T he chatter of our wonderful students in the rooms, laboratories, hallways and atrium of the Veterinary Medicine Center ended May 14, 2004, with the last day of final examinations. After finals our students scattered to summer jobs, practice experience in Italy, a zoonotic disease trip to Morroco, a South African conference on veterinary medicine for African wildlife, a Fulbright research project in India, equine research at California Polytechnic University, Pomona, and, hopefully, lots of rest. I congratulate these fine students on their completion of the first year of our innovative new curriculum, and our fine faculty on their hard work, diligence and endurance in making that curriculum a reality. The College held its first Honors Day tea on April 28, 2004, in a program sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Students received awards for academic excellence, service, congeniality and excellence in small animal medicine. Two faculty members were among the many honorees; they are Dr. John Tegzes, recipient of the Pfizer/Norden Award for Teaching Excellence, and Dr. Tom Phillips, recipient of the Pfizer Award for Research.The first Staff Excellence Awards went to Ms. Edna Cova and Ms. Donna Dunn of our administrative offices for their fine service and dedication. HUGE congratulations to all. In our 2-month summer break, from mid-May to the beginning of the next Orientation Week on August 2, we are all taking a little time to vacation, advance our research and to complete work on the second and some of the third-year curricula. In late May we interviewed candidates for open faculty positions, and were pleased to identify four candidates to whom positions were extended. All four accepted our offers and will start work in July and September.Under the leadership of Dr. Steve Waldhalm, PBL Coordinator, and Dr. John Tegzes, Associate PBL Coordinator, problem-based learning cases are being completed (mini- tutored, dress-rehearsed) for the second year. Task forces have reported to the Curriculum Committee on the external reviews of our three (non-PBL) courses. A new task force, chaired by Associate Professor Gini Barrett (Biomedical Ethics & Public Policy) has been formed to review future directions for our Reverence for Life Commitment. Drs. Robert Mason and Gary Johnston have just completed a mock student experience in a third- year practice at Dr. Jim Diefenbach’s practice,The Animal Hospital of Huntington Beach. We also continue to work on the Self Study Report, currently in draft form, for the AVMA Council on Education’s October site visit. continued on page 3... The Newsletter of the New College of Veterinary Medicine/Western University of Health Sciences MAY/JUNE 2004 WORD FROM THE DEAN Shirley D. Johnston, DVM, PhD CVM’S NEW “BOWIE UNIT” ..........................................PAGE 3 STUDENT PROFILES ..................................PAGES 2 & 3 FACULTY PROFILES ............PAGE 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE The College of Veterinary Medicine’s new mobile care unit arrives. . . . . . . . . PAGE 5
Transcript
The chatter of our wonderfulstudents in the rooms,laboratories, hallways and
atrium of the Veterinary MedicineCenter ended May 14, 2004, with thelast day of final examinations. Afterfinals our students scattered tosummer jobs, practice experience inItaly, a zoonotic disease trip toMorroco, a South African conferenceon veterinary medicine for Africanwildlife, a Fulbright research projectin India, equine research at CaliforniaPolytechnic University, Pomona, and,hopefully, lots of rest. I congratulatethese fine students on theircompletion of the first year of ourinnovative new curriculum, and ourfine faculty on their hard work,diligence and endurance in makingthat curriculum a reality.
The College held its first Honors Day
tea on April 28, 2004, in a programsponsored by Pfizer Animal Healthand Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Studentsreceived awards for academicexcellence, service, congeniality andexcellence in small animal medicine.Two faculty members were amongthe many honorees; they are Dr.John Tegzes, recipient of thePfizer/Norden Award for TeachingExcellence, and Dr. Tom Phillips,recipient of the Pfizer Award forResearch.The first Staff ExcellenceAwards went to Ms. Edna Cova andMs. Donna Dunn of ouradministrative offices for their fineservice and dedication. HUGEcongratulations to all.
