Admissions Interviews Go Virtual, but not Impersonal

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Throughout the past few weeks, the admissions committee in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine has continued the long-standing tradition of interviewing prospective students for the incoming freshman DVM class, but with a twist. Normally conducted in-person, the interviews were completed virtually this year to follow the Protect Purdue requirements and ensure participants’ health and safety.  Everything went smoothly thanks in part to a software program known as Kira Talent.

The Kira platform enabled the college to more closely replicate the personal nature of the interviews even though the process was conducted virtually.  To help interviewees feel more comfortable, eight members of PVM’s faculty participated via pre-recorded videos accessed by the prospective students through Kira.  In the videos, the faculty gave the questions that normally would be asked in-person. Lori Stout, director of admissions and recruitment for the college, said, “Although we were all disappointed not to welcome these prospective students in person, Kira Talent allowed us to still connect with the interviewees and try to give them an informative and memorable  interview experience.”

With the capabilities of Kira, each interviewee started the virtual interview process by viewing a welcome video narrated by Dean Willie Reed. The video included a few practice questions to help the interviewees make sure their equipment, including microphone and camera, was working properly. After the introduction, pre-recorded questions were randomly selected from a pool of questions, and the interviewee had a few minutes to answer each one. The total interview process lasted 20 to 25 minutes per prospective student, which is the same as the timeframe for the traditional in-person interviews.

Additionally, a new website was created to provide prospective students access to a virtual tour of the college and videos from current students and staff about college programs and student life – topics that typically have been addressed during in-person panel discussions when the interviews were conducted on campus.  Click here to view the web page with links to the videos. The college also is hosting ongoing live Zoom sessions as a six-night event, offering applicants the opportunity to ask current students questions about their life in veterinary school, with each year of the DVM program featured on different nights.

The College of Veterinary Medicine received approximately 1,600 applications for the 84 available seats in the DVM Class of 2025. From those applicants, 336 were invited to interview.  About 320 interviews were successfully completed with minimal to no technical difficulties. The admissions committee is currently reviewing the recorded interviews and expects admission offers to go out in mid-February.  The recipients of those offers will have until mid-April to accept.

Writer(s): Jonathan Martz, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

In Memory: Dr. Mary Turner (PU DVM ’94)

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The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family is saddened by the passing of alumna Mary Turner of Perryville, Ky., who died January 10.  She was 62.

Raised and educated in Bethesda, Md., Dr. Turner received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland before enrolling at Purdue University where she earned her DVM degree in 1994. Dr. Turner is remembered as a fun loving veterinarian. She settled in Kentucky where she operated her veterinary practice and worked tirelessly for the benefit of large animals. She also is described as someone who took great pleasure in being with family and friends, and enjoyed ice skating and curling up with a good movie in her leisure time.

A memorial mass was held January 22 at St. Jane Frances DeChantal Catholic Church in Bethesda, Md. Following COVID safety measures, a limited number of loved ones were able to participate in person with the service live-streamed for others to view. Click here to view a recording of the service. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Dr. Turner’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231, or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. Click here to read the complete obituary.

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

In Memory: Dr. James “Doc” Brester (PU DVM ’64)

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The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family mourns the loss of a member of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s second graduating class, Dr. James Ernest Brester, of the community of Bean Blossom in Brown County, Ind. Dr. Brester died unexpectedly December 22, 2020 in his home. He was 78.

Originally from Indianapolis, Dr. Brester earned his DVM degree at Purdue University in 1964, just a few years after the College of Veterinary Medicine enrolled its first class in 1959.  Following graduation, Dr. Brester went into private practice, beginning a career that spanned more than 50 years.  According to an article published in The Republic newspaper in Brown County, Dr. Brester began operating his Bean Blossom Animal Clinic in 1966, and remained in practice there until he retired in 2017.  He continued to live next door in retirement.

Active in his community, Dr. Brester was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, the Brown County Humane Society, 4-H, and the Brown County Community Center Scholarship Fund.  He also served terms on the Brown County Board of Health and Brown County Schools Board of Trustees. 

Dr. Brester is most remembered for his long-time service as a veterinarian for a wide area, in which people would bring their pets from several counties to him to treat. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening, raising cattle, and cutting firewood.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial was held in St. Agnes Catholic Church.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul of Brown County, P.O. Box 577, Nashville, IN 47448.

Click here to view an obituary and leave a memory.  Click here to view the memorial story in The Republic.

