ISU CVM Gentle Doctor Winter 2023

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

FROM THE DESK OF THE DEAN

Previously I wrote to you in this column about our celebration of the 100th anniversary of Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson’s graduation from the College of Veterinary Medicine.

As of that writing, we were just in the planning stages of our celebration activities and while I was confident we would do justice to Dr. Patterson’s legacy, what we have so far accomplished has been beyond our expectations.

I could talk about several of these activities, but I would like to focus on two that have so far been the highlight of this memorable celebration.

Dr. Patterson was a champion for human rights, equality, and opportunity during his lifetime. That legacy continues to this day at Tuskegee University where he served as that institution’s president for 20 years, and at the United Negro College Fund, where more than 50 years after its founding, scholarships continue to fund Black students to attend private, historically Black colleges and universities.

The College of Veterinary Medicine has partnered with COVETRUS to create the Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson Spirit Award. Each month, we have sought nominations from our community to recognize individuals and organizations for their actions that have helped create a more inclusive community.

The recipients of the Patterson Spirit Award are a microcosm of the work our community is doing.

• Dr. Michael Pabon is a third-year cardiology resident in the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center who has diligently shown his passion for promoting diversity and inclusion throughout his time here through organizing DEI workshops and the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Day of Service for the college.

• The organizing committee for a semester-long visit by a group of visiting African Veterinary Scholars has worked tirelessly to make sure the eight faculty members from Africa were welcomed to Iowa, the Ames community, Iowa State, and our college.

• Third-year DVM student Lizeth Lopez and the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association shared their pride and humanity for their culture with a two-day celebration of Dia de Los Muertos in the college.

What has been so gratifying about the Patterson Spirit Award is the number of outstanding individuals we could recognize for their work that reflects Dr. Patterson’s legacy.

This fall, the college also posthumously recognized Dr. Patterson with the Stange Award, our highest alumni award. As part of that recognition, generations of Dr. Patterson’s family came back to celebrate with us.

This was such a wonderful experience for me. During the time I had with the Patterson family members, I learned so much more about Dr. Patterson and what he meant to them. His great-niece, Heather Brown, said “as much of a legacy that Uncle Fred left for the world, he left a legacy for our family. Our family is so privileged to have known him and to have been influenced by him.”

Heather’s brother, Chris, said, “it really warms my heart that Iowa State still appreciates who Uncle Fred was and what he accomplished.”

Chris, I’m humbled by what your uncle did in his lifetime, even more so after having the opportunity to learn more about him from your family’s remembrances.

I invite you to visit our website and learn more about Dr. Patterson, one of our the most influential and celebrated alumni, and also what we are doing to advance diversity, equity and inclusion not only within our college, but within the veterinary profession.

As always, thank you for your support of the college!

Dan Grooms, DVM, PhD

Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine

Zhang Named Mahr Chair of One Health

Dr. Qijing Zhang, a Clarence Hartley Covault Distinguished Professor in Veterinary Medicine, has been named the Dr. Roger and Marilyn Mahr Chair in One Health.

A faculty member in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine since 2003, Zhang was elected this past spring to the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of his distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.

Zhang is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Academy of Microbiology as well as an Honorary Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists.

The Mahr Chair in One Health supports Iowa State’s visionary leadership in promoting and facilitating innovative multi-disciplinary collaboration that embraces the university’s land grant mission. One Health is the collaborative effort of multiple health science professions and their related disciplines working locally, nationally and globally to attain optimal health for people, animals, plants and the environment.

CVM Hosting African Scholars Program

The College of Veterinary Medicine once again hosted the 2022-2023 Faculty Exchange Program in African Veterinary Science.

Eight African veterinary faculty scholars were embedded in CVM through early December. The program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, is designed to help developing countries in Africa improve their university veterinary education, research and extension programs by providing one semester of training at U.S. land-grant agricultural universities.

The scholars spent time in CVM classrooms, clinics and laboratories, observing how faculty approach what they do while sharing insights from their own backgrounds and experiences.

COW CALF DEDICATION

Dedication ceremonies were held last summer outside Veterinary Field Services for "Jersey Cow and Her Calf," a bronze cast replica of the artwork originally created by Iowa artist Duffy Lyon which was supported by donations. Replicas of the sculpture have also been placed at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and in Toledo, Iowa. Photo: Dave

Gieseke

MEDALLION CEREMONIES HELD FOR TALBOT PROFESSORSHIPS

The initial recipients of two endowed professorships established by Lora and Russ Talbot were honored earlier this year in separate ceremonies.

The Talbots have created three named professorships, the Lora and Russ Talbot Endowed Professor in Veterinary Medicine. Two of those named positions have been filled by Dr. Rachel Allbaugh, associate professor of veterinary clinical sciences, and Dr. Heather Greenlee, professor of biomedical sciences.

“The impact that these named faculty positions have cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Dan Grooms, the Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “We are grateful to Lora and Russ, not only for these commitments, but to the scholarships, fellowships and countless other gifts they have made to the College of Veterinary Medicine to help us fulfill our mission.”

Kraus Inaugural Holder of New Hoefle Professorship

A ceremony was held during the fall semester honoring two long-time members of the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital’s surgical unit.

Dr. Karl Kraus, professor of veterinary clinical sciences since 2007, was recognized as the inaugural recipient of the Hoefle Professorship in Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery. The professorship was established by Dr. William Hoefle and Judy Hoefle.

Dr. Hoefle graduated with his DVM from Iowa State in 1966 and joined the faculty four years later. He retired last summer after more than 50 years on the college’s faculty.

“Hopefully, this professorship will enhance the small animal surgery program for the benefit of the students and residents,” Hoefle said. “Additionally, the professorship will be helpful in retaining and recruiting the most talented small animal orthopedic surgeons.”

TOP LEFT PHOTO: Russ and Lora Talbot. TOP PHOTO: Dr. Heather Greenlee, second from the right, was named as a Lora and Russ Talbot Endowed Professor in Veterinary Medicine. Greenlee is pictured with Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen, her father, retired CVM professor Dr. Jim West, and Dr. Dan Grooms, the Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine. ABOVE PHOTO: Dr. Rachel Allbaugh was also presented with the Lora and Russ Talbot Endowed Professor in Veterinary Medicine by President Wintersteen and Dean Grooms. Photos: Dave Gieseke

Dr. Karl Kraus, second from the right, was presented with the Hoefle Professorship in Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery this fall. Also pictured, from the left, Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen, Judy Hoefle, Dr. William Hoefle, Kraus, and Dr. Dan Grooms, the Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine. Photo: Paul Gates

GOVERNOR PROVIDES FUNDS FOR VDL PHASE 2

Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced $40 million in funding for phase 2 of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

The governor also proposed in her budget an additional $20 million from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund -- $10 million each in fiscal years 2024 and 2025 -- to total $60 million in state support for the project.

“The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab is absolutely critical to support and protect our state and country’s agriculture industry and food supply,” Reynolds said in a news release. “This investment will significantly expand the VDL’s capacity to support Iowa’s $32.5 billion animal agriculture industry and will keep this nationally-recognized lab on the forefront of cutting-edge technology. Iowa will remain a global leader in agriculture, combatting foreign animal diseases, and recruiting and retaining veterinary talent.”

In its fall funding requests to the 2023 Iowa Legislature, the university sought $62.5 million in state support over four years for the proposed $66.5 million second phase of the state laboratory. Rounding out the funding would be $2.7 million in university funds and $1.3 million in private gifts. Reynolds’ announcement provides 60% of the funds needed for a second phase, which, when completed, would allow all VDL operations to be in one facility.

Faculty and Staff Notes

• Dr. Rachel Derscheid, associate professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine, has been appointed the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Equity Advisor.

• Dr. Ron Griffith, professor of veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine, has been selected to receive the American Society for Microbiology Award for Graduate Education. The award “recognizes general excellence in microbiology education.”

• Dr. Heather Greenlee, the Lora and Russ Talbot Endowed Professor in Veterinary Medicine and professor of biomedical sciences, has been appointed an associate dean for student and scholar success in Iowa State’s Graduate College.

• Dr. Rodger Main, director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, received the 2022 Meritorious Award from the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians.

• Dr. Jodi McGill, the John G. Salsbury Endowed Chair in Veterinary Medicine and associate professor of veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine, has been appointed the assistant dean of research and graduate studies in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

• Dr. Paul Plummer, professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine and the Anderson Chair in Veterinary Medicine, has been named the associate dean of research and graduate studies.

• Dr. Katie Steneroden, lead public health veterinarian with the Center for Food Security and Public Health, has been presented with the Helwig-Jennings Award for outstanding and prolonged service to the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.

• Dr. Jessica Ward, associate professor of veterinary clinical sciences and the Phyllis M. Clark Professor in Veterinary Cardiology, has been appointed the assistant dean for extramural student programs.