In our 2-month summer break, frommid-May to the beginning of the nextOrientation Week on August 2, we areall taking a little time to vacation,advance our research and tocomplete work on the second andsome of the third-year curricula. Inlate May we interviewed candidatesfor open faculty positions, and werepleased to identify four candidates towhom positions were extended. Allfour accepted our offers and will startwork in July and September. Underthe leadership of Dr. SteveWaldhalm, PBL Coordinator, and Dr.John Tegzes, Associate PBLCoordinator, problem-based learningcases are being completed (mini-tutored, dress-rehearsed) for thesecond year. Task forces havereported to the CurriculumCommittee on the external reviews of
our three (non-PBL) courses. A newtask force, chaired by AssociateProfessor Gini Barrett (BiomedicalEthics & Public Policy) has beenformed to review future directions forour Reverence for Life Commitment.Drs. Robert Mason and GaryJohnston have just completed amock student experience in a third-year practice at Dr. JimDiefenbach’s practice,The AnimalHospital of Huntington Beach. Wealso continue to work on the SelfStudy Report, currently in draft form,for the AVMA Council on Education’sOctober site visit.
continued on page 3...
The Newsletter of the New College of Veterinary Medicine/Western University of Health Sciences
MAY/JUNE 2004
WORD FROM THE DEAN
Shirley D. Johnston, DVM, PhD
CVM’S NEW “BOWIE UNIT”..........................................PAGE 3
The College of Veterinary Medicine’s newmobile care unit arrives. . . . . . . . . PAGE 5
PAGE 2 MAY/JUNE 2004
JENNIFER MAGEE
CVM PROFILESCVM PROFILESCVM PROFILES
I graduated from Cal Poly, San LuisObispo in June 2003, and am
excited to be here! I am interestedin doing small animal and small
exotic animal (rodents!) medicine.I have been happily married for
almost a year and have twoadorable kittens at home. Outside
of school, I spend a lot of timepainting miniatures and gaming.
LAUREN MATZUKAI grew up in the small town of CoalCity, Illinois and have dreamedabout becoming a veterinariansince elementary school. I am a
2003 graduate from Beloit Collegein Beloit, WI with a BS in
biochemistry. I have worked with awide range of animals, from zebras
and oryx to cats and dogs. Bothsmall animal and equine medicine
are of interest to me.
CARMEN LOPEZ First, I must share with all the gratitude I owe to my daughter for her patienceand understanding in my endeavors. Asa native Angelino my education has alsostayed local, graduating from CaliforniaPolytechnic University, Pomona with aBS degree in biology. My veterinaryinterests have focused on small animalmedicine, however I am leaving myoptions open for the potentially hidden“eye-opening” passions that this practicehas to offer.
KATHLEEN LYNDE I was born in New York, but have lived insouthern California for ten years. After acareer as a foreign exchange broker, Iearned a BFA. I worked as a vettechnician while completing myprerequisites at Cal Poly Pomona.Thrilled to be part of Western’s Charterclass, I am enjoying my education. Myhusband, Chad and I have dogs and awide variety of exotic pets.
MIKE KAVANAGHI am 33 years old and back in school tofulfill my dream of caring for animals.
With the dairy and small animalexperiences I have had, I plan to be the
best veterinarian I can be with theinnovative education I am now
receiving at Western University ofHealth Sciences. My wife and I share in
the joy of our first-born daughter,Reagan Sue Kavanagh.
LARA DOWNS-KAPLANI completed myprerequisites for veterinaryschool at Cal Poly Pomona.
At this time in my career,my focus is on working
with exotics, small animalsand birds.
LYNDSEY NAJIMA I was born and raised in San Jose,California and received myundergraduate degree inphysiological science from UCLA in2002. I worked for a year at a smallanimal clinic in West Los Angelesand am now very fortunate to beearning a degree in such aninnovative program.
REBECCA MERLO I’m following my father’s footsteps inbecoming a veterinarian, as weshare similar passions for animalsand medicine. I grew up in a suburbof Chicago and received my BS inbiochemistry from UC San Diego.The loves of my life are my two cats,Annie and Fiddle...oh, I have a fiancénamed Houston, too. My interests arein small animal internal medicine,teaching and research.
MAY/JUNE 2004 PAGE 3
SIBYL POLANCOI was born and raised in Pasadena,California. I attended Cal Poly
Pomona where I obtained my BS inanimal science. I am truly blessedand honored to be in the charter
class of Western University’sveterinary program. I am also very
fortunate to have such encouragingand understanding family and
fiancé. Class of 2007 we havecompleted our first year! One step
closer to achieving our goal!
