Today we are highlighting Mary Ruzicka, who serves as senior administrative assistant in the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. A staff member nominated Mary stating, “Mary is the best! She knows just who to call when something breaks down. She keeps us up to date on how issues are being handled & best of all – she has an infectious laugh that will brighten anyone’s day!”
Fostering a healthy work environment involves expressing appreciation and gratitude. Is there someone at PVM you would like to acknowledge today? It’s easy to make a Paws Up submission – just follow this link. Submissions are published anonymously and may be edited for length. Any PVM staff, faculty, student, or team may be nominated by anyone in our college. For more information, visit the PVM Wellness Committee website.
The 2024 Canine Welfare Science Forum organized by the Purdue University Center for Animal Welfare Science (CAWS) will explore the changing landscape for dog supply and demand during a two-day program in June. Sessions will address the urgent need for innovation, collaborative problem-solving, and use of best-practices to get dogs into homes and keep them there. With both in-person and virtual attendance options, the forum will be held June 14-15 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Lafayette, Indiana.
“Participants will learn about factors that are creating new challenges and opportunities for commercial breeders and other stakeholders aiming to do their part to support canine welfare through responsible practices,” said Dr. Candace Croney, director of CAWS and a featured speaker at the upcoming forum. “Presentations will review evidence-based practices for physical health, genetic screening, and behavioral management of dogs and how breeders can apply this knowledge, with special emphasis on the implications for successful rehoming,” said Dr. Croney, who holds a joint appointment in the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture as professor of animal behavior and well-being. “The need for community-building and future-proofing for sustainability and responsibility in sourcing and supply of dogs also will be discussed.”
Other special speakers will include:
Bret Marsh, DVM, Indiana State Veterinarian with the Indiana Board of Animal Health
Emily Pieracci, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Martha Boden, SPCA Tampa Bay
Chris Fleming, Pinnacle Pet and A Dog’s Dream
Katie Hornberger DVM, DACT, Janssen Veterinary Clinic – Repro Center
The Canine Welfare Science Forum will begin in the mid-afternoon on Friday, June 14 and conclude in the afternoon on Saturday. Friday evening will feature a reception and awards program. The event is designed for dog breeders, pet industry representatives, shelter personnel, animal care specialists, veterinarians, veterinary nurses, scientists, students, legislators, NGOs, and members of the general public.
Major funding for the Canine Welfare Science Forum is generously provided through a grant from Life of Riley at Spring Point – a signature program of Spring Point Partners, which advances animal welfare by investing in diverse leadership and community-driven solutions.
Click here for more information and to register. There is a registration fee, with a discount for students. Early registration ends May 30, 2024. Prices will increase by $10 as of June 1, 2024. For those wishing to participate virtually, a ZOOM link will be provided after they complete the registration.
Members of the Class of 2025 hold their white coats as they process through the Purdue Memorial Union South Ballroom to their seats at the start of the White Coat Ceremony.
Despite the energy expended by members of the DVM Class of 2025 as they shouldered the responsibility for organizing the annual Purdue Veterinary Medicine Open House on Saturday, April 13, a celebratory spirit buoyed them along that evening as they anticipated their participation in a veterinary school rite of passage. Quickly changing from attire appropriate for cleaning-up from the Open House to much more formal wear, the third-year students arrived at the Purdue Memorial Union Ballrooms ready for the next important step in their journey to become veterinarians.
As the clock struck 5:00, the students each took hold of a new white coat and placed it over their arm, ready to process to their designated seats in a room full of family, friends, loved ones and Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty, staff and fellow students. The White Coat Ceremony that followed beautifully signified the third-year students’ transition from the classroom to the clinics as they anticipate the start of their clinical fourth-year of the DVM program.
Dean Willie Reed started the program by sharing how the roots of the tradition date back to 1993, when the practice of holding a White Coat Ceremony was established at the Columbia University Medical School. “The event was designed to impress upon students, physicians, and the public, the important symbolic role of the white coat in patient-doctor interactions,” Dean Reed said. “Today, this ceremony is held not only in medical schools, but also in veterinary schools across the country.”
