Veterinarian
Spring 2016
The CVM Family Dr. Charlie Hendrix: All You Need Is a B CPS-Produced Dogs on Front Line of Anti-Terror Efforts
WORKING WITH YOU AND YOUR VETERINARIAN TO KEEP YOUR HORSE IN PEAK PERFORMANCE
JT Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital Offering services by board-certified equine specialists in Sports Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Reproduction, Anesthesia, and Emergency Medicine. Additional board-certified specialists in Cardiology, Radiology, and Ophthalmology assist with the evaluation of horses. Evaluations are available for lameness diagnosis, poor performance, respiratory conditions, neonatal care, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal disease, ophthalmic conditions, cardiac disease, and more. Diagnostic capabilities include MRI, CT scan (traditional & standing), bone scan, ultrasonography, digital radiography, endoscopy, Lameness Locator®, and more.
334/844-4490 • 1500 Wire Road • Auburn, AL 36849 • 24-hour emergency care www.vetmed.auburn.edu
T HE
PO S S I BI L I T I E S
A R E
E N DL E S S
Spring 2016
CONTENT From the Dean 05
Development 26
CPS-Produced Dogs on Front Line 06
Faculty News 28
Breeding Stallions 09
Alumni Notes 32
34 Years of Education 11
In Memoriam 35
The CVM Family 13
Apocrypha 38
Around the CVM 20
The CVM Family
Dr. Charles Hendrix
Mans Best Defense
EDITORIAL EDITOR
Janet L. McCoy
WRITERS Ed Brown Morgan McAbee ’16
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ross Heck
PHOTOGRAPHY Jeff Etheridge Melissa Humble FlipFlopFoto
ADVISORY BOARD ADMINISTRATION Dean Calvin Johnson
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Daniel Givens
RESEARCH
Dr. Frank Bartol
CLINICAL SCIENCES Dr. Jamie Bellah
DEVELOPMENT Diana Turner Jan Chamblin
TEACHING HOSPITAL Dr. Douglas Allen
SOCIAL MEDIA
Find us on Facebook and Twitter at AuburnVetMed and on YouTube at College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University; and Instagram at au_vet_med
AUBURN VETERINARIAN (USPS 014-919) is published four times annually, Volume 35, at 105 Greene Hall, Auburn, AL 36849-5528. Periodicals postage paid at Auburn, AL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Auburn Veterinarian, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, 105 Greene Hall, Auburn, AL 36849-5528. SUBMISSIONS: Mail to Auburn Veterinarian, 105 Greene Hall, Auburn, AL 36849.
Copyright © Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be utilized or reproduced without prior written consent of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
From The Dean On May 3, 2016, the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine conferred its 6,656th Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Among those graduates was the 1,638th student to benefit from the Regional Contract Program of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). Auburn has enjoyed 65 consecutive years of educational partnerships with southeastern states through the SREB, with most of these students being residents of Kentucky. Today, Auburn University proudly serves as the principal educator of veterinarians in the Yellowhammer and Bluegrass States. At the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2016, we celebrated this 65-year milestone with members of Auburn’s Class of 1955, including Kentucky veterinarians Dr. Abram Allen and Dr. Steele Mattingly, and the fifth dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. John Thomas Vaughan. Special guest speakers included the Commissioners of Agriculture from Alabama and Kentucky, The Honorable John McMillan and The Honorable Ryan Quarles, respectively, who spoke on the benefits of inter-state collaboration on a thriving agricultural industry and robust markets for agricultural products. On the heels of the national “Fix the Debt…Our Future, Our Responsibility” symposium in Michigan, inter-state-collaboration simply makes sense as a strategy to curb the high cost of veterinary medical education. In this issue of the Auburn Veterinarian, we feature several stories on the far-reaching Auburn CVM Family—those who are linked through Auburn heritage and those who are also linked by blood. Along these lines, it’s interesting to note that seven graduates of the Class of 2016 were hooded by direct relatives (parents or grandparents) who are also veterinarians. The ties that bind a family together also serve as the foundation for good business, whether it be veterinary practice or veterinary medical education. Those traits could be defined as mutual appreciation, effective communications, a commitment to unity, and shared, deeply held convictions. These principles have served Auburn well in its longstanding relationship with Kentucky and with a host of other partners (preceptors, referring veterinarians, private practitioners, non-profits, corporations, and other colleges) who enrich our program and continually refine the identity of an Auburn veterinarian.
Calvin Johnson ‘86
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CPS-Produced Dogs on Front Line of Anti-Terror Efforts One day after the bombing attacks in Brussels where 32 victims were killed and more than 300 injured, the New York Police Department graduated a class of eight Vapor Wake® dogs and handlers. “Ironic, in the sense of the horrific events in Belgium yesterday, that we are having this graduation today because one of our front-line defenses in the line against terrorism are these wonderful canines,” said NYPD Police Commissioner William Bratton during a ceremony at the College Point Police Academy in Queens. “The new NYPD counterterrorism canines are part of the evolution of how the NYPD is protecting New York City,” Bratton added. These highly trained officers and their four-legged partners are protecting New York City’s five boroughs and other high-profile locations by detecting explosive devices using the canines’ sense of smell.
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“They outperform both men and machines,” said James Waters, chief of the New York City Police Department’s counterterrorism unit. As a continuation of the NYPD’s promise to never forget its fallen heroes, the names of each canine was changed to the name of an officer who was killed in the line of duty. What’s special about these dogs? They are bred and trained to be the most sophisticated detection canine known to man, technology created and patented by College of Veterinary Medicine researchers and trainers in Canine Performance Sciences. Everywhere they go, Vapor Wake dogs carry a little piece of Auburn. “Our ability to respond to such challenges is in the unique combination of researchers and researchoriented canine training professionals that have assembled at CPS and the tremendous support CPS is afforded by a forward-thinking college administration
Photo credit: NYPD
and many brilliant colleagues across the university,” said Dr. Paul Waggoner, co-director of Canine Performance Sciences and one of a team of Auburn employees who created Vapor Wake. “To see your daily work turn into capabilities that have saved lives and enhance security is very fulfilling professionally and personally. CPS is at the tip with regard to enhancing detector dog technology, and is shared accomplishments by a community of researchers at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Auburn University.” Jeanne Brock, chief instructor at CPS who was on the Vapor Wake team, said “it’s very exciting to develop a dog’s scenting capabilities through Vapor Wake training as yet another way to assist with national and global defense. Dogs are not only man’s best friend but the Vapor Wake dogs are a most important defense against terrorist attacks.” To date, more than 125 Vapor Wake canines are in the field worldwide, and more are being produced and trained, working with CPS’ licensee, AMK9. “Auburn breeds to the Vapor Wake standard and prepares dogs to be trained to be Vapor Wake dogs, and has
licensed the technology to AMK9, which has the commercial capacity to proliferate the operational use of the technology,” said Waggoner. “This is emblematic of Auburn’s land-grant outreach mission in fostering economic development in the state and improving the lives of the people of Alabama and the nation, in this case through the provision of enhanced security and safety.” A Vapor Wake dog receives specialized training to detect the flow of odor from a moving person wearing or carrying explosives from a distance of up to a football field away and leads its handler to the source of that odor. The college’s Canine Performance Sciences is one of only two research and development programs fully dedicated
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to working dogs at a veterinary medical college, and being here provides CPS researchers a level of scientific resources that is unparalleled. “The fact that we are aligned with the small animal Theriogenology Service allows us to breed for key characteristics from proven elite Vapor Wake canines,” said Waggoner. “Dogs have amazing olfactory acuity, their attention is primarily focused on odors, and they are very socially sensitive to humans, making them suited for being trained to perform detection work. Our job is to figure out how best to harness these abilities for different detection tasks. We consider the use of dogs for detection a technology that is not static but continuing to evolve based on advances in scientific understanding and the technical skills of those who train and handle detector dogs.” Auburn started development of the Vapor Wake technology in 2005 and applied for a patent in 2009, which was granted in 2015. The inventors of Vapor Wake are: Waggoner and Brock and former Auburn employees John Pearce, Tim Baird, Daniel MacAfee and Robert Leonard, now with AMK9, and David Baffa, now with the Transportation Security Administration. Vapor Wake is the first detector dog technology to be certified by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security. In addition to the recent addition of Vapor Wake teams by the NYPD, Amtrak has employed Vapor Wake canines since 2008 in mass transit security and the technology is rapidly being
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adopted for large-event venue security, such as with the St. Louis Cardinals, various other college and professional sports events, Disney Land and World Parks, and the Mall of America. Beyond the Vapor Wake technology, CPS is engaged in research and development that is leading to new detector dog technologies. For example, in collaboration with College of Veterinary Medicine colleagues, the CPS team has demonstrated, for the first time, the detection of a virus by a dog and its discrimination of that virus from other very similar viruses, paving the way for harnessing the dog’s capabilities for bio-security applications. The CPS team is also collaborating with a diverse group of Auburn University scientists in groundbreaking research using functional magnetic resonance imaging to learn how dogs’ brains process information, such as their perception of odors, as well as responses to different types of experiences and training. These insights will improve the ability to work with dogs, not only for performing detection work, but in assisting persons with physical, emotional, and mental disabilities and, more generally, improving the human-dog relationship.
Breeding Stallions Present Educational Opportunities Auburn’s Equine Theriogenology program is recognized as one of the finest in the country. It is that well-known expertise that brings Tommy Bradbury of Elizabethtown, Ky., and his prized Quarter Horse stallion, Frenchmans Maximum, to Auburn. Max serves as a valuable educational tool while he stands at the college, allowing for clinical teaching of equine theriogenology. With Max, students
Tommy and Linda Bradbury with Max.
