Summer 2006 - University of Minnesota College of Veterinary ...

Summer 2006ProfilesVeterinary MedicineVeterinarians impact the lives ofMinnesotans every dayIn this issue of Profiles3 Bird flu: Being prepared4 Ben Pomeroy Student-AlumniLearning Center8 Faculty Q&A: Dave Halvorson10 Equine dental educationprogram launched14 Faculty, students, senator honored19 Back to Africa22 Regents approve EquineCenter plans

ProfilesVeterinary MedicineContentsSummer 2006■ Bird Flu: Being Prepared . . . . . . . . . 3■ Ben Pomeroy Student-AlumniLearning Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5■ National SAVMA Symposiumhosted by College . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6■ Faculty Q & A: Dave Halvorson . . . . 8■ Equine Dental EducationProgram Launched . . . . . . . . . . . . 10■ Radiation Therapy Saves Mai’Lee . 11■ Awards Banquet Honors Faculty,Students, Senator . . . . . . . . . . . . 14■ Back to Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19■ Endangered California CondorTreated at Raptor Center . . . . . . . 21■ Regents Approve Plans forEquine Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22■ Alumni Achievements . . . . . . . . . . 24■ Faculty Kudos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25■ Dr. David Lee NamedVMC Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27■ Veterinary Medical Center CreatesHealth Maintenance Plan . . . . . . . 28On the CoverOn June 6, the College paid tribute to Hearingand Service Dogs of Minnesota at an annualmemorial ceremony in the Nestle PurinaMemories Garden. Debra Burke and her servicedog, Pepsi, posed with a photo of Lucky, theorganization’s first service dog.From the DeanWe’re growingDuring recent months, our energies have been andwill continue to be focused on improving our facilitiesfor students and clients, securing private andpublic investment in our priorities, conducting thehighest quality research and enhancing the studentexperience. Following are some of our priorities.Ben Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center.Contractors have begun the renovation of our 1907dairy barn into a state-of-the-art learning center named in honor of a dearfriend and great veterinarian. The center will house several classrooms, seminarrooms, a cafeteria, and a student technology center. Completion of theproject is expected in early 2007 (see page 5).U of M Equine Center. The Board of Regents recently approved plansfor a new Equine Center facility to house outpatient clinical and researchprograms, the University’s undergraduate equine program, and the We CanRide therapeutic riding program. The facility will include a large arena anda technology-rich conference center for continuing education programs.We continue to raise funds for this center. Completion of the project isexpected in fall 2007 (see page 22).Veterinary Medical Center. Our Veterinary Medical Center is an essentialcomponent of our teaching and research mission. To ensure that it remainsfinancially viable, we have been engaged in a process to enhance service toclients and veterinarians by improving the efficiency of our systems andprocesses. Currently, we are developing a state-of-the-art call center thatwill streamline communications and a scheduling system to reduce clientvisit time. We are also delighted to announce the arrival of Dr. David Lee,who has joined us as the center’s new director (see page 27).Avian influenza. The College is preparing for a possible introduction ofavian H5N1 influenza virus into the United States. We are working closelywith state agencies to coordinate response efforts, and our uniqueexpertise and facilities make us key players in Minnesota’s planning for anoutbreak. Especially important is the upgrade of facilities in the VeterinaryDiagnostic Laboratory.We continue to make great strides in teaching our students, conductingresearch, and providing great service.Thank you for your continued support!Sincerely,Jeffrey S. Klausner, D.V.M.Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine

DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORYDIAGNOSTIC LABORATORYBird flu: Being preparedWith everything else goingon, you wouldn’t expectchickens and turkeys tomake front-page news. But they have –many times in recent months – as avianinfluenza, the “bird flu,” draws theattention of citizens and policymakersaround the world. In early 2004, a particularlydeadly form of the virus thatcauses the disease, known as H5N1,appeared in Thailand and Vietnam.Since then, H5N1 has been found inmore than a dozen other countries,including China, Russia, and Turkey.Millions of birds have died or beendestroyed in the wake of the outbreak.In addition, at least 141 humans havebeen sickened by H5N1, and at least 73have died. Fears that the virus willspread further or be genetically alteredin a way that allows it to spread amonghumans has dramatically increasedawareness of, and interest in, bird flu.Although new on the public’s radarscreen, avian influenza has long beenpart of the animal health picture for theVeterinary Diagnostic Laboratory(VDL). As the official laboratoryfor the MinnesotaBoard of Animal Health, theVDL conducts routine surveillancefor avian influenzaas part of a longstandingstatewide plan to prevent awidespread outbreak of thedisease.The avian influenza virus Andre Zieglercomes in many forms. Mostare termed “low pathogenic” and producea mild illness in poultry with littlemortality. Highly pathogenic forms,such as the H5N1 virus that has strickenAsia, are far more deadly. Minnesotahas never had a case of high-path avianInfection with the H5N1 bird flu virus causes high mortality in chickens.influenza; low-path has become increasinglyrare here as the state’s poultryindustry has moved toward total confinement,reducing exposure to wildbirds that carry the disease.Because early detectionis keyto preventingan epide m i cshould thev i r u sappear, theMinnesota Poultry TestingLaboratory at Willmar, acooperative effort of the Boardof Animal Health and theUniversity of Minnesota, routinelytests blood from turkeys at slaughterfor indications the birds have beenexposed to the virus. And veterinariansand poultry producers watch flocksclosely for flu-like signs of illness.“If they see birds that are sick, theybring them in for diagnosis,” says assistantclinical specialist Andre Ziegler,D.V.M. “It’s our job to rule out influenza.”When a sick ordead bird or atissue samplefrom a suspectedcase of avianinfluenzaarrives, VDLtechnicians performone or more of three types oftests—a virus isolation test, a PCR test,and a rapid antigen capture (AC-ELISA) test—to detect the presence ofthe virus. The AC-ELISA test is rapidbut not as accurate as the other two indetecting the presence of the virus. Ifresults are negative, the more sensitivebut slower tests are used to doublecheckthe AC-ELISA results.“We have prepared and areprepared to deal with thedisease in Minnesota shouldit appear.”— Jim Collinscontinued on page 43