Dean Reed went on to explain that, for the members of the Class of 2025, the donning of the white coat symbolizes their new role as junior veterinarians. “This coat indicates your acceptance of the great responsibility you now have toward your patients and clients, as well as your commitment to show compassion and empathy, and to make a positive difference in the life of every animal and person with whom you come in contact.”
Dean Reed then introduced two guest speakers who each shared insights with the class, based on their own perspectives as mentors who themselves had been in the same situation when they were third year veterinary students. The first to speak was Dr. Larry Adams, professor of small animal internal medicine, who was selected by the class members as the faculty member they wanted to hear advice from as they prepare to begin their clinical year. The other speaker was a current fourth-year student, Joe Chandler, who shared his perspective as a student nearing the conclusion of his clinical year. Both speakers encouraged the students to make the most of the unique learning opportunities that the clinical year of veterinary school affords them.
After the presenters shared their words of advice, the focus of the ceremony turned to one who was absent and missed dearly by classmates, other students and faculty and staff. The white coat that would have been presented to class member Aaron Lewis was carefully folded and placed in a shadow box, as a remembrance of the student who tragically lost his life in an accident last summer. Aaron’s family members, who came from Georgia to be present for the ceremony, were invited on stage to receive his white coat. Even in the midst of the emotional tribute, a calmness pervaded the scene as all who had known Aaron remembered his exemplary caring, perseverance and positive impact.
Dean Willie Reed presents the commemorative white coat for the late Aaron Lewis to his family who traveled from Georgia to attend the White Coat Ceremony.
Following the tribute, the ceremony continued with Aaron’s classmates participating just as he would have wanted them to. The students lined-up with their white coats in hand and one by one, as their names were called by Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Kathy Salisbury, stepped across the stage and handed their coat to Dean Reed who then officially placed it on each one before posing with the student for a keepsake photo. Also present on stage was the president of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association and PVM alumna, Dr. Lindsey Hedges (PU DVM ’11), who gave each class member an IVMA sponsored name tag to place proudly on their stethoscope. Dr. Salisbury also pointed out to the students that within the pocket of each white coat, they would find a personal note from one of the numerous alumni and friends of the college who supported the ceremony by making donations as white coat sponsors.
As the class members stepped down from the stage, they proceeded to risers that were positioned nearby, so they could assemble for a commemorative class picture. Spontaneously, they arranged to hold the white coat of their missing classmate, Aaron, front and center in the group picture.
Wearing their white coats and holding the framed white coat of their classmate Aaron Lewis in his memory, members of the Class of 2025 gather for their class photo.
Following the photo, the students returned to their seats as Dean Reed began the second part of the program, which involved the presentation of awards recognizing the special accomplishments of individual members of the class. Congratulations to the following award recipients:
Mary Nowak received the Dr. William W. Carlton Award for Aptitude in Veterinary Pathology. Established by Dr. William H. Jordan and his fellow alumni in the DVM Class of 1973 as a tribute to the late Dr. Carlton, the Leslie Morton Hutchings Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Pathology, the award recognizes a third-year veterinary student who has shown aptitude in the field of pathology through superior academic performance in pathology studies.
Emily Prugh received the Indiana Horse Council Foundation Equine Industry Award. Chosen by peers, the recipient of this award is recognized for providing other students with the greatest exposure to the equine industry.
Carissa Adrianson was presented with the Holly Watts Memorial Award based on her selection by a vote of the members of the Exotic Animal Club. The award is a tribute to a veterinary student named Holly Watts, who passed away in 1983 during her junior year. Established by her family and members of the Class of 1985, the Holly Watts Memorial Award recognizes a student with exceptional interest and proficiency in non-domestic animal medicine.
Carissa Adrianson pauses for a keepsake photo with Dean Reed after receiving her white coat. She also was presented with the Holly Watts Memorial Award.
Devon Anderson received special recognition for his service during the past year as president of the Purdue Chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association, known as SAVMA Purdue. Devon was praised for his dedication in fulfilling this important leadership role in the student body.
Devon Anderson with Dean Reed after receiving his white coat. He also was recognized for his service during the past year as president of SAVMA Purdue.