“Normal gestation in a horse is 340 days, but they
have the opportunity to gain experience in every
can go as many as 20 days before or after,” Dr.
part of equine pregnancy, from breeding through
Johnson said. “She actually held on to Lil Rose for
pregnancy, to birth and foal care.
371 days, so the students waited on this foal for a
“We’re very fortunate to have such a high-dollar, nice
long, long time.”
stallion standing here,” said Dr. Aime Johnson, a
Students learn a great deal about managing equine
faculty clinician in the Theriogenology Service.
pregnancy with Betty Buy Rose; and Lil Rose
“He’s a good horse to work with, has a great attitude
continues to provide invaluable, hands-on educa-
and is a safe horse to interact with.”
tional experiences for students.
Max came to Auburn in February, just before
Rose recently was confirmed pregnant with a
the birth of his newest foal, a filly named AU
second foal from Max and is due in 2017.
Frenchmans Wicked Lil Rose.
Bradbury, whose son, Marcus, graduated from the
Lil Rose was born Feb. 25 from college-owned
college in 2013, was aware of the excellent services
mare Betty Buy Rose.
provided by the equine theriogenology service, and decided to have him stand at the college and manage his breeding.
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Dr. Aime Johnson examines Lil Rose, while second-year student Casey Randle watches.
Frenchmans Maximum will remain at Auburn until June and horse owners can breed their mares with Max. The foals from Auburn-owned horses, like Lil Rose, will be auctioned this fall at the 3rd Annual Equine Educational Seminar, a day-long event that provides information to horse owners, continuing education credit for veterinarians, and a foal sale. “We’re very happy that Max comes to Auburn every year, and that we now have Lil Rose,” Dr. Johnson said. “Tommy Bradbury has been excellent to work with, and Max has such a great personality, we’re just appreciative to have him.”
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FACULTY NEWS
All You Need Is a B
34 Years of Education and Laughter with Dr. Charles Hendrix You would have a hard time finding anyone to compare to Dr. Charles Hendrix. After more than 34 years teaching parasitology to more than 4,000 veterinary students, he is regarded as a great teacher and a true “Auburn Man.”
His relationship with Auburn began early. He initially became interested in veterinary medicine while being mentored by two Auburn veterinary alumni who provided veterinary service in his childhood home of Greenville, S.C.
But if you tried to compare him to anyone, he wouldn’t recommend it being Dwight D. Eisenhower. “Dwight D. Eisenhower, the leader of D-Day, and later a U.S. president, was an ISTJ—Introverted, Subjective, Thinking, Judgmental on the Myers-Briggs personality test,” Dr. Hendrix said recently. “I’m the opposite. If we were storming the beaches of Normandy, Eisenhower would be leading the troops; I would be serving donuts and coffee.”
Dr. Hendrix attended the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine, receiving his DVM in 1974. He joined the Army Veterinary Corps in Ft. Gordon, Ga., following graduation, and soon encountered one of his first mentorship challenges. “I had to keep one of my vet techs out of jail in the Army,” Dr. Hendrix said. “I told the judge that he was a good man, whose mistake came from the stupidity of youth. The judge told me, ‘If he’s really good, we’ll never see him again,’ and he put it on me. I’ll never forget that.”
While he doesn’t compare to Eisenhower in his own mind, Dr. Charlie Hendrix is anything but forgettable to those whose lives he has touched at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
After two years of service, Dr. Hendrix applied for a faculty position at Georgia, and it taught him a valuable life lesson.
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FACULTY NEWS “I found that the best answer you can get sometimes is ‘no,’” Dr. Hendrix said. “I’m here to tell you, ‘no’ opens up more possibilities than you can imagine and gets you on the road to where you need to be.” Undaunted by his rejection, Dr. Hendrix accepted a position at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. After five years in Minnesota, the Hendrix family moved to Auburn, where they have remained. When he arrived, Dr. Hendrix hit the ground running and has rarely stopped, and he excelled. So much so, that the class of 1984 made him an honorary graduate, marking the “second time I graduated with a DVM,” he joked. The Class of 1986 nominated him as the Teacher of the Year. Students and alumni say that Dr. Hendrix has a teaching persona all his own, drawing from a wide array of influences. His guiding principle for going through life is a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Dr. Hendrix stressed to his students that veterinary medicine is not a “baffle-them-with-bull,” profession. “Every student is responsible for gaining and maintaining their education,” he said. “The object of the game is to get the correct veterinary term to come out of your mouth.” While he’s observed many changes throughout the years, Dr. Hendrix noted specifically how profoundly the internet has changed the profession he loves. “The internet has had more impact than anything else, I think,” Dr. Hendrix said. “It’s changed how we teach, it’s lessened the amount of mentorship we have with students, and it’s changed how our graduates practice medicine. “There’s nothing more terrifying than a client sitting on the other side of your exam room door who’s been on the internet for four days. She knows more about what’s wrong with her pet than you do.”
Dr. Charles Hendrix and his family, from left: John and Charlotte Goodin, Charles Hendrix Goodin and Becky Hendrix.
He was a two-term vice president with AVMA, is working on the fifth edition of one of his textbooks, Diagnostic Veterinary Parasitology and has won numerous awards for teaching. With his retirement, Dr. Hendrix is turning to the future and the numerous community activities he enjoys with his family: his wife, Becky, daughter Charlotte and her husband, John, and a new baby grandson, Charlie. As a final piece of advice to students, colleagues, friends and family, Dr. Hendrix offered this: “There’s so much emphasis in this generation on perfection. I’ll tell you perfection will ruin you. I tried to be perfect in teaching, and I had clinical depression. I promised God that if he’d get me out of it, I’d stand by whomever I found who has clinical depression, and I’ll always be open about it.
“Life doesn’t have to be perfect. All you need is a B.”
Dr. Hendrix said the students, colleagues, and friends who have provided him the greatest blessings in his career. Seeing former students, such as Dr. Calvin Johnson and Dr. Dan Givens, become “wiser men” fills him with a sense of pride, as he taught and worked with both in the Department of Pathobiology. He is reticent in speaking about his vast veterinary medical accomplishments. Selected as one of three American Association for the Advancement of Science/American Veterinary Medical Association Congressional Fellows, Dr. Hendrix worked in the legislative branch of the federal government for the academic year 2002-03. Dr. Charles Hendrix and Kathryn Hoerlein, granddaughter of the late Dr. B.F. Hoerlein, practice for Dancing Stars of East Alabama in 2014.
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THE CVM FAMILY
Original artwork by Auburn Art. Used with permission, AuburnArt.com.
The CVM Family Family. It’s a bond, a connection, a belief in something more than one individual. For family, you go the extra mile, bear one another’s challenges and celebrate accomplishments together. The love among family members is the same whether it’s your own family or one you choose. The Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine family is no different. Through multiple generations of parents/children, cousins, and siblings, we are proud of the heritage of being an Auburn veterinarian and it shines through us and unites us. To be part of the Auburn Family is special; to be a select member of the Auburn Veterinary Family is another level. David Housel likely wasn’t thinking about the Vet Med family when he penned What is Auburn, but it appropriately describes the men and women who have earned their veterinary degrees on the Plains:
Far be it from me to try to answer that question. There are as many definitions of Auburn as there are Auburn men and women.
It would be safe to say, however, that Auburn is much more than a football game. It is much more than winning and losing. It is a spirit. It is an attitude. It is a way of looking at life and at one another. It is, almost, a way of living. Unless you have experienced it, you will never know what it is; you will never understand it. Once you have experienced it, you will never be the same. A part of you will, forevermore, be an Auburn man or an Auburn woman. ~David Housel, originally published in Auburn Football Illustrated Sept. 20, 1980 While impossible to capture all the stories and family connections of those making up the Auburn Vet Med family, the following attempts to honor our heritage by highlighting a few families. Tell us your story and include photos by emailing us at communications@ vetmed.auburn.edu.
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THE CVM FAMILY
The Hawkins Family For more than 50 years, there has been a veterinarian in Troy named Hawkins, and that tradition isn’t likely to change anytime soon. Douglas Hawkins, a first-year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine, is the third generation of Auburn-trained veterinarians, a tradition of which he’s proud. “I always wanted to be a veterinarian,” Douglas Hawkins said. “I looked up to my Dr. Doug Hawkins granddad and dad. “A lot of it was helping animals, but also, seeing them interact with people in caring for animals is what I took note of.” Hawkins’ father, Dr. Robert Hawkins ’90, and grandfather, the late Dr. Douglas Hawkins ’59, blazed the family trail as veterinarians, but it’s something the younger Hawkins doesn’t feel intimidated to follow. “When I got into the program and told my granddad, he was beyond excited,” the younger Hawkins said. “Three generations of the same name being a veterinarian is something to be proud of, and I’ll be excited and proud to earn my degree.” For Dr. Robert Hawkins, the sense of pride he feels in following his father’s footsteps into the profession, and now seeing his own son on the same path, is something difficult to express. “Neither of us felt pressured to be a veterinarian. I didn’t from my father, nor have I done that to Douglas. We wanted it to be our choice,” Dr. Robert Hawkins said. “Douglas, more than me, wanted to be a veterinarian from the start. “I remember him going out with my dad on calls to a farm and how excited he was.” First-year student Douglas Hawkins and Dr. Robert Hawkins
The elder two Hawkins men practiced together at Troy Animal Clinic until the death of Dr. Robert Hawkins, Sr. last September, after
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52 years in a profession he loved. The Hawkins family has another family member, Dean Anderson ’13, who is also a veterinarian. Dr. Robert Hawkins is proud to carry on the family tradition of veterinarian. “This is a good, strong profession that our kids and future generations want to be a part of, and that’s something to be proud of. “They see the lifestyle, not the money, but the family environment and the professionalism of the career. This is a viable profession and I’m proud to be a part of it.” As for another veterinary program, Dr. Robert Hawkins said Auburn was his only choice. “My wife, three children and parents are Auburn grads. We are an Auburn family.” Said Douglas Hawkins, “I was obsessed with Auburn as far back as I can remember, probably as young as four years old. There was nowhere else I really wanted to go.”
