p. 1 How Our ContainedCollegeCOVID VETREPORT UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE FALL 2022 p. 10 Spotlight on Students p. 18 New Online Master's, Certificate Program RENEWALHOSPITAL p. 8
Since 2016 we’ve invested $36 million in our clinical and instructional facilities. We’ve expanded the Veterinary Teaching Hospital with the addition of a 9,000-sq-ft small animal surgery wing and a 18,000-sq-ft facility to house our primary care and zoological medicine services. In the same period, we’ve grown our faculty numbers by 34%. And beginning this fall, our veterinary class will grow to 150 students. Our innovative online educational offerings extend our impact to many more remote learners. Our research enterprise focuses on protecting human and animal health from emerging infectious disease and environmental toxins; advancing medicine to fight cancer and other debilitating diseases; and delivering safe, humane, and sustainable animal protein for a hungry world. In 2021 the college adopted a new strategic plan that maps a continuing trajectory of innovation and impact. Our guiding principles state that our people are our most valuable asset and we foster a culture of respect, inclusion, trust, and support for personal and professional growth. Take a look at where Illinois is headed. We have room for everyone, and we invite you to be part of our transformation.
Take a NEW LOOK at Illinois atchangeTransformativeishappeningourcollege.
VETERINARY REPORT FALL 2022 FROM THE DEAN
Dean Peter Constable
Dean Constable provides a hospital tour to Provost Cangellaris.
ON THE COVER: Dr. Stephanie Keating, who heads the anesthesiology and pain management service, examines a patient in the expansive new induction area.
THE SHIELD TEST IS: From left to right: Drs. Robin Holland, Tim Fan, Rick Fredrickson, Rebecca Smith, and Leyi Wang.
Dr. Robin Holland, who was a student researcher in Dr. Fan’s lab, was recruited for the team of four scientists who focused on developing the saliva-based test. Dr. Fan knew the college’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) would prove a tremendous asset to the endeavor. Dr. Fan managed the process of securing federal (CLIA) certification for VDL to work with human specimens.
1THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
ACCURATE: A specificity of 98.9%, a sensitivity of 95.8%, and able to detect emerging variants of the coronavirus
As soon as the pandemic sent students home, Provost Andreas Cangellaris called on Professor of Chemistry Martin Burke to find a way to allow the cam pus to continue operating safely, in person. Dr. Tim Fan, professor of veterinary clinical medicine, was one of the first people Prof. Burke tapped for the team assembled to create a diagnostic test that would be accurate, fast, and inexpensive.
Dr. Rebecca Smith, associate professor of pathobiology, came aboard the project as co-leader of the computational modeling team that established testing policies based on data Hundredscollected.ofindividuals across the Uni versity of Illinois campus contributed to making the SHIELD program successful in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. These five leaders from the College of Vet erinary Medicine, as well as our diagnostic laboratory as a whole, played crucial roles. Not only did the SHIELD program allow a safe return to in-person learning—and more importantly, save lives—but the pro gram also was rapidly made available beyond our campus. The non-profit unit SHIELD Illinois, with support from the state, offered free testing to nearly all school districts in Illinois. SHIELD T3 was created to extend the testing platform beyond Illinois.
NotificationFAST:timeless than 24 hours vs. 2 to 3 days for most other tests SEE OUR JOURNEY THROUGH COVID-19
HOW VETERINARY MEDICINE HELPED CREATE A SHIELD AGAINST THE PANDEMIC
Meanwhile, Dr. Rick Fredrickson, VDL director, and Dr. Leyi Wang, veterinary virologist, worked around the clock to ensure the laboratory was staffed and equipped to take on the additional caseload of up to 10,000 COVID tests a day.
Between SHIELD Illinois and SHIELD T3, more than 1,700 schools, businesses, and other organizations in the U.S., New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and elsewhere have benefited from the affordable, accurate testing system developed on our campus. Worldwide, more than 10 million sali va-based COVID-19 tests have been administered.
LOW COST: $20 to $30 vs. $100+ for a standard nasal swab test
EASY TO USE: Non-invasive and does not need medically trained personnel to collect sample
Thanks to the strengths of our i-Learning Center, the college rapidly transitioned more than 500 veterinary students and 100 faculty members to online classrooms, enabling all Illinois veteri nary students to fulfill requirements for the academic year.
INSTRUCTIONONLINE-ONLY
2020
As students leave for spring break, campus announces online-only instruction when classes resume Monday, March 23. IS
MARCH 13
FIRST DOCUMENTED CASE OF A COVID-INFECTED ANIMAL
Dr. Leyi Wang, an authority on coronaviruses, compares the spike proteins—the proteins on the outside of the virus—for the 2019 novel coronavirus with the 2003 SARS coronavirus and bat coronavirus: “Genetically, the spike protein of 2019 novel coronavirus shares more of its amino acid profile with bat coronavirus (80%) than SARS coronavirus (75%).”