Photo: Mary Breuer

PATTERSON CENTENNIAL

Celebrating a Trailblazing Educator

Founder of the United Negro College Fund. President of Tuskegee University for 20 years. Founder of Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine. Driving force behind the formation of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson’s career had numerous trajectories. His career roots however date back to veterinary medicine and Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Patterson is one of the most notable and historic difference-makers in Iowa State history. His influence is not only felt in veterinary medicine and higher education, but through the liberties Americans cherish.

This year, the College of Veterinary Medicine is celebrating the centennial of Dr. Patterson’s graduation class. He was one of 20 men who graduated with Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees in 1923. Four years later, Dr. Patterson earned a master’s degree in veterinary pathology from Iowa State.

“Dr. Patterson should definitely be considered a giant of higher education, right next to other education pioneers of the day,” said Brian Bridges, vice president of research and member engagement of the United Negro College Fund. “He is one of those unsung heroes of the 20th Century who should be celebrated because his contributions literally changed two fields for the better – the postsecondary education landscape and America’s World War II efforts.”

Dr. Patterson was a champion for human rights, equality, and opportunity for all. His vision and courage continue to open doors today. During his lifetime (1901-1988) he became one of only two Iowa State University graduates to be recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom – an honor reserved for those who make an especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

Born in Washington, D.C., Dr. Patterson attended Prairie View Normal School where he met Dr. Edward B. Evans,

who also graduated from Iowa State and the College of Veterinary Medicine (1918).

Evans became a mentor to Dr. Patterson and encouraged him to enroll at Iowa State to earn a veterinary degree. Even though Dr. Patterson was the only African American in the school during his tenure, he wrote years later that his experience in Ames was a positive one.

“In the veterinary program, I did not feel odd being a part of the group of students working in the veterinary clinic although I was the only black person there,”

Dr. Patterson wrote in his autobiography, Chronicles of Faith. “The absence of animosity encouraged me to see veterinary medicine as a field in which I could practice without being hampered by the racial stereotypes and obstacles that would confront me as a medical doctor, for example. I found the teachers of Iowa State helpful whenever I approached them. Educationally, it was a fine experience.”

During the Patterson Celebration, several members from his family returned to campus during Homecoming. The family members toured Ames, the College of Veterinary Medicine and participated in the alumni awards celebration where Dr. Patterson received the Stange Award. Photos: Dave Gieseke

After graduating from Iowa State, Dr. Patterson became the director of agriculture at Virginia State College before moving to the Tuskegee Institute where his brilliant career moved forward.

He became Tuskegee’s president at age 34 in 1935 and for the next 20 years transformed Tuskegee into a full-fledged university with graduate programs that continue to this day. In addition to spearheading Tuskegee’s engineering and commercial aviation programs, Dr. Patterson founded the School of Veterinary Medicine in 1944.

That same year, he founded the United Negro College Fund, a philanthropic organization that funds scholarships for black students for 37 private, historically black colleges, and universities. The organization has raised almost $5 billion for scholarships since then.

“I do not believe the UNCF would exist today, or if it did, it would not have the same lengthy and impactful legacy – one that spans almost 75 years – that it does today without Dr. Patterson’s leadership,” Bridges said.

Patterson’s legacy continues at Iowa State, Tuskegee, and the United Negro College Fund where the Frederick Douglass Patterson Research Institute is the nation’s foremost research institution impacting  educational issues facing African Americans from preschool to adulthood.

“Dr. Patterson’s accomplishments and his dedication to providing educational opportunities to disenfranchised populations, particularly African Americans, make him a figure worthy of celebration in American history,” Bridges said. gd

Centennial Activities

STANGE AWARD

For his achievements, the College of Veterinary Medicine posthumously presented Dr. Patterson with the Stange Award, the college’s highest alumni award during the fall Homecoming celebration.

Generations of the extended Patterson family came back to campus to celebrate Dr. Patterson’s recognition. The family was also recognized with an on-the-field introduction during the Cyclone Homecoming football game.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

A college-wide birthday celebration was held October 10 on what would have been Dr. Patterson’s 121st birthday.

PRESENTATIONS

A pair of semester-opening talks were given to kick-off the centennial activities. Dr. Tara Grinnage-Pulley (DVM ’09 & PhD ’13), veterinary medical officer for the National Cancer Institute within the National Institutes of Health, spoke during the college’s annual Fall Convocation.

Brad Kuennen, CVM librarian, presented “Frederick Douglass Patterson: A Life Well-Lived,” a look back at Dr. Patterson’s life and career, during the annual first day of classes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lecture. Kuennen will give this presentation again during the ISCORE conference at Iowa State during the spring semester.

SPIRIT AWARD

Each month, the College of Veterinary Medicine presents the Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson Spirit Award, recognizing members of the CVM community whose actions symbolize the spirit of those values that Dr. Patterson championed.

Dr. Michael Papon, cardiologist resident, was the inaugural recipient of the award. Papon was selected for his work on the CVM DEI committee and “for his passion for promoting diversity and inclusion that never wanes.”

CVM has partnered with COVETRUS to create the award.

SPRING SEMESTER

Patterson Centennial activities will continue during the spring semester with a series of guest speakers including

• IVMA Winter Meeting featuring a keynote address by Dr. Latonia Craig, AVMA Chief DEI Officer

• Commencement Address by Dr. Ruby Perry, dean of Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine

• ISU Lectures Presentation by Dr. Jontyle Theresa Robinson, curator, Legacy Museum at Tuskegee University, “Frederick Douglass Patterson: A Giant of Higher Education”

Photos: Tuskegee University Archives

School’s Out BUT SUMMER PROGRAMS CONTINUE

Three Days at Crow Creek

Every June, a large group of volunteers descend upon the Crow Creek Reservation in Fort Thompson, South Dakota.

For three days, College of Veterinary faculty, staff, students, alumni and other volunteers provide needed veterinary care to Tribal members’ dogs, cats and horses of the Crow Creek Nation. This past June, Iowa State volunteers were busy from dawn to dusk, providing spay, neuter and preventive care for 447 animals.

“Every year we essentially put together a temporary small animal hospital and equine clinics,” said Dr. Joan Howard, clinical associate professor of veterinary clinical sciences. “We need to be prepared to care for the expected and the unexpected cases and developments.”

Planning is essential. Team members start meeting six months before traveling to the Crow Creek Reservation. Volunteers focus on assessing equipment needs, fundraising and seeking product donations, while coordinating with Tribal members.

In recent years, a two-week clinical rotation was added for CVM fourth-year students.

“We wanted students to have a fuller understanding of the community that we were working with, and we felt this would be a good opportunity for students to discuss and explore ways in which we can make veterinary medicine more equitable and inclusive,” Howard said.

The rotation also provides an opportunity for the students to refine their physical examination skills, understand equine and small animal preventive health care as well as honing their surgical skills.

It is also an opportunity to work in a diverse community.

“Engaging with the Tribal members as well as working with people from all over the country was really great,” said fourth-year student Caitlin Knutson. “The experience not only increased my confidence in performing various procedures, but also expanded my interpersonal skills.”

Students, including Siyu Xiao worked with the Tribal members’ horses. She performed her first castration at the Tribe’s rodeo grounds, where she and other volunteers worked outside, dealing with triple digit temperatures.

“One big thing I learned is how to provide health care under an environment with limited resources,” she said.

“I used to think without large animal hospital equipment what can I do to provide health care, and everything needs to be built from zero.

CROW CREEK RESERVATION CLINICAL ROTATION

Stories & Photos: Dave Gieseke

“After this experience, I feel there is much that I can do to help owners and their horses.”

Back in town, the fire station has been transformed into a surgical unit for dogs and cats, which come and go throughout the day.

“When we would arrive in the morning, there was already a line of people at the door waiting for their appointment,” Knutson said. “It was a valuable experience to get to speak to Tribal members and good practice for me to explain the vaccines, dewormer, preventer care, and at-home care instructions.”

The operation resembles an assembly line. Owners check-in at an outside tent, filled out paperwork and then wait in their car or underneath a shade tree. Fourth-year students greet the clients and their patients, taking a brief history before taking the animals inside the fire station for a physical exam.

After the physical exam, patients are either released back to their owners and moved into surgery for a spay or neuter. Most times, four different surgical tables were in use.

Elizabeth Elliott, one of those fourth-year students, spent all three days working at the small animal “hospital,” working in both the preventive care area and the surgical suite.

“I worked with more than 40 dogs and cats,” Elliott said. “This experience allowed me to improve my skills performing physical exams, giving vaccines, drawing blood, and meeting

with clients. On Sunday I performed a feline spay on my own in the morning and later monitored anesthesia while my student partner performed a canine spay.”

“Every day we were busy seeing patients, helping each other, and learning new things,” Knutson said. “I saw quite a few things I had only ever read about, so seeing how to address and treat those issues was really neat.”

While the experience at the Crow Creek Reservation is a one-time event for the students, traveling to South Dakota has become an annual event for Howard and many of the other volunteers.