The Dee Family For the Dee brothers, graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine was a family affair, with a little football added in for good measure. Brothers Larry, James and Jon Dee each earned their DVM degrees from Auburn, and currently practice at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood, Fla. Today, the hospital, formed in 1947 by their father, the late Dr. C.E. Dee, and uncle, the late Dr. Ivan Frederickson, is owned and managed by the three Dee brothers with partners James Herrington and Tommy Sessa.
Dr. Jon Dee
What led the three brothers to Auburn? Their desire to attend the CVM, family and football. “In those days if you wanted to be a veterinarian, you came to Auburn, no question, because of the Southeastern region program,” Dr. Larry Dee ’69 said. Much like what continues today for Kentucky students with the Southern Regional Education Board agreement, the college had a similar
THE CVM FAMILY arrangement for Florida students. “There was no doubt that we would go to Auburn.” Why the interest in veterinary medicine? They “were raised around veterinary medicine, going on calls to large animal and horse farms, and later in the clinic with small animals,” Dr. Larry Dee said. It also helped that their cousin, Tucker Frederickson, was recruited to play football at Auburn, and legendary coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan visited the family. “Tucker also came to Auburn with the idea of going into veterinary medicine, but he did so well in football that that changed,” Dr. Larry Dee said. “It’s somewhat ironic that our dad played college football and Tucker played football at Auburn.” Tucker’s father and the brothers’ uncle, Dr. Frederickson, was veterinarian for Miss Eleanor Ritchey, the granddaughter of the co-founder of the Quaker State Oil Company. Upon her death, she bequeathed her entire estate to the college because of her friendship with Dr. Fredrickson and the care the Hollywood Animal Hospital gave to her animals. Her bequest led to the establishment of today’s ScottRitchey Research Center, allowing work to continue today to find a cure for diseases in animals. The Dee brothers earned their veterinary degrees from Auburn — Dr. Jon Dee in 1966, Dr. Larry Dee in 1969, and Dr. James Dee in 1972. Tucker Frederickson an All-American Auburn Tiger running back, drafted into the NFL in 1965; and the College of Veterinary Medicine awarded Dr. Frederickson an honorary life membership in 1984. Dr. Jon Dee said that while they all chose veterinary medicine, each brother found his veterinary specialty. “The family has been very fortunate in that each of the veterinary brothers has focused on different opportunities within the profession. Those opportunities have led me to become a boarded surgeon, researcher, author, and lecturer. “Larry’s focus has been on internal medicine, surgery, and organized veterinary medicine, while James has focused on practice management.”
The Brawner Family The men of the Brawner family take a great deal of pride in their name, William Brawner, which has now been passed to four generations. Along with the name comes a tradition of veterinary medicine dating back to 1944. “My father graduated from the Auburn vet school in 1944, and then practiced Dr. Bill Brawner and son, Dr. in Waverly [Fla.] for many Blue Brawner, holding magazine years,” said Dr. William “Bill” article about Dr. William Brawner, Brawner, II ’72, the Ware the first of three Brawner veterinarians to graduate from Auburn. Distinguished Professor of Radiology at the Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital. “It started there, and it’s continued with me and my son, Blue.” Dr. Brawner, II initially thought it too obvious to follow in his father’s footsteps, and initially began a course in human medicine. Ultimately, the love of animals and caring for them brought him back into the family field. Interestingly, Dr. William Brawner, III, or Blue, as he prefers to be called, followed a similar course. He began his studies intending to be a biologist, but a research project into avian disease made him realize how much he enjoyed the field of veterinary medicine, and he too graduated from the college, in 2001. Blue is now the owner of PetVet Animal Health Center, in Auburn, Ala. “It’s interesting because when I started, people assumed it would be easy for me to do well in vet school, with my dad being a vet himself,” Dr. Brawner, II said. “The reality is that I learned no sciences from him, but I did learn something much more important: my dad treated everyone with respect, regardless of their status, regardless of the pedigree of their animal. “I’ve carried that with me throughout my veterinary career.” Blue’s oldest son, William “Will” Brawner, IV, still has many years before he decides whether to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s steps, or choose an entirely different path. Regardless of his decision, the
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THE CVM FAMILY “I’ve been at it for a long time, and I love that Brawners are an Auburn Family, whose service to veterinary medicine has enriched the field and ensured I got to share it with my children. To put it simply, it’s been great, just great,” Dr. Fuchs said. a legacy of devoted service to animals and the people who love them.
The Fuchs Family The only insistence that Dr. Richard Fuchs, of Louisville, Ky., had for his children was for them to keep good grades, so that whatever type of education and career they wanted to pursue, they would be able to do so. They all did, but decided that what they ultimately loved and wanted to pursue was veterinary medicine. This led Mary Jane ’87, Joyce ’88, and twins David and Joseph ’89, to the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, their father’s alma mater, where they all received their DVMs. Their parents’ insistence on keeping good grades served the siblings well when they were applying for the veterinary program. “I remember during the interviews that there was one poor guy who had been trying to get in for five years, because it’s so competitive. There were quite a few people like that,” Dr. Fuchs said. “We got four in on their first try. I’m very proud of them for that.” The union of family and the care of animals didn’t end at graduation. Having established Shively Animal Clinic and Hospital PSC in 1957, Dr. Fuchs ’56, welcomed his four children into his practice as associate veterinarians after they graduated. “I bought this little four-wheeled trailer right out of school, and started my practice in it,” Dr. Fuchs recalled. “It grew immensely over the years, and has done amazing things for my family and myself. We just started operating in a new, modern facility, and it’s been wonderful.” “It’s great because we were used to helping each other and caring about each other growing up,” Joyce Ann said. “We still do the same thing, as a family, but now we also do it as peers and colleagues in the clinic.” Dr. Fuchs recently retired from the practice, and his children have assumed ownership, to continue bringing top-quality animal care to the Louisville area, and to carry the torch of Auburn veterinary medicine as they continue on. 16 AUBURN VETERINARIAN – Spring 2016
The Rehm Family The Rehm family has strong family ties with the College of Veterinary Medicine, with five members to date who’ve earned Auburn DVMs, and three more in process. Dr. Christopher Rehm, Sr. graduated from the college in 1982. Following graduBrothers Dr. Michael Rehm and Dr. ation, he established Christopher Rehm Rehm Animal Clinic in Mobile, and began 24-hour continuous care in 2001. Dr. Christopher Rehm, Sr. currently serves as the president of Rehm Animal Clinic, and specializes in ophthalmology, soft-tissue procedures, and cosmetic surgeries. His son, Dr. Christopher Rehm, Jr., graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Brother to Dr. Christopher Rehm, Sr., Dr. Michael Edward Rehm graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. He currently practices at Rehm Animal Clinic and is active in small animal medicine, surgery, and dentistry with a special interest in ultrasound, internal medicine, and neurosurgery. Dr. Caroline Rehm Hassell, daughter of Dr. Michael Rehm, and a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the college in 2009, practices veterinary medicine alongside her uncle and father at Rehm Animal Clinic and also serves as the medical director for Animal Rescue Foundation. It may have been pre-destined that Caroline Rehm Hassell be a veterinarian. She was born in Opelika during her father’s third year of his veterinary education. “I was destined to attend veterinary school at Auburn too,” she said recently. “I spent football season
THE CVM FAMILY attending games with my parents. We used to park at the old Alpha Psi house and play football in what used to be an intramural field across the street. “However, the decision to go to Auburn had nothing to do with my family ties to the university,” Hassell said. “When I began researching veterinary schools around the nation, I realized that Auburn’s program is strong. They had an extremely high pass rate for national boards. They had a wide selection of specialty medicine that not all schools offer. “Both the school and teaching hospital facilities were so impressive. People like Kaye Storey and Dr. (Charles) Hendrix were so warm and welcoming. I was in love with Auburn’s vet school the first time I toured it as a prospective student. “My experience during veterinary school only solidified all those things. When it came time for Christopher, Barry, Mandy, and Charlie to apply to veterinary schools, I definitely strongly encouraged them to go to Auburn.”
ever reach out to fellow Auburn vets or faculty at the vet school, they are tremendously helpful. It’s a lasting network of veterinary professionals that, in my opinion, are some of the best in the nation.” The fact that the family practices together is a little rare, but special. “We are a tight family,” Hassell said. “We love practicing together. My siblings, cousins, and I have grown up going to work with our dads. We place a strong emphasis on the importance of family. When I came back to Mobile to start practicing, one of my classmates joined our practice and even married into the family! So it’s been a huge blessing to practice with the people I care about the most.”
Second-year student Charlie Rehm
Out of the program for seven years, Hassell says the best part of having a degree from Auburn “are the lasting connections and resources. Anytime that I
Rehm veterinarians and staff in 1985.