Dean Reed then concluded the program by sharing his own message for the Class of 2025. “I would like to congratulate you on reaching this pivotal point in your veterinary medical education when you begin your clinical training,” Dean Reed said. “You will be the third veterinary class to complete your fourth year in our new veterinary hospitals. This will be an exciting time for each of you and all of us in the college. The coming year will be a phenomenal learning experience. Immerse yourself in it so you can become the best veterinarian you can be – and have fun!”
Dean Reed also acknowledged the importance of the support of loving family members. “On behalf of our college’s faculty and staff, we say thank you to each of our graduates’ family members who have joined us today.” Attendees then were invited to stay for a reception that provided an opportunity for students and their families to visit with one another and college faculty and staff, while also capturing some of their own keepsake photos of the occasion.
Professional photos from this event are available to view and purchase online at: lauschphotography.com (Gallery: 2024 Purdue Vet Med; Password: 2024PVM).
Congratulations to members of the DVM Class of 2025!
(left-right) VCS graduate students Jillian Grantz and Natnicha Taechachokevivat display the awards they won in the 2024 Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference Student Presentation Showcase.
Congratulations are in order for two graduate students who work in the research laboratory of Dr. Rafael Neves, assistant professor of food animal ambulatory, after they won awards at the recent Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference. Held in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the three-day annual event is a collaborative effort between Purdue University, Michigan State University, The Ohio State University, and the allied dairy industry.
As part of the Student Presentation Showcase on Monday, April 15, graduate students from Purdue, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State University, and the University of Wisconsin vied for prizes up to $2,250 in the MS and PhD divisions.
Jillian Grantz won 1st place in the MS division oral competition for her presentation entitled, “Evaluation of the plasma oxylipin and endocannabinoid profile and the platelet and plasma proteome in postpartum dairy cows experiencing elevated systemic inflammation.”
Natnicha Taechachokevivat was awarded 2nd place in the PhD student oral competition for her presentation entitled, “The epidemiology of systemic inflammation: Associations of plasma haptoglobin in the first week postpartum with disease and milk yield in Holstein cows.”
Jillian and Natnicha successfully competed against students from MSU, OSU, Penn State and Purdue to win awards in their respective categories. “I am beyond proud of them,” commented Dr. Neves.
The Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference primarily serves individuals who provide nutritional advice to dairy farmers. Attendees include feed industry personnel, nutrition consultants, university faculty and students, extension personnel, and veterinarians.
The course will bring together people from a variety of disciplines to introduce the latest concepts, techniques, procedures, and equipment being used in large animal emergencies. The program includes lectures, demonstrations, and practical hands-on training. Participants will complete a final exam at the conclusion and receive a certificate in Animal Technical Rescue Standards.
During the program’s first day, lectures will cover the roles of veterinarians, owners, emergency responders, and animal control personnel in emergency and disaster situations. The course will introduce basic concepts and risk assessment, along with such topics as large animal behavior and senses in normal and stressful situations, agro-terrorism, and foreign animal diseases.
During the hands-on live training, participants will observe and practice various rescue techniques including manipulation, the use of supplies and equipment, barn fire prevention, and evacuation planning. They also will take part in an exercise in barn fire evacuation as well as other rescue simulations.
The second day offers lectures covering additional procedures along with demonstrations involving emergency planning and preparation, vertical lifting, and rescue scenarios such as water, ice, unstable ground, and mud rescues. The event will conclude with the final exam.
Dr. Rebecca Husted
The training and certificates will be presented by Dr. Rebecca Husted, the sole owner of Technical Large Animal Rescue, Inc. Dr. Husted has more than 28 years of rescue experience and is retired from military active duty after mobilizations (Ft. Bragg) and combat deployments to Iraq and Kuwait.
The TLAER course is designed for veterinarians, firefighters, EMS personnel, animal control officers, breeders, trainers, and owners. To learn more visit the registration website or click here to register.
Dr. Brittany Bertsch (PU DVM 2016) guides her son as he tries his hand at bandaging in the Veterinary Nursing display area.