“We have developed such a special relationship with Tribal members,” Howard said. “The clinics are a bit like a reunion as we meet up with Tribal members and their animals.” gd

DONATIONS

Monetary and product donations are imperative to the success of Iowa State’s Crow Creek Program. Companies which made generous donations this year include Covetrus, Securos, Merck Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim, IDEXX, Zoetis and Banfield. Iowa State has received a Petco grant to fund the project while fundISU also provided monetary support.

Fascinating Research

Some people would find this research tedious. Honestly, it’s not some people, it’s most people.

But Sarah Gainer, a second-year veterinary student at Iowa State University, is not most people. As an undergraduate she worked on a statistics heavy research project that looked at the tick life stages and disease seasonality to see if there was a correlation.

“I found it fascinating trying to find a statistically significant link,” Gainer said.

But there was a problem. The research project occurred during the height of COVID and Gainer had to work remotely.

“I wanted my next project to be more hands-on with people and animals to see if veterinary research was something I would like to pursue,” she said.

Just the opportunity came Gainer’s way this summer. Gainer was part of the CVM Summer Scholar Research Program that introduces veterinary medicine students to research in a wide array of areas. The students choose to investigate specific issues that match their interest and the work of a faculty member.

Gainer worked with Dr. Bonnie Hay Kraus, associate professor of veterinary clinical studies, evaluating renal biomarkers as predictors of patients who go into acute kidney injury (AKI) post-anesthesia and its association with intra-operative hypotension.

Gainer’s study subjects were dogs and cats that were also part of CVM’s summer surgery program. In the research study, Gainer collected blood and urine samples pre-operatively and post-operatively to assess if there was an elevation in any of the biomarkers.

“Our hypothesis is that one or more of the biomarkers would elevate in a patient that sustained hypotension,” Gainer said. “The purpose of understanding the association of elevated biomarkers as predictors of AKI would be to identify AKI early and therefore be able to intervene with therapies early on.”

The research study required Gainer to spend not only time in surgery collecting samples but other days

analyzing the samples. It was quite the change from her previous research experience.

“When patients were in surgery, I would walk around and help trouble shoot blood pressure documentation to ensure I was getting the appropriate data,” Gainer said. “After the patient recovered, I would document surgery times, extubating time, and patient blood pressure readings.

“This part of the summer was very hands-on with patients and working with clinicians, something I really enjoyed,” she continued. “I was able to take on more leadership with collecting samples and organizing data. It taught me a lot about what did or didn’t work and gave me a sense of purpose being involved with this study.”

It also maybe gave Gainer a glimpse into her future.

“This program has shown me that I do enjoy clinical research and that this is a component I would like to have in my future career,” she said. gd

SWINE VETERINARY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM & BOVINE VETERINARY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Dual Internships

Growing up on a 200-sow farrow to finish farm in southeast Iowa, you would think McKenna Brinning would naturally gravitate to swine medicine as a veterinary medicine student.

Then again, her grandfather owns a cow-calf operation.

“As a young girl, I had the opportunity to exhibit cattle and swine in 4-H and FFA,” said Brinning, a third-year veterinary medicine student. “This is really where my passion for both swine and beef started.”

So, a year after completing a summer in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Swine Veterinary Internship Program (SVIP), she had to give beef medicine equal billing.

“This summer I was a BVIP (Bovine Veterinary Internship Program) intern,” Brinning said. “With my background, I knew I wanted to gain experience in all aspects of large animal medicine. These internships have broadened my experiences in both swine and beef fields of veterinary medicine.”

SVIP and BVIP give veterinary students like Brinning the opportunity to collaborate with leading veterinarians in this industry. Students not only learn the principles of beef or swine herd health management but designing and executing field research.

In the summer of 2021, Brinning was a SVIP intern at Smithfield Hog Production. She spent some of her days traveling to finishers and nurseries in Iowa helping start off nursery-pigs, evaluating health-challenged herds, and helping diagnose and treat pigs. Brinning also designed and executed field research at an 8,500-head sow farm, evaluated a rotavirus vaccine given pre-farrowing and how that affected suckling pigs.

“I learned a lot through this research,” she said, “especially how to know what ‘good’ research designs look like.”

At the conclusion of her internship, she presented the research at the National American Association of Swine Veterinarians conference.

Her SVIP experience was so educational, Brinning decided to make it two years in a row with the program, but this time doing a BVIP internship. This past summer she interned in the Veterinary Field Services unit and traveled to various health calls.

This internship gave Brinning the opportunity to assist with surgeries in the field, help write health papers, and assist with check-ins of livestock at various county fairs. She also researched Anaplasmosis cases in Iowa bovine herds as well as evaluated Bovine Respiratory Disease cases and how treatment history impacts antimicrobial susceptibility.

“There are four different veterinarians on staff I had the opportunity to ride along with and learn from each of them,” Brinning said. “All the veterinarians are great teachers and I gained much knowledge and hands-on skills that I know I will use in my practice.”

That real-world experience is another reason why she participated in the two internship programs.

“My favorite thing about both internships was the real-world skills I learned and the networking I did along the way,” Brinning said. “Having grown up on a farm, I know how crucial it is to get hands-on experience your first two summers of vet school and I accomplished just that through my internships.” gd

Assisting Their Fellow Students

Most students use the summer to rest, relax and forget about their studies for a few weeks.

Incoming third-year student Matt Karlheim and five of his fellow veterinary medicine students took a much different approach.

“I wanted to get a head start on the junior surgery course,” Karlheim said. “This summer I was able to perform the surgeries we would normally do in the fall and got more experience than I otherwise would have.”

Karlheim and the five other veterinary students were the inaugural participants in the summer surgery, anesthesia, and community outreach program. The six-week surgical externship prepared the students to serve as section coordinators for their fellow third-year veterinary students during the fall semester.

Dr. Joyce Carnevale, clinical associate professor in veterinary clinical sciences, said the externs focused on mastering both clinical and procedural skills. During the fall semester, the students met with faculty and create communication strategies with classmates to help facilitate course communications.

For the six weeks in the summer, the students performed spays and neuters on dogs and cats. The College of Veterinary Medicine teams up with area shelters and rescues to provide free spays and neuters, along with wellness care for the animals.

“The ability to work with shelter animals is what drew me to this program,” said Alex Miller. “The experience was invaluable, but what we are doing for the animals in shelters around Iowa throughout the summer is what I love the most.

“They are getting care they might not receive at their shelter.”

Miller says prior to this summer program, she had limited surgical experience. The program allowed her to see a drastic improvement in her surgical skills with each procedure.

“Though we learn concepts in class, there are some things you cannot learn sitting in a classroom,” she said. “You can get an A in a class and still panic when you accidently hit a bleeder in surgery.

“Through this program not only did I learn how to perform surgery better, but also how to handle a stressful situation during surgery or anesthesia. After just four weeks I noticed huge changes from one surgery to the next.”

Because there are only six students in the summer externship program, they received almost a one-on-one instruction with clinicians and veterinary technicians who assist with the surgeries.

“The chance to have specialized mentorship by the variety of instructors in the course is extremely valuable,” said Ashley Hays. “It is a very special opportunity to have the clinicians give you focused areas that need improvement, as well as being told areas you are excelling in.”

Karlheim and Miller agree with their classmate.

“The one-on-one time with the doctors and technicians has been invaluable,” Miller said. “They are available to answer every question we have and can take the time to explain through concepts with us.”

Beginning in the fall the students’ roles reversed. Instead of being the student, they helped their classmates get the most out of the comprehensive clinical course.

“One of the goals of the program was to make us proficient enough to be able to direct students to where they need to go to answer their questions,” Karlheim said.

“I’m excited to see who we can help our fellow classmates in the fall.”

“I know how the paperwork is done, the location of all of our supplies, and most importantly, how to think through problems,” Miller said. “I think this will be important in the fall when we have 150 or so anxious students trying to figure out how this course works.” gd

Eight Weeks of Mentoring

When BreAnna McCartan, a second-year veterinary medicine student, signed up for an eight-week mentorship program at Iowa Veterinary Specialties (IVS) in Des Moines, she was anxious to work in a new clinical environment.

She was also hopeful to gain additional technical skills that would assist her as she moved forward over the next three years of veterinary studies.

What she got out of the program exceeded her wildest expectations.

“I never dreamed that scrubbing in for surgery would be a part of this experience,” McCartan said. “I saw two procedures that I have never seen performed before, all while getting an up close look by assisting with holding the patients’ limb in place during the surgery.”

McCartan was one of eight Iowa State second-year students who participated in the mentorship program this past summer at IVS, a College of Veterinary Medicine affiliated emergency and specialty clinic in Des Moines. And McCartan wasn’t the only student to enjoy the experience.

“I had not had much hands-on clinical experience before entering veterinary school,” said Natalie Hendriksen. “I loved the idea of getting to do that and getting mentorship from doctors throughout the rotations.

“Getting to see how doctors work up cases, talk to clients, and also see how they come up with different treatment plans was a great experience.”