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

Starting the Year Out Right for Yourself and Your Pets

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The holidays may be over, but keeping your four-legged friends safe during the colder months of the year remains of vital importance, especially since the world is still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Dr. Lorraine Corriveau, wellness clinician in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital’s Small Animal Primary Care Service , there is still no major evidence suggesting animals play an active role in spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus spawning COVID-19, to people. However, Dr. Corriveau explains that individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should still take as many precautions as possible with pets.

“While a person with COVID-19 is symptomatic, they should maintain separation from household animals as they would with other household members, and avoid direct contact with pets, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, sleeping in the same location, and sharing food or bedding,” Dr. Corriveau said.

Dr. Corriveau also suggests these additional tips for keeping household pets safe during the winter months.

Keep an eye on the thermometer

Veterinary experts agree outdoor pets should be kept indoors if the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition, puppies, kittens, and short-haired pets should remain inside when the temperature is below 40 degrees.

For long-haired pets, proper grooming is mandatory to help them maintain a layer of warming air within their coat.

Provide proper housing

If a pet must be outdoors, be sure to provide a proper shelter for them. A good “house” will have three enclosed sides, be elevated from the ground, and have a sustainable amount of straw or hay as bedding.

For the pet house, bigger is not always better. A house suited to their size will warm up more quickly than something that is too big.

Check water supply

Make sure your pet’s water is fresh and not frozen. Heated water bowls replenished quickly are paramount.

Vehicle Safety

Antifreeze is a sweet and tempting, but poisonous substance to pets. If antifreeze is spilled, dilute the area with water and sweep the excess water to a rocky or sandy area. If you believe your pet has consumed any antifreeze, contact a veterinarian immediately!

Cats adore warming up under car hoods. If your car is kept outdoors or if cats have access to your garage, be sure to pound on the hood of the car before starting it. Many cats have been horribly injured or killed by engine fan belts.

Also, pets should not be left by themselves in vehicles due to the risk of hypothermia or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Have your pet stay on leash

Keep pets on leashes when they are outside. If left to wander freely, many dogs will explore retention ponds, lakes or streams, which may seem frozen but will break under the weight of the pet.

Senior pets

Older pets may have arthritis, which will affect them more during the colder months. Contact your veterinarian about ways to keep your senior companions safe during these months.

Pets may try to get warm around wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and space heaters. Be sure to keep them away from these.

Winter check-up

Last, but not least – this is the perfect time of year for a “winter check-up” with your local veterinarian. Be sure to contact them for additional advice on keeping your pet safe and warm.

Writer(s): Jonathan Martz, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Presentation Highlights Oncology Research Success

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Distinguished Professor of Comparative Oncology and Dolores L. McCall Professor of Comparative Oncology Deborah Knapp recently marked a milestone in her career. As an endowed professor, Purdue University requires Dr. Knapp undergo a review by her department every five years with the latest review completed last month. Dr. Knapp was first named the Dolores L. McCall Professor of Comparative Oncology in 2006 and has held the title ever since. As part of the review, Dr. Knapp was asked to present a seminar highlighting some of her research team’s success.

The seminar entitled, “Cancer Prevention in Dogs: Strategies That Can Be Implemented Now to Improve Outcomes,” was presented virtually December 11, 2020.  After an introduction by Dr. Catharine Scott-Moncrieff, head of the PVM Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Dr. Knapp began her lecture by describing the current state of cancer cases in the United States. Last year, there were 1.7 million new cases of human cancer reported with 600,000 of these resulting in death. As for dogs, approximately 4 million cases were expected in 2020 with the total number of deaths unknown. Dr. Knapp’s team has tasked themselves with looking at ways to improve the outcome for humans and dogs.

In describing a key to improving the outcome for both, Dr. Knapp explained that certain forms of naturally-occurring cancer in dogs are very closely related to cancers in humans, allowing treatment methods to be studied interchangeably. In addition to defining cancer by the organ in which it originates (i.e. breast cancer), researchers have found that in many cases they can better define the cancer by its mutations and molecular makeup of the cancer. For instance, a subset of bladder cancer in dogs may be more closely related to colon cancer in people.

Dr. Knapp described that one way to improve cancer outcomes in humans and dogs is to improve the use of current drugs such as Cyclooxygenase (Cox) Inhibitors, also known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. These drugs have anti-cancer properties and are a good example of drugs that can be repurposed. Additionally, new drugs, such as immunotherapies, are currently being studied. The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine has recently received a research grant to improve knowledge of these methods. Another area that has the potential to make a big difference in cancer outcomes for humans and dogs is individualized care.