RANA ELIZABETH OLSENI grew up in Southern California, primarily in theInland Empire. I received my BS in biology from
California State University, San Bernardino. Duringmy undergraduate studies at Crafton Hills College,
my microbiology professor and her husbandallowed me to work on their alpaca ranch, where
I found my calling. My hope is to open a largeanimal practice with a specialty in camelid
medicine. I look forward to working with all thewonderful people here at Western University and
watching all of our dreams become reality.
HEIDI NEW I was born and raised in Californiaand I have wanted to be aveterinarian since I was inelementary school. I attended CSU,Sacramento were I graduated with aBS in molecular biology with aminor in chemistry. When Igraduate I hope to become a smallanimal surgeon and radiologist.
TRISH OGLE I was born and raised in California’sCentral Valley, where my love for workingwith animals grew.Through involvementin FFA and projects at Cal Poly, San LuisObispo, where I earned my BS in animalscience, I further developed this passion.I am supported by a wonderful boyfriendTony and my chocolate lab, Bocephus.When not studying, I enjoy working onand driving my customized Mustang.
...continued from front pageThat draft has been provided to students, faculty, and theCVM Advisory Council for their input and will be polishedinto final form this summer. Finally, I want to welcome Dr. Jane Shaw, DVM from Michigan State and PhD fromthe University of Guelph (epidemiology, communications)who joined our faculty in May. And welcome back to Dr. Ashley Robinson, returning from his retirement homein New Zealand to continue service as interim AssociateDean for Preclinical Programs. Farewell and HUGE thanksto Dr. Billy E. Hooper who served as interim AssociateDean for Preclinical Programs from January through May.Dr. Hooper is the architect of our curriculum and chair ofthe CVM Advisory Council. We look forward to seeing himagain in October during our COE Site Visit.
Dr. Billy Hooper climbs into the “cockpit”after chairing the summer Advisory CouncilMeeting and heads out for his home in
Lafayette, Indiana. After spending five months withus as Interim Associate Dean of Pre-ClinicalPrograms, he and his wife Janice look forward to aleisurely drive across the country. His time with uswas very productive and much enjoyed bystudents, staff and faculty. Thank you, Dr. Hooper.
The College recently receivedthis ’89 Chevy pick-up truckcomplete with a “Bowie unit”donated by Dr. & Mrs. DeanHill of Temecula. Dr. Hill, aretired equine practitionerthought this might be anappropriate gift to theCollege. Our Charter Classhas twenty-six members inthe student chapter of theAmerican Association ofEquine Practitioners.Thankyou, Dr. & Mrs. Hill.
PAGE 4 MAY/JUNE 2004
John H. Tegzes, DVM joined theCollege of Veterinary Medicine asan Associate Professor of
Toxicology in August, 2003. Dr.Tegzeswas raised in a suburb ofPhiladelphia, PA and received his VMDfrom the University of Pennsylvania in1995. Upon graduation fromveterinary school, Dr.Tegzes relocatedto the very beautiful PacificNorthwest, where in addition to
working in private practice, he spentmuch of his free time in themountains and on the coast enjoyingnumerous outdoors activities, despitethe rain.After spending five years insmall animal practice in Portland, OR,Dr.Tegzes pursued his interest inveterinary toxicology by completing aresidency in toxicology at theUniversity of California at Davis.During his time at UC Davis, Dr.Tegzes focused on diagnostic andclinical toxicology. He especiallyenjoys investigating the diagnosis andtreatment of poisonous plantexposures in large animals. For thatreason, California has been awonderful place for him to be atoxicologist, as the diverse terrain andclimates are home to more poisonousplants than in any other state. In July,2003, he successfully completed the
certifying exam of the AmericanBoard of Veterinary Toxicology, andbecame a Diplomate of this specialtyboard.Two weeks later he movedsouth to join the faculty here atWestern University. At home, he isnever seen without his five-year-oldGolden Retriever, Lola, who hedescribes as a big goofball. He isconvinced that her mission in life is tomake people smile and laugh. Inaddition to Lola, he has two cats thatare now 14- and 15-years old and havebeen his constant companions sincebefore he started veterinary school,having moved with him from east towest and from north to south. Dr.Tegzes takes great pride in workingwith veterinary students andmentoring our profession’s newestcolleagues.