The eight students did two-week rotations throughout the summer program in pairs of twos. Each group kept the same rotation schedule, starting with overnights, internal medicine, surgery, and daytime emergency.

The opportunity to see how another emergency and specialty hospital operated intrigued Yaquelin Mijangos. The Los Angeles native had previously worked in a large and busy ER hospital in her hometown.

“I completely fell in love with the fast pace and urgency that came with working emergency veterinary medicine,” Mijangos said. “My summer experience at IVS helped confirm my passion for emergency medicine.”

It also gave the second-year student additional training in ultrasounds.

“At the beginning of the summer I was not confident in ultrasound but after spending a few shifts with

IOWA VETERINARY SPECIALTIES MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

DEAN’S SUMMER LEADERSHIP INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

A Summer Full of Projects

Over the course of the Dean’s Summer Leadership Internship program in the College of Veterinary Medicine many different projects have been tackled.

Past Dean’s Summer interns have worked on diversity, equity and inclusion issues. They have studied how the rural veterinarian shortage could be addressed. And in 2021, two interns developed “Thrive,” a new student wellness program in the College.

This past summer was no different.

Felicia Pandorf, an incoming third-year student who spent her first two years as a vet student with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine, and Antonio Rodriguez-Torrado, an incoming biomedical sciences masters student worked on a variety of projects.

Among the projects the duo completed were:

• Collecting data on Iowa Livestock Health Advisory Council (ILHAC) seed grants.

• Creating interactive and simpler maps of the College of Veterinary Medicine building for first- and secondyear students.

• Developing additional pipelines for high school students who have an interest in veterinary medicine.

• Served as peer mentors for the Undergraduate Veterinary Internship Program (UVIP) held in the college.

“This program allowed me to grow in my leadership skills through the lens of the veterinary field,” Rodriguez-Torrado said. “We got to work along with faculty and administrators and meet many of the people I interacted with once classes began in the fall.”

Part of the program took the pair outside the confines of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Along with Dr. Dean Grooms, the Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine, and others, they traveled to the Chicago High School of Agricultural Sciences where they saw an agricultural magnet school up close.

They also traveled to the Humboldt Veterinary Clinic, had several leadership “lunch and learns,” and attended the Veterinary Leadership Experience conference.

“That was fun and helped me better understand how I interact with others,” Pandorf said. “The mapping project also helped me start to learn my way around the college.”

“These were all great projects to work on and we were allowed the freedom to dive in on how we would implement and make many of them possible,” Rodriguez-Torrado said. gd

Dr. (Shelby) Mangus, I am now able to discern more information from the images that I see on the screen.

“She was an incredible mentor and encouraged us to learn more about ultrasound since it can help provide you with a plethora of information.”

McCartan agreed with her classmate.

“All of the doctors and technicians have been amazing at teaching and walking me through each procedure,” McCartan said. “I have learned so much, not only for the next three years of school, but in technical skills as well.” gd

From Left: Lisa Sebring, Antonio Rodriguez-Torrado, Felicia Pandorf, and Dr. Grooms.

Our State Fair

When it came time for Melissa Garcia Rodriguez to schedule her fourth-year rotations, one stood out among all others.

“I love attending the Iowa State Fair,” the Iowa native said. “My family goes every year to try the food, see shows, and visit friends.

“That was very much a factor in me applying for this rotation. It was a chance for my friends and family to see what I do.”

Rodriguez was one of four fourth-year veterinary students who spent two weeks overseeing the health of all animals at the Iowa State Fair. Drs. Rachel Friederich and Megan Hindman, clinical associate professors of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine, coordinated the two-week rotation.

“In high school, I showed livestock at the county and state fair for two years,” Rodriguez said. “It meant a lot to me to be able to continue to be involved with the youth and showing livestock and discussing the importance of animal health and welfare.”

Rodriguez and fellow fourth-year students Kelsey Gerwig, Amberly Van Hulzen, and McKenna Von Rentzell are all from Iowa. The four stayed overnight at the fairgrounds and were on call throughout the fair’s run. Rodriguez responded to two emergencies – a sheep choke and a bloated steer.

Overnight emergencies were unusual though as the fourth-year students focused their time on writing health papers, collecting drug samples and providing treatments to a wide variety of animals.

“What I loved about this rotation was the variety in species and cases we would see in one day,” Van Hulzen said. “Each case was different and just like in any mixed animal practice you have to be ready to shift gears and adjust to whatever comes next.”

Those cases included a horse that was colicking and a dippity pig – a condition show pigs can contract.

But the State Fair rotation isn’t just about the patients.

“This rotation has not only the client watching you work, but the public,” Rodriquez said. “Before going to calls we discussed how to approach exams with the different livestock species, treatment options and prognosis.

“We had limited diagnostics, so we had to use our critical thinking skills. It was a great way to utilize our education and our veterinarians were extremely helpful.”

Their time at the State Fair wasn’t all work. You can’t be at the fair without experiencing some of the excitement and fun. During the students’ down time, they would walk around and check out the buildings and exhibits.

“One the first day, I made a ‘Fair Food Bucket-List,’ and I completed that,” Van Hulzen said. “My favorite was the minty moo parfait from the dairy barn. I also really enjoyed watching some of the events including the mounted shooting and horse pulls.

“Two weeks at the fair was exhausting, but I would definitely do it again.” gd

IOWA STATE FAIR CLINICAL ROTATION

UNDERGRADUATE VETERINARY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Gaining Valuable Experience

It wasn’t like Cereniti Campos or Isabel Coll didn’t have animal experience. Each had previously worked with small animals in veterinary clinics.

But the Iowa State animal science undergraduate majors each felt they needed something a little more to prepare them for veterinary school.

The College of Veterinary Medicine’s Undergraduate Veterinary Internship Program (UVIP) was the perfect fit for Campos, Coll and five other Iowa State undergraduates who participated in the program this past summer.

UVIP designed to help undergraduate students in underrepresented populations learn more about the many facets of veterinary medicine. The 10-week, hands-on program provides animal and veterinary experiences as well as networking and mentorship opportunities.

“Even though I have worked in several veterinary clinics back home in Puerto Rico, I had not worked in a hospital and had very little, large animal experience,” Coll said. “UVIP helped me gain experience with large animals and helped me see what branches of veterinary medicine I might be interested in pursuing.”

Campos agreed with her fellow UVIP student.

“Now I have worked with all types of pets and livestock in different environments and specialties,” she said. “Ultimately, I would like to make the veterinary field more accessible and diverse, and I really liked how this program is formatted to help students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed.”

During the 10-week program, the UVIP students shadowed veterinarians on farm calls and in the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center. They gained hands-on experience in the Clinical Skills Laboratory.

They completed week-long rotations in primary care, internal medicine, ophthalmology, equine surgery, emergency and critical care, and cardiology as well as observing the field services unit at the Iowa State Dairy Farm.

The interactions the UVIP students had with clinicians, fourth-year students and veterinary technicians during their rotations proved to be invaluable.

“The students let me follow them and participate in rounds and examinations,” Campos said. “They would

always try to explain the cases when there was time and created a learning environment where I could ask any question about the case.”

Unlike Campos and Coll, another UVIP participant, Rueben Arellano, had little veterinary or animal experience when he signed up for the internship. But being a “drink straight from the fire hose kind of person,” he quickly adjusted.

“I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into, so I set the bar really low,” Arellano said. “But even if my bar was high, my experience with UVIP still would have passed it. All the rotations were super informative, the doctors and residents always made sure I was comfortable and learning, and the students were so welcoming.”

Two rotations – primarily care and small animal internal medicine – stood out to Arellano.

“I was able to participate in many things I wouldn’t have been able to see while working or shadowing at a general practice,” he said. “This turned out to be a great experience.”

And more than anything else, UVIP just reinforced Coll, Campos and Arellano’s desire to become a veterinarian.

“I feel this experience has prepared me to enter vet school in the future, and it taught me so much about the field,” Campos said. “I was able to experience things I could not have imaged and learned what critical thinking skills are needed to succeed in veterinary medicine.” gd

The Perfect Patient

When Mollie Sue was brought to the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital Emergency Unit, she was experiencing rapid breathing. Both her hind legs were swollen and she had fluid on her chest.

Three weeks later, the fourth-monthold Labrador Retriever walked out of the hospital to the applause of dozens of the College of Veterinary Medicine clinicians, technicians and fourth-year students who worked together to treat Mollie.

“When Mollie was first presented, she was very ill and there were many times during her stay that we were concerned for her ability to leave the hospital,” said Dr. Chelsea Zorn, small animal emergency and critical care resident.

Early in her three-week stay, Mollie was diagnosed with an infection in her left femur as well as an infection in her chest. The leg infection required surgery. She needed oxygen supplement for her chest infection that also required surgery.

During this surgery, the College of Veterinary Medicine surgical team were able to use a minimally invasive approach to visualize her lungs. They had to remove the entire right side of her lung lobes due to severe pneumonia.