Dr. Caroline Rehm Hassell and Dr. Elizabeth Nonnenmacher '09 classmates, are cousins and colleagues.
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THE CVM FAMILY
The Tradition Continues…
Ashley Randle and Andrea Randle Neman ’09, one of many sets of twins who have earned their degrees from the CVM.
Dr. Irven “Buddie” Cooper ’44 tells a story about his father, the late Dr. I.R. Cooper ‘16, to Dean Calvin Johnson.
18 AUBURN VETERINARIAN – Spring 2016
Third-year student Wesley Snell and his father, Dr. Bob Snell ‘86, are keeping it in the family.
Two sets of twins are currently enrolled at the college as secondyear students. From left: Lindsey Norberg and Lauren Norberg and Stephanie Siegwald and Kim Siegwald.
THE CVM FAMILY
Dr. James Chancellor ’76, center, with his parents, Dr. James E. Chancellor ’53 and Dr. B.J. Chancellor ’51. Dr. Jessica Querin Bolster ’16 and her grandfather, Dr. Loyce Turner ’48.
Dr. Katy Spencer Brown ’16, with her husband, Ed, who worked in the college’s Communications and Marketing office.
Communications and Marketing intern Morgan McAbee with her father, Dr. Scott McAbee ’90, and grandfather, right, Dr. Harry S. McAbee ’51.
Dr. Sam Cofield '79 and Dr. Lynn Graham Cofield '83 introduce their son, Grady Cofield, to Dr. Paul Rumph in 2013, when Grady Cofield was a first-year student.
The late Dr. Bob Carson '73 and his daughter, Dr. Kelly Carson Barrett '08.
Dr. Kelcie Theis ’15 being hooded by her grandfather, Dr. Henry Lelon Thompson ’51.
Spring 2016 – AUBURN VETERINARIAN
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AROUND THE CVM
109th Annual Conference
Attendees Learn, Reunite More than 450 veterinarians attended the 109th
“Attendance at Annual Conference is important,
Annual Conference, where they reunited for
particularly for the practitioners who refer cases to
continuing education, reunions and fellowship.
Auburn, because we really do want them to be able
This year’s focus was “The Changing Face of Veterinary Medicine” and many of the educational courses showcased the college’s faculty leaders in their specialty fields. Annual Conference “introduces the practitioners to the faculty and staff in the hospital,” said Dean Calvin Johnson. “That’s a real plus because veterinarians can put a face to a name, and identify the person who’s providing the standard of care we’re talking about. If you go to the large national CE meetings, that’s an element that’s not there: you can’t link the latest developments with who’s actually doing the work. 20 AUBURN VETERINARIAN – Spring 2016
to personally know the people they are referring cases to,” Johnson said. “They feel like they’re part of the solution when they refer a case, and they never feel excluded or that they’re sending that case to an unknown area. That’s a very real benefit. From a national perspective, when people attend our Annual Conference, they’re getting the very best and the very latest information … and it comes from someone who is practicing that highest standard of care on a daily basis. “It’s important to us that they equate an Auburn faculty member with the highest standard of care.”
AROUND THE CVM said Johnson, a 1986 graduate. “Whenever we have a reunion, there’s a lot of enjoyment in getting together as friends, reminiscing about professors we enjoyed and professors who were quite the characters and other experiences. “That cohesiveness is very important to Auburn because that’s really what our college is known for, not only amongst graduating classes, but also the bond we all have because we all came from the same program. The reunions give us a chance to Annual Conference included 20 hours of
step back from the profession and just enjoy being
continuing education credit for certification to
with each other.
practice in a variety of large and small animal fields. Lecture and hands-on laboratory opportunities were included as well as USDA modules and the Alabama and Florida Pharmacy/Law requirements.
“We talk about how we are going to help perpetuate the unique aspects of Auburn, and we look at the various levels of success we’ve had in our careers and think, ‘What can we give back to the college
The conference, held on the veterinary medicine
to ensure the class graduating in 2016 has the same
campus, affords those who attend a taste of what
opportunities that the class of 1986 had?’
college life is like today. “I believe people really enjoy getting back to our campus and essentially placing themselves in the position of a student, sitting in a large classroom and hearing a professor speak,” Johnson said. “In some ways, they’re
“That makes me feel great as dean knowing that members of my class feel so good about the experience they had that they want to give back to ensure that for future classes.”
reliving their student experience. “They’re seeing the way we teach our students now, and in some cases, they’re experiencing it with a perspective of 50 years after they were in a classroom. It makes them appreciate our college and the classroom setting and the way things have advanced in the way we educate. I think our alumni and attendees leave with a much better feeling of understanding today’s educational process.” A highlight of Annual Conference is Class Reunions, and this year, classes of 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011 celebrated. “Our class celebrated 30 years this year, and we were very cohesive, and had a lot of fun together,”
Spring 2016 – AUBURN VETERINARIAN
21
AROUND THE CVM
Faculty Perform Orthopedic Surgery on Dwarf Miniature Horse The quality of life for Shammy, a two-year-old
dwarf miniature horse the best quality of
dwarf miniature horse, has improved significantly
life possible.
thanks to the dedication of his owner and the care he has received by college equine faculty, who performed an unusual surgery this spring.
Shammy has a congenital limb deformity, which is a common orthopedic concern among dwarf miniature horses. The horse presented malforma-
Shammy, who stands 21 inches tall and weighs
tions of the hind limbs below the ankle that
only 83 pounds, belongs to a category of miniature
resulted in a misalignment of the hoof. Shammy’s
horses known as dwarfs, whose tiny size can create
deformity prevented him from standing properly on
many health complications.
his hooves, which made it increasingly difficult for
Owner Michele Puryear, from Perry, Ga., brought Shammy to the J.T. Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital with the goal of providing her
22 AUBURN VETERINARIAN – Spring 2016
him to walk comfortably. “As Shammy has gotten older and heavier, his ankle pain has become increasingly worse,” Puryear said.
AROUND THE CVM
“I brought Shammy to Auburn because I knew he would receive the best care, not only from surgeons but also the barn staff.” – Michele Puryear
Dr. Fred Caldwell examines Shammy as owner Michelle Puryear looks on.
“Prior to his surgery, his weight was on the outside
fact that Shammy is so
of his ankle and he could not stand properly on
small presented some
his hoof. This limited Shammy’s ability to walk
challenges. It was a new
comfortably or run.”
and unique experience,”
Puryear managed Shammy’s condition by having
Dr. Caldwell said. “It is
corrective shoes glued on his hooves, however, it became challenging to keep the horse’s shoes in place and keep him comfortable as he continued to grow. Faculty clinicians of the Equine Surgery Service performed an orthopedic surgery of the horse’s right hind leg, removing a portion of the abnormal bone and fusing it into normal orientation with two plates and 11 screws. This corrective surgery helped straighten Shammy’s leg and allowed him to load his hoof capsule properly. “This condition is not common in horses in general, but dwarf miniature horses are known to have many congenital problems compared with the general horse population,” said Dr. Fred Caldwell, an associate professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences. “As an equine surgeon who normally works on horses weighing more than 1,000 pounds, the
not common to perform osteotomies and arthrodesis, or surgical fusion of a joint, on this area of the limb due to a congenital malformation in the horse.” Shammy is in good condition and has more mobility since his surgery, thanks to the treatment he received at the hospital. It is possible that Shammy will need a similar surgery on his left hind leg in the future. “I brought Shammy to Auburn because I knew he would receive the best care there, not only from surgeons but also the barn staff,” Puryear said. Shammy’s condition has dramatically improved since his surgery and he can now stand properly on his hooves. I am very happy with everyone at Auburn.”
Spring 2016 – AUBURN VETERINARIAN
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AROUND THE CVM
Rotation Provides an Inside Look into the Cattle Industry As general manager of Salacoa Valley Farms, Chris
Under the guidance of Jason Edmondson, a clinical
Heptinstall looks forward to a visit from veterinary
lecturer in the college’s Food Animal Service, and
medicine students, knowing that he will learn as
Dr. Dwight Wolfe, professor emeritus of food
much from the students as they will from him
animal theriogenology, the group traveled more
about successfully running a major cattle operation.
than 2,000 miles to see the day-to-day operations
Salacoa Valley Farms was one of the 13 locations veterinary students visited on their Advanced Beef Rotation. A division of the Seminole Tribe of Florida,
of producers and cattlemen who are committed to feeding America. “The entirety of their clinical rotations is spent
and based in Fairmount, Ga., the farm has about 1,500
focusing on the medicine side of the veterinary
cattle, giving students a first-hand look at a major cattle
profession, which is very important, as that’ll be
operation and how it is run to stay profitable.
their primary job,” Edmondson said. “But they
“It was beautiful. They have great marketing and management, and they really push to improve every part of their business. I learned a lot just talking to them,” said James Yarbrough, a fourth-year student from Wedowee, Ala.
miss out on the business side, seeing how these folks actually work and manage cattle every day. This rotation helps to fill that.” “I grew up around beef cattle, so it’s always been a big focus for me, but it’s great to get out of the hospital and go see how producers actually work. It
24 AUBURN VETERINARIAN – Spring 2016
AROUND THE CVM
helped solidify for me the role producers play in the
“When these students come to Three Trees, it gives
industry,” said Kacy Riley, a fourth-year student
them an understanding of the specific needs of
from Live Oak, Fla.
bovine genetics based on cattle value and the needs
Students visit commercial cow/calf, purebred cow/ calf, stocker, backgrounder, stockyard, and harvest facility operations. “We’ve got some folks who work for us who’ve been working in cattle for over 30 years,” Heptinstall said. “That’s a wealth of knowledge that’s stored up, and
of the client,” said general manager Dick Beck. “We deeply value our relationship with Auburn, both because of the high degree of expertise found there, and its proximity to us,” Beck said. During the rotation, students visited: • Leo Hollinger – Camden, Ala.
it’s key that these students receive some of that. It
• Walt Prevatt – Auburn, Ala.
will help us because they will be able to make sound
• DCJ Ranch – Opelika, Ala.
suggestions for our operations, and it will help the
• Dothan Livestock Market – Dothan, Ala.
students because they will know what to look for
• Meadows Creek Farm – Columbia, Ala.
and what questions to ask after they graduate.”
