PVM Family Program Series “Takes a Peek” at Technology Behind Minimally Invasive Surgeries

Dr.Simmons with children

Children had a chance to play the role of an expert surgeon last week during the second of three sessions that are part of the PVM Family Program Series.  “Let’s Take a Peek” was the title of the presentation Thursday, November 1, by Dr. Micha Simons, clinical assistant professor of small animal surgery.  Dr. Simons demonstrated how tiny cameras can be used for diagnostic purposes and to perform minimally invasive surgeries.

More than 40 people attended the interactive session that was designed especially for children.  Four veterinary students assisted Dr. Simons as she gave the children hands-on opportunities to work with the high tech equipment.  Dr. Simons also taught the attendees about the different types of cameras used for different types of procedures and surgeries, including thoracoscopy and endoscopy. The children were able to try out their own skills by inserting an endoscope inside a large teddy bear’s mouth and down to a simulated stomach, where they could see what the teddy bear had “eaten” – in this case anything from plastic toy horses to toy snakes.

A parent watches as children work with special tools used in minimally invasive surgery, and seek to grab one of the small candy pieces situated inside a stuffed animal.

A parent watches as children work with special tools used in minimally invasive surgery, and seek to grab one of the small candy pieces situated inside a stuffed animal.

The children who participated mentioned that their favorite part was being able to use the cameras themselves. The event also generated positive feedback from parents.

The next event in the PVM Family Program Series will be on March 7, when Liane Shaw, RVT, diagnostic imaging instructional technologist, leads a presentation entitled, “Don’t Give Dental Care the Bush Off.” The talk will include discussion about the teeth of various species, and how veterinarians and veterinary nurses care for them. Liane also will teach audience members about how to care for their own pet’s teeth. Click here for more information.

Writer(s): Amanda McCormick, PVM Communications Intern, and Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

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

We’d like to give a big “paws up” to Dr. Rachel Illgen, who is a small animal rotating intern in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.

Purdue Veterinary Student Named as National Theriogenology Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Devon Anderson, of the Purdue DVM Class of 2025, who recently was notified that he has been selected as one of just four recipients of the prestigious Nandi Theriogenology Scholarship. The award, given by the Society for Theriogenology, recognizes exceptional veterinary students from across North America who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the field of theriogenology — the study of animal reproduction.

Sunny Skies and Creative Exhibits Draw Hundreds to Annual PVM Open House

Sunrise on Saturday, April 12, brought the promise of a lovely spring day and large crowds for a beloved spring tradition at Lynn Hall on the Purdue University West Lafayette campus – the annual Purdue Veterinary Medicine Open House. Organized by PVM students, the day-long event is held each year as part of Purdue University’s Spring Fest celebration.

Cat Care, Comfort, and Extra Time

Today we begin a Vet Gazette series about animals and their owners who've found help and healing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. Periodically we will share heartwarming tributes from hospital clients who wanted to highlight the vital care and treatment their animal companions received from the hospital's caring team of clinicians, veterinary nurses, staff and students. The first is the tale of a cat named Gabby.

New PVM Interim Assistant Dean for Clinical Education Named

As of this week, Dr. Wendy Townsend, professor of Ophthalmology in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, has begun serving as interim assistant dean for clinical education in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her appointment was effective Wednesday, April 16.

Nine PVM Faculty Members among Newly Promoted Purdue University Professors

The Purdue University Board of Trustees has approved the promotion of 163 faculty across the Purdue University system for the 2025-26 academic year, and a total of nine Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members are among the 137 promotees from the main campus.