Professor Sherry Harbin, who has a joint appointment in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, shows a high-strength collagen sheet fabricated from the proprietary collagen polymer technology that the start-up company, GeniPhys, is commercializing. (Purdue Research Foundation/Vincent Walter)
GeniPhys, a company established by Dr. Sherry Harbin, who holds a joint appointment as professor of basic medical sciences in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and professor of biomedical engineering in Purdue’s Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, has raised $6 million in the form of a first round of venture money. The Series A round funding will support the launch of the company’s initial product into the market, expand its team, and invest in manufacturing and regulatory capabilities.
GeniPhys has developed a polymerizable collagen called Collymer, which can be designed and fabricated into materials with a variety of shapes, architectures, and mechanical properties. It addresses unmet needs in markets like wound management, surgical reconstruction, orthopedics, cardiovascular, ENT (ears, nose and throat), and therapeutic cell and drug delivery. Pier 70 Ventures and Elevate Ventures participated in the Series A round, along with multiple individual investors.
Collymer represents a patented, highly purified form of collagen that self-assembles (polymerizes) to form stable, fibrillar collagen scaffolds. Collymer materials have been extensively tested in preclinical models, repeatedly demonstrating the ability to provide long-lasting, non-inflammatory environments that support site appropriate tissue generation. As a biopolymer, Collymer can be designed and fabricated into materials with a variety of shapes, architectures, and mechanical properties, providing tremendous flexibility. “Collymer represents a paradigm shift in how we think about healing and regenerative medicine. We are grateful to this group of investors that share our vision and commitment to improving patient care,” said Andrew Eibling, GeniPhys President and CEO.
Shaun Hawkins, managing partner at Pier 70 Ventures and new member of the GeniPhys Board of Directors said, “This technology brings an innovative ‘regenerative surgical reconstruction’ solution that is non-inflammatory, non-immune stimulating, and fully customizable to meet both patients’ and surgeons’ needs.”
GeniPhys is an early-stage medical technology company located in Zionsville, Indiana. The company’s Collymer technology is based on research conducted in Dr. Harbin’s lab. Materials prepared from the proprietary collagen polymer promote tissue integration and generation while avoiding inflammation, fibrosis and scarring. The manufacturing process of Collymer allows the fabrication of multiple implantable material formats and has demonstrated the ability to deliver pharmaceutical and cell-based therapies.
“Elevate is impressed by the complementary skills in the leadership team critical for a start-up’s success,” said Kristin Eilenberg, entrepreneur-in-residence for Elevate Ventures. “Dr. Harbin is an acclaimed scientific pioneer in this field. Andrew is a successful entrepreneur and executive with experience in developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics and medical devices. This combination of talent and leadership is unparalleled.” Pier 70 Ventures is focused on a differentiated investment strategy that drives financial returns, supports diverse entrepreneurs and employees, and provides local impact to communities. Elevate Ventures is the number one most active seed and early-stage investor in the Great Lakes region and is ranked 24th in the United States. The firm assists high-growth startups and early-stage companies expand into high-performing enterprises. Elevate has invested over $150 million in more than 500 companies.
Since 1987, the month of March has been designated as National Women’s History Month recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the achievements of American women, and a special presidential proclamation for the month is issued every year. The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine joins in this national celebration of women’s accomplishments by spotlighting examples of influential women in veterinary medicine, including those who are Purdue alumni and faculty.
Dr. Mary Beth Leininger (PU DVM ’67)
Dr. Mary Beth Leininger
One of the first women to earn a Purdue DVM degree is Dr. Mary Beth Leininger, who graduated in just the fifth class of Purdue veterinary students, the Class of 1967. She was one of just seven women students in that class and upon graduation they brought the total number of women Purdue veterinary graduates to just 12. Dr. Leininger went on to have an extraordinary career that highlights the pioneering role these women played as Purdue veterinary alumni. Dr. Leininger served in multiple ways, including as a successful private practitioner, volunteer leader, industry executive, and most notably, the first woman president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, an organization that was founded in 1863. As AVMA president, Dr. Leininger introduced many initiatives that developed into major programs for the AVMA, including the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI), the AVMA State Legislative Initiative and the AVMA President’s Washington Roundtable. She received the Purdue Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumna Award in 1992.