“Molly had a rocky recovery and required a blood transfusion and high velocity nasal oxygen but with aggressive supportive care, she was able to be weaned from all of her therapies,” Zorn said.

That supportive care in the HixsonLied Small Animal Hospital Intensive Care Unit included clinicians, technicians and students providing nursing care, monitoring, diagnostics, medical, and surgical procedures.

The number of individuals involved in Mollie’s care and treatment is mind blogging. Three criticalists, four emergency residents, two surgeons, two surgical residents, interns, and more than 30 fourth-year students worked on her care.

“Mollie’s care was a collaborate effort,” said fourth-year student Katie Willoughby who was the initial student who triaged the puppy when she was first presented to the hospital. “Many people spent many hours with her over her days in the ICU.”

Throughout Mollie’s ordeal, she was a model patient, even when she was first admitted to the hospital.

“When she was presented to emergency, her tail was wagging and she was giving out kisses to anyone she could,” Willoughby said. “Mollie is a special dog, maybe the most perfect patient. Her love for people and her resilience touched the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of being a part of her journey.”

That happy-go-lucky attitude was evident when Mollie was preparing to leave the hospital and return home. Dozens of students, clinicians and technicians came by to tell Mollie goodbye and she met each and every one with the same attitude, giving kisses and receiving belly rubs. Scan QR code below to Mollie Sue’s farewell send off.

And when it came time to be reunited with her owners she pranced happily down a hallway lined with her supporters.

“It was absolutely amazing to walk her out of the hospital and for her to be surrounded by a group of people who helped to make it all possible,” Zorn said. “We couldn’t be happier that she was able to go home with her family.” gd

Photos: Dave Gieseke

2022 CVM Homecoming Awards True & Valiant

Howard Hill

Lorraine J. Hoffman Graduate Alumni Award

Dr. Howard Hill may have grown up in Southern California. His DVM degree may be from the University of California-Davis.

For the past five decades however, Hill has been an Iowan.

“My roots are more Midwestern now,” Hill said. “I have a strong love of the land and livestock here in Iowa.”

Hill’s Iowa connection began shortly after graduating from vet school. He was practicing at a mixed animal clinic in California but was looking for something else. When he noticed a National Institute of Health Fellowship opportunity, he reached out to two schools.

Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Dr. R. Allen Packer

responded, and the next thing Hill knew he was working on a master’s degree in microbiology. He completed that degree in 1973 and his PhD the following year.

Four months before he completed his PhD, Dr. Vaughn Seaton, then director of Iowa State’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, called and offered him a job.

“I thought we would stay for a couple more years before moving back to California,” Hill said.

Those two years became decades and a series of jobs in Iowa. His first was at the VDL where, while head of the veterinary microbiology section he taught veterinary and graduate students and served the animal production industries, particularly the swine industry in its national fight to eradicate pseudorabies (PRV).

In 2000, Hill joined Iowa Select Farms where he helped the company eradicate its PRV problem. He also worked on the porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome and put in place mechanisms to prepare the swine industry to respond to future challenges. He retired as the company’s chief operating officer in 2013.

Hill’s work with the swine industry wasn’t confined to just swine production companies. He has served on countless committees to combat, eradicate, and prepare for African Swine Fever and other potential foreign animal diseases.

His family raises not only pigs but purebred Angus cattle, while farming 3,000 acres of corn, soybeans and hay.

“My career has revolved around pigs,” he said. “Today our family owns swine finishing farms.”

“By raising pigs I’ve become active in many organizations and have traveled extensively representing the nation’s pork industry’s interests.”

From 2010-16, Hill served on the National Pork Producers Council Board of Directors and was president of that organization for a year. He was one of nine veterinarians appointed to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Advisory Committee of Veterinary Medicine.

And in 1996, he was the president of the American Association of the Swine Veterinarians.

“I enjoyed working on the policy side of the swine industry,” Hill said, “and informing people how important it is to support livestock and the veterinary profession.” gd

Photo: Dave Gieseke

This Homecoming, the College of Veterinary Medicine recognized six individuals with alumni and service awards. Read about Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson on pages 7-8.

From left: Aubrey Cordray, Jim Roth, Dianne Dale, representing Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson, Amy Baker, Howard Hill, Elizabeth Wagstrom and Dean Dan Grooms. Photo: Christopher Gannon

Aubrey Cordray Outstanding Young Alumni Award

After Dr. Aubrey Cordray graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014, she wanted to practice mixed animal medicine in a community in which she could invest.

Yet being a veterinary clinic owner was the furthest thing from her mind.

“It was never my goal to own a clinic,” Cordray says, “but you never known what path your career will take.”

Regardless of her goals, owning a clinic is right up her alley and anyone who knows Cordray knows that failure isn’t an option, even in the small town of Humboldt, Iowa, population 4,773.

“If I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability,” she said.

Cordray has done just that with the Humboldt Veterinary Clinic, a clinic she purchased in 2017 after joining the practice and serving as an associate veterinarian after her graduation. At the time there were just one full-time and one part-time veterinarian on staff.

Today, Humboldt Veterinary Clinic has 23 employees including five clinicians, while expanding from a 3,500-foot-facility to one more than three times that size.

“The facility needed a facelift,” Cordray said. “I saw a need for this big of a facility and things are going well. We were busting at the seams for small animals, and we needed a space for producers to bring their animals to us, instead of our clinicians always going out to the farms.

“It wasn’t cost and time effective for us or the producers to make calls 90 minutes away from the clinic.”

Cordray’s vision expanded her small animal clinic from two rooms to four plus isolation suites and doubled the surgical suites to two. The large animal area is a progressive haul-in facility with customized equipment.

Humboldt Veterinary Clinic isn’t your typical small town or even big city clinic. A fish tank in the lobby, as well as snacks and other refreshments provide a distraction for clients’ children. A merchandise corner was another addition.

“We wanted clients to have a great experience in addition to high level veterinary care,” Cordray said. “There are other projects on the radar as well.”

It’s quite the leap of faith for Cordray to make in small town Humboldt. It helps that she has built a loyal client base which extends as far away as Forest City, Iowa, a good 75 minutes from Humboldt.

“We are a comprehensive veterinary clinic that offers services others may not,” Cordray said. “When you believe in something you can make it happen.”

Not only does Cordray believe in what she can accomplish, but she believes in her team at Humboldt Veterinary Clinic. The culture in the workplace is important to Cordray and she stresses “authenticity, comprehensive, compassion, team, and honesty.”

“She strives to practice medicine and operate a business based on those values each day,” wrote Dr. Tracy Lindquist (’12), one of the five veterinarians at Humboldt Veterinary

Clinic. “She provides a great learning environment for veterinarians, technicians, and assistants.”

One of the things Cordray wanted to do while expanding the clinic, was to provide special spaces for her employees and their families. There is a kid room with a pull-out futon, big screen TV and toys.

Music, picked by the staff, plays overhead as you tour the clinic which also includes a staff break room and a basketball hoop in the large animal area where the former Buena Vista University star can shoot some hoops.

She considers her team as family and works hard to get to know them outside of work. The clinic staff has gone on scavenger hunts, played putt putt golf and kayaked together.

“We have three or four team-building events a year that I believe helps with our cohesiveness,” Cordray said. “We get to know each other outside of work.

“I’m grateful to my team – they never stand behind me but stand before me.” gd

Photo: Dave Gieseke

Elizabeth Wagstrom

William P. Switzer Award in Veterinary Medicine

On the day Elizabeth Wagstrom’s son started his freshman year in high school, she was starting her own adventure.

“I drove 175 miles down the road to Ames and said, ‘see you guys next weekend,’” Wagstrom recalled.

Wagstrom’s adventure and laterin-life career change was attending veterinary school at Iowa State. Previously she was working in the swine industry at Oxford Laboratories with a pair of Iowa State graduates –Drs. Wayne Freese and Wendell Davis.

Only she was in sales, not working directly with pigs.

“Working at Oxford Laboratories really gave me a passion for pigs,” Wagstrom said, “and I decided I was on the wrong side of the counter when I went into a veterinary clinic.

“I thought, ‘I’m on the outside and there are veterinarians on the inside.’ I knew I could do that and I wanted to do that.”

On a whim, Wagstrom threw together a vet school application, thinking it would be practice for the following year when she would get serious about her career change. Funny thing though – she was admitted to Iowa State.

And the

rest, as people say, is history.

After graduating from Iowa State with a DVM in 1999 and a master’s in preventive medicine a year later, Wagstrom spent her new career working at the intersection of animal and public health.

“It all fell into place for me,” Wagstrom said, “but it has been a bit of a journey.”

Her new career started out at Iowa Select Farms during a time Wagstrom describes as horrible for the pig industry.

“It was very much a learning experience for me, almost a trial by error,” she said.

Even though she was in the swine industry, Wagstrom knew what she wanted to do. Positions at the Minnesota Department of Health, the National Pork Board and the University of Minnesota contributed to finding her passion at the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).

