After relying on virtual programming necessitated by the pandemic for the last two years, the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine brought back in-person continuing education this year for equine enthusiasts who attended the 2023 Equine Wellness Forum at Lynn Hall. The all-day program Saturday, February 11, attracted 125 attendees from across Indiana as well as Kentucky and Illinois.
Held at Lynn Hall, the forum is designed to inform horse owners and equine industry professionals about horse health issues ranging from basic preventative healthcare to the latest medical advancements. In addition to talks on a variety of topics, the program also featured live demonstrations of the high speed equine treadmill and equine bandaging. The bandaging demonstration covered bandage materials and benefits as well as tips, tricks, and modifications for different situations, and a discussion of splint types and demonstration of splint application.
Equine Wellness Forum speakers included several specialists on the college’s faculty. The forum began with a welcome and introductory remarks by the head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Dr. Catharine Scott-Moncrieff. Other speakers and topics included:
Dr. Justin Hayna, clinical assistant professor of equine theriogenology, who spoke on mare reproductive physiology, embryo transfer and egg harvesting, as well as predicting birth in horses and what owners can do at home;
Dr. Janice Kritchevsky, professor of large animal internal medicine, who gave a presentation on the topic, “Recognizing Cruelty and Neglect in Horses;”
Dr. Wendy Townsend, professor of ophthalmology, whose talk, entitled “When Your Horse is a Fool: Vision or Behavior,” explained how horses see the world and how several different eye problems can cause poor or uncharacteristic behavior; and
Dr. Michelle Tucker, assistant professor of large animal surgery, who addressed the topic, “Septic Arthritis and Joint Infections.”
Forum attendees also learned about equine nutrition from Dr. Erin Wilson (PU DVM 2008), a Purdue Veterinary Medicine graduate who is a nutrition consultant for Cargill Animal Nutrition. Her presentation was entitled, “Dietary Management of Equine Nutritionally Related Disorders.” The program offered up to four continuing education (CE) credits. At the conclusion of the presentations, attendees had the opportunity to tour the new David and Bonnie Brunner Equine Hospital. The forum attracted horse enthusiasts with a variety of interests, including racing, jumping, showmanship, dressage, Western, English, and trail riding.
The National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) has announced the four recipients of this year’s DHIA Veterinary Student Scholarships, and one of them is Erin Will, of the Purdue DVM Class of 2023. The scholarships amount to $1,500 each. The other three recipients are from Cornell, Washington State University, and Michigan State University.
The recipients were selected by DHIA’s Scholarship Committee from veterinary students across the country based on their overall interest as a veterinarian planning to work in dairy; involvement in dairy medicine and extra-curricular activities; and interest in using dairy software and dairy records to aid in dairy management and in improving animal health. To be eligible for the National DHIA Veterinary Student Scholarship, applicants must be third- or fourth-year veterinary students enrolled at a college accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education.
Erin was raised on a small dairy farm in southern Indiana, and her youth and high school activities were focused on agriculture. Throughout high school, she co-managed the breeding practices on her family’s farm and was recognized by FFA with a Gold-rating in the Dairy Production category of the National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Award program. Erin earned her Purdue bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and was active in the Purdue Dairy Club, serving as president and participating in the Dairy Challenge and dairy judging. Her dairy judging team even placed first at the Fort Worth Stock Show. Erin also was an Indiana Dairy Ambassador, which helped her develop advocacy skills and build relationships with Indiana dairy farmers. As a Purdue veterinary student, Erin has served as Food Animal Club dairy chair; participated in bovine ambulatory and Indiana State Fair production medicine blocks; and completed a dairy veterinary medicine/research internship at Iowa State University.
The National DHIA is a trade association for the dairy records industry, and serves the best interests of its members and the dairy industry by maintaining the integrity of dairy records and advancing dairy information systems. Congratulations Erin on receiving the National DHIA Veterinary Student Scholarship!
Nearly 60 Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni and friends turned-out for the annual Purdue Alumni Reception at the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boilermaker spirit abounded as participants renewed acquaintances, visited with PVM faculty and staff who were in attendance, and heard an update on the college from Dean Willie Reed. The reception was held Monday, February 20 at the Mandalay Bay Conference Center, which is the site for the annual WVC Conference. 2023 marked the 95th year for the conference, hosted by the Viticus Group, which has two Boilermakers on its Board of Directors. The outgoing president is Dr. Debbie White (PU DVM ’94) and serving with her as a director is Dr. Miguel Ortiz (PU DVM 2009). The WVC annual conference boasts more than 12,000 participants, 400-plus exhibitors, and over 900 RACE-approved CE hours.