Dr. Carol Ecker (PU DVM ’64)
Dr. Carol Ecker
The Class of 1964 was the first Purdue veterinary class to have women students. There were just two and while they both had successful careers, Dr. Carol (Van Paemel) Ecker went on to influential roles in the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) and at Purdue University. After graduation, Dr. Ecker worked in private practice as a practice owner in South Bend, Indiana, where she was president of Clayview Animal Clinic for more than 40 years. She also actively participated in organized veterinary medicine and became the IVMA’s first woman president, as well as a key leader in establishing the Indiana Animal Health Foundation in 1997. Dr. Ecker received the college’s Distinguished Alumna Award in 1989. She received the IVMA Veterinarian of the Year Award that same year and the IVMA President’s Award in 2009. She also became a prominent Purdue University leader, serving on the Purdue Board of Trustees from 1988-1997. In 1998, she received the Distinguished Pinnacle Award from the Purdue President’s Council and she was honored in 2012 as a recipient of Purdue’s Title IX Distinguished Service Award for her contributions in maximizing institutional and societal resources to broaden access and opportunity to women in higher education. Even after retiring from private practice, she continued to serve, working as the medical director for the Humane Society of St. Joseph County. Dr. Ecker passed away in 2019 at the age of 78.
Dr. Kathleen Salisbury (MSU DVM ’79, PU MS ’84)
Dr. Kathleen Salisbury
Dr. Kathleen Salisbury began her veterinary career after earning her DVM degree at Michigan State University in 1979, but her path quickly led to Purdue University. While initially working in private practice, she realized how much she loved doing surgery, and chose to pursue a small animal surgery residency program. That opportunity surfaced at Purdue, where she started her residency in 1981. After completing the program she received an offer for a faculty position in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and her influential career in academic veterinary medicine began. Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, she moved into administration when she was named associate dean for academic affairs in 2010, while retaining her teaching role as professor of small animal surgery. Her list of accomplishments is appropriately lengthy. Dr. Salisbury has been recognized for developing national and international veterinary curriculum and specialist training, and has been involved in every major curriculum revision in the College of Veterinary Medicine since she joined the faculty. She has won 18 college teaching awards over the span of her career including Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Career Teaching Award, Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award, and Weedon Faculty Recognition Award. She also received the national Carl J. Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award. Additionally Dr. Salisbury is a member of Purdue’s Book of Great Teachers, a charter member of the Teaching Academy, and an honored mentor for the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Foundation. In 2018, her accomplishments culminated in her being named a 150th Anniversary Professor by Purdue’s Office of the Provost in recognition of her excellence in teaching at Purdue. She is one of ten faculty chosen as inaugural 150th Anniversary Professors in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of Purdue in 2019.
Dr. Ellen Lowery, (KSU DVM ’88; PhD ’94; UK MBA 2012)
Dr. Ellen Lowery
When Dr. Ellen Lowery assumed the role of director of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, it was February 1, 2020, just as construction was set to begin on the College of Veterinary Medicine’s new veterinary medical hospital complex and right before the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in the U.S. For Dr. Lowery, these challenges were new chapters in a career she knew she would pursue when she was just five years old and announced that she was going to be a veterinarian when she grew up. That career goal initially took her to Kansas State University where she received her DVM degree in 1988 and then went on to earn her PhD in 1994, before obtaining her MBA at the University of Kansas. She worked 23 years at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, where her increasingly important leadership positions included director of North America professional and veterinary affairs. An advocate for personal leadership and professional development, Dr. Lowery was a member of the Hill’s Veterinary Leadership Task Force, co-led the establishment of the Hill’s Women Empowered Network and served as a facilitator for the Fundamentals of Colgate Leadership Course. Prior to joining Purdue, she was professor of practice in animal health at Kansas State University’s Olathe campus, teaching in graduate level classes in the Veterinary Biomedical Science Program and serving as a faculty member in the departments of Comparative Pathobiology and Public Health. Dr. Lowery also serves as the director of the Veterinary Oral Health Council and in the American Veterinary Medical Association’s House of Delegates, representing the American Association of Industry Veterinarians. Additionally, she served as the president of the American Veterinary Dental Society and on boards for the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, Partners for Healthy Pets, the Veterinary Innovation Council and PRIDE Veterinary Medical Community. Last year she was included in an article entitled “22 Extraordinary Women,” published in Today’s Veterinary Business, the official journal of the NAVC, that spotlighted outstanding women veterinarians.