The primary focus of improvement described in the lecture is prevention. Cancer prevention comes in three forms. Primary cancer prevention is preventing the entire cancer development, such as not smoking to avoid lung cancer. Secondary cancer prevention is the detection of precancerous symptoms with testing such as mammograms and colonoscopies and treating them before they become aggressive cancers. Tertiary cancer prevention is the treatment of cancer once it is diagnosed to prevent morbidity and mortality.

Dr. Knapp focused on prevention in regard to bladder cancer, which most of the time is known as high grade invasive urothelial carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, aggressive bladder cancer, or in humans is called muscle invasive bladder cancer – all essentially the same disease. Dr. Knapp said primary cancer prevention for dogs includes limiting risk factors such as the use of lawn care chemicals; obesity; the use of old generation flea, tick, and mange dips; and exposure to second-hand smoke. Emerging data now suggest that exposure to smoking could be important to bladder cancer in dogs. On the other hand, feeding vegetables to dogs can reduce the risk of cancer. There is now evidence to suggest spayed and neutered dogs are more at risk for cancer than dogs that are not spayed or neutered. Dr. Knapp certainly does not recommend ending the practice of spaying and neutering entirely, but said the optimal time for surgery requires further study, and this raises the question of whether waiting until the dog is a year old should be considered. More studies are needed to answer this question.

Secondary cancer prevention of bladder cancer can come in the form of early detection of precancerous lesions such as dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. In this stage, the cancer is less advanced and should be easier for the drugs to treat. Additionally, the immune system should be in a more active state to combat the cancer. This prevention strategy was tested by Dr. Knapp and her team in an early detection, early intervention study in which Scottish Terriers, a high-risk breed for bladder cancer, were studied. The study was completed in collaboration with the Scottish Terrier Club of America, which provided funding. The dogs were examined every six months for three years. Preliminary study results show that bladder cancer can be detected early, and early detection does improve the outlook for the dogs. Further evaluation is currently underway by Dr. Knapp and her study collaborators.

There are several key strategies that can be implemented now to improve cancer outcomes. Avoiding factors that increase the bladder cancer risk is important. Early detection and intervention are emerging as vital to improving the outcome for dogs with bladder cancer.

Dr. Knapp earned her DVM degree at Auburn University and in 1985 came to Purdue where she completed her residency and earned a master’s degree in 1988.  She then became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology). She was named a Distinguished Professor of Comparative Oncology by the university in 2020. Dr. Knapp leads the Purdue Comparative Oncology Program and is regarded as the leading expert in the field of naturally occurring bladder cancer in dogs. Her research has established bladder cancer in dogs as the most relevant animal model for invasive bladder cancer in humans. She is the author of more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles related to the subject.

Writer(s): Jonathan Martz, PVM Communications Intern, and Allison Carey | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Veterinary Nursing Symposium Increases Reach with Virtual Program

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The seventh annual Veterinary Nursing Symposium will be hosted virtually following Protect Purdue guidelines. Taking place Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21, the program will feature a Large Animal track on Day 1 and Small Animal on Day 2. Large animal topics will include equid toxicities, shoeing and hoof problems, post-operative care, and nutrition.  Small animal topics will cover troubleshooting, diagnostic imaging, oncology, neurology, and internal medicine. A keynote lecture also will be presented by Saralyn Sharp, RVT, VTS (CP-SA, Canine/Feline), small animal primary care technologist in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, entitled, “Clearing the Fog Around CBD Oil.” Attendees can earn up to 11 continuing education credits.

Hosted by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, the Veterinary Nursing Symposium is a continuing education event designed specifically for veterinary assistants, veterinary nursing (technology) students, and veterinary nurses (technicians and technologists). Attendees will learn practical information to use in clinical practice.

Online registration is now available for this event.  Click here to register.  Click here to preview the symposium program.

This program is generously sponsored by Hill’s, Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care, Noah’s Animal Hospitals, and Vetamac.

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

In Memory: Dr. Kurt Bales (PU DVM ’87)

Purdue Veterinary Medicine mourns the passing of an alumnus, Dr. Kurt Bales, who died Wednesday, January 13. He was 58.

Born in Anderson, Ind. Dr. Bales attended Union High School in Modoc, Ind. before coming to Purdue to study veterinary medicine. After graduating in the DVM Class of 1987, Dr. Bales started work in private practice at the New Hope Veterinary Clinic in German Valley, Ill. A year later, he and his family moved to Topeka, Ind. where he worked at the King Animal Care Clinic. Then, in 1992, he returned to the New Hope Veterinary Clinic in Illinois where remained in practice for 27 years and served as as a clinic partner.

Dr. Bales and his wife, Vicki, have four children whom he cherished spending time with and working together on projects. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, music, reading, and working in his vegetable garden. He was known as a kindhearted, generous man who will be greatly missed by many.