• Salacoa Valley Farms – Fairmount, Ga.
“I’ve known Jason for a long time, and that relationship remains strong because of the service that Auburn provides,” Heptinstall continued. “There are other veterinarians that want our business, but so long as there’s a theriogenologist trained by [the late] Bob Carson or Dwight Wolfe, we’ll keep going to Auburn.” The students also gained insight into areas such
• Tennessee River Music & Lookout Mountain Genetics – Ft. Payne, Ala. • Dr. Woody Bartlett Ranch – Pike Road, Ala. • Three Trees Ranch – Sharpsburg, Ga. • Gaines Lanier; Flint Hills Cattle Co. – Opelika, Ala. • Parkman Cattle – Mathews, Ala. • Rose Allen Farm – Liberty City, Ala. • J-M Cattle – Auburn, Ala.
as genetics when they visited Three Trees Ranch, a prominent bovine genetics business in Sharpsburg, Ga.
Spring 2016 – AUBURN VETERINARIAN
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DEVELOPMENT
Nominations for Alumni Advisory Council Sought The College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Advisory Council plays an integral role in guiding the college and raising private support for various activities and seeks two new members to add to its membership. In 2017, the Alumni Advisory Council will have two open positions. Alumni are invited to self-nominate or nominate Auburn CVM graduates for four-year terms to the council. Nomination and election will take place at the fall council meeting with the newly elected member(s) assuming position at the spring 2017 meeting.
Current Members • Dr. Jim Brechin ’74, Destin Fla. • Dr. Charles Franz ’81, Montgomery, Ala. • Dr. Charles Hart ’85, Birmingham, Ala. • Dr. Carr Hyatt ’70, Kingsport, Tenn. (immediate past chair) • Dr. Jim Kanzler ’78, Bradenton, Fla.
Please give careful consideration to those nominated and discuss the opportunity with any individual considered for nomination.
• Dr. Doug McKee ’90, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Prospective members must provide a current curriculum vitae which includes evidence of their support for Auburn University and the College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition, letters of support written by at least two Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine alumni must be received. The nominations committee will present recommendations to the full council for election. The dean will formally notify the individual(s) selected.
• Dr. Ron Prestage ’82, Camden, S.C. (chair)
The council consists of 12 members and three officers. Members are elected for four years on a staggeredterm basis, with one-fourth of the terms expiring each year. The council also contains non-voting honorary and ex-officio members. Honorary members may serve at the discretion of the dean. Members are selected from Alabama, Kentucky, and other states with active alumni. Dean Calvin Johnson meets with the council during the fall and spring and receives insight for college programs, planning, and development. All material should be sent to: Mrs. Diana Turner, 104 Greene Hall, Auburn, AL 36849-5517.
26 AUBURN VETERINARIAN – Spring 2016
• Dr. Vicky Owen McGrath ’94, Bowling Green, Ky.
• Dr. Kimberly Roberts ’98, Atlanta, Ga. • Dr. Dan Scruggs ’84, Auburn, Ala. • Dr. Alex Steverson ’87, Tallahassee, Fla. • Dr. Richard Thompson ’78, Dothan, Ala. • Dr. Paula Thorne ’83, Bowling Green, Ky. • Dr. Rick Tubbs ’83, Jasper, Ala. • Dr. Steve Wills ’83, Owensboro, Ky. (vice chair) Ex-officio Members: • Dr. T.C. Branch, President, Alabama Veterinary Medical Association • Dr. Alice Wolf, President, Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association
DEVELOPMENT
AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY WE STAND TOGETHER
HONOR THE PAST AND INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF THE
COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE WITH A GIFT THROUGH YOUR WILL
At Auburn, the word “family” carries special meaning. When building your estate plans, please don’t forget your Auburn Family. By including the College of Veterinary Medicine in your will or living trust, you are ensuring that we continue our proud traditions of education, research, and outreach.
TO LE ARN MORE: AUBURN UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF GIFT PLANNING
334-844-7375 | plannedgiving@auburn.edu www.auburn.edu/plannedgiving
FACULTY NEWS
Second Theriogenology Resident Named Dr. Carla Barstow has been named the Companion Animal Theriogenology resident, one of four positions established nationally by the American Kennel Club and the Theriogenology Foundation.
Barstow, who earned her DVM at the University of Minnesota, began a three-year American Kennel Club/Theriogenology Foundation Dr. Carla Barstow Companion Animal Residency this past fall in the Theriogenology Service in the Wilford and Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital. “We are very excited to not only have this residency position, but also to have Dr. Barstow. Dr. Barstow has extensive experience in the dog show arena and has so much to offer our clients,” says Dr. Robyn Wilborn, a faculty clinician in the Theriogenology Service, and one of several faculty members who will mentor Dr. Barstow while at Auburn.
“Auburn is one of four veterinary medicine colleges nationally which received one of the renewed residencies. The AKC, the world’s largest purebred dog registry, the Theriogenology Foundation and the AKC Canine Health Foundation fund the residencies. “We are proud to partner with the Theriogenology Foundation to continue our ongoing commitment to canine health research,” said Dennis Sprung, president and CEO of the AKC. “Helping to cultivate future veterinarians and health researchers is essential to the wellbeing of all dogs.” “Purpose-bred dogs make valuable contributions to our society from helping those with disabilities to public safety,” said Dr. Charles Franz, executive director of the Theriogenology Foundation. “These dogs have genetically predetermined traits that are essential to the job that they do. “The developments made in clinical theriogenology enhance responsible dog breeders’ ability to produce healthy litters that can continue to aid our societal needs.”
New Veterinary Faculty her Ph.D. in physiology and pharmacology.
The college recently welcomed two new faculty, Dr. Lindsey Boone and Dr. Vinicia Biancardi. Dr. Boone is an assistant professor of equine surgery in the Department of Clinical Sciences, and Dr. Biancardi is an assistant professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology.
Dr. Biancardi received her B.S. in pharmacy from the School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry of Espirito Santo in Brazil. She earned both her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the Federal University of Sao Paulo. Dr. Lindsey Boone
Dr. Boone, is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, received her DVM from the University of Georgia and completed an internship in large animal medicine and surgery at Texas A&M University. Following her residency, she served as a large animal clinical instructor in equine surgery while completing
28 AUBURN VETERINARIAN – Spring 2016
Dr. Vinicia Biancardi
During her Ph.D. studies, Dr. Biancardi was awarded a Brazilian government scholarship to complete general research training as part of her graduate thesis work at Wright State University in Ohio. She later returned as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cincinnati and at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.
FACULTY NEWS
Outstanding Faculty Recognized The College of Veterinary Medicine recently
encourage students to learn in the classroom
honored four faculty with top teaching awards,
and in clinical rotations, and he is a wonderful
recognizing the work of exceptional teachers in the
mentor and example for veterinary students and
college’s mission of educating future veterinarians
also for interns and residents in training. Dr. Jung,
and biomedical scientists.
simply described by many students as ‘awesome,’
“The faculty honored are truly outstanding clinicians, researchers and educators and are exemplars
exemplifies what the Zoetis Distinguished Teaching Award represents.”
of the numerous dedicated faculty at the College
The Zoetis Distinguished Teaching Award was
of Veterinary Medicine,” said Dr. Dan Givens,
established to improve veterinary medical education
associate dean for Academic Affairs.
by recognizing outstanding teachers, who, through
“The college is fortunate to have many outstanding faculty who have a commitment to teaching excellence, and we are proud to recognize the best of the best with these awards.” The following 2015-16 Teaching Award winners were honored:
Zoetis Distinguished Teaching Award The Zoetis Distinguished Teaching
their ability, dedication, character and leadership, contribute significantly to the advancement of the profession. First presented in 1963 by Norden Laboratories, and following reorganization of various companies, Zoetis continues to honor outstanding veterinary educators.
Dr. Lauren G. Wolfe Graduate Teaching Award The Dr. Lauren G. Wolfe
Award was presented to Dr. SeungWoo
Graduate Teaching Award
Jung, an assistant professor in the
was presented to Dr. R.
Department of Clinical Sciences and a
Curtis Bird, professor of
cardiology clinician in the Wilford and
molecular biology and
Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching
cancer genetics. Named
Hospital at the College of Veterinary
for and sponsored by
Medicine.
retired faculty member
Dr. Jung is board certified in veterinary cardiology and in addition to his teaching and clinical responsibilities, investigates
Dr. Lauren Wolfe, the award recognizes a faculty
Dr. Bird
member for excellence in educating and mentoring
mechanisms of heart failure and is developing novel
M.S. and Ph.D. degree candidates in the Biomedical
diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Sciences graduate program.