Dr. Paula Johnson (LSU DVM ’95)
Dr. Paula Johnson
Dr. Paula Johnson fulfills the challenging role of Purdue clinical associate professor of small animal emergency and critical care. She earned her DVM degree in 1995 at Louisiana State University and went on to complete a residency at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2002. Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, Dr. Johnson utilizes her expertise, experience, and teaching ability in the demanding field of veterinary emergency and critical care every day as she enters the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital Emergency Service. She joined the college in 2004 in a part-time capacity to help with the expansion of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital’s Emergency Service as a 24-hour service for the local community. In 2007, she accepted a full-time position and helped foster an amazing increase in the hospital’s caseload. Additionally, Dr. Johnson has actively engaged in initiatives to help diversify the veterinary medical profession, including working with Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment (VOICE) and the Vet Up! program. Last year she was honored as a recipient of the Purdue Veterinary Medicine Faculty Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, which recognizes faculty members who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion through active recruitment and retention efforts, teaching, research, multicultural programming, community outreach activities, or other initiatives.
Dr. Alfreda Johnson Webb
These are just some of the influential, exemplary and accomplished women veterinarians associated with Purdue Veterinary Medicine – women who are true pioneers, following in the footsteps of earlier pioneers in the veterinary medical profession, like Dr. Alfreda Johnson Webb and Dr. Jane Hinton. In 1949, they became the first Black women to earn DVM degrees and be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the U.S. Dr. Johnson Webb was born in 1923 in Mobile, Alabama, and after earning a bachelor of science degree at Tuskegee University (then called the Tuskegee Institute) she enrolled in the Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine. After earning her DVM degree, Dr. Johnson Webb remained at Tuskegee where she taught anatomy until 1959, completing her tenure there as an associate professor. She then served as a professor of biology at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCA&T) from 1959-1978 and was a member of the planning committee which founded the School of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University.
Dr. Jane Hinton
Dr. Hinton was born in 1919 in Canton, Massachusetts. She received her bachelor’s degree in 1939 at Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts, after which she worked as a laboratory technician, co-developing the Mueller–Hinton agar, a culture medium that is now commonly used to test bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics. Following World War II, she decided to become a veterinarian and earned her VMD degree (DVM equivalent) at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She then went into small animal private practice before joining the Department of Agriculture as a federal government inspector who was involved in research and responding to disease outbreaks in livestock.
As March draws to a close, let’s remember and appreciate this rich heritage of perseverance, accomplishment, and leadership by influential women in veterinary medicine, including those right here at Purdue University.
Heidi Lescun, BS, RVT, director of technical services for Vetamac, gives a presentation on anesthesia monitoring at the Veterinary Nursing Symposium in Lynn 1136.
Veterinary nurses turned out in force to take advantage of continuing education focused on their needs during the annual Veterinary Nursing Symposium held Sunday, March 26, at Lynn Hall. A total of 165 attendees, including veterinary assistants, veterinary nursing students, and veterinary nurses (technicians and technologists) learned practical information to use in clinical practice with a variety of lecture topics centered on both small and large animals. They also were able to visit booths set-up by five exhibitors.
Brittany Laflen, RVT, VTS (Neurology), speaks about seizure management at the Veterinary Nursing Symposium.
The day-long program began with opening remarks by Dr. Chad Brown, director of Purdue Veterinary Nursing Programs. Attendees then could choose between two tracks – one for small animal topics, moderated by Jennifer Ashley, RVT, veterinary skills and competencies manager, and one for large animal sessions moderated by Shelley Harmon, RVT, small and large animal versa technician. Speakers for the small animal track included Dr. Dennis DeNicola, Purdue veterinary alumnus and former Purdue professor of veterinary clinical pathology, who also worked for IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., and now is a partner in a private clinical pathology laboratory called Laboratory Retrievers. He spoke on the topic of “Do I Really Need to Understand the Graphics Provided By My In-clinic Hematology Analyzer?”