The Purdue Women’s Global Health Institute (WGHI) has awarded six women’s health research grants, including one for a pair of scholars in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Basic Medical Sciences. The Purdue research projects are receiving grants of $15,000 each.
The WGHI presents annual awards to support research proposals of outstanding scientific merit that address translational and basic research in women’s health. “Maximizing Peak Bone Mass: Interactions Among Genetics and Mechanical Loading,” is the name of the funded project proposed by Dr. Russell Main, associate professor of basic medical sciences, who is the lead principal investigator, and Dr. Marxa Figueiredo, associate professor of basic medical sciences.
The WGHI awards are made possible through a Mildred Elizabeth Edmundson grant and donations, and the institute’s partnerships with the Catherine Peachey Fund and other entities on the Purdue campus and throughout Indiana, including the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. Also providing support are the Purdue colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, and Pharmacy and the departments of Basic Medical Sciences and Pharmacy Practice.
The next call for proposals for women’s health grants will begin in September. In addition, the request for proposals on breast cancer research to be supported by the Catherine Peachey Fund is accessible via the WGHI website with the deadline of March 6.
The five other recently awarded WGHI grants are:
“Development of a Culturally Tailored, Adolescent-driven, Dual-protection Intervention Approach for South African Adolescents.” Jennifer Brown, associate professor of psychological sciences, and Lochner Marais, professor in the Centre for Development Support at the University of the Free State in Bioemfontein, South Africa, are principal investigators.
“Exploring Patient Experiences with Miscarriage Care in Indiana in the Midst of a Shifting Regulatory Environment.” Kathryn LaRoche, assistant professor of public health, is the PI.
“Evaluating the Impact of a Community Health Worker for Diabetes Management in Self-employed Women in India.” Faria Chaudhry, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, and Sonak Pastakia, professor of pharmacy practice, are PIs.
“Early Breast Cancer Evaluation in High-risk Subjects Using Advanced MRI Modalities.” Joseph Rispoli, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, is the PI.
“Targeting FGFR to Prevent Obesity-induced Metastatic Recurrence in Breast.” Michael Wendt, associate professor of medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology, is the PI.
The Women’s Global Health Institute at Purdue University serves as a nexus of interdisciplinary research to create partnerships, promote research and develop training opportunities to improve the health of women globally. The institute uniquely strives to promote research on the prevention and early detection of diseases, rather than the classic medical model focusing on treatment, and research to understand sex-differences in health across the lifespan.
Writer(s):
Amy Raley, Purdue Marketing and Communications
| pvmnews@purdue.edu
Kelly Dold (center) and Dr. Craig Bowen (right) talk with visitors at the PVM booth in the Exhibit Hall during the IVMA Crossroads Veterinary Conference in Noblesville.
At the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association’s (IVMA) annual Crossroads Veterinary Conference, visitors to the exhibit hall had the opportunity to connect with Purdue Veterinary Medicine via a booth showcasing the breadth of services provided by the college. The conference was held Thursday through Saturday, February 2-4, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Conference Center.
PVM Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events Susan Xioufaridou said the event was well-attended and provided a great opportunity to engage with the college’s alumni and friends. “The overwhelming enthusiasm our friends and alumni have for the college was amazing! Visitors were truly interested in learning more about our services and ways to stay connected to the college,” Susan said.
Guests were able to learn about new tests available from the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL); sense the excitement surrounding the new David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex, which was dedicated in the spring of 2022; and discover how members of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association are giving back to the college in support of student traditions and experiences and continuing education programs available through the Office for Lifelong Learning.
“IVMA Crossroads Veterinary Conference attendees were glad to visit with many members of our faculty and staff who were present,” said Kelly Dold, marketing and communications manager for the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital and ADDL, who spearheaded arrangements for the booth, including planning activities and gathering materials to have on-hand. “It also was great to have PVM Dean Willie Reed and Dr. Craig Bowen, ADDL assistant director, with us to greet visitors and field questions.”
The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) presented several awards to Purdue alumni at its annual Crossroads Veterinary Conference earlier this month. The awards included the IVMA President’s Award, the Achievement Award, the Volunteer Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was given posthumously.
The outgoing IVMA president, Dr. Aaron Johnson, presented the President’s Award to Dr. Matt Cantrell (PU DVM 2011).Dr. Katie Becker (PU DVM 2017) received the IVMA Achievement Award.The IVMA Volunteer Award was presented to Dr. Tony Rumschlag (PU DVM `85).
