Skip to main content
College of Veterinary Medicine

Students and Alumni Make a Good Showing in Veterinary History Essay Contest

October 3, 2019

A portrait of a smiling individual in academic regalia, showcasing a graduation or achievement theme.

Congratulations are in order for Dr. Brooke Fourthman, of the DVM Class of 2019, for her success in the 2019 J. Fred Smithcors Veterinary History Essay Contest, which she entered while she was a student.  Her essay entitled, “A Brief History of Interventional Cardiology,” won 4th place in the competition.  “Her success reflects well on the school as a whole,” said Dr. Jessica Zeiger, a 2018 Purdue DVM graduate who serves as chairperson of the contest.

In addition to Dr. Fourthman’s success, another Purdue veterinary graduate and two current veterinary students also deserve commendation for participating in the competition.  Dr. Zeiger said Dr. Janna Draper, of the DVM Class of 2019, and Zhane Brown and Christa Cheatham, both of the DVM Class of 2021, all submitted fantastic essays.

“We congratulate Purdue Veterinary Medicine on having multiple entrants from your program,” Dr. Zeiger commented. “As a Purdue alum and a former winner in this contest, I want you to know how pleased I am to see such wonderful essays coming from Boilermakers!  I can tell Professor of Veterinary History David Williams has continued to instill a love of the history of our field in PVM students.”

Professor Williams is a past president of the American Veterinary Medical History Society (AVMHS), which established the annual essay contest in 1991 to promote interest in history by encouraging participation from students enrolled in veterinary medical colleges in the United States, Canada, and West Indies.  The contest is named in honor of Dr. J. Fred Smithcors for his many contributions to veterinary history as founder of the AVMHS, author of several books on veterinary history, as well as an educator, publisher, and editor. The winning entries are selected by a panel of AVMHS judges through a blind judging process in which the writers’ identities are kept secret. The winners receive cash prizes awarded in memory of Dr. Elizabeth Atwood Lawrence, by the generosity of the Donaldson Charitable Trust, in recognition of her many contributions to scholarship in veterinary history.  Dr. Lawrence served twice as AVMHS president and was a contest judge for many years.

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

Recent Stories

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Welcomes New Clinical Residents and Specialty Intern

A new class of clinical residents arrived this summer at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine to begin their specialty training. On July 16, 2026, the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (VCS) held a welcome breakfast to introduce the new VCS residents to faculty and staff. The breakfast provided the opportunity for the new residents and a new specialty intern in neurology to meet current VCS residents, as well as the faculty and staff they will be working closely with during their time at Purdue.

American Board of Veterinary Toxicology Honors Purdue Professor and ADDL Senior Veterinary Toxicologist Steve Hooser

Dr. Steve Hooser, DVM, PhD, DABVT, professor of veterinary toxicology at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and senior veterinary toxicologist for the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL), has received the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology's (ABVT) 2026 Service Award.  Given in recognition of a career that has shaped the field of veterinary toxicology for more than four decades, the award was announced July 13 at the ABVT Annual Business meeting held in Anaheim, California, in conjunction with the AVMA Convention 2026.

New Class of Veterinary Hospital Interns and Pharmacy Resident Welcomed to PVM

A total of 13 new interns and a new veterinary pharmacy resident began their advanced training in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital this summer. The group of interns includes nine veterinarians who are completing a small animal rotating internship and four who are doing a large animal rotating internship. In addition, a pharmacy school graduate began the one year Wasson Veterinary Pharmacy Residency program, which is jointly offered by the Purdue Colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy.

“Paws Up” for Lilia Beal-Preston and Mikey Galvin – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, we’re proud to recognize DVM students Lilia Beal-Preston and Mikey Galvin, who received a Paws Up recognition from a client after caring for the client's dog at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.

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

Today we are congratulating Jennifer Danaher, who is a department secretary for Veterinary Clinical Sciences, for being recognized as a helpful colleague in our college.

Boo the Miracle Dog: A Story of Bravery, Breakthroughs, and a Bond That Inspires

Our series of articles about animals and their owners who've found help and healing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital continues with the story of "miracle dog" Boo Davis. At 13 years old, Boo Davis is living proof of the power of persistence, expert veterinary care, and the unshakable love between a pet and her person. Affectionately known as Lisa’s “miracle dog,” Boo’s journey is one that not only has extended her life, but also has helped shape the future of cancer treatment for other pets, too.

Placating Pets to Help them COPE this Fourth of July

Despite the excellent tips experts provide each year for pet safety and welfare on the 4th of July, many pet families still run into trouble and lose their pets. What are we missing and how can we even better protect our animal companions? That question is answered in an article by Dr. Candace Croney, director of the Center for Animal Welfare Science.