Other small animal track presentations included a talk on Pancreatis by Rebecca Roesler, RVT, VTS (ECC), emergency and critical care veterinary technologist; a presentation on Diabetes Mellitus by Katherine Beard, BS, RVT, small animal internal medicine veterinary technologist supervisor; and a talk entitled, “Anesthesia Monitoring and Your Anesthesia Machine,” by Heidi Lescun, BS, RVT, director of technical services for Vetamac.
The large animal track sessions began with a presentation on Urinary Track Disorders by Dr. Teresa Buchheit, Purdue Veterinary Medicine lecturer. Subsequent presentations included a talk entitled, “Myth or Medicine? Closer Inspection of Hot Trends in Equine Sports Medicine,” by Molly Cripe Birt, BS, RVT, VTS-EVN, senior veterinary technologist in large animal surgery; a session entitled, “A Vet Tech’s Perspective: Neonatal and Post-partum Care of Bovine and Equine Species,” by Hannah Byers-Englert, BS, RVT, who works at Stone Ridge Equine Care in Evansville, Indiana; and a talk on Equine Anesthetic Complications by veterinary technologist Jordan Wuthrich, BS, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia and Analgesia).
Veterinary Nursing Symposium attendees enjoyed visiting tables set-up by exhibitors, including this display for VetCheck Pet Urgent Care Center.
Following a break for lunch, the afternoon sessions all focused on small animal topics. Megan Oldfather, RVT, dentistry initiative training coordinator with Heartland Veterinary Partners, addressed the topic of “Do No Harm Dentistry”; Brittney Laflen, RVT, VTS (Neurology), veterinary technician for neurology and small animal surgery, gave a presentation entitled, “Seize Your Seizure Management”; and Kodie Balduff, RVT, CVT, a veterinary technician with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, concluded the day with a talk entitled, “The Pretty Poisons.”
The symposium was sponsored by Hills Pet Nutrition, Vetamac, Noah’s Animal Hospitals, Emergency Veterinary Care Centers, NVA, and VetCheck Pet Urgent Care Center. The event also provided attendees with a popular opportunity to pick up some Purdue Veterinary Medicine apparel at the student-run Vet Shoppe, which was open during the symposium lunch break.
PVM Alumna’s Tragic Passing Points to Importance of Available Support and Resources
A tragic sense of loss has been keenly felt across the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine community since word was received about the passing of Dr. Kathleen Lennon, a graduate in the Purdue DVM Class of 2015, who died by suicide March 13. A beloved equine veterinarian, Dr. Lennon, of New Albany, Ohio, was 33.
Highly accomplished and respected as an equine practitioner working in the Quarter Horse show industry, Dr. Lennon spent much of her time going to horse shows in Ohio, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Florida. She considered her horse show family her true family that played a role in all aspects of her life.
Dr. Lennon is remembered for her dedication and relentless pursuit of the best treatments for her patients. Always diplomatic and kind-hearted in her approach, she was known for giving the same effort in caring for a “backyard” horse as she would in treating a prize-winning champion. With a phone that never was silenced, Dr. Lennon constantly responded to middle-of-the-night calls to treat horses in need of veterinary care. As the demand for her expertise and medical care grew, days off were few and far between. On the rare occasions when she did get away from work, she loved visiting her mom in Sarasota, Florida.
Besides her love for veterinary practice, Dr. Lennon also loved competing as an accomplished rider in the horse show circuit. Dating back to when she was 13, she competed at the prestigious All American Quarter Horse Congress. Over time, she achieved such honors as being a two-time Congress Champion in Western Pleasure and Horsemanship, respectively, as well as a National Snaffle Bit Association World and Reserve World Champion, and a Level 1 AQHA Champion. Beyond her achievements, she loved the horse show environment, and the associated mix of humanity, with people of all ages from across the country joining together in a community in which she thrived.
The story of Dr. Lennon’s life explains why news of her death came as such a wrenching shock. She was loved and esteemed for all the admirable qualities that are stunningly antithetical to her fate.
In that light, family and friends want her life to light a candle of hope in the face of the mental health crisis that suicide represents. Though Dr. Lennon experienced the love of others, that caring ultimately was outweighed by internal stresses that remained private as she stoically bore the burdens of others.