“The wonderful thing about the NPPC and the National Pork Board is that they take complex scientific knowledge and distill the information so lay people can understand,” Wagstrom said. “This allowed me to apply my scientific knowledge to public policy and it was a really good fit for me.”

As the NPPC’s chief veterinarian (now retired), Wagstrom advanced domestic and international animal health and welfare, and on-farm production, public health and food safety issues. She was a member of the coalition that secured $150 million in funding for an animal disease vaccine bank, foreign animal disease prevention and preparedness grants, and for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network in the 2018 Farm Bill.

During her career, Wagstrom collaborated with and educated non-agricultural audiences on animal production and the U.S. pork industry’s efforts to protect animal health, welfare, public health, and the environment. She frequently testified before Congressional committees and was the NPCC’s spokesperson.

“I’m just fascinated by the swine industry,” Wagstrom said. “So much of the decision making is based economics and epidemiology and it just fit together so well that it made the swine industry a natural home for me.” gd

Submitted Photo

Amy Baker Stange Award for Meritorious Service

No way was Amy Baker’s career path going to led to her becoming a veterinarian. No way in the world.

Her father, Dr. Butch Baker, was a veterinarian and had a mixed animal practice. Baker recalls her dad’s message to her.

“He said, ‘do something else where you don’t have to work so hard,’” Amy Baker said. “I resisted the call to do veterinary medicine as a young adult because of the long hours and the physical demands of the job that I saw my dad and his practice partners put in.”

Amy Baker’s calling was something else.

“I was going to be a medical doctor, a psychologist, a swine genetist,” she said. “I could have done those jobs.”

After completing her undergraduate degree at Western Kentucky University Baker started graduate courses at Iowa State, earning a master’s in genetics.

But the pull of the family career was just too much for her.

“When I imagined the possibilities of being a veterinarian doing infectious disease research I knew my career path,” Baker said, “and despite what he had said to me, my dad was pretty excited when I committed to becoming a DVM.”

And what a DVM. Baker is a superstar DVM (2002) as a research veterinary medical officer and lead scientist at the National Animal Disease Center in the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Ames. Among her achievements,

she has led a research team in profiling the genetic evolution of swine influenza A viruses and how this affects the animals’ immune response to the pathogens.

She also initiated a global nomenclature system to expedite vaccine selections, strain identification and comparisons, and studies of viral evolution and “mixing,” whereby influenza strains from different hosts species exchange their genes.

But that’s not all. Baker was instrumental in establishing a national influenza A virus surveillance system in collaboration with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“I exclusively study influenza and it keeps me engaged,” Baker said. “There are lots of variants, it isn’t just one virus.”

Baker describes the diversity of influenza as being “SARS-CoV-2 on steroids.”

“There are more ways influenza viruses can evolve than coronaviruses can do, through host jumps and gene segment swapping” she said. “This is a global issue and I’m as worried about the unknowns as much as I am about the knowns.”

Baker’s work in this area led to her election in 2020 to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine. Her numerous awards also include the Arthur S. Flemming Award for her exceptional scientific achievements in the field of animal health.

For that award, Baker was just one of 12 award recipients in 2019 across the entire Federal Government. “I definitely feel humbled when I get nominated for an award and I’m surprised when the selection committee picks me,” Baker said.

“I have had the opportunity to often be the one on the stage being honored, but all of this wouldn’t be possible without the outstanding team of colleagues I work with.

“There is no better place than Ames, Iowa, to do what I do.”

Despite the success Baker has had in her field, she’s not satisfied.

“I’m still on the hunt for better vaccines to use in pigs,” she said. “Influenza is a fascinating virus and it’s not going to get boring.

“I still get excited. I love my job and the influenza research community I work with. It is almost like I knew what I was doing all those years ago when I started on this journey.” gd

Submitted Photo

Jim Roth Stange Award for Meritorious Service

In his acceptance speech for the Stange Award, Dr. Jim Roth pointed out he is a member of the Class of 1975 or as he termed it “the famous class of 1975.”

No less than five members of the class of ’75 have been either awarded the Stange Award or the Switzer Award by the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Roth’s selection as a recipient of the Stange Award for Meritorious Service is number six.

But it isn’t just his fellow classmates who have received the college’s highest alumni honor.

“I have a lot of mentors who have received this award,” Roth said. “I have known most of the Stange awardees and that is why I’m so honored to receive this award.”

Roth’s inclusion in this exclusive club is overdue. A three-time graduate of the college (DVM ’75, MS ’79 and a PhD in immunology ’81), Roth holds more titles and has received more awards than the average Iowa State alumnus.

He’s a Clarence Hartley Covault Distinguished Professor in Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State. He holds the Presidential Chair in Veterinary

Microbiology and Preventive Medicine. In 2002, Roth established the Center Food Security and Public Health (CFSPH), of which he continues to serve as the director. And he is the executive director of the Institute for International Cooperation in Animal Biologics (IICAB).

He has devoted his career to Iowa State, spending 45 years on the College of Veterinary Medicine faculty.

“If you want a career in animal health, there is no better place to do that than Iowa State and Ames,” Roth said.

Most of his classmates from the “famous class of 1975” probably stayed on one career path trajectory. That wasn’t in the cards for Roth.

“I’ve had at least three transitions after returning from private practice to join the faculty,” he said. “I started out as a classroom instructor and basic immunology researcher, then gradually began to emphasize infectious disease prevention. Today I devote most of my time to the mission of the CFSPH – to increase national and international preparedness for accidental or intentional introduction of diseases that threaten food production or public health. Science changes so fast, you need to change with it and try to stay ahead of the game. I’ve kept my career fresh by moving into different areas.”

With the development of the Veterinary Biologics Training Program in 1995, Roth and his team have provided an educational program covering the USDA process for approving vaccines and diagnostics.

Working with the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics in Ames, this annual program has had more than 3,000 participants, including more than 875 international attendees from 96 countries.

He currently focuses on secure food supply projects while also working with state and federal officials and industry in planning for optimal responses to transboundary and emerging diseases that threaten the food supply or public health.

Roth has testified before Congress on biosecurity preparedness, on efforts to address bioterrorism and agroterrorism, and on the need for vaccines for foreign animal diseases.

All of which has led him to be recognized by several different organizations. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and in 2016 was named to the National Academy of Medicine.

Other awards include the Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist Award from the American Association of Veterinary Immunologists, Public Service Award from the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Senator John Melcher Leadership in Public Policy Award from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, and the USDA APHIS Administrator’s Award for lifetime achievements in animal health.

“I have a lot of history here, but everything I’ve accomplished has been a team effort,” Roth said. “If it was just what I’ve accomplished, I wouldn’t be getting these awards. The CFSPH and IICAB staff members are a dedicated and talented group. They do exceptional work and bring honor to me, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the whole university.”gd

Photo: Heather Brewer

Low Cost, Big Results

The Atlantic County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ACSPCA) Veterinary Clinic isn’t about bells and whistles.

The clinic outside of Atlantic City, New Jersey, is bare bones. The structure is a one-bedroom house that has been retrofitted to be a vet clinic two days a week.

“We definitely operate with very low overhead,” said Dr. Suzanna Vaino (’03), ACSPCA’s medical director. “We’re volunteer-based, keep minimal inventory, and use simple in-house diagnostic testing. Bells and whistles are nice to have, but you can get the job started without them. Thankfully, Iowa State taught me the importance of the physical exam, and I never forgot that.

“We’re back to the basics here. We’re ultra-low cost, just enough to keep the lights on.”

And that suits the Atlantic County native just fine, especially since the ACSPCA offers ultra-low-cost, full-service veterinary medical services including surgery and dentistry.

“We are not simply a ‘discount veterinary clinic,’” Vaino says. “Our clinic serves exclusively low-income and indigent pet owners so we can help them keep their pets healthy despite the financial limitations they are facing.

“This prevents financial euthanasia and pet relinquishment to shelters due to lack of financial means.”

Every Tuesday, Vaino goes to the ACSPCA clinic where she works in a tiny surgical suite for eight hours. She and her vet tech average about 22 cat spays and neuters in a day. Some Tuesdays she will do dental work and soft tissue surgery.

Fridays are set aside for wellness care, sick visits, and pre-surgery exams.

“There is a huge need in Atlantic County for this type of service,” Vaino said. “Enabling people to pay for their veterinary care, even at our low costs, can be satisfying for many. Our clients want to know they can provide for their pets.”

After graduating from Iowa State, Vaino moved back to her hometown and eventually started her own veterinary practice, which she operated for eight years. Today, in addition to serving as the ACSPCA’s medical director, she is a staff surgeon at the Atlantic County Animal Shelter.

She also owns and operates Doorway to Heaven, an at-home euthanasia service.

“I began to notice some potential shortcomings in the ways in which we approach end-of-life care in our pets,” Vaino said. “I wanted to be able to slow down and be there for our patients and their families who are going through this final and very important life stage.”