“Dr. Jung’s academic talents are remarkable and
“Dr. Bird is recognized campus-wide as an
his enthusiasm and, dedication toward educating
outstanding graduate mentor and an important intel-
veterinary students are gifts,” said Dr. Jamie
lectual and technical resource for all who work in the
Bellah, head of the Department of Clinical
life sciences. He has served in leadership positions that
Sciences. “His positive attitude and teaching style
have advanced the cellular and molecular biosciences
Spring 2016 – AUBURN VETERINARIAN
29
FACULTY NEWS at Auburn University over many years. His door is
patient way so that every student can understand
always open, and his willingness to provide guidance
the material. I am grateful for his patience and
as a scientist and educator is deeply appreciated,” said
excellent teaching methods.”
Dr. Frank Bartol, associate dean for research and graduate studies.
“I love how he can tie the anatomy that we are learning to stories he has formed from his own
A faculty member at Auburn since 1985, Dr. Bird investigates mechanisms that regulate the expression and function of genes that control a cell’s ability to proliferate. “We are applying the knowledge gained from these investigations to better understand the mechanisms by which cancer cells evade the normal restrictions on proliferation
practice. Dr. Rowe is awesome.” “Not only is Dr. Rowe extremely knowledgeable in anatomy, he brings a clinical aspect to the table that is so helpful and useful.”
SGA Teacher of the Year Award
that limit the growth of normal cells,” Bird said.
The SGA Teacher
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Amanda Taylor,
The Dean’s Award
assistant professor in
for Excellence in
the Department of
Teaching was presented
Clinical Sciences and
to Dr. Joe Rowe, an
a neurology/neuro-
anatomy lecturer in
surgery clinician in the
the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology. Dr. Rowe
The award, given since 2000, recognizes an
outstanding teacher, and the selection is based on student nominations. Rowe, who began teaching at Auburn in 2012, teaches veterinary gross anatomy and applied surgical anatomy, which are foundational subjects in an aspiring veterinarian’s education. “Dr. Rowe is consistently one of the highest-rated teachers by students and peers,” said Dr. Ed Morrison, head of the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology.
Wilford and Kate Bailey Dr. Taylor
Small Animal Teaching
Hospital at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology), Dr. Taylor, in addition to her classroom and clinical teaching, conducts research toward understanding and treating inflammatory brain disease and intracranial neoplasia. “Dr. Amanda Taylor is a gifted neurologist and neurosurgeon in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and her dedication to instructing veterinary students in the classroom and within the neurology service and rotation is exemplary,” Dr. Bellah said. “As one student wrote about Dr. Taylor,
Dr. Rowe graduated from the AU CVM in 1987
‘She radiates excitement for her profession and
and ran a private practice clinic until he joined AU
in turn, makes you excited to learn.’ The caring
in 2012.
and compassion Dr. Taylor demonstrates for her
In nominating Dr. Rowe, students wrote: “He is great at explaining the material in a clear and 30 AUBURN VETERINARIAN – Spring 2016
patients and their owners, her ability to communicate at all levels in the hospital, and the positive
FACULTY NEWS atmosphere she radiates during long clinic days [make her] the wonderful role model she is to our veterinary students.”
Ostrowski Inducted into National Academy of Practice
This award is made to an outstanding teacher based on evaluations and selection by the student body of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Taylor also will be recognized at a spring banquet where outstanding faculty who received the SGA Teaching Award from each college will be recognized.
SCAVMA Teacher of the Year Award
Dr. Stephanie R. Ostrowski, an associate professor of public health in the Department of Pathobiology at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, was recently inducted into the National Academies of Practice (NAP) as a Distinguished Practitioner & Fellow.
The SCAVMA Teacher of the Year Award also
Dr. Ostrowski
was presented to Dr. SeungWoo Jung. Auburn’s
Founded in 1981, NAP is a nonprofit organization representing 14 health care professions which advise health care policy makers in the federal government. Membership in the NAP is extended to practitioners who have excelled in their profession, and are dedicated to furthering practice, scholarship and policy.
Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association selects the recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award, which recognizes an outstanding educator involved in the DVM curriculum. “Dr. Jung, as many students comment in classroom evaluations, has the ability to simplify complex concepts in cardiology so the veterinary students can remember the information,” Dr. Bellah said. “He takes the time to ensure they clearly understand. “A student from Dr. Jung’s cardiology rotation commented, ‘an amazing teacher and goes the extra mile to help his students get the most out of the rotation.’ “We are very fortunate to have Dr. Jung’s clinical expertise, work ethic and dedication toward instruction at the College of Veterinary Medicine,” Dr. Bellah continued. “The veterinary students have given him well deserved recognition.”
“It’s a huge honor to be inducted into the National Academies of Practice,” Dr. Ostrowski said. “Several of our key figures at the CVM, including Dean Johnson, Dr. Vaughan, Dr. Hendrix, Dr. Wolfe, and AU Provost Dr. Boosinger precede me as NAP members. I’m proud and extremely honored to be included in such a distinguished and influential group of health professionals.” Dr. Ostrowski is the lead faculty coordinator for the DVM and Master’s in Public Health (MPH) combined degree program, which allows veterinary students to pursue an MPH with either the University of Alabama at Birmingham or the University of Minnesota via distance-learning while completing their veterinary education. She teaches food safety to second-year veterinary students, and with Dr. James Wright, coordinates and teaches two fourth-year rotations in public health as well as the majority of classes required for completion of an undergraduate Public Health minor.
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ALUMNI NOTES
Dr. True Baker
Dr. Jay Price
Outstanding Young Alumni Recognized Two outstanding alumni were recently honored with 2016 Young Achiever Awards, signifying their success in the first 10 years of their veterinary medical professional careers.
graduated with honors from Auburn. After graduation, Dr. Baker furthered his education through an internship and surgical residency at Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, Fla.
The alumni are recognized among their peers for their accomplishments in veterinary medicine, outstanding community service, and the advancement of animal health. The awards were announced during the 109th Annual Conference.
He joined Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in 2014 and is board certified as a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Dr. True Baker Dr. William True Baker grew up in Woodford County, Ky., in the heart of horse country. His early experience with horses came from both his father, Dr. Bill Baker, a veterinarian at Woodford Equine Hospital, and his stepfather, Michael H. Bell, a thoroughbred trainer at Churchill Downs. Instilled with the love of horses at an early age, he began a goal of being an equine veterinarian, and
32 AUBURN VETERINARIAN – Spring 2016
Dr. Baker has published research on conformation and angular limb deformities, as well as equine colic. He is pursuing ongoing research in the equine acute abdomen and the effects of osteochondral lesions on racing performance. Dr. Baker’s professional interests include thoroughbred sales, orthopedic surgery and upper airway surgery. He has published research on conformation and angular limb deformities as well as equine colic. Dr. Baker is pursuing on-going research in the equine acute abdomen and the effects of osteochondral lesions on racing performance. Dr. Baker also continues an active interest in thoroughbred racing.
ALUMNI NOTES
He is an active board member of the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center where he volunteers his expertise to help rehabilitate and re-train thoroughbred racehorses for new careers in dressage, jumping and three-day eventing.
Dr. Jay Price A native of Phenix City, Dr. John “Jay” Price found his love of animal care while spending summers on his grandparents’ farm helping to tend and care for many animals. Following graduation from Auburn, Dr. Price became a practice owner in Birmingham, becoming an integral part of the community, partnering with local animal control organizations to provide services to residents and partnering with several animal rescue organizations to provide service and advice. From there, he ventured into owning multiple practices and, in 2014, founded Southern Veterinary Partners, a premier network of veterinary hospitals in the South providing the highest quality of care to companion animals. He currently serves as CEO of the company, which has acquired seven veterinary hospitals. His areas of professional interest include oncology, internal medicine, surgery and dermatology. He is a member of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association and a board member of the Hope 4 Paws Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping pet owners afford treatment for life-threatening illnesses affecting their pets. Dr. Price is the veterinary advisor for both the AdoptA-Golden Foundation in Birmingham, as well as the Alabama Boston Terrier/French Bulldog Rescue.
Tell Us About You!
Staggs Authors Fantasy Thriller If Lydia Staggs wasn’t busy enough as an aquatic veterinarian, wife and mother, she recently added author to her accomplishments. Staggs ’04, who spends the majority of her time caring for patients at Gulf World in Panama City Beach, Fla., recently wrote and had published Shamar, a fantasy thriller about who else—a veterinarian. Argus Books, publisher of the book, Dr. Staggs wrote: “When Dr. Juliet Greene rescues a wolf from a trap, she finds herself tangled in a chain reaction of events that not only causes her life and the life of her closest friend to be put in jeopardy but makes her question the reality she has always known.
“One highly esteemed family in town appears to hold the answers she is desperately seeking, but as she searches for the truth, Juliet finds herself drawn in by the eldest son who may be more dangerous to her than she could imagine. After accidentally discovering their terrifying hidden secret, Juliet realizes she has inadvertently and unwillingly placed herself in the middle of a war between creatures thought to only exist in legends.” At Gulf World, the largest marine rehabilitation center in the panhandle of Florida, much of Staggs’ time is spent performing the necessary procedures to bring sick and injured sea turtles, dolphins, and small whales back to health. She’s also been involved in dolphin rescues, de-oiling hundreds of sea turtles following the BP oil spill, and volunteer work. Staggs says because her job is stressful, writing became a release to her work. “I wrote for me but shared it with an editor friend of mine and she encouraged me to have it published. I submitted it to a few publishers and they were interested, which surprised but thrilled me.”