FacultyFaculty8OFacultyDave Halvorson, professor andextension veterinarian, avian health, VeterinaryO:and Biomedical SciencesFor some people, avian influenza is a new concept. But Dr.Dave Halvorson has been helping Minnesota poultry producerskeep the virus in check since 1978. Halvorsonreceived the American Association of Avian Pathologists’2005 Bruce W. Calnek Applied Poultry ResearchFacultyFacultyAchievement Award for his contributions to minimizingOthe & impact of avian influenza.AFacultyO:A:O:A:OO:A:&AWhat is avian influenza?Avian influenza (AI) is a viral illness of birds. AIviruses can be low-pathogenic (killing no or fewbirds) or highly pathogenic (killing almost all infectedbirds). &AOO:A:&AHow big of a threat is AI to Minnesota’spoultry industry?Minnesota has never had an outbreak of highly pathogenicAI; our last big outbreak of low-path was in1995. Wild birds introduce AI to commercial poultry, sothe fewer range birds, the less exposure. Since I’ve beenhere we’ve only found two infected chicken flocks. We’vehad over 1,100 flocks of turkeys with influenza, but itsprevalence is declining since range flocks now account forFacultyOO:A:Faculty Faculty&AOO:A:less & than one percent of turkey production.AHow do we deal with it?Minnesota has a voluntary control program we call“responsible response.” We provide educationalmaterials and monitor every turkey flock in Minnesota.When a flock goes to market, blood samples are tested forAI. If we find AI prior to slaughter we let the birds recu-& then let them go to slaughter.Operate, AOO:A:&AWhat’s going on in Asia?They have a high-path virus that has infected andkilled over 70 people. It has been called “bad bird flu.”FacultyOO:A:A:& A&AA:Will that influence our approach in Minnesota?Dr. Dave HalvorsonWe’ve been working on control plans for some time;the situation in Asia has made getting them developedmore critical. It also may affect how people will reactFacultyif we get another outbreak of low-path AI. There’s a lot ofFacultyOpotential & to overreact and make things worse.AOO:O: A:A:&AHow much of a threat is AI to humans inMinnesota?Extremely, extremely, extremely remote. In all ofNorth America there are only a handful of caseswhere people have been infected with AI. The bad bird fluis not in the United States, nor is it likely to get here. It isnot a threat to people in the United States. It is not a foodsafetyissue in the United States.For more information about avian influenza, go towww.cvm.umn.edu/AI.

CONTINUING EDUCATIONCONTINUING EDUCATIONCollege launches equine dentaleducation programCiting the importanceof gooddental care tothe health of horses, theCollege has launchedthe Minnesota EquineDental Symposia(MEDS), a series ofcontinuing educationprograms for veterinarians.“Recent advances in the Gary Goldsteindiagnosis and treatmentof equine dental problems such as periodontaldisease, cavities, and fracturedteeth have created a real need for aresource for basic educational tools forveterinarians,” says Gary Goldstein,D.V.M., director of the Dental Service atthe University ofMinnesotaVeterinaryMedical Centerand a facultymember at theCollege.The University ofMinnesota joinsthe AmericanAssociation ofE q u i n ePractitioners(AAEP) and the Academy ofVeterinary Dentistry (AVD)in meeting this need. The MEDS programoffers a series of weekend seminarsthat start with the fundamentals ofequine dentistry and proceed toVeterinarians participating in MEDS get experience using dental radiology equipment.Dr. Gary Goldstein performs an equine dental procedure withthe assistance of a veterinarian enrolled in MEDS.advanced periodontics, endodontics,restorations, and oral surgery. Practicingveterinarians can also take advantage ofseminars, lectures, and labs offered bythe AVD Veterinary Dental Forum andAAEP convention.The Academy of Veterinary Dentistryhas also created an equine track for fellowshipin the Academy, which theUniversity of Minnesota’s MEDS seriessupports by providing in-depth, handsoninstruction about subjects critical tothe development of dental knowledge. Afive-year plan guides veterinarians interestedin AVD fellowship.For more information about equine dentaleducation opportunities, call Dr.Gary Goldstein at 612-625-1781 or 612-625-8156, e-mail him atgolds034@umn.edu, or visitwww.cvm.umn.edu/outreach/events/meds.html.10

ONCOLOGY ONCOLOGY ONCOLOGY ONCOLOGY ONCOLOGYRadiation therapy saves Mai’LeeThe Veterinary Medical Centerhas been using radiation therapyas a treatment for more than30 years. It is now a key way to treatcancer in animals. When Mai’Lee, a13-year-old Shih Tzu, was diagnosedwith a spindle cell sarcoma on her hindleg, her owners didn’t think twice aboutbringing her to the Veterinary MedicalCenter for treatment.“We visited our local veterinarian inRochester, Minn. in 2002 and thepathologist recommended amputationfor Mai’Lee’s leg, but we did not acceptthat because of quality-of-life issues,”says Mai’Lee’s owner Bill Damerel.“Our local vet, Dr. Bob Waterman, suggestedwe take Mai’Lee to theOncology Services at the VeterinaryMedical Center to set up an appointmentto have her checked out.”Anative of Barbados,Dr. Catherine St.Hill has lived inMinnesota for nine years.She completed her postdoctoralwork at the Universityof Minnesota and recentlyjoined Oncology Services asan assistant professor andresearcher. She also promotesinteraction and collaborationwith other collegesat the University andMai’LeeThe Veterinary Medical Center specialistsconfirmed the diagnosis and developeda treatment plan. Over a threeweekperiod, Mai’Lee received 18 radiationtreatments at the Veterinary MedicalCenter. She was treated primarily by Dr.Elizabeth McNeil, assistant professor inthe Veterinary Clinical Sciences department,but she was cared for by most ofthe Oncology Services staff over thecourse of her treatment. It has been fouryears since Mai’Lee underwent radiationtherapy and there has not been anyrecurrence of the cancer.Meet Catherine St. HillCatherine St. Hillserves as a resource toVeterinary MedicalCenter clinicians.“Mai’Lee is doing great – she respondedwell to the treatment and is now happierthan ever,” says Bill. “We are at a lossfor words when trying to describe ourthanks for the Veterinary MedicalCenter, especially the Oncology department.”Mai’Lee’s story is representative ofmany of the clients cared for inOncology Services. As this service areagrows, so does the need for new equipment.“The current radiation therapy equipmenthas been in place since the 1960s,”says Dr. Elizabeth McNeil. “Since thenthere have been great advances in themachines. New equipment will helpOncology Services grow and give us theability to control cancer better.”For more information about oncologyservices, go to www.cvm.umn.edu/vmc.■ MARIAH CARROLL“We are excited to haveDr. St. Hill joinOncology Services,” saysDr. Robert Washabau,chair of the VeterinaryClinical Sciences department.“She brings yearsof research experienceand adds a global perspectiveon veterinary medicine to theCollege.”The University of Minnesota AnimalCancer Center research program continuesto perform relevant cutting-edgeresearch that improves the quality of lifeof animals and to make discoveries thatimprove the lives of pets and humans. Asearch is currently underway for afaculty member to fill the Al and JunePerlman Endowed Chair inComparative Oncology.11

RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCHSummer researchfor studentsGoing on its fifth year, theSummer Scholars Programgives veterinary studentsthe opportunity to have a researchexperience while getting involved inresearch planning and implementation,data evaluation, and working inan active lab.Catherine (Cat) Angle, a 2004 Summer Scholar, conductedresearch on antibiotic resistance in E. coli from river systems inrural Chile.The strength of the program lies inthe research expertise of the facultyand the opportunities available forstudents in their laboratories.Collaborative efforts exist with othercolleges in the Academic HealthCenter and the College ofAgricultural, Food, andEnvironmental Sciences.“I’m glad I participated in SummerScholars. It was great for me to getresearch experience early on in myveterinary career,” says Lisa Schmidt,second-year veterinary student. “Itwas also a good way for me to establishrelationships with faculty.”Approximately 15 students areaccepted into the Summer ScholarsProgram each year. The opportunityis available to first- and second-yearCollege of Veterinary Medicine students,as well as veterinary studentsfrom outside the College. Once studentsare selected, they work fulltimeon a project with a research facultymentor while attending seminarsin the summer. Theprogram starts inMay and lasts for 10weeks. Studentsreceive a $4,000stipend for their participation.Continuedparticipation in basicand applied researchis a major goal of theprogram.After completion ofthe program, studentspresent theirresearch project atthe College’s annualPoints of Pride Research Days.The scholars are also encouraged toparticipate in a graduate seminar programand invited to attend seminarsduring the following school year.Through Summer Scholars, the studentsdevelop leadership and teamworkskills, network with researchprofessionals at state and local governmentalagencies, attend seminarsthat develop communication and critical-thinkingskills, and develop anunderstanding of clinical and basicresearch as a potential career path.Watch for profiles of these students’projects in the fall issue of Profiles.Swine SummerInstituteThe Minnesota Swine SummerInstitute is the first of its kind.Nowhere else is there an opportunityfor students interested in swine togather, learn about the industry, establisha network, and earn credit for theirparticipation.This series of three two-week intensivecourses includes introduction to swinehealth and production, principles ofpopulation-based diagnostics and therapeutics,and advanced swine healthand production. The institute is opento current veterinary students andpracticing veterinarians.“The curriculum we designed providesan intensive and integrated learningexperience for veterinary students andgraduates seeking knowledge and skillsrelevant to modern swine or mixedfood-animal practice,” says Dr. PeterDavies, professor in the VeterinaryPopulation Medicine department.College of Veterinary Medicine facultymembers collaborate and teamteachthe courses. Swine experts andpractitioners serve as guest lecturers,discussing their field experiences,reviewing case studies, and providinginsight into the field.The University of Minnesota has oneof the largest swine programs. Thereare roughly 20-40 veterinary studentsin the United States focusing on swinemedicine. This program helps thosestudents and working professionalscommitted to serving the swineindustry advance their skills. Formore information, go towww.cvm.umn.edu/sdec/education.12

FACULTY AWARDS FACULTY AWARDS FACULTY AWARDSAwards banquet honors faculty,students, senatorThe annual SpringAwards Banquetheld on April 26,honored the achievements ofthe College faculty membersand veterinary students, withspecial recognition going toSenator Dallas Sams.During the banquet, 61scholarship programs awarded141 scholarships andawards to veterinary students in theamount of $130,000. The highestamount awarded was the Joseph E.Salsbury Scholarship, whichawarded $25,500 to thirdyearveterinary students fortheir final year of studies.The Minnesota VeterinaryMedical Foundation andMinnesota VeterinaryMedical Association Academyof Veterinary MedicalPractice distributed the mostSenator Dallas SamsLeslie Sharkeyprestigious scholarships.They awarded a total of$24,000, which includedinternational travel grantsto third-year students.Senator Dallas Samsreceived the OutstandingService Award for his supportof veterinary medicine,his dedication topublic service, and hisinterest in the mission of the College ofVeterinary Medicine. Senator Sams hasserved in the Minnesota legislature since1990. He has a stronginterest in agriculture andhas served on a variety ofSenate committeesincluding those related toagriculture, finance, andeconomic development.The top faculty awardwent to Dr. LeslieSharkey, associate professorin VeterinaryPopulation Medicine,who received the NordenTeaching Award.Dr. Mitch Abrahamsen,professor in Veterinaryand Biomedical Sciences,received the PfizerResearch Award for hisexceptional and promisingresearch.Dr. David Polzin, professorin VeterinaryClinical Sciences,received the Mark ofExcellence, which isgiven to a faculty memberwho has generatedand shared new knowledgewith the veterinarycommunity.Mitch AbrahamsenDavid PolzinTeaching and service awardsSmall Animal Clinical SciencesVeterinary PopulationTeaching Award:Medicine Teaching Award:Dr. Roberto NovoDr. Erin MaloneVeterinary Population MedicineClinical Teaching Resident Award:Dr. Juan RomanoSmall Animal Clinical SciencesClinical Teaching Award:Dr. Jane QuandtVeterinary Population MedicineClinical Teaching Award:Dr. Mary BoyceJames O. Hanson ContinuingEducation Award:Dr. Luanne HuntSmall Animal Clinical SciencesClinical Teaching Resident Award:Dr. Jen MyersCongratulations to our faculty!14

STUDENT AWARDS STUDENT AWARDS STUDENT AWARDSScholarshipsMatt Allerson, class of 2009Dr. Alvin F. and Eleanor E. WeberScholarshipJason Anderson, class of 2009Dr. Alvin F. and Eleanor E. WeberScholarshipCynthia Argue, class of 2008Donna Ant Memorial ScholarshipJulie Bryngelson, class of 2007Joseph E. Salsbury Veterinary MedicalScholarshipWillmus Family TrustJenny Cho-MacSwain, class of 2009College of Veterinary MedicineStudent Council AwardsJenny Clementson, class of 2007Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaClass of 1953 Memorial ScholarshipIan Feldman, class of 2009College of Veterinary MedicineStudent Council AwardsBen Galbreath, class of 2007Dr. Richard and Glenda HustonScholarshipChihiro Gardiner, class of 2006Minneapolis Kennel Club ScholarshipBayer HealthCare Small AnimalCommunity PracticePeter Black, class of 2006Friends of the College of VeterinaryMedicineHonor Society Phi Zeta KappaLiz Boos, class of 2007College of Veterinary MedicineStudent Council AwardsLucas Clow, class of 2006Class of 1955 Memorial ScholarshipRobert Merrill ScholarshipSeth Cohen, class of 2006Pfizer Veterinary Specialty Team -AnesthesiologyHonor Society Phi Zeta KappaCindy Deakos, class of 2006Lee McDonald - Class of 1969Memorial ScholarshipHonor Society Phi Zeta KappaYelena Duff, class of 2006Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaMatt Duff, class of 2007Ramsdell - Class of 1986 ScholarshipLaura Eikmeier, class of 2006Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaJames Gerdes, class of 2006American College of VeterinarySurgeons AwardHonor Society Phi Zeta KappaJessica Gerst, class of 2006August Searles Scholarship forWomenPfizer Veterinary Specialty Team -DentistryNicole Grabowski, class of 2007Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaWinton G. Evans MemorialScholarshipAshley Brown, class of 2008August Searles Scholarship forWomenCaleb Dorr ScholarshipLaura Bruner, class of 2007Joseph E. Salsbury Veterinary MedicalScholarshipIrvin Jorgensen ScholarshipAhna Brutlag, class of 2006Minneapolis Kennel Club ScholarshipCollege of Veterinary MedicineStudent Council AwardsKari Ekenstedt, D.V.M./Ph.D. programMinnesota Veterinary MedicalFoundation - Ben PomeroyScholarshipNate Eversman, class of 2006Minnesota Veterinary MedicalFoundation Senior AwardMac Farnham, class of 2006Colin Krog - Class of 1978 MemorialAwardKelly Griffin, class of 2007Joseph E. Salsbury Veterinary MedicalScholarshipNancy Gruber, class of 2006Bayer Gentle Doctor Award - HumanAnimal BondHeather Hadley, class of 2006Pfizer Veterinary Specialty Team -EmergencyMaxwell the White Shadow Awardcontinued on page 1615