That human-animal bond is important to Vaino.

“I consider access to veterinary care to be a social justice issue,” she said. “I believe in the benefits of the humananimal bond and think everyone should be able to own a pet and keep it healthy, no matter how much money they have.

“Often times the ACSPCA is a pet owner’s last hope.” gd

Dr. Suzanna Vaino (’03), ACSPCA medical director.

Photo: Dave Gieseke

#GentleDoctorsEverywhere

’17 #GentleDoctorsEverywhere

’10 #GentleDoctorsEverywhere

Calling it a Career

For nearly a half-century, Gary Connell answered calls from clients regarding livestock or pets. Those phone calls ended recently when Connell retired from his Shenandoah, Iowa practice. One of the changes Connell notes over the years involves the importance of pets to the public. “Initially in the ‘70s, pets were pets, not so much family members like they appear to be now. That’s definitely one change,” he said. While he has no definite retirement plans, Connell marked September 24 on his calendar. That’s when he served as the grand marshal of the 2022 Shenfest Parade.

Rural Practice

With the increasing need for veterinarians in rural America, Erin Christ decided to open her own vet clinic in Ellendale, North Dakota. She established Country Roads Veterinary Clinic in July 2021 where she treats large animals, small animals and anything in between. While she prefers working with livestock, she believes the smaller animals help fill the gaps. She also jokes that during the winter months, it’s nice to stay out of the cold barnyard and in the warm office walls. Oftentimes Christ is pulled in two opposite directions when disaster strikes on the farm. “There’d be times where you’d get phone calls in two different directions at the same time and you just got to choose where to go first,” she said.

Dealing with Loss

Hayley Danson knows what losing a companion animal means. “I’ve been through my own losses,” Danson says. “They were hard. I’m highly emphatic and it’s often easier to move through that process with the support of people who understand it.” That’s why, after working for urban and rural veterinary clinics in the Pacific Northwest since graduating from Iowa State, Danson started Hummingbird Veterinary Hospice Care with Dr. Melissa Knutzen, a long-time colleague. “Offering hospice care means geriatric patients can stay in their home, rather than loading up in the car and going into a clinic,” Danson said. “It’s often easier to move through that process with the support of people who understand it and I don’t mind sitting with someone and their grief.”

Hayley Danson

Gary Connell

Erin Christ

#GentleDoctorsEverywhere

New Job, Same Interests

David Gibbs worked as an associate veterinarian at Postville Veterinary Clinic for close to a decade, eventually become a partner at the practice. “I built up some lifelong relationships with excellent farm clients that will forever be friends of mine,” Gibbs said. But then his cousin (Dr. Justin Helgerson ’05) coaxed him into joining a new venture. While at the Postville Veterinary Clinic, Gibbs did embryo work, soon becoming proficient in embryo searching, evaluation, transferring, grading, loading, and freezing. He spent most of his time at Postville doing pregnancy ultrasounding and fetal sexing. He has transitioned those knowledge and skills into his new job with Driven Embryo Services. “The vast majority of the skills I still had and now I’m continuing to build upon them,” Gibbs said. “The work is similar to what I did in private practice, I still get to work with the best people on earth.” ’78

Keeping it in the Family

In the past four decades, Bill and Norma Headlee have provided routine and emergency veterinary care for their clients’ animals of varying shapes, sizes and weights. The Headlees have cared for multiple generations of clients’ companion animals and livestock at Headlee Enterprises in western South Dakota. Today the clinic is owned by the couple’s daughter Dr. Corale Dorn (‘01) and her husband Don.

Stressing Safety

As a veterinarian, Eric Knock has worked with his share of cattle and with various cattle chutes, but last September he got caught between two hard places. “We were ultrasounding and preg-checking heifers, and I was pouring a bull,” Knock recalled. “And I stood up right next to the chute.” Problem was, when the 6’ 8” Knock stood up, the squeeze was released to free the bull, and his head became pinched between the chute frame and the squeeze. His resulting injuries kept him in a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, hospital for two weeks. While still recovering from his injuries, Knock now encourages veterinarians to stress safety regardless of their experiences. “I had worked with a variety of chutes over the years and used this portable chute a handful of times,” Knock said. “We all need to simply slow down, don’t be in a hurry, and be aware of the risk areas.”

Photo: Kevin Schulz, Wallaces Farmer

Eric Knock

David Gibbs

Bill & Norma Headlee

Fred Sick

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View full stories at vetmed.iastate.edu/gentledoctorseverywhere

Perfect Fit

A trip to the national AVMA Conference came at the right time for Amanda Kress. While at the conference, Kress went to a session on career changes. “I knew if I was going to move on that private practice wasn’t for me,” Kress said, “but I had no brilliant ideas of what to do next.” The session Kress attended included careers in lab animals veterinary care. Despite no experience with lab animals, the possibility intrigued Kress. Afterwards she sought out the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners booth in the exhibit hall. It turned out to be a perfect fit for Kress. “The work is still clinical. It’s still hands-on, plus I would be involved in research,” she said. Today she provides quality animal care to animals used in Iowa State research projects as a veterinarian in the Laboratory Animal Resources.

Honor Flight

Fred Sick’s third trip to the nation’s Capitol was different. “The thing that really surprised me when we got to D.C. was the number of military people when we got off the airplane,” Sick said. A Vietnam War veteran, Sick was part of the Midwest Honor Flight: Mission 11 in August. The tour included stops at the Vietnam War Memorial, the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, and the Korean and World War II Memorials. “The tour guides were so kind and helpful; it’s because of one I was able to find my cousin’s name,” Sick said. Sick’s cousin, Frederick Holst, was killed in Vietnam and his name is on the Vietnam Memorial.

Hall of Famer

Steve and Shelly Wickham of Henry County have been inducted into the 2022 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. The Wickhams have been and continue to be active supporters of the Henry County 4-H Program. Shelly served as the secretary of the Henry County Extension Council for eight years. Both Shelly and Steve were 4-H Leaders, with Steve being a leader of the Wayne Soil Savers 4-H Club for 15 years and Shelly the leader of the Country Creators. Shelly assisted with the startup of the Henry County 4-H Bottle Calf program and chaired the program for many years, as well as provided expertise for the 4-H Pet Show. Steve has a passion for beef production in Henry County and as a large promoter of the production side of the 4-H Beef show emphasizes the importance of quality and the beef industry. Steve has served as the Henry County Fair Veterinarian for over 30 years, and has hosted numerous Beef Weigh-ins at his facility while providing guidance and support to beginning beef producers.

Amanda Kress

Steve (’87) & Shelly (’88) Wickham

Homecoming 2022

Members of the Class of 1962 gathered for their 60th reunion during the 2022 Homecoming celebration

November 4-5. Hundreds of alumni descended upon the College of Veterinary Medicine campus during the two-day celebration.

DAY TO REMEMBER

December 5, 2022, was declared “Dr. Ann Garvey Appreciation Day” in the State of Iowa by Governor Kim Reynolds.

Reynolds chose to honor Garvey who was her colleague, a bond that grew when COVID put the pair together in close quarters as the state battled the pandemic and, as it turns out, Garvey battled cancer. Garvey, the state’s Iowa Public Health Veterinarian, was 46 when she died November 1.

The proclamation reads, “Dr. Garvey was a critical member of the state’s COVID-19 emergency response team and a model of grace, fortitude, and resilience throughout the pandemic – even while battling her own personal health crisis. Her eternal optimism, courage, steadfast spirit, and faith demonstrated to all how to live fully and presently every day. (She) was a cherished wife, mother, daughter, and sister, a dearly loved friend and colleague; and a loyal public servant whose legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.”

Garvey graduated with her DVM from Iowa State in 2002. She began her career as an agriculture specialist and state exercise training officer for the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Division.

Mark Your Calendars for These Upcoming Alumni Receptions

Monday, February 20

Western Veterinary Conference

Hussong’s Cantina @ Mandalay Place

Las Vegas

7:30-9:30 pm

Friday, July 14

AVMA Convention

Henry’s Tavern

Denver, Colorado

7-9 pm

IN MEMORIAM

Notices of recent deaths are available online at vetmed.iastate.edu/alumni-giving/alumni/memoriam. If you know of a recently deceased CVM alumnus, faculty or staff member please send the notice to dgieseke@iastate.edu.

Alumni E-Newsletter

Can’t wait until the next Gentle Doctor magazine hits your mailbox for news about the College of Veterinary Medicine? Then check out the college’s monthly alumni e-newsletter.

CVM Alumni News features news and updates from the college including alumni events, features on CVM alumni and notices of recent deaths.

If you don’t currently receive the CVM Alumni News please send your e-mail address to dgieseke@iastate.edu.

Photo: Dave Gieseke

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds was surrounded by Dr. Ann Garvey’s family last week at the signing of the proclamation. Photo: The Daily Freeman-Journal

ALUMNI UPDATES

• Dr. Mark Ackermann (‘86) is the new director of the National Animal Disease Center (NADC) located in Ames. Ackermann is also a former professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine and previously served as director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University.