Sunny skies and warm temperatures helped draw crowds of visitors to Lynn Hall for the annual College of Veterinary Medicine Open House, which was held Saturday, April 13 in conjunction with Purdue University’s 2024 Spring Fest. Visitors of all ages enjoyed a wide variety of activities, demonstrations, displays and interactive learning opportunities. The Open House is organized by students to showcase the college’s programs, people and facilities. Held from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Open House included tours of the new David and Bonnie Brunner Small Animal Hospital, a petting zoo, police K9 demonstrations, and opportunities to get up close and personal with the college’s Canine Educators.
Veterinary student Kennedy Smith of the DVM Class of 2026 leads a tour through the Small Animal Hospital.
Other annual Open House favorites included the Food Animal Club tent where burgers and hot dogs were served, and the Graduation Day photo booth, where young attendees who collected all the necessary Open House stamps on their Graduation Day Card got to don a white coat and stethoscope for their “graduation picture!” Another popular attraction was the Veterinary Nursing room that featured face painting and a bandaging station where future veterinary nurses could try their hand at bandaging the leg on a dog manikin. Visitors also were able to view a display of winning 4-H Veterinary Science posters and projects from around the state that were showcased at the Indiana State Fair, and meet the 4-H members who created them.
Congratulations to all of the PVM students who helped put on this year’s Open House, along with the assistance and support of faculty and staff. And a special thank you to Open House student co-chairs Lisa Miller of the DVM Class of 2025 and Sara Helming of the DVM Class of 2026.
Other events held on campus last Saturday as part of Spring Fest included Purdue Aviation Day at the Purdue University Airport, which included aerial demonstrations that brought the stunning A-10 Thunderbolt II demonstration team right over Lynn Hall. Additionally campus visitors were able to see other classic Spring Fest events such as the Bug Bowl featuring the Cockroach Colosseum and the Horticulture show. All Spring Fest events were free and open to the public.
In tandem with Spring Fest, Purdue also hosted the 16th annual Purdue Challenge 5k run/walk, supporting the Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research.
Following the Open House, after student volunteers took care of putting everything away and getting the building back to normal for classes on Monday, members of the DVM Class of 2025 along with family, friends, loved ones, and faculty and staff headed to the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms for the annual White Coat Ceremony, which will be covered in next week’s Vet Gazette.
Physical Rehabilitation Veterinary Technician Rachel Yoquelet, BS, RVT, VTS (ECC), CVMRT, conducts a demonstration of the underwater treadmill during the PVM Open House.
The beautiful weather provided the perfect conditions for an outdoor Police K9 demonstration featuring Mocca, a Dutch Shepherd on the Purdue Police force, and his handler, Sgt. of Special Services A. J. Demello
Llamas were among the popular animals in the Open House Petting Zoo.
Today, as we wrap-up the Spring 2024 Wellness Week, we are highlighting Dr. Colleen Maguire Jackson, who is the lead therapist in the Department of Veterinary Administration and also serves as the PVM Wellness Chair. A staff member nominated her stating, “Colleen went out of her way to orient and welcome me as I joined the PVM VAD Team, making it much easier for me to join as seamlessly as possible and begin my work at the College. She was always warm, thorough, and very supportive, even in her busyness….much appreciated!” Another staff member said, “I really appreciate her commitment to advocating for the wellbeing of the PVM community.”
Fostering a healthy work environment involves expressing appreciation and gratitude. Is there someone at PVM you would like to acknowledge today? It’s easy to make a Paws Up submission – just follow this link. Submissions are published anonymously and may be edited for length. Any PVM staff, faculty, student, or team may be nominated by anyone in our college. For more information, visit the PVM Wellness Committee website.
This story was quietly submitted to the Vet Gazette by members of the PVM Wellness Committee as a surprise to Dr. Maguire Jackson!
Today we are highlighting Amy Fridlund, who is the Infection Control Specialist in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. A faculty member nominated Amy stating, “Amy works 24/7 to ensure the health and safety of our patients, students, and staff.”
Fostering a healthy work environment involves expressing appreciation and gratitude. Is there someone at PVM you would like to acknowledge today? It’s easy to make a Paws Up submission – just follow this link. Submissions are published anonymously and may be edited for length. Any PVM staff, faculty, student, or team may be nominated by anyone in our college. For more information, visit the PVM Wellness Committee website.