STUDENT AWARDS STUDENT AWARDS STUDENT AWARDSScholarships continued from page 1516Dan Hagman, class of 2008Robert Merrill ScholarshipJarod Hanson, class of 2006James Ford Bell Jr. Memorial AwardAllen D. Leman Swine MedicineScholarshipBrian Hardy, class of 2007Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaJoseph E. Salsbury Veterinary MedicalScholarshipClass of 1968 Bob Velure ScholarshipJulia Hecking, class of 2007Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaJoseph E. Salsbury Veterinary MedicalScholarshipCaleb Dorr ScholarshipHeather Herrington, class of 2006Nestle Purina PetCare NutritionAwardRupert Memorial ScholarshipChristine Hoang, class of 2007Joseph E. Salsbury Veterinary MedicalScholarshipIldako Holschuh, class of 2006Hill’s Buddy AwardJanice Husman, class of 2007Irvin Jorgensen ScholarshipCheryl Igielski, class of 2008Nestle Purina Leadership AwardStephanie Kennedy, class of 2008Minnesota Veterinary MedicalFoundation - Margaret PomeroyScholarshipKristina Kiefer, class of 2006American College of VeterinarySurgeons AwardNina Kieves, class of 2009College of Veterinary MedicineStudent Council AwardsKristine Krausser, class of 2007International Externship Travel GrantJohn Labbe, class of 2008Novartis ScholarshipSusan Lowum, class of 2007Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaAugust Searles Scholarship forWomenCaleb Dorr ScholarshipTristan Malmedal, class of 2006John Aldrich Memorial ScholarshipLehua Maloney, class of 2007Friends of the College of VeterinaryMedicineMary McKie, class of 2008College of Veterinary MedicineStudent Council AwardsIDEXX - Labs/Veterinary Software -Learning Award CertificateShannon McMartin, class of 2006Class of 1957 Memorial ScholarshipHonor Society Phi Zeta KappaJennifer Melling, class of 2009Dr. Alvin F. and Eleanor E. WeberScholarshipErika Mueller, class of 2007Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaPfizer Animal Health ScholarshipDeb Murray, class of 2006John Aldrich Memorial ScholarshipLeah Neal, class of 2008August Searles Scholarship forWomenCaleb Dorr ScholarshipJennifer Nehring, class of 2007Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaMinnesota Veterinary MedicalFoundation Spannaus ScholarshipKara Nelsen, class of 2006Caleb Dorr MedalCaleb Dorr ScholarshipMinneapolis Kennel Club ScholarshipSociety for Veterinary Emergency andCritical Care ScholarshipAllison Newman, class of 2006American College of VeterinaryRadiology AwardAmerican Veterinary MedicalAssociation - AuxiliaryCaleb Dorr MedalCaleb Dorr ScholarshipCollege of Veterinary MedicineStudent Council AwardsMinnesota Veterinary MedicalFoundation Senior AwardShana Owen, class of 2007Simmons & Associates EducationTrust FundAbigail Paavola, class of 2008Donna Ant Memorial ScholarshipGeneva Pagliai, class of 2006Friends of the College of VeterinaryMedicineCynthia Panek, class of 2007Sime Family ScholarshipJennifer Panella, class of 2006H.C.H. Kernkamp Memorial Awardcontinued on page 17

STUDENT AWARDS STUDENT AWARDS STUDENT AWARDSScholarships continued from page 16Matt Pike, class of 2007International Externship Travel GrantJoseph E. Salsbury Veterinary MedicalScholarshipNathan Rose, class of 2007Joseph E. Salsbury Veterinary MedicalScholarshipKeith Ross, class of 2006CENSHARE ScholarshipMelinda Rostal, class of 2008August Searles Scholarship forWomenCaleb Dorr ScholarshipJolaine Roycewicz, class of 2007Joseph E. Salsbury Veterinary MedicalScholarshipKendall Sawyer, class of 2008Class of 1960 Memorial ScholarshipCarissa Schloesser, class of 2009Robert Merrill ScholarshipJeff Schulman, class of 2007Bil Jac Pet Foods ScholarshipLaura Schulz, class of 2008Robert Merrill ScholarshipJennifer Schurrer, class of 2006Minnesota Veterinary MedicalFoundation Award - LeadershipHonor Society Phi Zeta KappaStacey Schwabenlander, class of2006International Externship Travel GrantMichelle Severs, class of 2006Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaMolly Shepard, class of 2006International Externship Travel GrantTara Sime, class of 2008Donna Ant Memorial ScholarshipKrystuna Stoffel, class of 2006Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaJeff Stueve, class of 2006James Ford Bell, Jr. Memorial AwardClass of 1961 ScholarshipHeather Swan, class of 2007International Externship Travel GrantJeffery Lindstrom Class of 1987ScholarshipMinnesota Veterinary MedicalFoundation Public Health ScholarshipJonna Swanson, class of 2006August Searles Scholarship forWomenCarl F. & John C. SchlotthauerMemorial AwardSarah Swanson, class of 2007Friends of the College of VeterinaryMedicineCarrie Swier, class of 2006Ned Olson Memorial ScholarshipDominic Tauer, class of 2008Nestle Purina Leadership AwardBeth Thompson, class of 2007International Externship Travel GrantAnn Torborg, class of 2006Minneapolis Kennel Club ScholarshipJamie Torres, class of 2007Joseph E. Salsbury Veterinary MedicalScholarshipKristen Voigt, class of 2006Bayer HealthCare Legend Award inEquine MedicineJay Volinski, class of 2007Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaJay Volinski, class of 2007Friends of the College of VeterinaryMedicineMeghann Vollmer, class of 2006Pfizer Small Animal ClinicalProficiency AwardIDEXX - Dr. Allan H. HartScholarshipRupert Memorial ScholarshipKaren Vreeman, class of 2006August Searles Scholarship forWomenJennifer Wicklund, class of 2006International Externship Travel GrantSarah Wilcox, class of 2007August Searles Scholarship forWomenSarah Wilcox, class of 2007Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaChai Wilensky, class of 2006Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaFriends of the College of VeterinaryMedicineKatja Wucherer, class of 2006Honor Society Phi Zeta KappaAmerican Animal Hospital AssociationAwardFriends of the College of VeterinaryMedicineCorry Yeurokis, class of 2006Minneapolis Kennel Club Scholarship17