Though the reasons for suicide are complex, it’s important to know that help and effective treatments are available for anyone who is struggling. The College of Veterinary Medicine encourages everyone to seek the help they need and to support others in doing the same. If you are concerned for a friend or colleague, reach out to them. No one should feel alone. Whether you get help from recommended resources or others, the important thing is to get help if you need it.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 for the free and confidential Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. For those in the College of Veterinary Medicine, help is available via our Counseling and Wellness Services.
A memorial service followed by a celebration of life reception for Dr. Lennon was held March 19 at Irongate Equestrian Center in Croton, Ohio. Click here to view the complete obituary.
The family asks that memorial donations be made to one of the following:
NOMV (Not One More Vet), a foundation focused on preventing suicide by veterinarians.
The college’s Dr. Kathleen Lennon Memorial Fund to help alleviate the cost of a veterinary education. Scholarship memorial contributions may be made online or via check made payable to the Purdue Foundation and sent to the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Office of Advancement, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2026, with the designation that the gift is in memory of Dr. Kathleen Lennon.
The Ohio Quarter Horse Foundation, which provides a multitude of resources for scholarships, crisis funds, education, and health and welfare.
The College of Veterinary Medicine hosted a special presentation Tuesday, March 28, as part of the Dr. Jeffrey A. Sutarik Memorial Wellness Lecture Series. The talk on the positive impact of using mindfulness in the veterinary profession was given during the Current Issues in Veterinary Medicine course. The speaker, Dr. Deidre Galbo, is a small animal veterinarian and Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumna. As a student she received the G. Edward Cummings Compassionate Care Award. After earning her DVM degree in 1999, she served seven years as a senior clinician at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital-Western New England (formerly Rowley Hospital) in Springfield, Massachusetts, before going into private practice in the Hartford, Connecticut, area.
Dr. Galbo has been an active practitioner of mindfulness ever since immersing herself in training through the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course at Copper Beech Institute in 2015. She has continued her practice with the Deepening Your Practice program and has been volunteering at Copper Beech ever since. She feels strongly that mindfulness is imperative when dealing with the many emotions and stresses of veterinary medicine, as well as in ordinary life, and she has been leading mindfulness seminars and retreats for veterinarians and their staff since 2018. The title of her presentation was, “Mindfulness Through the Eyes of a Veterinarian.”
The lecture was presented in person for students in Lynn 1136 and G167. In an effort to enhance the self-care and mindset of the veterinary community as a whole, the College of Veterinary Medicine also livestreamed the lecture so that those outside PVM could attend virtually.
The annual meeting of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) earlier this month included special recognition for second-year Purdue veterinary student Taylor Jansen. During the conference held March 4-7 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in the Denver suburb of Aurora, Colorado, Taylor won a Student Seminar Award for a presentation on her swine research and received a $2,500 scholarship from the AASV Foundation.
Taylor’s research presentation was on “Comparison of Tongue Tips, Serum, and Processing Fluids for PRRSV Monitoring in Neonates.” She conducted the research last summer as part of the Swine Veterinary Internship Program at Iowa State University. After being recognized at the AASV meeting, Taylor posted, “I was honored to be able to present my swine research at the 54th annual AASV conference… On top of being able to share my passion of pigs with leaders of the swine industry, I was also lucky enough to place in the top 5 and win a great scholarship! I love my industry, and look forward to attending future AASV conferences.”
Pictured (right-left) Purdue veterinary student Taylor Jansen, with the other AASV Foundation Student Seminar Award winners, who each received a $2,500 scholarship, and Pat Hoffmann, of Elanco Animal Health.
The AASV is the professional organization of some 1,500 swine veterinarians working in veterinary practice, industry, academia, research, and government, specializing in swine health, welfare, production, and public health. The association’s mission is to increase the knowledge of swine veterinarians; protect and promote the health and well-being of pigs; advocate science-based approaches to veterinary, industry, and public health issues; promote the development and availability of resources that enhance the effectiveness of professional activities; create opportunities that inspire personal and professional growth and interaction; and mentor students, encouraging life-long careers as swine veterinarians. The AASV Annual Meeting offers a variety of activities for student participation, providing opportunities for students to learn about swine medicine, network with each other, connect with swine faculty, and meet veterinarians and mentors. Registration to the meeting is free for student members and includes access to all educational sessions and activities, including the preconference seminars.