The College of Veterinary Medicine wants to learn about your career achievements. Email Janet McCoy at janet.mccoy@auburn.edu; be sure to put Alumni Notes in the subject line.
Spring 2016 – AUBURN VETERINARIAN
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ALUMNI NOTES
Dr. Perryman F. Mobley, center
Mobley Receives El Toro Award Dr. Perryman F. Mobley, III received the El Toro Award for Excellence in Food Animal Medicine for his dedicated and significant body of work in food animal practice. The Shorterville, Ala., resident was presented the award during the college’s 109th Annual Conference. Dr. Mobley earned his DVM from Auburn in 1974 and following graduation, worked as a solo practitioner at a mixed-animal practice until 1998 since then, has worked as a solo practitioner in a large animal practice. Dr. Mobley has been a veterinarian for the Dothan Livestock Company since 1975, with a focus on cow and calf herd management, maintenance, disease prevention and reproduction. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, and the Alabama Farmers Federation. Dr. Mobley has participated in veterinary mission trips for 16 years, where he has treated more than 2,000 sheep and goats and about 200 horses that are a part of the Navajo Nation.
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In 1998, Dr. Mobley was recognized as Outstanding Ag Businessman of the Year. In 2016, he was honored by Dothan Livestock Company for 40 years of service and also has been honored by Extension Services and 4H for steer and heifer show projects. The El Toro Award for Excellence in Food Animal Medicine was established in 1994 and has been awarded annually through the generosity of Dr. James G. Floyd, Jr. in memory of his father, J.G. Floyd. The award recognizes a veterinarian, who through his or her contributions to food animal practice, organized veterinary medicine, high ideals and dedication to the production of food animals, serves as a role model for veterinary students. A major focus of the award is to provide opportunity for interaction between veterinary students and the recipient to increase veterinary students’ interest in food animal medicine. Dr. Mobley and his wife, Charlotte, have two children and five grandchildren.
IN MEMORIAM ’45 Dr. Wilbur Eugene Neisler, 93, of Forsyth, Ga., died Feb. 20, 2016. A native of Taylor County, Neisler became an avid Auburn fan while attending veterinary school and remained so until his death. Specializing in large animal veterinary medicine, he settled in Monroe County because of the large number of dairies. He practiced for more than 60 years and received numerous honors for veterinary service. He is survived by two children; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters. ’51 Dr. Daniel H. McRae, 88, of Hazelhurst, Ga., died Jan. 5, 2016. Following graduation, Dr. McRae practiced for 16 years in Jeff Davis County. Dr. McRae retired from the Georgia Poultry Improvement Association in Douglas. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He is survived by his wife, Dot; two daughters; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. ’53 Dr. Louis Charles “Bud” Cardinal, Jr., 87, of Montgomery, Ala., died Jan. 12, 2016. He practiced both large and small animal medicine for the Montgomery Stockyard, Kenmore-Cardinal Animal Hospital and Cardinal-Dunn Animal Hospital. He served as president of both the Central Alabama Veterinary Medical Association and the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, and served in leadership roles in many professional veterinary organizations. He is a recipient of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Cardinal was an avid outdoorsman and involved in conservation efforts, and was an active participant in both the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Alabama Wildlife Federation. In 1999, he was awarded the AWF’s Walter L. Mims Lifetime Achievement Award, and was the 2007 Conservator of the Year. He had an interest in quail and bird dogs, including winning the 1963 National Shooting Dog Championship in Union Springs, Ala. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Clare; three children; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. ’54 Dr. Luther T. Albert, 92, of Madison, Ala., died March 8, 2016. He served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II, and was a pharmacist mate. He studied swine disease in Wisconsin, and was named the Wisconsin State Veterinarian of the Year in 1960. Dr. Albert centralized the animal care unit, and in 1962, was made the assistant professor in the medical school and director of the center. He was also the Veterans Administration Consultant at the VA Hospital. He was director and membership co-chairman of the Wisconsin Society for Medical Research and a member of the technical guidance committee of the Institute of Laboratory Animal
Resources of the National Academy of Sciences, which established national standards for laboratory animal technicians. He is survived by a daughter; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. ’54 Dr. Ray Otis “Doc” Ward, 91, of Petal, Miss. died March 3, 2016 at his home. Dr. Ward served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. While earning the DVM, he was a member of the Alpha Psi Omega fraternity. He worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 32 years. In 1982, he began working with the Petal Animal Clinic and in 1983, he and his wife built Ward’s Animal Clinic, where he worked until his retirement in 1993. Dr. Ward was a member of the Mississippi and the Louisiana Veterinarian Boards and was a lifelong member of the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association. He was an avid outdoorsman and had a tremendous love for all animals and Auburn athletics. He is survived by his wife, Lois; three children; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. ’55 Dr. K. R. Burdette, 93, of Mt. Vernon, Ala., died Jan. 31, 2016. He served as a marine in World War II and was a graduate of the University of Kentucky and Auburn University, where he received his DVM. He was a self-employed veterinarian for more than 30 years and former chairman of the Board for Rockcastle County Schools. He is survived by his wife, Mable; three children; a step-child; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. ’56 Dr. C.B. Hyatt, 88, of Elkins Park, Penn., died March 4, 2016. Hoping to become a pilot, “Bud” volunteered to join the Army Air Corps at age 16, but the Corps wouldn’t take him until he turned 17 and had graduated from high school. In May 1944, he enlisted, and much to his dismay, was deployed to Madison, Wis., to train as a radio operator. Just as he finished training, the war came to an end. Following his military service, he completed a bachelor’s degree and a DVM. He established the Elkins Park Veterinary Hospital & Kennel in 1957, and continued practicing for 45 years. He is survived by his wife, Corinne; six children; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. ’56 Dr. Kent Vernon Klinner, Jr., 84, of Opelika, Ala., died March 4, 2016. After earning his DVM degree, Klinner spent three years providing healthcare to animals, then decided to pursue a career in human medicine, graduating in 1965. He spent 42 years providing medical care to Lee County. He is survived by his wife, Cordelia; five children; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
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IN MEMORIAM ’59 Dr. Thomas “Poppa” Ervin Royal, 86, of Hattiesburg, Miss., died Dec. 8, 2016. Royal earned a DVM and after serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, Royal established Greenville Animal Clinic in 1958. In the mid ‘90s, he moved to New Concord, Ky., and returned to Mississippi in 2014. He is survived by his wife, Sara Jo; three children; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. ’66 Dr. Edmond Sims Hall, of Bardstown, Ky., died Feb. 11, 2016. After graduation from Auburn, he moved to Madisonville, Ky., to start his veterinary practice. He later moved to Bardstown where he practiced veterinary medicine from 1970-1990. He was the former owner of Central Kentucky Animal Clinic, a lifetime member of the Kentucky Medical Association, was named the Kentucky Veterinarian of the Year in 2004, a member of the Southern Kentucky Team Penning Association, the 1998 AQHA third-place champion, Nelson County Cattlemen’s Association, served on the Nelson County Fair Board, and was active in 4-H. In 2001, he traveled to England where he and other veterinarians worked to eradicate an outbreak of Bovine foot and mouth disease. After selling his practice, he continued his career with the Department of Agriculture and Homeland Security from 1999-2014. He is survived by his wife, Chris; two daughters; five grandchildren; and a sister, Jane Foster. ’68 Dr. James A. Mayer, 73, of Elizabethtown, Ky., died Sept. 10, 2015. A small animal veterinarian, he owned Radcliff Veterinary Clinic in Radcliff, Ky., for 32 years. Dr. Mayer served on the Hardin County Board of Education for 17 years. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, six children, and 18 grandchildren. ’72 Dr. Allen R. Saunders, 69, of St. Petersburg, Fla., died Feb. 24, 2016. He was the owner of Baycrest Animal Clinic, where he still practiced in semiretirement. Dr. Saunders was an avid sailor who loved sailing his entire life. He is survived by his wife, Candy; one son; and his mother. ’91 Dr. Darla J. Brown, 53, of Birmingham, Ala., died Nov. 19, 2015. Throughout her illness, she continued to treat sick and wounded animals, thereby touching the lives of their owners and families. She is survived by her husband, Ronald.
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Dr. William Carlton Passes Away Dr. William “Bill” Carlton ’60, and 2006 recipient of the Wilford S. Bailey Distinguished Alumni Award, died March 24. He was 86. “Dr. Carlton made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of veterinary pathology Dr. William “Bill” Carlton and will be remembered by his numerous graduate students as an inspiring teacher and mentor,” said Auburn University Provost Dr. Timothy R. Boosinger, former dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “It was truly an honor to have worked with him. His positive outlook on life and his sense of humor were contagious.” In addition to his DVM, the Kentucky native earned a Ph.D. from Purdue University and was board certified by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. He was a faculty member of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he served for 28 years. After retiring in 1993, Dr. Carlton was named the Leslie Hutchings Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Pathology. He was honored by the Society of Toxicologic Pathology in 2006, when he received the society’s first Achievement Award.