GRADUATION GRADUATION GRADUATION GRADUATIONClass of 2006Eighty-two members of theclass of 2006 were awardedtheir D.V.M. degrees at theCollege’s 55th commencement ceremonyat Northrop MemorialAuditorium in Minneapolis on May 6.Dean Jeffrey Klausner addressed theaudience and Dr. MargueritePappaioanou, University ofMinnesota Department ofEpidemiology professor, gave thecommencement address. Dr.Pappaioanou received her doctor ofveterinary medicine degree fromMichigan State University-Lansingand her master of preventive veterinarymedicine and Ph.D. from theUniversity of California-Davis.Allison Newman, student representative,addressed her classmates andreflected on the past four years. Thepresident of the College’s Alumni andFriends Society, Dr. Tom Schuld,welcomed the students into the alumniorganization, and Regent DavidMetzen conferred the degrees on theclass.In addition to the 82 students whoreceived their D.V.M. degrees, fivestudents were awarded with Ph.D.degrees, four with D.V.M./M.P.Hdegrees, one with a D.V.M/Ph.D.degree, two with master’s degrees, andthree with swine certificates.Doctor of veterinary medicine degree recipientsCatherine AngleTami BauerPeter BlackJulie BoeroLaurie BrewerAhna BrutlagErika ButlerLaura ByersKatherine CarlsonLucas ClowSeth CohenTom De BleeckereCynthia DeakosJennifer DeyoYelena DuffLaura EikmeierNathan EversmanMacDonaldFarnhamKristi FlynnChihiro GardinerJames GerdesJessica GerstMary GoingsNancy GruberHeather HadleyChristina HaneyJarod HansonHeatherHerringtonRachael HolickylIdiko HolschuhTami KargesCarolyn KarlinKristina KieferCarla KiltyMariah KimballDaniel KovichAmy KruchowskiLori KutcherTristan MalmedalHillary McCullohShannonMcMartinNicole MillnerDeborah MurrayKara NelsenAllison NewmanMary NgLaura NovakWhitney OstremGeneva PagliaiJennifer PanellaRobyn ReadLauren RobinsKeith RossMichelle ScanlanJennifer SchurrerMichelle SeversTessa SheaJonathan ShearerChristina SheetzKatieSpiekermeierKrystyna StoffelJeffrey StueveJohn SturtzJonna SwansonCarrie SwierDeanna ThompsonAnn TorborgIngrid TrauschEllen TremanteJoseph UtrieKirsten VoigtMeghann VollmerKaren VreemanKate WagnerNicole WeberChai WilenskyJennifer WilsonAngela WoodwardKatja WuchererAnita YacoubCorry YeuroukisSarah ZiembaRecipients of thePh.D. degreeLaura EikmeierAlonso G. P. GuedesShi-Dong MaDileepan ThamotharampillaiBinu VelayudhanRecipients of theD.V.M./M.P.H. degreeL. Daniel KovichKara NelsenJeffrey StueveJennifer WilsonRecipient of theD.V.M./Ph.D. degreeLaura EikmeierRecipients of theM.S. degreeScott P. HammelKoti Venkata Ratna Prasad MulupuriRecipients of theSwine CertificateMacDonald FarnhamJarod HansonDeborah Murray18

MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAKING A DIFFERENCEBack to AfricaDr. Mark Hinton (class of 1978), had beenwith the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory(VDL) for eight years, providing informationtechnology services and desktop supportfor faculty and staff. But much of thattime, his heart was somewhere else.It was with the people of Africa, withwhom he had lived and worked as amissionary for 12 years. In Africa, acontinent ravaged by war, disease, andfamine, people were struggling for food,water, sanitation and basic health care –for daily life. Mark couldn’t forget them.There was so much work to be done.So, on Sept. 1, Mark took a leave ofabsence from the VDL and, with hiswife, Audrey, traveled to Sudan, anAfrican nation plagued by violence as itemerges from a 21-year civil war thatleft nearly two million people homelessand hundreds of thousands dead.Mark became deputy field director ofthe Darfur Relief Collaboration,which combines the relief efforts of sixNorth American humanitarian aidorganizations. Its mission: preventingdisease outbreaks by providing medicalcare and supplementalnutrition,rehabilitatingwater systems, diggingwells, buildingpit latrines,establishing seasonalgardens, dewormingdonkeys(an importantmode of transportation),constructing fuel-efficientstoves, and leading reforestation andhealth education efforts. As an educationspecialist, Audrey is helping a teamdevelop health messagesand delivery systems tothe local population.Expected beneficiariesnumber 70,000.“The area is basicallydesert, with dust andsand everywhere,” Marksays. He and Audrey livein a compound with 30to 40 other people,mostly Sudanese. Wateris delivered by donkeysin rubber bladders fromopen wells some distanceaway, then“It’s a way of doing somethingabout the outrageousinjustices afflicting innocentpeople. I can’t ignore such aproposition for involvement.”pumped up into storage drums thatgravity-feed a filtering unit for drinkingand also providewater for a jerryriggedshower.Pit latrines serveas toilets.It’s a long wayfrom Mark’sroots. He grewup on a smallfamily farm insouthern Minnesota, where one of hismain occupations was reading. Bookswere like windows to the world and all ithad to offer. After graduating from— Mark HintonMark Hinton stopped for a photo on the lawn outside theVeterinary Diagnostic Laboratory before departing for Sudan inSeptember.Mankato State University, he served inthe U.S. Marine Corps for four yearsduring the Vietnam era, operating outof Japan as a marine navigator in a photoreconnaissancePhantom jet. Then hejoined the Peace Corps as an agriculturalextension worker in Colombia, SouthAmerica. This experience led him to theveterinary profession. He earned hisD.V.M. at the University of Minnesotain 1978. Later, he obtained a master’sdegree in Islamic studies at LutherSeminary and worked with a Somalifriend to start Somserv, a nonprofitorganization to work with Somalis inthe Twin Cities.continued on page 2019

MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAKING A DIFFERENCE MAKING A DIFFERENCEGraduate student profile:Terri MattilaTerri Mattila joined the Comparative andMolecular Biosciences Ph.D. program in thefall of 2003. Her advisor is Dr. PamelaSkinner.After spending several years raisinga family, Terri received herbachelor’s degree in biologyfrom the University of Wisconsin-Superior in December 2001, 20 yearsafter graduating from high school. Sheworked as a biologist at a privatelyowned aquatic toxicology lab until herlove for animals and concern for theirhealth and welfare brought her to theUniversity of Minnesota College ofVeterinary Medicine.Terri’s research involves using in-situtetramer staining, a new techniquedeveloped by her advisor, to studyCD8+ T cell response to HIV infection.HIV/AIDS has taken the lives ofmore than 20 million people worldwidesince 1983 and left millions of childrenorphaned. Its incidence continues toclimb. It is imperative that a vaccine bedeveloped that could help stop thespread of the virus. Studies have shownthat to do this, knowledge of the mechanismsof CD8+ T cell response to viralinfection is needed. Using in-situtetramer staining in lymph nodes takenfrom HIV-infected individuals allowsvisualization of virus-specific T cells,while their spatial relation to other cellsof interest remains intact. Subsequentin-situ hybridization on in-situtetramer-stained tissues can also beused, providing further information.These methods will provide new insightinto virus-specific T cell response toinfection, and may ultimately lead todevelopment of a vaccine and/or therapeuticmethod to help combatHIV/AIDS.Terri expects to finish her Ph.D. sometimein 2008. She had originally plannedto pursue a career working with felineleukemia virus. However, the HIVresearch field is so interesting that shemay just stick with it.Back to Africa continued from page 19For many reasons, going back to Africawas something Mark had to do.“It’s an opportunity to take care of myunfinished business in Africa,” he says.“It appeals to my desire to live life to thefull and is a way of doing somethingabout the outrageous injustices afflictinginnocent people. I can’t ignore such aproposition for involvement.”Mark has passed on his international perspectiveand humanitarianism to his children.His son Nate, 31, works at a largeinternational school outside Nairobi,Kenya. His other two children live inBrooklyn, New York, but intend to go towork in Africa as soon as they are able.Anne, 29, works as a physician’s assistantat an AIDS clinic in hopes of eventuallyworking with AIDS orphans in Africa.Sam, 22, is a graduate of the CarlsonSchool of Management, has a PeaceCorps assignment, and is interested inhelping businesses in the third world.In November, an e-mail from Audreyreported that Mark was busy workingwith various organizations and governmentagencies involved in relief anddevelopment work, writing reports andcoordinating team leaders for health,nutrition, agriculture, and water and sanitation.Their work was often disrupted,she wrote. “Rebel groups and armed banditson camel and horseback have made itimpossible for our teams to go to the villageswhere they had been working.”Back at the College, Mark’s colleaguesmiss his calm, thoughtful nature andglobal perspective, as well as his technicalexpertise.“I admire Mark very much,” says Dr. JimCollins, director of the VeterinaryDiagnostic Laboratory. “He is a consummateprofessional: hard-working, considerate,kind and capable. His personaland professional lives set a high standardfor us to follow. He is missed a great deal,but we all wish him the very best.”For more information about WorldRelief and the Darfur ReliefCollaboration, go to http://www.worldrelief.org.■ SUE KIRCHOFF20