• Dr. Stacy Anderson (‘04), dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University, has been named to Today’s Veterinary Business “22 Extraordinary Women” listing.

• Dr. Paul Armbrecht (‘71) has been named a recipient of the Iowa Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award for his dedication to his community and animal health as owner and veterinarian of the Lake City Veterinary Service, P.C.

• Dr. Scott Armbrust (‘75), president and owner of Paradocs Embryo Transfer, has received the Pioneer Award from the Dairy Shrine at the World Dairy Expo.

• Dr. Daniel Berkland (‘82), owner of the Sibley Veterinary Clinic, has been inducted into the 2022 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.

• Dr. Daniel Edge (‘03), director of U.S. Petcare Medical Care for Zoetis, and his husband, A.J. Edge, have been named Zoetis’ Working Parents of the Year. Daniel and A.J. are fathers to two adopted sons, Jackson, 17, and Peyton, 12.

• Dr. Renee Funk (‘01) has been named the board representative for uniformed services for the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians. Funk recently retired as a captain in the U.S. Public Health Service.

• The Iowa Veterinary Medical Association has announced its 2022 awards including:

> IVMA Veterinarian of the Year - Dr. David Larson (‘77), retired owner/veterinarian of the Newton Veterinary Clinic

> IVMA Rising Star Award - Dr. Aubrey Cordray (‘14), owner/veterinarian of Humboldt Veterinary Clinic

> IVMA Healthcare Team Service Award - Tri-Vet Associates staff who serve the communities of Dyersville, Farley and Holy Cross. Iowa State veterinary graduates at Tri-Vet include Dr. Ashley Klein (‘16), Dr. Dewayne Rahe (‘77) retired, Dr. Earl Goerdt (‘69) retired, Dr. Jared Jacobson (‘13), Dr. Jennifer Hosch (‘09), Dr. Judd Grover (‘96), Dr. Paul Herrig (‘81) retired, Dr. Scott Reitzler (‘01), Dr. Tim Sprank (‘08), Dr. Todd Kluesner (‘02); and Dr. Leah Hageman (‘21).

• Dr. Phillip Jardon (‘86) has received the California Animal Nutrition Conference Meritorious Award for his contributions to the animal nutrition and feed industry. Jardon is a dairy technical consultant for Elanco Animal Health.

• Dr. Nicholas Lauterbach (‘18) has accepted a new position as a technical services veterinarian with Pharmgate Animal Health and will work with veterinarians and production teams at swine operations to help create and execute swine health protocols.

• Dr. Heather Loenser (‘03), Glen Gardner, New Jersey, has been named chief veterinary officer of Suveto.

• Dr. Daryl Olsen (‘82), Audubon, Iowa, has been chosen to continue to lead the Swine Health Information Center Board of Directors.

• Dr. Jack Shere (‘87), Washington, D.C., is serving as president of the American Veterinary Epidemiology Society.

• Three CVM alumni were recognized recently by the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association

> Dr. Chris Chase (‘80) received the Distinguished Service Award

> Dr. Holly Roe-Johnson (‘97) was named DVM of the Year

> Dr. Jamie Zuidema (‘14) was named the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award

• Dr. Heather Lerseth (‘07), Groton, South Dakota, has been elected president-elect of the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association. Other SDVMA officers include Dr. Carolyn Geis (‘15), Groton, immediate past president; Dr. Anna Braunschmidt (‘09), Garretson, District 1 representative; Dr. Heidi Sorensen (‘91), Waterton, District 2 representative; and Dr. Chris Chase (‘80), Brookings, AVMA delegate.

• The Veterinary Medical Alumni Association (VMAA) presented its alumni awards during Homecoming ‘22. Recipients included Dr. Kyle Eggers (‘16), Midwest Veterinary Clinic in Hubbard, Outstanding Mentor Award; and Dr. Charles Lemme (‘75), retired veterinarian and the vice chair of the AVMA Board of Directors, Outstanding Service Award.

Patterson Opportunity Fund Drive Passes Halfway Point

As the College of Veterinary Medicine marks the centennial celebration of the DVM graduation of Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson, the college is also seeking to endow a fund in Dr. Patterson’s fund.

Dr. Patterson (DVM 1923; MS, 1927) was among the first African Americans to earn his DVM at Iowa State. From Ames, he would go on to become president of Tuskegee University, where he launched programs in aviation and veterinary medicine. These resulted in the famous Tuskegee Airmen of World War II and the education of more than 75 percent of the Black veterinarians in America today.

Patterson also founded the United Negro College Fund, helping enough students gain a college education to fill Jack Trice Stadium ten times over. His accomplishments created futures and changed

HOOKED UP

If you have a dog, more than likely you have had the same experience Julie Klein had.

On her first visit to the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital with her dog Maggie, Klein was attempting to complete paperwork at the reception desk. Maggie had other thoughts.

“I had Maggie on a leash and found it difficult to hold onto her and complete paperwork while she tried to greet all the other patients and their parents,” Klein said. “I went looking for a hook where I could attach her leash, but there weren’t any.”

That problem has been solved thanks to Klein. She donated funds to purchase and install a series of dog hooks HixsonLied clients can utilize when they are busy with paperwork. The hooks have been attached to the base wall of the reception desk at five client-facing stations.

Sweet Maggie, as she was known to the Hixson-Lied staff, had been diagnosed by Klein’s primary veterinarian with cancer. She received radiation treatments at Iowa State for her illness over two-week stay.

“Everyone at Iowa State was so kind and loving to Maggie and me while we were there,” Klein said. “She was treated with so much love, compassion and respect.

lives across the nation, earning Dr. Patterson the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1987 from President Ronald Reagan.

The Frederick Douglass Patterson Opportunity Fund will attract additional trailblazers such as Dr. Patterson to the college to advance the research and service of the college and its Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center and Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

As the 2022 calendar wound down, approximately $600,000 has been raised towards the $1 million endowment goal. During the celebration, gifts of any size will receive a private match until the endowment is reached.

For more information on the Frederick Douglass Patterson Opportunity Fund, contact vetmeddev@iastate.edu.

“During Maggie’s stay I received two phone calls a day, one each from a vet student and either Dr. (Raquel) Doke or Dr. (Carlos) Ortiz. They also sent me photos which was so great for this doggie momma’s heart.”

Maggie holds a special spot in the hearts of Klein and her husband. Maggie was picked out from a litter of Golden Retriever puppies by Klein and her son Keaton. Maggie and Keaton developed a special bond.

Tragically, Keaton passed away from an accident while in Europe studying abroad.

“One of my last pictures of Keaton was him holding Maggie,” Klein said. “Our sweet Maggie was our last connection to Keaton, and we just wanted to honor both of them in some way. That’s where I thought we could help Iowa State’s future patients and their parents by donating the hooks.”

HOFFMAN TO BE RECOGNIZED BY ISU FOUNDATION

Dr. Lorraine Hoffman (PhD ’74) and former director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the Order of the Knoll Faculty and Staff Award by the Iowa State University Foundation.

The Order of the Knoll Faculty and Staff Award recognizes an individual or couple currently employed by or retired from Iowa State University who has/ have provided dedicated and long-term professional and volunteer service and creative leadership to the ISU Foundation and Iowa State through the advancement of philanthropy.

This award recognizes those whose involvement with the university and the foundation has been lasting and made a substantial impact in promoting and expanding philanthropy that supports Iowa State.

Hoffman had over 35 years of professional experience as a diagnostic microbiologist at Iowa State before she retired. While she served as director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, she was known for her love of serving practitioners and livestock and animal owners as well as mentoring students at all levels.

She is a member of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Advisory Council and the Lorraine J. Hoffman Graduate Alumni Award was established in 2019 to honor her work contributions to the college.

Hoffman and her husband, Peter, have established a scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine for graduate students interested in swine production medicine. They have also supported the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Fund and the Media Prep Room in that new facility will be named in her honor.

The Hoffmans contributions are not just to the College of Veterinary Medicine. The couple has supported numerous Iowa State units including the ISU Alumni Association, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Reiman Gardens, and the Cyclone Club.

A Memorial for Memorials

If you’ve never noticed the Companion Animal Fund tribute station in the reception area of the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital, you’re not alone.

Donations of all sizes to support animal care have been documented and “displayed” weekly in a three-ring binder for years, but few individuals would stop and inspect the materials within a modest bookcase at the back of the public space.

Hoping to bring our supporters and the beloved pets so often celebrated or memorialized by the Companion Animal Fund Registry to new light, an electronic kiosk is being built this winter to replace laminated pages with full-color images and dynamic information.

Appropriately enough, this special gift recognition is the result of an equally special gift donated this fall by compassionate clients Stan and Amber Sherman on behalf of their own precious pet, Mr. Cleo – a sweet Maltese who was cared for by Dr. Eddie Vasquez and the Emergency and Critical Care team in the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center.