Dr. Matt Cantrell, of Zionsville, Indiana, received the President’s Award from the outgoing IVMA president, Dr. Aaron Johnson (PU DVM 2005). The award is for an Indiana veterinarian or citizen who has made exceptional contributions to the association during the president’s term in office. Dr. Cantrell earned his Purdue DVM degree in 2010 and works at Community Pet Healthcare in Zionsville. A dedicated IVMA volunteer, Dr. Cantrell is an IVMA past president who led the IVMA Efficiency Working Group in 2022, adding resources and information for IVMA members.
Dr. Katie Becker, of Indianapolis, was awarded the IVMA Achievement Award, which is presented to an IVMA member who has graduated within the last five years and achieved outstanding accomplishments in veterinary research, civic activities, academia, and/or organized veterinary medicine. A 2017 Purdue DVM graduate, Dr. Becker practices at the Fall Creek Veterinary Medical Center in McCordsville, Indiana. She is actively involved in leadership within the Central Indiana Veterinary Medical Association and also has participated in the IVMA Power of 10 program.
Dr. Tony Rumschlag, of Noblesville, Indiana, received the IVMA Volunteer Award, which is presented to an IVMA member who has provided leadership or service to a particular project or program of the association. Dr. Rumschlag earned his Purdue DVM degree in 1985 has a long record of active membership in the IVMA, including serving as IVMA president in 2008. Dr. Rumschlag also has served the veterinary medical profession and organized veterinary medicine by volunteering on various committees and task forces. In addition, he is a member of the Indiana Animal Health Foundation board. Now retired following a long career in veterinary industry, Dr. Rumschlag oversaw the IVMA Staffing Task Force in 2022. Proposals developed by the task force were approved by the IVMA Board on January 11, 2023, and will continue to direct the strength and legacy of IVMA for decades to come.
Mrs. Carol Rodibaugh, accompanied by members of her family, accepted the posthumous IVMA Lifetime Achievement Award given in honor of her late husband, Dr. Max Rodibaugh (PU DVM `77).
The award ceremony culminated with the presentation of the IVMA Lifetime Achievement Award, which was awarded posthumously to Dr. Max Rodibaugh, a member of the Purdue DVM Class of 1977. The award recognizes an IVMA member for cumulative service and accomplishments benefiting the veterinary medical profession, organized veterinary medicine, and the community. Dr. Rodibaugh’s widow, Mrs. Carol Rodibaugh, and many family members, were present for the award ceremony.
Dr. Rodibaugh began one of the nation’s first swine-only veterinary practices in 1980 in Frankfort, Indiana. His professionalism, veterinary ethics, and commitment to prioritizing the best interests of his clients, fostered his reputation as an expert in the field of swine medicine and trusted advisor to peers and pork producers everywhere. He was a sought-after speaker, mentor, and leader in numerous industry organizations.
Dr. Rodibaugh’s dedication to the profession he loved resulted in his receiving many industry awards, culminating most recently with the presentation of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Heritage Award, a peer-nominated award for lifelong outstanding achievements in swine medicine. He is only the sixth recipient of the award in the history of the organization. Dr. Rodibaugh passed away in May 2022.
The annual IVMA award ceremony took place Thursday, February 2, during the association’s Crossroads Veterinary Conference in Noblesville. The event also included the installation of newly elected IVMA officers. The new president is Dr. Greg Kurtz, a 1982 graduate of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. He served as an at-large member of the IVMA Board of Directors from 2019 to 2022 and was IVMA president-elect in 2022. Dr. Kurtz also serves on several task forces. A livestock veterinarian with a focus on cattle reproduction and dairy herd health consulting, Dr. Kurtz co-owns the Kurtz Veterinary Clinic in Hagerstown, Indiana with his wife and DVM classmate, Dr. Robyn Kurtz.
The new IVMA president-elect is Dr. Lindsey Hedges, of Lebanon, Indiana. Dr. Hedges is a 2011 Purdue DVM graduate who serves as director of veterinary mentorship with Mission Veterinary Partners. The new immediate past president is Dr. Aaron Johnson. The award ceremony and installation of officers was a highlight of the annual IVMA conference, which also featured many continuing education sessions covering a variety of topics including surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, equine, and large animal medicine. The IVMA is the professional organization for veterinarians who care for Hoosier pets, farm animals, zoo animals, wildlife, and public health, and is the human side of animal health.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health threat globally, and multi-drug resistant infections are predicted to only worsen over time (United Nations Foundation, 2021). Purdue University is taking a multidisciplinary approach to address this critical topic through a free conference to be held on the West Lafayette campus in April, with involvement by multiple Purdue colleges.