THE RAPTOR CENTER THE RAPTOR CENTER THE RAPTOR CENTEREndangered California condortreated at Raptor CenterAn 18-month-old Californiacondor from Arizona underwenttreatment for a brokenwing at The Raptor Center inNovember. Known as Condor #350,the bird is one of only four condorsDr. Julia Ponder, associate director, examines the condor’s wing asDrew Bickford, senior veterinary technician, and Greg Hansen, certifiedveterinary technician, hold the bird.that has hatched in the wild and survived.The condor was injured near theGrand Canyon in northern Arizona onNov. 4. Representatives of thePhoenix Zoo and The PeregrineFund, a raptor conservation organizationin Boise, Idaho, flew the bird viaNorthwest Airlines to The RaptorCenter for evaluation and treatmenton November 8.“This speaks volumes about TheRaptor Center’s national reputation asthe premiere medical center for birdsof prey,” says Jeffrey Klausner, D.V.M.,dean of the College of VeterinaryMedicine. “This endangered condorwas sent all the way from Arizona to betreated by the best veterinarians at theUniversity of Minnesota.”“We were both thrilled and humbledto have the opportunity to care for thismagnificent bird,” says Patrick Redig,D.V.M., Ph.D., director of TheRaptor Center. “We put our years ofknowledge and experience in fracturemanagement towork, and also wentto great lengths toprevent the condorfrom becominghabituated.”Habituation —becoming too comfortablearoundhumans — can occurin condors and otherwildlife that haveregular contact withpeople, which isdetrimental to theirsurvival.After three weeks of treatment, thecondor was returned to Arizona onNov. 30. On Jan. 19, the giant bird wasreleased from a pinnacle near theVermilion Cliffs NationalMonument release site in northernArizona.“He had absolutely no hesitation,taking only one leap beforeflapping powerfully back into thewild,” wrote Chris Parish, condorproject director at ThePeregrine Fund. “We watched ashe took a long flight, seeming nodifferent than any other bird inthe area. Upon landing, heroughed his feathers, preened abit and looked great!”To learn more, visitwww.cvm.umn.edu/raptor.About theCalifornia condorThe California condor is NorthAmerica’s largest land bird, weighingup to 22 pounds with a wingspan ofnine and a half feet. A highly endangeredspecies, its population reacheda low of 22 in 1982 due to lead poisoningand habitat degradation. Sincethen, captive breeding programs at theWorld Center for Birds of Prey inBoise, Idaho, San Diego Wild AnimalPark, Los Angeles Zoo, and OregonZoo and release efforts by the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service have resultedin a slow recovery for the species.There are currently 274 California condorsin the world – 127 in the wild inArizona and California, 133 in captivity,and 14 awaiting release.Chris Parish, condor project director at The Peregrine Fund,releases the healed condor from a pinnacle near theVermilion Cliffs National Monument release site.21

DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENTU of M Board of Regents approvesplans for $14-million equinetreatment and research centerAn artist’s rendering of the University of Minnesota Equine Center, which is expected to be completed in 2007.The University of MinnesotaBoard of Regents has approvedplans for the new Universityof Minnesota Equine Center.“A tradition of this University is to offerunparalleled teaching, research, andservice. This center shows our commitmentto an importantMinnesota sector —horses and horse owners,”commentedUniversity ofMinnesota PresidentRobert Bruininks.Construction will startin late summer.Rafferty, Rafferty, Tollefson architectsof St. Paul designed the center and areworking with Gralla Architects, anOklahoma firm that has designed manyworld-renowned equine complexes.The $14 million facility, which will bebuilt in the northeast section of theUniversity of Minnesota St. Paul campus,will allow the University to offerhorse owners integrated, research-basedcare for their animals. The University“Few other facilities inthe country will offermore resources forhorse owners.”will be able to evaluate, diagnose, andtreat diseases, conditions, and injuriesmore easily and effectively.Dr. Stephanie Valberg, the director ofthe Equine Center, believes the center“will be the cornerstone of our partnershipwith the horse community. Fewother facilities inthe country willoffer moreresources for horseowners. It will be ahome to innovativeequine research,comprehensiveclinical services,new undergraduateequine curriculum, and the We CanRide therapeutic riding program.”—- Stephanie ValbergThe Equine Center is a “program ofexcellence” within the College ofVeterinary Medicine and supports theUniversity’s initiative to become one ofthe top three public research universitiesworldwide. According to Dr. JeffreyKlausner, dean of the College ofVeterinary Medicine, “The EquineCenter will feature the best in diagnostictechnology and equipment, researchprograms, learning opportunities, therapy,and treatment. It will be a source ofknowledge and innovation for decadesto come.” The Equine Center will utilizeall of the resources available at theUniversity in collaboration with industryexperts to produce meaningful,innovative advancements in the health,well-being, and performance in thehorse.A public groundbreaking is planned forAugust 9, 2006, and completionof the project is expected in fall2007. Details are available atwww.cvm.umn.edu/umec.The College of Veterinary Medicinecontinues to raise funds for the center,with $4.62 million raised to date. Tocontribute to the Equine Center or formore information about the campaign,go to http://www.cvm.umn.edu/devalumni/campaigns/equine/home.html.22

DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENTDonations make a differenceHubert and Julie Thibodeau in their St. Paulhome with their dogs.Hubert and Julie Thibodeauare Veterinary MedicalCenter clients as well as longtimeCollege benefactors. Two yearsago, the Thibodeaus donated in a differentkind of way, purchasing new furniturefor the Veterinary Medical Center’sintensive care and radiology waitingareas. One year later, Julie and Hubertnoticed something else the medicalcenter needed — a new building sign.“When the Veterinary TeachingHospital was renamed, there was only aplastic banner announcing the newVeterinary Medical Center. This is astate-of-the-art facility, and the sign itdid not represent the high-quality workdone there,” says Julie Thibodeau.The Thibodeaus have been bringingtheir dogs to the Veterinary MedicalCenter for care and treatment foryears. Hubert and Julie have had NovaScotia duck-towing retrievers, aPomeranian, and two poodles. Theycurrently have a papillon and a NovaScotia duck-towing retriever.In addition to donating money for thenew sign, Julie and Hubert donatedmoney to The Raptor Center to renovatefourindoor mews.Mews areenclosures forraptors thatrepresent theirnatural habitat.The mews nowrepresentMinnesota’sbiomes, creatingan additionallearningopportunity forvisitors.The new Veterinary MedicalCenter signThank you to the Thibodeaus and allthose who donate to the College ofVeteriary Medicine.Tribute FundThe College understands and respects the need for individualsto recognize their beloved pets and for others toremember those special animals. The Tribute Fund providesan opportunity to celebrate, honor or memorialize animalowners, veterinarians, family members, friends, associates,volunteers, or that special someone – on any occasion. Bymaking a gift through the tribute gift program, you canreach out to people during times of joy or sorrow and letthem know they are not forgotten. A tribute gift can commemorateor acknowledge:■ Birthdays■ Graduations■ Births and deaths (human or animal)■ Anniversaries■ Weddings■ Promotions■ Special accomplishments or recognition■ Recoveries from illness, disease, or accidentsEach tribute gift is acknowledged by a distinctive card sentto the person or family in whose name your gift is made(the card will not mention the amount of your gift). As thecontributor, you will receive a separate acknowledgementand a receipt for your records.Your tribute gift will help companion animals by:■ Finding new treatments for diseases and other causes ofanimal suffering■ Upgrading patient facilities and equipment used to diagnoseand treat patients referred to the Veterinary MedicalCenter■ Assisting veterinary students in mastering their profession,ultimately advancing the health of companion animalswell into the futureFor additional information about making a tribute gift, goto www.cvm.umn.edu/devalumni or contact the developmentoffice at 612-624-6744 or cvmdev@umn.edu.23

NEWSAlumni NewsNEWS NEWAlumni AchievementsDr. Thomas D. Brokken (class of 1969)was named the 52nd president of theAmerican Association of EquinePractitioners (AAEP) during the group’sannual convention in Seattle Dec. 3-7.Since joining theAAEP in 1969,Dr. Brokken hasheld positions onnumerous AAEPcommittees andtask forces. Mostrecently, he servedas the AAEP vicepresident and2005 programchair for the association’sannualconvention. Heserved on theboard of directorsfrom 1985-1990and participates inthe AAEP’s OnCall program as aveterinaryspokesperson.In addition to hisrole at AAEP, Dr.Brokken is a senior partner at Teigland,Franklin & Brokken, DVMs, a 12-veterinarianequine medicine and surgerypractice exclusively for thoroughbredracehorses. He began working at thepractice in 1970 and has been a seniorpartner for 14 years. Based in FortLauderdale, Fla., the practice also operatesoffices in Delaware, New York, andPennsylvania.During a presentation at the AAEP convention,Dr. Brokken said he plans tolead the AAEP in three key initiatives in2006: membership development, continuingeducation, and advocacy.Dr. Brokken’s son, Todd, is a student atthe University of Minnesota College ofVeterinaryMedicine (classof 2007).Dr. Bob Skinner(class of 1979) hasjoined GuidantCorporation, aninternationalmanufacturer ofcardiovasculartherapeuticdevices and relatedproducts. Heis working in thepreclinical area ofcardiac rhythmmanagement,helping to makebetter pacemakers,defibrillators,and otherDr. Tom Brokken, president of AAEPdevices. Bob saysthat a course in regulatorymedicine thathe took from Dr. Mike Murphy, a professorin the College’s VeterinaryPopulation Medicine department, gavehim a head start in his new position.Dr. Mark FitzSimmons (class of 1987)was named the 2006 Swine Practitionerof the Year by the American Associationof Swine Veterinarians during the association’sannual meeting in Kansas City,Mo. Given annually since 1977, theaward recognizes swine practitionerswho demonstrate exceptional service totheir veterinary clients. It is the association’shighest honor.Dr. FitzSimmons is the owner of MAFVeterinary Services, Eagle Lake, Minn.,a swine consulting practice that he establishedthree years ago. He is also a partnerin the family farm-associated business,Protein Sources. Previously, Dr.FitzSimmons worked for SwineGraphics Enterprises, Ltd. in WebsterCity, Iowa, where he became an expert insegregated production techniques. He isrecognized for pioneering the use ofserum therapy for control of porcinereproductive and respiratory syndrome.Dr. James Swenberg (class of 1966) wasnamed Kenan Distinguished Professorof Environmental Sciences andEngineering, an endowed faculty positionawarded to outstanding scholars andteachers. He is currently a professor ofenvironmental sciences and engineering,nutrition, and pathology and laboratorymedicine at the University of NorthCarolina at Chapel Hill. His researchcareer has focused on chemical carcinogenesisand toxicology, with an emphasison studying the role of DNA damageand repair in carcinogenesis, developinghighly sensitive assay methods for DNAadduct research, and improving the scientificbasis of risk assessment.Alumni, we want to hearabout your achievements!E-mail your news to CVMCommunications atcvmcomm@umn.edu.24

S NEWS NEWSFaculty KudosScott Dee installed aspresident of AASVDr. Scott Dee, a professor in the Swine DiseaseEradication Center, was installed as president ofthe American Association of Swine Veterinariansat the association’s annual meeting in Kansas City,Missouri, March 7.“My focus will be to build an industry-wide teamdedicated to the long-term goal of eliminating theporcine reproductive and respiratory syndromevirus from the North American pig population,”he says. “I am confident that our association will Scott Deeserve as a model for all veterinary species-orientedassociations in regard to how veterinarians work with industry to solveeconomically significant problems related to food animals.”An internationally recognized swine disease expert, Dr. Dee consults in33 states and 22 countries, is a frequent speaker at veterinary and producermeetings, and is the author of 20 book chapters and more than 100peer-reviewed articles. Prior to joining the faculty in 1999, Dr. Dee was aprivate practitioner in a swine-specific practice in Morris, Minn., for 12years. He received his veterinary degree from the University ofMinnesota in 1987 and earned his Ph.D. in 1996. He is board certified bythe American College of Veterinary Microbiologists.Rutherford proposalreceives first prizeDr. Mark Rutherford’s proposal for increasingthe matriculation of high-quality graduate studentsin the basic biological and biomedical sciencesreceived first prize in a Graduate School competitionthat sought proposals for innovative ideas forimproving graduate education at the University.Dr. Rutherford is director of graduate studies,Comparative and Molecular Biosciences, and aprofessor in the Veterinary and BiomedicalSciences Department. The award was presented ata ceremony at the Weisman Art Museum on May 9.Mark RutherfordJim Collins receivesAASV Howard DunneMemorial AwardDr. Jim Collins,director of theV e t e r i n a r yD i a g n o s t i cLaboratory, wasawarded the HowardDunne MemorialAward by theA m e r i c a nAssociation of SwineJim CollinsVeterinarians(AASV). Presented at the association’sannual meeting in Kansas City, Missouri,March 4-7, the award recognizes an AASVmember who has made important contributionsand provided outstanding service tothe association and the swine industry.An accomplished author, Dr. Collins haswritten 192 articles and book chapters onswine and bovine infectious diseases andserved the U.S. pork industry through hispioneering research on porcine reproductiveand respiratory syndrome. In 2005, he wasnamed Veterinarian of the Year by theMinnesota Veterinary Medical Association.Dr. Collins received his veterinary degreefrom the University of Minnesota in 1978and his Ph.D. in veterinary pathology fromMichigan State University. Prior to joiningthe faculty of the College in 1986, he was anassistant professor at South Dakota StateUniversity. Dr. Collins is a diplomate of theAmerican College of VeterinaryPathologists.25