IN MEMORIAM
Dr. Frits van Ginkel Remembered for Commitment to Education, Research Dr. Frederik W. van Ginkel, a professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, is being remembered for his tireless efforts to advance the research and graduate instruction missions of Auburn University. Dr. van Ginkel, 59, died Feb. 20 at his home in Auburn. “Frits was a dedicated scholar and a proponent of rigorous graduate education. His work was highly respected across this campus and on an international scale,” said Dean Calvin Johnson. “He integrated graduate education into his research discipline by leading graduate courses and a journal club in immunology, and by serving on numerous graduate advisory committees,” Dean Johnson said. “Frits’ collegiality, scientific discernment, and contributions to the scientific and educational work of our institution will be deeply missed.” “Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife Sabrina, twin sons Kegan and Nicholas, extended family, and many close friends and colleagues,” he added. Dr. van Ginkel had been a faculty member in the Department of Pathobiology since 2004. He was active in research in mucosal immune responses, and maintained significant commitments to graduate educaton in biomedical sciences. In recent years, he led several collaborative projects investigating the immune response of chickens to viral infections and vaccines. “Frits was an intelligent and creative scientist and an outstanding, honest and reliable person with whom it was always fun to work,” said Dr. Haroldo Toro, a professor of pathobiology and longtime colleague. “Within a short time after establishing his research program at the CVM, he had mastered the complexities of poultry immunology and successfully expanded new knowledge in the field, in part due to his unwavering ability to stay on task. “His distinct sense of humor and common sense made conversations with him memorable,” Dr. Toro said. “He was a loving and caring father; we frequently talked about activities performed during the weekend
and almost always he was coming back from some distant location where he had taken his children to participate at a soccer competition.” “Frits was a close friend and colleague from the first moment he joined our faculty. He was the one who pushed me to explore immune strategies in our development of better canine cancer therapeutics,” said Dr. Photo Credit: John Atkinson Dr. van Ginkel Curtis Bird, a professor of pathobiology and longtime colleague. “His very nature was to challenge and push his colleagues to be more creative and to think more broadly of the implications of what we investigate. This was true for his science and for his teaching and he was a leader in both disciplines. He will be profoundly missed for his important contributions and leadership in our college but also as a colleague and valued friend. Our lives are so much richer for his being part of them. I am deeply grateful to have known him and benefitted from his friendship and scholarship.” A native of the Netherlands, he attended the University Wageningen, the Netherlands, where he received his master’s degree, and then attended the University of Mississippi in Jackson, Miss., where he was awarded his Ph.D. in mucosal immunology. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alabama-Birmingham before coming to the College of Veterinary Medicine. He was an avid bird watcher, bicyclist, and swimmer, was involved for many years with the soccer program in Auburn, and enjoyed dancing.
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apocrypha This was all done starting at daylight to keep from overheating the stock, which had been penned the afternoon before.
By Dr. Tom Vaughan ‘55 Dean Emeritus
Methuselah’s Memoirs During the decade before World War II, and during the Great Depression, I had grown up with livestock: horses, mules, beef cattle, hogs, chickens. Cats and dogs still lived outside. Our neighbors had milk goats and Muscovy ducks that roosted on the top of their house at night (the ducks not the goats). Tuskegee was a big cotton market with two large warehouses, so every Saturday during the fall, the town was wall to wall mules and wagons. The two cotton gins and cottonseed oil mill operated six days a week during this time. The street across from our farmers’ exchange (H.A. Vaughan Feed and Seed) was lined with cotton bales stacked two high and three or four deep, all handled by hand. Fork-lifts hadn’t been invented. With hand trucks and hand hooks, what two men could do with a 500 pound bale of cotton would have to be seen to be believed. In my mind’s eye, I can still see the picture of “Dr. LeGear in surgeon’s cap and gown” on the labels of colic remedy and liniment. I was working in the store selling mule harness, plow stocks, plow points, and off-the-shelf veterinary supplies as soon as I can remember. Garden seed was measured and weighed by hand, and feed and fertilizer came in 100-pound bags. No 40- or 50-pound stuff. We used the same hand trucks that were used for cotton bales. Our store was headquarters for break-time for all the warehouse men who would sit around the potbellied stove in cold weather and play checkers with bottle caps on a checkerboard perched on a nail keg. Coca-Colas were a nickel a bottle and peanuts parched on the stove were courtesy of the house. Alabama in the mid-thirties had one of the largest horse and mule populations in the country, and had yet to be displaced by the tractor. Horses were used principally to ride the pastures checking on the range cattle and to round up the herds when they needed to be worked periodically. “Working the herd” consisted of vaccination for blackleg, castration of the bull calves, dehorning, deworming, spraying for hornflies and lice, and culling the old and barren cows. Also, all the stockers were separated for shipping to the stockyard.
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In between times, they had to be checked regularly for screwworms, dystocias, injuries, and getting stuck in bogs in the creek which was the main water source before farm ponds came along after World War II. Otherwise, horses were sometimes used for bird hunting, but not to the degree you might think from the field trials, which was a sport popularized mostly by northern industrialists who bought up large tracts of land and turned them into bird plantations. Down-home folks were more likely to walk behind the dogs. The sport of riding to the hounds was entirely a northern invention. When we wanted to go from one pasture to another, we went through a gate rather than climbing or jumping over the fence. Fox hunting was a native sport pursued by sitting on a hill listening to the hounds run a race. It was said to be the most democratic sport, because no one was so pore they couldn’t have a fox hound, and some were so pore they had a dozen or more. There were a few racetracks in the northern part of the state, but any local ones would be impromptu affairs held on local fair grounds. The first horse shows I can remember were saddle horses or plantation horses shown on high school football fields. All the glitz and glamour came along later. When we had to transport a horse or mule farther than he could be ridden in a reasonable time, he was more apt to be hauled in a stock-body truck. One Sunday afternoon, my classmate Joe Powers and I had to haul a Standardbred stallion and a mare some twenty-five miles to Auburn. The mare was not in heat of course, and the both of them were well-behaved until we got halfway between Tuskegee and Auburn on U.S. Highway 80 and 29 when the truck began swerving. I’ll leave it up to you to imagine, but we had to engage in some very strenuous psychological restraint to finish the trip. All of this is to say that my early experience with the horse was pretty unsophisticated. Rather than being brought up in the shed rows behind the racetrack or under the grandstand at the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration, I cut my teeth on farm stock that was used purely for work, no race or show. I learned to ride on a McClellan saddle circa U.S. Cavalry remount on pastured horses that didn’t know what a box stall was, and any oats was whatever leaked out of the board and batten crib. Moreover, they were barefoot, trimmed by myself with my own knife, nippers, and rasp, and I have a scar on my broken nose to prove it. But, know what? All of our
apocrypha mares were pasture-bred, foals delivered and raised uneventfully, no colics, no founders, no lameness, and no colds. We did worm them regularly and trim their feet. They were half-broke so we had to be careful riding them fresh. Otherwise, they were reliably serviceable, and trouble-free. So much for the benefits of being close to nature. The first veterinarians I knew were associated with the Institute, today called Tuskegee University, a title Booker T. Washington would take exception to, because, by the early twentieth century, the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, which he gave his life to, was the most famous in the world. When Martin Luther King, Jr., presided over the Million-Man March in Washington, D.C., during the Civil Rights movements in 1963, he was given a brief, polite audience by President Kennedy. When Booker T. Washington and his successors Robert Moton and Fred D. Patterson manned the helm at Tuskegee Institute, they advised every president from James Garfield in 1881 to Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944. That’s twelve presidencies covering eighteen administrative terms of office. Of interest is the fact that Dr. Patterson, who served as the Institute’s third president from 1935 to 1953, was a veterinary graduate from Iowa State College in 1923, and instrumental in founding the School of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee in 1944. My mother’s family, the Howards, had lived on the old Federal Road just west of town since the early 1830s. My father’s family migrated to west Alabama from Virginia after the War of 1812 and settled in Demopolis near the confluence of the Tombigbee and Black Warrior Rivers. He entered Alabama Polytechnic Institute in Agriculture in 1911, a classmate of Redding Sugg and Marvin Williams. He had classes under Dean Cary and dated Dr. McAdory’s daughter. So you might say my coming along in 1932 was a bit of inbreeding. There were only three of us out of a class of seventy-five who were interested in horses: Johnny Griggs from Tennessee who entered equine practice with Hagyard, Davidson and McGee in Lexington, Joe Powers from Florida, who became one of the first equine practitioners in Ocala, and myself.
From 1953 when we first tasted clinics, Dr. Lew O. Llewellyn, the equine specialist in the large animal clinic, took the three of us under his wing. He kept horses, including a T.W.H. stallion at his farm on Wire Road. He made regular field trips to Fred Hooper’s (Hall of Fame trainer) racing stable in Montgomery and introduced us to Dr. D.L. Proctor of Lexington fame. Needless to say, the three of us were given a lot of opportunities to pursue our interests. My internship (preceptorship) of six months in North Carolina introduced me to a good population of tobacco mules to supplement my down-home experience with cotton mules and logging mules. Let me say at this point that mules are not a bad introduction to horse practice. They can teach a young veterinarian things horses can’t. As a side note, about the same time I more or less committed to equine practice, the U.S.D.A. discontinued their census of the horse and mule population as of declining importance. The first three years as an instructor in the large animal clinic at Auburn was a smorgasbord of all species of Alabama livestock with both hospital cases and ambulatory. The large animal faculty at that time consisted of four and a half: Dr. Gibbons, the department head, who was not active on the clinic floor, one-half time of Dr. Kiesel (the other half was research), Dr. John Watt, and myself. Dr. Watt and I covered nine counties on ambulatory and a barn-full of patients. There were three barn-men to handle about twenty-seven stalls and five paddocks. If patients teach the doctor, I had a rich three years of postgraduate training in addition to responsibility for the course on physical diagnosis and clinical techniques. Read the continuation of Apocrypha Summer 2016.
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