In 2019, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than 2.8 million cases of antibiotic-resistant infections occur annually in the US, resulting in 35,000 deaths (CDC, 2019). Increased incidence of hypervirulent and multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens has been attributed to the use, overuse, and misuse of antibiotics (FAO, 2016). However, AMR is a complex problem at the intersection of human, animal and environmental health (“One Health”) that can only be addressed through a multidisciplinary approach.
The upcoming Purdue University conference, scheduled for April 6 and 7 at the Stewart Center, is being organized by cross-disciplinary steering and advisory committees consisting of representatives from the colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, Agriculture, and Engineering, and the departments of Comparative Pathobiology, Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Animal Sciences, Food Science, and Biological Sciences. The program will feature three segments, each covering an area related to AMR: Determinants, Dynamics, and Deterrence of Drug Resistance.
Each program segment will have a keynote speaker chosen based on their expertise in the specific area. After each keynote, three additional speakers from the Purdue faculty will present their research. Their talks then will lead into roundtable discussions during which participants will have the opportunity to deliberate about the information shared and its implications.
The conference also includes a poster competition with prizes being offered in three categories: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, and Professional Degree Students. A poster Submission Intent Form must be submitted by February 28, 2023 to be entered in the competition. Posters also are welcome from those not in one of the aforementioned categories.
“Purdue University is well-positioned to lead global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance,” said Dr. Kenitra Hendrix, director of the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at the College of Veterinary Medicine and clinical associate professor of veterinary diagnostic microbiology, who is leading the interdisciplinary planning committee for the conference. “With excellence in animal agriculture, animal disease diagnostics, engineering, veterinary medicine and public health, processing and post-harvest food safety, and pharmacy and drug discovery, global AMR reduction could be Purdue’s next giant leap. The first step in this direction is creation of AMR-focused collaborations, which is a goal of this inaugural conference.”
The conference will kick-off with Dr. Gerry Wright, Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. He will share his work related to determinants, or mechanisms, of AMR. Dr. Wright serves as executive director of Canada’s Global Nexus for Pandemics and Biological Threats and is a member of the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research. His talk will be followed by presentations from faculty in Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Agricultural and Biological Engineering.
In the next session, the dynamics of AMR will be addressed by Dr. Lance Price, a professor at George Washington University’s Milken Institute of Public Health in Washington D.C. Dr. Price works at the interface between science and policy to address the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance. His presentation will be followed by talks featuring faculty in Comparative Pathobiology and Animal Sciences.
The final session, dealing with deterrence of drug resistance, will be led by Dr. Jennifer Granick, associate professor of internal medicine in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the University of Minnesota and a member of the university’s Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Initiative Team. Her talk on control and mitigation of AMR will be followed by presentations from faculty in Chemistry, Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, and Comparative Pathobiology.
A longtime Purdue tradition returned to Tippecanoe County as the annual Ag Alumni Fish Fry was hosted at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds Saturday, February 4, after almost 20 years of being held in Indianapolis. The signature event, which is considered the unofficial homecoming of Indiana Agriculture, reflects the longtime association between the Purdue University colleges of veterinary medicine and agriculture.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore Ag Avenue, the exhibit area that highlighted Purdue College of Agriculture departments and industry partners as well as Purdue Veterinary Medicine, which hosted a booth showcasing the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL), and the Caesars Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital in Shelbyville, Indiana. The layout of newly constructed facilities at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds made it possible to offer an expanded Ag Avenue space, compared to previous years, enabling attendees to more easily visit the various displays and mix and mingle with fellow alumni, colleagues, and guests.
Dr. Larry Horstman, professor emeritus of theriogenology, with Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed after receiving the Ag Alumni Association’s Certificate of Distinction at the 2023 Ag Alumni Fish Fry.
PVM representatives staffing the College of Veterinary Medicine booth visited with alumni from ages four to 90. The PVM display featured a slide show of the new David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex, which was a popular topic of discussion. Many children who shared how they dream of becoming a veterinarian one day, were able to learn about the Boiler Vet Camps. Purdue veterinary alumni also came by to talk about how things have changed since they were veterinary students at Purdue.