In MemoryDr. David Duane Olson, class of 1983, diedof a heart attack on April 27, 2006. He was livingin Eleva, Wisconsin.Dr. Robert J. Velure, class of 1968, passedaway Sept. 2, 1995. Velure was the state veterinarianfor North Dakota until his retirementin May 1995. During Velure’s tenure,North Dakota had one of the best livestockhealth records in the nation, according to theFargo-Moorhead Forum.Dr. Karl Healy Wall, class of 1989, diedunexpectedly Nov. 19, 2005. Born and raisedin Fridley, Minn., he is survived by his wife,Jill, and daughters Jessica, Gabrielle, Jenni,and Tana.Dr. Robert Westlake, class of 1954, passedaway on Dec. 24, 2005. A resident of DetroitLakes, Minn., Dr. Westlake was a long-timemember of the Minnesota Turkey GrowersAssociation and a past recipient of theRanelius Award.Faculty and graduate students volunteertheir time for Habitat for HumanityOn April 22, a group of graduate students and faculty in the Comparative and MolecularBiosciences program spent the day working for the Minneapolis chapter of the Habitatfor Humanity. They built the inside and outside wall frames for a house and raised $195for the chapter.Standing, from left, are Dr. Kent Reed, Dr. Mark Rutherford, Dr. Mike Murtaugh, Dr.Rebecca LaRue, Dr. Bruce Walcheck, Dr. Geoff Hirsch, two Habitat homeowners, Dr.Dianna Saam, Ben Silberglitt (Dr. Amy Treeful’s husband), a Habitat homeowner, Dr. AndyPetzold, Dr. Temene Melkamu, and Dr. Erik Olson. Kneeling are Dr. Robyn Milkie, BettyBraun (Dr. Jen Brazzell’s mom, from Winnipeg, Manitoba), Dr. Margaret McNulty, Dr. JenBrazzell, Dr. Amy Treeful, and Dr. Trasida Ployngam.New Faculty/StaffOctober 2005–May 2006AdministrationSarah J. Goulet,controllerVeterinary Clinical SciencesKarin S. Christopher,assistant clinical professorLuca Ferasin, associate professorVeterinary Population MedicineAnibal Guillermo Armien,assistant clinical professorHyeun Bum Kim, research assistant26

Contact UsDavid Lee named VMC directorDr. David Lee joined the College as director of theVeterinary Medical Center on July 5. He was previouslyhospital director/associate professor at the James L. VossVeterinary Medical Center, the veterinary teaching hospital atColorado State University. Prior to that, he was executive director ofexternal affairs and marketing at Cornell University’s College ofVeterinary Medicine. Dr. Lee has a master of business administrationand a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Cornell.The College will host a fall reception to welcome him.Veterinary ContinuingEducation ProgramsSeptember–December 2006SeptemberMather Lecture Series Begins September 7Allen D. Leman Swine Conference September 23-26Swine Disease EradicationCenter Symposium September 24OctoberDairy COMP Introduction Begins October 2Dairy COMP - Reproductive Records Begins October 2Dairy COMP - Somatic Cell Count Begins October 2Mini-Vet School 5-week series begins Oct. 3Agriculture Executive Workshop October 4-5Small Animal Dental Radiology,Periodontal, and Pain Management October 10Successful Breeding and HealthManagement of Dogs6-week evening seriesbegins October 11Equine Fall Conference October 13MEDS - Advanced Equine Oral Surgery October 20-22Companion AnimalGastroenterology Symposium October 26-27NovemberSmall Animal Dental Radiology,Periodontal, and Pain Management November 11DecemberLayer School I - Diseases of Layers December 6-7For up-to-date program information go to www.cvm.umn.edu/outreachVeterinary Medical Center■ Comprehensive, innovative medical services■ Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week■ Fully staffed intensive care unitEmergency: 612-625-9711Small Animal: 612-625-1919Large Animal: 612-625-6700www.cvm.umn.edu/vmcVeterinary Diagnostic Laboratory612-625-8787 ■ 800-605-8787Fax 612-624-8707E-mail: vdl@umn.edu ■ www.vdl.umn.eduThe Raptor Center612-624-4745Fax 612-624-8740www.raptor.cvm.umn.eduVeterinary Continuing Education612-624-3434www.cvm.umn.edu/outreachStudent Affairs and Admissions612-624-4747www.cvm.umn.edu/admissionsPublic Relations612-624-6228E-mail: cvmpr@umn.eduDevelopment/Alumni612-624-1247E-mail: cvmdev@umn.eduPrinted on recycled paper with minimum 10% postconsumer waste.The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shallhave equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard torace, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability,public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.ProfilesVeterinary MedicineVolume 5 Number 1 Summer 2006Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine......Jeffrey KlausnerEditor ........................................................Jan WilliamsWriters...................................Mariah Carroll, Mary Hoff,Sue Kirchoff, Jan WilliamsDesigner...................................................Shawn WelchPhotographers...................Sue Kirchoff, Shelly CampbellDesigned and printed at Universityof Minnesota Printing Services.

ProfilesCollege of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Minnesota1365 Gortner AvenueSt. Paul, Minnesota 55108Nonprofit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDMpls., MN.Permit No. 155Change Service RequestedVeterinary Medical Center createshealth maintenance plancare are unpredictable. If one of thedogs does get injured or sick, wewon’t need to worry about what it willcost to treat him and whether themoney is in the budget to do it. It willbe covered, like health plans coveremployees when they get sick orhurt.”Roseville Police Officer Tom Gray and Tasco, Officer John Jorgensen and Major, Officer Brady Martinand Velo, and Sergeant Eric Christensen and Cooper.Three Roseville police dogsare the first animals to becovered under a newVeterinary Medical Center healthplan specially designed for policecanine officers.The concept is similar to that of anHMO (health maintenance organization),which provides health insurancecoverage through specificproviders and emphasizes preventivecare in an effort to control costs. Fora fixed rate per dog per year, the plancovers wellness, preventive, urgent,emergency, and specialty services.“It allows us to budget for the cost ofhealth care for our canine officers,”says Sergeant Eric Christensen, whoworked with Veterinary MedicalCenter officials to create the caninehealth plan. “The costs associatedwith illness, injury, and preventiveWhile “pet insurance” plans are availablethrough private companies, theVeterinary Medical Center’s programis different because it is being offeredby a veterinary care provider and coversboth preventive care and treatmentfor acquired conditions.“There is fairly little financial risk tothe Veterinary Medical Centerbecause the animals need to remain ingood physical condition to maintaintheir status as canine officers,” saysDr. Roberto Novo, medical director.“However, there is a risk that one ormore of the dogs could be injured inthe line of duty, in which case theirtreatment would be totally covered bythis plan.”■ SUE KIRCHOFF