Annual Purdue Veterinary Conference Brings Together Alumni, Students, Staff and Faculty

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A festive atmosphere pervaded a week of learning and special events at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual conference for veterinarians and veterinary nurses. Held September 17-21 on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus, the program attracted more than 850 registered participants. Attendees included veterinary professionals, Purdue students, staff and faculty, exhibitors and presenters.

The programming kicked-off Tuesday evening, September 17, with the Elanco Human-Animal Bond lecture that featured Nancy Gee, PhD, C-AISS, director of the Center for Human Animal Interaction at the VCU Medical College of Virginia. Her presentation entitled, “After 30,000 Years, What Do We Know About the Human-Animal Bond?” drew a roomful of attendees excited to hear from the leading researcher and key opinion leader in the field.

A full slate of continuing education sessions began the following day, Wednesday, September 18, with Kara Burns, founder and president of the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians, leading off by presenting the Dr. Roger L. Lukens Lecture on the topic, “Courageous Change: Embracing Career Opportunities.” A licensed veterinary technician, Burns is the director of Veterinary Nursing for NAVC and the editor in chief of Today’s Veterinary Nurse. The Wednesday conference line-up also included the Wellness Keynote featuring Susan Cohen, DSW, founder of Pet Decisions, who is considered a pioneer in the fields of pet loss, human-animal interaction, and the human side of veterinary practice. Earlier in the day Cohen spoke to Purdue veterinary students in Lynn Hall as part of the Dr. Jeffrey A. Sutarik Memorial Wellness Lecture Series. Her presentation was entitled, “Vet Life: How to Love What You Do Without Burning Out.”

Thursday’s line-up included the Diversity Keynote, which was given by Dr. Sandra San Miguel, PVM associate dean for engagement and professor of veterinary clinical sciences, who spoke on the topic, “The Influence of Diversity in Communication in Healthcare.” Her inspiring and well-received presentation focused on The League of VetaHumanz, a global, inclusive veterinary superhero league where VetaHumanz in academia, practice, research, government, and industry engage with community centers and schools across the globe to provide access and support for under-resourced children.

Headlining the afternoon sessions was the Jack and Naomi Stockton / Class of 1971 Lecture, which featured Dr. Regina Tan, a Purdue alumna of the DVM Class of 1999 who is currently senior advisor for the Office of Research at the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. Speaking on the topic, “One Health and the Future of Veterinary Medicine,” her talk included stories and advice from her own veterinary career journey.

The Purdue Veterinary Conference also included special events – most notably, the Alumni and Friends Reception that featured recognition of alumni reunion classes and the presentation of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards. This year’s recipients are Dr. F. Claire Hankenson, of the DVM Class of 1997, and Dr. Kelly G. Whitesel, of the DVM Class of 1972. Dr. Hankenson is the Associate Vice Provost for Research and Executive Director of University Laboratory Animal Resources at the University of Pennsylvania, where she holds a faculty appointment as professor of pathobiology in the School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Whitesel built a highly successful mixed animal practice in Delaware County, Indiana and is known for his dedication to animal health, not only at his clinic but also on the farms around his home for the last 51 years.

The recognition of reunion classes included a time of giving special honor to members of the DVM Class of 1999 on the occasion of their 25th Reunion and to the DVM Class of 1974, which celebrated its golden 50th Anniversary.

The conference week wrapped up with a longstanding Purdue Veterinary Conference tradition – the Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog. Held Saturday morning, September 21 at Lynn Hall, the event attracted humans and some 50 canine companions who ran or walked together on the 5K course that started and ended at the veterinary college and followed a loop that included landmarks and scenic settings in Purdue’s south campus area.

In total, the Purdue Veterinary Conference offered more than 100 sessions and up to 25 Continuing Education credits as well as an Exhibit Hall with nearly 35 vendor booths. Continuing education tracks included Veterinary Nursing, Small Animal, Farm Animal-Ruminant, Farm Animal-Poultry, APHIS, Diagnostic Medicine, Equine, Exotics, Emergency Preparedness, and Shelter Medicine.