After perusing Ag Avenue, attendees sat down for the meal and program, which featured remarks by new Purdue President Mung Chiang as well as the presentation of the Ag Alumni Association’s highest award, the Certificate of Distinction. One of this year’s recipients is Purdue Veterinary Medicine Professor Emeritus of Theriogenology Larry Horstman, who served 36 years on the College of Veterinary Medicine faculty in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. He was praised as an outstanding teacher with an impeccable reputation and extensive knowledge of beef cattle. A respected authority on theriogenology – the veterinary medical specialty focused on animal reproduction – Dr. Horstman was board-certified by the American College of Theriogenologists and helped develop and use embryo transfer in the beef industry.
In 2015, Dr. Horstman was inducted into the Indiana Livestock Breeders Hall of Fame. At the time, a supporter wrote, “His knowledge of veterinary science and his ability to relate to producers, 4-H’ers, and anyone in between is unmatched.” Dr. Horstman also played a major role in bull evaluation and testing at the Feldun-Purdue Agriculture Center near Bedford, Indiana, and was the consulting veterinarian for the Indiana Beef Evaluation Program for more than 25 years. Today his consulting service, Horstman Bovine Reproduction Services in West Lafayette, is well-known in the commercial and purebred cattle world.
The Certificate of Distinction is intended to recognize those who have contributed significantly to agriculture, forestry, or natural resources. Nominees do not have to be graduates of Purdue agriculture. As Dr. Horstman was recognized at the event, a video about him was played. Click here to view the video. Dr. Horstman also received a recognition plaque.
The ADDL was well represented at the ISPA annual banquet by (front row, left-right), Margaret Gehlhausen, Amy Smeltzer, Dr. Craig Bowen, and Farren Osborn, and (back row) Dr. Grant Burcham, Mary Ruzicka, Dr. Geoff Lossie, and Dr. Kenitra Hendrix. Also attending, but not pictured were Dr. Nick Newsome and Kelly Dold.
“An Evening Under the Stars with the Indiana State Poultry Association” was the theme for the association’s 2023 annual banquet, where the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine hosted a display highlighting the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL). The event was held Tuesday, February 7 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis and attracted a record turnout. Attendees represented poultry producers, allied industry, Indiana’s Congressional delegation, the Indiana General Assembly, and the State of Indiana executive branch and agencies, as well as the USDA and Purdue University.
As attendees mingled at the event they were able to visit the ADDL booth which provided promotional items and information about ADDL services. On-hand to represent the ADDL were Dr. Kenitra Hendrix, director; Dr. Craig Bowen, assistant director; Farren Osborn, molecular laboratory technician; Mary Ruzicka, ADDL administrative assistant; Amy Smeltzer, accessioning supervisor; Dr. Geoff Lossie, clinical assistant professor of pathology and avian diagnostician; Dr. Grant Burcham, veterinary pathologist at the southern Indiana branch of the ADDL (Heeke ADDL); Margaret Gehlhausen, laboratory technician at the southern Indiana branch; Dr. Nick Newsome, avian diagnostic resident; and Kelly Dold, marketing and communications manager for the ADDL.
ADDL Director Kenitra Hendrix was interviewed by Hoosier Ag Today during the ISPA event at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis February 7.
Throughout the evening, attendees were able to make new contacts and renew connections with longtime friends, as well as share with the representatives of Indiana’s Congressional delegation and the General Assembly how Indiana’s poultry industry strengthens individual communities and the state as whole. The banquet menu was, of course, all about poultry recipes, beginning with duck wontons and duck quesadillas as appetizers. The main course featured several gourmet stations with such poultry laced dishes as made-to-order omelets, noodles, salads, kabobs, and street tacos. Additionally, the “Classic Tastes Station” consisted of a mashed potato bar with delectable toppings that included herb roasted chicken and turkey bacon. A dessert station rounded-out the menu.
“The ISPA banquet provided an important opportunity to share about new testing available at the ADDL,” Kelly said. The event also served as a means of thanking the many dedicated elected officials and public servants whose ongoing support is essential to nurturing Indiana’s poultry producers and helping the industry thrive and grow.
At 20 years old, Purdue’s Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning (VNDL) program has been around a long time in online education terms, which are something like dog years.
The program was starting to show its age even as the pandemic experience and the continuing growth and maturation of online learning raised expectations from online students.
Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine leaders also were concerned about student retention levels in the VNDL program, whose courses, taught by faculty and staff members throughout different departments of the college, varied in look and feel.