A member of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s first graduating class, the Class of 1963, has passed away. The college is saddened to learn that Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Benz of Durham, North Carolina, died January 18, 2023. He was 85.
After receiving his Purdue DVM degree, Dr. Benz went on to earn a doctorate in veterinary parasitology from the University of Wisconsin and then taught and conducted research at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1980, Dr. Benz joined Merck’s research laboratories in New Jersey as director of clinical research. His tenure included work with Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug used in livestock, and in treating river blindness in developing nations. Dr. Benz retired in 1993.
Memorials may be made to the Gerald W. Benz and Joan L. Benz Scholarship Endowment at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN 47907.
The American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) has announced the recipients of scholarships and awards given during the association’s recent annual meeting, and several of the honorees have ties to Purdue Veterinary Medicine. The 54th AASV Annual Meeting was held March 4-7 in the Denver, Colorado area.
Dr. Katie Beckman (PU DVM 2019), left, with two fellow early career swine practitioners, Drs. Daniel Brown and Alyssa Betlach, who are graduates of the University of Illinois and University of Minnesota, respectively. Each received student-debt relief scholarships that were announced at the AASV Annual Meeting.
Three $5000 scholarships were awarded to early-career swine practitioners, including Dr. Katie Beckman (PU DVM 2019). The scholarships are supported through the Dr. Conrad and Judy Schmidt Family Student Debt Relief Endowment for the purpose of relieving the student debt of recent veterinary graduates engaged in swine practice who still have a significant debt burden. Qualified applicants must have been engaged in private practice with at least 50% of their time devoted to swine, providing on-farm service directly to independent pork producers.
All three recipients have been continuous members of the AASV since joining as students. As students, each attended the annual meeting during their veterinary education. Dr. Beckman is a swine veterinarian at AMVC Management Services in Audubon, Iowa. She provides veterinary services to sow farms and wean-to-finish sites in Iowa, and teaches Swine Medicine Education Center students through AMVC. Dr. Beckman enjoys spending time on farms and building strong relationships with dedicated and passionate growers eager to improve herd health. She cites mentorship from AASV colleagues as an essential building block to a strong foundation as a swine veterinarian, and she hopes to support new graduates in the future.
The scholarship was initiated with a generous $110,000 contribution to the foundation by the Conrad Schmidt and Family Endowment. Dr. Schmidt, a charter member of AASV, explained, “Together, Judy and I noticed that many new DVM graduates interested in swine medicine begin their professional life with heavy educational debt obligations. As a long-time AASV member and animal industry supporter, it was our desire to help AASV members who have dedicated their professional skills to swine herd health and production. We hope that this endowment will grow over time to assist in reducing the educational debt load of AASV members as they begin their professional journeys.”
Purdue veterinary student Paul McDonald (right), of the DVM Class of 2025, was one of the AASV Student Poster Competition Awardees.
Also at the AASV Annual Meeting, the AASV Foundation announced Student Seminar awards and scholarships. A total of $25,000 in scholarships funded by the Zoetis Foundation and Elanco Animal Health was awarded to 15 veterinary students. Purdue veterinary student Kendall Sattler, of the DVM Class of 2026, was one of three student presenters who received $500 scholarships supported by Elanco Animal Health. A total of 35 veterinary students from 14 universities submitted abstracts for consideration by a panel of volunteer judges. From those submissions, 15 students were selected to present during the annual meeting. The Zoetis Foundation provided $750 to each student selected to participate to offset the costs of presenting.
The AASV also gave 15 veterinary students the opportunity to compete for awards in the Veterinary Student Poster Competition. United Animal Health sponsored that competition, offering awards totaling $4000. Based on scores received in the original judging of abstracts submitted for the AASV Student Seminar, the top 15 abstracts not selected for oral presentation at the annual meeting were eligible to compete in the poster competition. A panel of three AASV practitioners and volunteers interviewed the students in the competition and scored their posters to determine the scholarship awards. The award recipients, who were announced during the AASV luncheon on March 6, included Purdue student Paul McDonald, of the DVM Class of 2025, who received one of three $300 scholarships. In addition to the poster competition awards, each student poster presenter received $250 from the Zoetis Foundation to offset the costs of poster production and presentation.