Memorial services were held earlier this week in Freeport, Ill. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at walkermortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Dr. Bales’ name at Park Hills Church (2525 W. Stephenson St., Freeport, IL 61032) to be used in support of missionaries. Click here for a complete obituary.

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

In Memory: Dr. Terry Curtin (PU PhD ’64), Former PVM Faculty Member and NC State Veterinary Medicine Founding Dean

The veterinary medical profession lost a long-time leader last month with the passing of Dr. Terrence Michael Curtin, a graduate of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and former faculty member who went on to serve as the founding dean of the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. He died December 15, 2020 at the age of 94.

Born in South Dakota, Dr. Curtin grew up on a farm where he was exposed to the challenges of caring for farm animals, and learned the importance of veterinary medicine for their well-being. After serving in World War II as a member of the United States Army, he earned a bachelor’s degree along with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota. Following several years during which he operated his own practice in South Dakota, Dr. Curtin came to Purdue where he earned a master’s degree in 1963 followed by a PhD degree in 1964, both in basic medical sciences. He then stayed on as a Purdue faculty member before taking a position at the University of Missouri where he served as professor and chairman of veterinary physiology and pharmacology. In 1973, Dr. Curtin was recruited by NC State where he launched the veterinary science department in the university’s School of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Then, in 1979, he was named the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine’s founding dean.

Under Dr. Curtin’s leadership, the college flourished, enrolling its first class of 40 students in 1981 and achieving official accreditation in 1985. Dr. Curtin continued serving as dean until his retirement in 1992, after which he remained active as professor emeritus in the Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, and in representing the college and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association at many public service and advocacy events.

Dr. Curtin was recognized with many awards throughout his career in honor of his achievements. In 1983, Dr. Curtin received the Veterinarian of the Year Award from the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association. He later served as president of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) in 1989, and was named Distinguished Veterinarian of the Year in 1990, the highest award granted by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association. Additionally, in 1992, Dr. Curtin was recognized with an honorary doctorate from the Purdue University College of Science for education beyond the classroom.

In recent years, Dr. Curtin authored several books including The College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University: A Personal Perspective of Its Founding, published in 2010, and a memoir, If You Wanna Get Hit, You Gotta Stand in the Way, published in 2011.

A memorial service was held for Dr. Curtin on December 22, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C. Click here for a full obituary. Click here to read the memorial story released by N.C. State honoring Dr. Curtin.

Writer(s): Jonathan Martz, PVM Communications Intern, and Allison Carey | pvmnews@purdue.edu

In Memory: Dr. Gerald Goetsch (PU PhD ’57), PVM Founding Faculty Member

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Gerald Goetsch, professor emeritus of veterinary physiology and one of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s founding faculty members, who died Thursday, January 14.  He was 97.

A native of Colby, Kan., Dr. Goetsch attended Kansas State University on a scholarship from Sears and Roebuck, and, after one year of undergraduate work, entered K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He enlisted in the U.S. Army while attending veterinary school, and went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1945. After serving as an animal inspector for the USDA and working in private practice in Kankakee, Ill., Dr. Goetsch returned to academia.  He served for a short time on the faculties of the University of Missouri and Oklahoma State University before coming to Purdue University for graduate study in what was then the Department of Veterinary Science.  He earned his master’s degree in 1955 and his PhD in 1957, when he joined the Purdue faculty as an assistant professor.  That was the same year when the state legislature approved the establishment of the new veterinary school at Purdue.  By 1959, Dr. Goetsch had risen to the rank of full professor and became the founding head of what was then the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, a position he held until 1978.  The department later was merged with the Department of Anatomy to create the Department of Basic Medical Sciences. 

During his Purdue tenure, Dr. Goetsch played a major role in developing the physical plan and initial curriculum for the College of Veterinary Medicine.  He also served on various university, professional, and governmental advisory committees and completed two terms as president of the American Association of Veterinarian Physiologists and Pharmacologists before retiring in 1988.

In retirement, Dr. Goetsch enjoyed several hobbies that included golfing, bowling, and carpentry. He was particularly known for 16 child Lincoln Rockers that he caned and made of walnut. Some even were auctioned off as part of fundraisers for the College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Beloved as an accomplished veterinary scientist and gifted administrator with a warm personality and caring demeanor, Dr. Goetsch will be deeply missed,” said Dean Willie Reed.  A private graveside ceremony was held at the Grand View Cemetery on January 16. Click here to read the full obituary, and to leave a message or share a memory on the Soller-Baker Funeral Home website.

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