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Teams-up with Lafayette School Corporation through The League of VetaHumanz to Support Miller Elementary School Students
The Lafayette School Corporation cabinet visited Miller Elementary School recently to view a League of VetaHumanz movement-based science lesson for third graders led by Dr. Sandra San Miguel, and joined right in with the students.
The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine formalized a year-plus-long partnership between the college and the Lafayette School Corporation to support students at Miller Elementary School with a new 5-year commitment to combine superpowers and enrich student STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning through veterinary science lessons.
The League of VetaHumanz is an alliance of veterinary superheroes, led by Purdue Veterinary Medicine in collaboration with Purdue’s Evaluation and Learning Research Center. Teams of veterinary professionals and student role models across the country, certified by PVM, provide access and support for under-resourced children who aspire to careers in the veterinary profession. The award-winning program is supported by the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health.
“We are excited for this opportunity to combine the superpowers of PVM and Miller Elementary for mutual transformation through The League of VetaHumanz,” said Dr. Sandra San Miguel, aka “Pink Phoenix,” associate dean for engagement and founder of the League.
Third graders with their teacher Matthew Pendleton listen for Dr. San Miguel to start a race that was part of their science lesson on magnetism and animals.
For over a year, Dr. San Miguel, has been collaborating with the Miller Elementary leadership, teachers, and staff to develop and deliver a movement-based science curriculum for Miller students consistent with Indiana’s academic standards. After school, PVM staff and students deliver vet lessons to Miller students participating in programs at Bauer Family Resources. To further support this commitment, the college recently launched the PVM Cares! initiative, inviting all PVM students, staff, faculty, and alumni, as well as PVM friends and allies, to join in this partnership. PVM Cares! takes a holistic approach to supporting the school. “Throughout the year PVM and Miller will work together to equip Miller students and classrooms with everything from school supplies, homework supplies, and educational materials, to seasonal needs such as footwear, clothing, and outerwear,” Dr. San Miguel said. “We look forward to seeing how participation in this initiative boosts the wellbeing both of members of our college and members of our community!”
Miller Elementary School principal Erin Phillips said the partnership is an exciting development that sparks enthusiasm on the part of Miller students and teachers alike. “This marks an exciting new chapter in our educational journey, as Miller Elementary proudly joins hands with the hands-on VetaHumanz Science Program, under the expert guidance of Dr. Sandra San Miguel,” Phillips said. “This collaboration is not just a partnership; it is a testament to our commitment to excellence in science education. We are incredibly excited to begin on this path with our Miller Mustangs as they embark on many inquisitive activities! This partnership also allows us to meet the diverse needs of all of our students.”
“We are getting ready for our first PVM Cares! mission in August,” Dr. San Miguel explained. “We will supply each child with a backpack filled with the supplies the students need to do their homework. The League will purchase the backpacks. Then, volunteers can help fill them with contents and care!”
“We are very excited about continuing our valued partnership with Miller Elementary School through this agreement,” said Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed. “This initiative is one of many examples of the college’s truly collaborative and mutually beneficial community engagement programs.”
The LSC cabinet, joined by teachers and State Representative and former teacher Sheila Klinker, showed that they’re ready to charge ahead with the PVM-LSC collaboration to support Miller students.
The Purdue University Board of Trustees has approved the promotion of more than 150 faculty across the West Lafayette, Northwest, Fort Wayne and IUPUI campuses for the 2024-25 academic year, including nine College of Veterinary Medicine faculty. The trustees took the action on Friday, April 5. Faculty promotions are approved annually by the trustees in April, per the Purdue academic tenure and promotion policy.
Congratulations to the PVM faculty who are listed below, along with the effective dates of their promotions:
Sandra D. Taylor, professor of veterinary clinical sciences, July 1, 2024
GuangJun Zhang, professor of comparative pathobiology, August 12, 2024
The promoted PVM faculty will be honored later this month at the college’s annual Faculty Awards and Promotions Celebration. The event will be held Thursday, April 25 at 3:30 p.m. in LYNN 1136 with a reception to follow in the Veterinary Medical Library.