Writer(s):
Kevin Doerr
Source: Abbey Canon, American Association of Swine Veterinarians
Dr. Wang presents on the topic of, “Oral Diseases and Anesthesia of Giant Pandas” for the college’s Exotic Animal Club.
A chance meeting several years ago in China between Dr. Jeff Ko, Purdue professor of anesthesiology in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, and a Chinese veterinarian and panda expert, Dr. ChengDong Wang, led to a unique opportunity for the College of Veterinary Medicine over the past year. That’s because, after they initially met, Dr. Ko extended an invitation to Dr. Wang to come to Purdue. He accepted and ultimately arrived at Lynn Hall last April for a yearlong visit.
With his stay at Purdue now nearing its conclusion, Dr. Wang took advantage of an opportunity Monday, March 6, to give a presentation jointly with Dr. Ko to the student Exotic Animal Club. During the luncheon meeting in Lynn Hall, Drs. Wang and Ko shared about panda anesthesia and oral and dental diseases and also talked about PVM’s international veterinary student exchange program.
Dr. Wang works as the head of the Veterinary Research Program at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. He also is in charge of all the giant panda health and husbandry management in the Dujiangyan Base of Giant Panda Center, where there are about 150 pandas. He and his team also are partially responsible for pandas abroad, including those in the U.S. Dr. Wang earned his DVM degree in 2002 at the Sichuan Agricultural University College of Veterinary Medicine and later pursued graduate studies there, receiving a master’s degree in 2011 and his PhD in animal husbandry, with a focus on special animal species, including pandas, in 2015.
Dr. ChengDong Wang (left), head of the Veterinary Research Program at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, with Dr. Jeff Ko, professor of anesthesiology; Lauren Pengiel, of the DVM Class of 2026, Exotic Animal Club Symposium coordinator-elect; and Dr. Steve Thompson, clinical associate professor of small animal primary care, as they gathered for a photo at the Exotic Animal Club luncheon March 6 in Lynn Hall.
Dr. Ko met Dr. Wang in 2017, when, as part of the PVM Office of Global Engagement’s international summer student programs, he took a group of Purdue veterinary students on a trip to the Sichuan Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base to learn about panda medicine. This summer student program also had been led by Dr. Riyi Shi, professor of basic medical sciences and Mari Hulman George Endowed Professor of Applied Neuroscience, in the previous year. Drs. Ko and Wang enjoyed sharing about their clinical experiences involving the giant panda, and in particular, anesthesia in the giant panda. Dr. Ko said Dr. Wang then accepted an invitation to come to Purdue because he wanted to learn more about clinical medicine at Purdue, as it pertains to anesthesia, dentistry, and other clinical specialty areas.
The next step involved Dr. Wang applying for a scholarship through the China Scholarship Council in 2019. He was awarded a one-year scholarship in May 2020 to support his coming to Purdue, and his visit also was approved by the head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Dr. Catharine Scott-Moncrieff. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the visit was postponed until April 2022.
Dr. Ko said during his time at Purdue, Dr. Wang has learned a great deal about anesthesia, working with the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital’s anesthesia team, and dentistry, working with Dr. Steve Thompson, clinical associate professor of small animal primary care. He also observed both large and small animal surgery, medicine, and diagnostic imaging, and learned a lot about case management and clinical equipment. Dr. Ko said Dr. Wang’s goal is to take all the skills and knowledge he’s gained back to the Giant Panda Center and apply them to panda care. He also plans to teach his team about the high quality of veterinary care at Purdue and share the skills he learned with his team members.
As Dr. Wang prepares to conclude his Purdue visit next month, he sincerely welcomes Purdue Veterinary Medicine students and faculty members to visit his Panda research center. Additionally, several research projects related to panda anesthesia and dental care have been formulated between the Giant Panda Center, Sichuan Agricultural University, and PVM faculty members. Dr. Wang’s last day at the college will be April 6.
A graduate in the Purdue DVM Class of 1969 has passed away. The College of Veterinary Medicine is saddened to learn that Dr. Douglas E. Fisher, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, died December 23, 2022. He was 77.
Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Dr. Fisher enrolled at Purdue University in 1965 to pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian who focused on large animals. While in veterinary school, he lived off campus on a small farm with his horse. After earning his DVM degree, he initially worked at equine hospitals in Niles, Michigan and Lima, Ohio before moving to New York in 1971 to be the veterinarian at the prestigious Belmont Park thoroughbred racetrack. He later returned to the Fort Wayne area and worked at a veterinary practice in Churubusco before starting a mobile veterinary practice that grew extensively in northeastern Indiana.
Dr. Fisher also served as the official veterinarian of such programs and events as the Allen County and Whitley County 4-H programs, the Shrine Circus when it performed at the War Memorial Coliseum, regional rodeos, and many other equine sporting events. Additionally, he helped with challenging cases at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, caring for a variety of species including bison, zebra, giraffe, camels, elephants, parrots, and even a tortoise. At rodeos, he was known to treat fierce bulls and broncs.
Regarded as a very giving person, Dr. Fisher supported a variety of philanthropic and charitable causes and placed high importance on his family and faith. In keeping with his philosophy of caring for people and being good stewards of the earth, he was a member of many organizations around the state and in his home community, including the ACRES Land Trust, the Isaac Walton League, many horse rescues, Mighty in the Land Ministry, and Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church. He also was involved in organized veterinary medicine as a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, and the Northeast Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Fisher’s interests spanned many subjects, from biology and geology, to natural history, hiking, canoeing, firearms, and ballistics. An expert naturalist, he had a great appreciation for nature and was known for being an outspoken advocate for wetland conservation and protecting water quality. He also liked teaching children, including his own nine grandchildren, about horses, their care, and horsemanship. He is remembered as a loyal, kind, compassionate, hard-working, loving, smart, and fun family man and a fine gentleman. A funeral service was held in January at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne. The D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children or Mighty in the Land Ministry. Click here to view a complete obituary and share memories and expressions of sympathy with the Fisher family.
This photo used in the JAVMA article about Purdue veterinary education shows members of the veterinary team collaborating in the new David and Bonnie Brunner Small Animal Hospital’s anesthesiology induction area.
As part of a series of feature articles, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is highlighting education and research at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in articles published recently in JAVMA (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association) and AJVR (American Journal of Veterinary Research). The journals introduced “Spotlight” in July as a new regular feature that each month highlights several colleges of veterinary medicine accredited by the Council on Education. Purdue Veterinary Medicine was chosen to be featured in the March 2023 issues of the two journals.
The article on Purdue veterinary education in JAVMA carries the subtitle, “Purdue’s Legacy of Leading in Graduating Career Ready Veterinarians.” It explains that graduating practice-ready veterinarians who have the foundation to pursue any veterinary career path they choose, is a hallmark of the college. The article goes on to detail how, with advanced technology, new and innovative approaches to learning, and state-of-the-art facilities, that trait is stronger now than ever.
The spotlight feature on the college’s animal health research published in AJVR is subtitled, “Purdue’s Comparative Approach to Advancing Animal Health.” The article emphasizes that, “since its opening in 1959, the college has built an enduring legacy of research that seeks to improve the understanding and treatment of animal diseases while also advancing human medicine.” The feature then gives examples of the college’s areas of research, including comparative oncology and equine sports medicine.
The Spotlight series articles are written by authors at each college, working with an editorial team. The Purdue articles were written by Kevin Doerr, director of public affairs and communications, who worked with the editorial committee of Dr. S. Kathleen Salisbury, associate dean for academic affairs; Dr. Harm HogenEsch, associate dean for research; Dr. Sandra San Miguel, associate dean for engagement; and Dean Willie Reed. The articles had to meet strict manuscript standards, including limits on word counts and images, in order to be accepted for publication.
Click here to view the article in JAVMA. Click here to view the AJVR article. The Spotlight feature series is one of a number of innovations and changes that have been implemented in the journals by Dr. Lisa Fortier, editor-in-chief of JAVMA and AJVR and AVMA division director of publications. Dr. Fortier said the idea behind the series is to give all of the colleges the opportunity to share their innovations in the clinical preparation of the next generation of veterinarians, as well as their novel research programs that are significantly impacting animal health or welfare. The journals now boast circulation to over 100,000 readers.
