2025 ACVIM Forum Shines Recognition Spotlight on Purdue Veterinary Medicine Residents

Dr. Kiersten Forsyth (left) and Dr. Jessica Linder (right)
Dr. Kiersten Forsyth (left) and Dr. Jessica Linder (right)

This summer, two Purdue Veterinary Medicine residents, including one who will be joining the faculty this fall, won awards at the acclaimed ACVIM Forum – regarded as the leading event for advanced, specialist-level education in veterinary internal medicine. Held June 19–21 in Louisville, Kentucky, this conference hosted by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) attracted more than 2,500 attendees from 34 countries, and featured 521 presenters, 630 sessions, 163 oral research abstracts and 162 posters.

Among the conference highlights were award presentations, which included recognition of the 2025 ACVIM Resident Research Abstract Award Winners. Among the winners were two Purdue veterinary residents – Dr. Kiersten Forsyth and Dr. Jessica Linder.

Dr. Forsyth, who is now in the third year of her cardiology residency, was one of three award winners in the Cardiology category. She was recognized for her research abstract (C13) entitled, “Effects of Zenalpha® (Medetomidine/Vatinoxan) on Blood Pressure, Echocardiographic Measurements, and Cardiac Rhythm in Healthy Dogs.”

Dr. Linder, who just completed her neurology residency and plans to join the Purdue faculty as clinical assistant professor of veterinary neurology October 1, was one of two awardees in the Neurology category. She was honored for her research abstract (N08) entitled, “Spinal-only meningomyelitis of unknown etiology: Clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome in 23 dogs.”

Congratulations to Drs. Forsyth and Linder for their outstanding accomplishment, which brings excellent recognition both to them and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine!

As the world’s largest veterinary specialty organization, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine holds the ACVIM Forum annually as the premier event where those interested in veterinary internal medicine and members of the college’s six specialties can connect. Besides Cardiology and Neurology, the ACVIM’s other specialties are Large Animal Internal Medicine, Nutrition, Oncology and Small Animal Internal Medicine. The members of these specialties, known as Diplomates, as well as candidates working toward Board-certification in these specialties, come together at the ACVIM Forum to present and hear the latest developments in veterinary specialty medicine. Veterinary professionals who are not members of the ACVIM can also attend, including specialists from other colleges, general practitioners, technicians, students, interns and more.

Congratulations again to Dr. Forsyth and Dr. Linder for their recognition at the 2025 ACVIM Forum!

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

Recent Stories

Luna’s Story

Luna, a K-9 officer with Tippecanoe County Community Corrections, suddenly faced a career-threatening injury earlier this year when a hidden bone condition caused her elbow to shatter. Thanks to the expert surgical and rehabilitation care she received at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, Luna has made a full recovery and is back on duty, helping keep her community safe.

Purdue Alumnus and Boarded Oncology Specialist Named as New Interim Associate Dean for Hospital Operations

Dr. Christopher Fulkerson, clinical associate professor of veterinary medical oncology, has been named as the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s new interim associate dean for hospital operations. The appointment, effective immediately, was announced Monday, September 8 by the dean of the college, Dr. Bret D. Marsh.

PVM and Indiana ADDL Representatives Connect with Poultry Industry at ISPA Golf Outing

An important annual event for the Indiana poultry industry took place this week and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine had a visible presence to demonstrate its commitment to poultry producers. The event was the Indiana State Poultry Association (ISPA) annual Johndrew Memorial Golf Outing that was held Wednesday, September 10 at the Fort Golf Course at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis.

In Memory:  Former PVM Lab Instructor Pamela Hartman

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn of the passing of a former Department of Comparative Pathobiology lab instructor, Pamela (Pam) K. Hartman, of Carmel, Indiana, formerly of Lafayette, who passed away at her home Saturday, September 6. She was 77.

Stethoscopes and Selfies Mark Start of Fall Semester for First Year PVM Students

An important Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine tradition kicked-off the new school year for first-year veterinary students in the Class of 2029 as well as veterinary technology students in the Class of 2028 who are attending classes in Lynn Hall this fall for the first time. The annual Stethoscope Celebration was held August 26 at the Beck Agricultural Center. In addition to a full-course meal, the event featured remarks by Dean Bret Marsh and event sponsors, and culminated with each student receiving a complimentary stethoscope.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, the whole DVM Class of 2026 cohort is being recognized for work they are doing in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.