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

Fourth Purdue AMR Conference Promotes Collaboration to Address Global Health Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance through PVM’s One Health Initiative. 

Purdue University served as the place where local, national and international experts came together in-person and online recently for concentrated sharing of research, expertise and insight targeting the threat of multi-drug-resistant infections. The fourth annual AMR Conference February 25-26, 2026, held in Stewart Center, attracted more than 100 attendees from across the U.S. and six other countries.

Presentation of Research Poster Prizes Wraps up Antimicrobial Resistance Conference 

Purdue University’s fourth Antimicrobial Resistance Conference concluded February 26 with remarks from Purdue Vice President for Health Affairs and Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy Eric Barker, PhD, who also announced the winners of the conference’s research poster session.  The poster contest, which attracted more than 20 entries, was divided into categories for undergraduate and graduate students.

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

Today we are glad to highlight one of our own committee members. Charlene Evans, Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor in the Reed Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, is a wonderful champion for mental health and wellbeing on the PVM Wellness Committee and within the ADDL community.

Purdue Professor of Large Animal Surgery Named Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department Head

Dr. Timothy Lescun, a board-certified large animal surgeon, has been appointed head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences in the Purdue university College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Engages with Swine Health Leaders at AASV

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well-represented at the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Meeting, which provided important continuing education and networking opportunities for swine practitioners. The conference in Las Vegas February 28 through March 3, 2026, also provided the opportunity for the college to engage with alumni and partners who are influencing the future of animal agriculture.

Boilers, Ballgowns, Boilermaker Pride and PVM!

With a fun twist on classic title, the 2026 Purdue Boilermaker Ball provided a meaningful evening of celebrating Purdue University’s distinguished heritage and traditions, and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was proud to be part of the event. Dubbed “A Midwinter Night’s Dream,” the festive function February 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown proved to be one enchanted evening! PVM alumni and donors were among the guests for the creative black-tie event, and enjoyed the opportunity to visit and share the common commitment to veterinary medicine, animal health, and the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Alumni Honored with IVMA Awards for Achievement, Volunteer Service and Contributions to Profession

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) recognized several Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni with awards and honors at the association’s 2026 Crossroads Veterinary Conference.  The annual meeting in Noblesville, Indiana, was held February 5-7 and featured scientific and practice management sessions for veterinary professionals as well as an exhibit hall. As part of the conference, the IVMA hosted its membership meeting February 5, when awards and honors were presented.

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

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

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.