JOHN H. TEGZES
Jane R. Shaw, DVM, PhD joinedthe College of Veterinary Medicineas an Assistant Professor of
Epidemiology in May, 2004. Dr. Shawreceived her veterinary degree fromMichigan State University in 1994.After spending two years incompanion animal practice innorthern New Jersey, Dr. Shaw joinedCornell University as an instructor inthe problem-based learningcurriculum and clinician for theCommunity Practice Service.While atCornell, she developed CornellCompanions, an animal-assistedactivities program that works withdevelopmentally disabled childrenand advised student volunteers of thePet Loss Support Hotline. Mostrecently, she completed her PhD in
Epidemiology at the University ofGuelph in Ontario, Canada. The titleof her PhD thesis wasCommunication Skills and theVeterinarian-Client-PatientRelationship, the first studyconducted of the veterinarian-client-patient communication. In a theme offirsts, while at OVC, she developedthe student-centered CommunityWellness Service, which focused onpreventative medicine and clinicalinterviewing. In addition, she advisedthe development of the first Pet LossSupport Hotline in Canada. Dr. Shawis currently serving on the steeringcommittee for the first InternationalConference on Communication inVeterinary Medicine being held inJune in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,
Canada. Dr. Shaw brings to WesternUniversity her passions for socialepidemiology, human-animalinteractions, communication andstudent-centered learning.
JANE R. SHAW
CVM PROFILESCVM PROFILESCVM PROFILES
MAY/JUNE 2004 PAGE 5
New Mobile Animal Care Unit Makes its DebutLara Rasmussen, DVM andfriend in front of the beautiful36' long mobile clinic, theVeterinary AmbulatoryCommunity Service (VACS)vehicle. This vehicle, funded bygrants from the Bosack KruegerFoundation, PetsMart Charitiesand private donors, will be usedfor community outreach (toshelters, rescues and homelesscenters) as part of the ClinicalSkills Course, as well as othercollege events.
Mission StatementThe VACS program offers basic veterinary care tounderserved animal populations and the people who carefor them.VACS is dedicated to increasing successful pet-family relationships and reducing homeless animalpopulations through education and care.This service-learning initiative promotes veterinary student learningabout medicine, societal issues and community servicethrough active civic engagement and outreach.
VACS at WorkThe human-animal bond is a powerful, positive influenceon the physical and mental well-being for bothparticipants. The Veterinary Ambulatory CommunityService (VACS) program will facilitate the maintenance orestablishment of that bond to the betterment of individualsand communities. Since it can be a challenge—physically,mentally and financially—to care for companion animals,we seek to ease that burden through the provision ofveterinary medical care and animal care education topopulations in need. To facilitate this process, we will relyon the organizational structure of existing human andanimal service organizations in the Los Angeles area toidentify and contact populations in need of care.WesternUniversity-CVM and each organization will collaborativelydesign VACS events that offer our services to their patrons;the VACS vehicle, staff and students will manage eachindividual event.
The Beauty of Service-LearningService-learning has two concepts central to itsmethodology. First, service experiences are used toenhance learning (i.e., serving to learn). Involvement inservice activities can increase student motivation,substantiate learning of classroom activities and introducethe student to real-world complexity. Second, service-learning allows the student to recognize, develop andrefine the act of service (i.e., learning to serve.) Helpingstudents to develop a spirit of service and the knowledgeof opportunities that exist in home veterinary health care,animal shelter medicine, and cost-effective communityservice veterinary care is a key goal of the VACS and of theWestern University-CVM education.
Calendar of EventsJune 3-6, 2004Leadership Conference-WSUPullman,WA
June 7, 2004Advisory Council Meeting-FairplexEquine Park, Pomona, CA
June 25-27, 2004CVMA Annual ConferenceSan Francisco, CA
July 13-16, 2004First International conference onCommunicationIn Veterinary Medicine,Niagra-on-the-Lake,Ontario, Canada
July 24-28, 2004AVMA Meeting, Philadelphia, PA
July 30-Aug 1, 2004CVMA Summer SeminarMonterey, CA
August 2-7, 2004Orientation Week for 2nd Class
August 7, 2004Convocation & White CoatCeremonies
August 9, 2004Classes begin
October 16-21, 2004Site visit by the AVMA, Council onEducation
THE OUTLOOK Newsletter College of Veterinary Medicine