In addition to existing courses, those created in response to the pandemic included:
• Interpretation of Laboratory Data, where students evaluated clinical pathology cases then watched as Dr. Anne Barger reviewed each case.
MAY 16 COLLEGE’S FIRST VIRTUAL GRADUATION CEREMONY Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs Jonathan Foreman says, “We celebrate the efforts and perseverance of the Class of 2020 as they graduate from our college and enter the veterinary profession.”
Diagnostic Imaging, a fourth-year student rotation that is primarily visual, transitioned smoothly to an online format. Dr. Dennis French, co-creator of the course along with two boarded radiologists, recalls, “There was even more student engagement than in the traditional face-to-face rotation.”
2 VETERINARY REPORT FALL 2022 TIMELINE COVID-19 TIMELINE JANUARY 2020 FIRST CONFIRMED U.S. CASE OF COVID-19
ANNOUNCED
To help veterinary students anywhere do the same, nine online courses were made available at no charge. Between March and May 2020, over 6,000 online learners—including over 3,000 students outside Illinois—used Online Vet Med, the website for i-Learning Center offerings.
Dr. Karen Terio, chief of the Zoological Pathology Program, is contacted by the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo about testing a Malayan tiger for SARS CoV-2. When samples from the tiger arrive on April 3, Dr. Wang detects the new coronavirus. Dr. Rick Fredrickson, director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, drives the samples overnight to the National Veterinary Services Lab (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, where the positive test is confirmed.
• Understanding the Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, giving students real-time insights into the science of disease control.
1,
The Class of 2020 chalked messages on the hospital walkway.
By Ashley Mitek, DVM, MS, DACVAA
APRIL 2020
Online Learning, March 2020
Our Class of 2021, redirected to online learning in March instead of entering rotations, is allowed to return to clinics. Infection-control measures require students to stay in designated seats when not actively on a case. Campus prepares to welcome students back for a fall semester that blends in-person and remote classes.
“[W]e bought … multiple 89-liter hot-water baths to be kept a 95°C (203°F), thousands of pipette tips, dozens of pipettes, multiple liquid handler robotic systems, and multiple real-time PCR machines. We tested every step of the diagnostic workflow, from how much saliva a person should provide and how long people should refrain from eating before giving a sample, to how well the labels on the sam ple tubes withstood the hot water bath, to how long samples can sit before being tested.
“We met every morning to plan experiments for the day that filled an entire whiteboard. In the afternoon we had Zoom sessions with various professors. And at the end of the day, we analyzed data, reviewed our findings, and brainstormed ideas for the next day.
AUGUST 3, 2020 STUDENTS ALLOWED TO RETURN TO CLINICS
“On the day I was supposed to be celebrating graduation, I was in the lab. By the end of May, we did it! We had our diagnostic test.
JULY 2020 COVID TESTING ON CAMPUS BEGINS
3THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE JULY 9, 2020 VETERINARY CLINICAL EDUCATION SUMMIT
The Veterinary Clinical Education Summit, led by Dr. Brian Aldridge, provides an online forum for educators to discuss the challenges and opportunities of delivering effective clinical education during the pandemic.
“Then came the next challenge: to build a lab that could process 10,000 tests in a single day. I was specifically hired to lead this effort. …
“Soon after setting up the VDL COVID Lab, we started receiving samples from campus and across the state, to collect critical confirmatory information that our test was just as good as the stan dard nasal swab test for COVID.
“No detail was missed, and yes, we tested a lot of our saliva.
“We expanded our team rapidly, hiring more technicians and assistants than I could keep track of. Then, the ‘real’ samples started coming in. I remember the team being absolutely overwhelmed with only a few hundred samples in one day.
“Nearly every day we identified how to improve the workflow. We performed more experiments to test those ideas, then started implementing them. We went from barely being able to test 500 sam ples in one day, to testing 10,000+ samples with relative ease.”
THE CLASS OF 2024 Orientation kicks off with an online Illinois Veterinary Leadership Experience (iVLE). Clever Big Sibs replicate the Blue Coat Ceremony, including shaking hands with “Dean Constable,” for their Littles, strictly following pandemic safety measures.
Midwest Equine restricted clinic visits but continued making ambulatory calls.
OCTOBER 3, 2020
AUGUST 17, 2020
OCTOBER 4-8, 2020
TIMELINE
The Wildlife Medical Clinic was forced to close for the first time in its 43-year history when student volunteers were barred from campus. For nearly two months in spring 2020, no new patients were accepted. Continuing patients and ambassador animals were cared for by faculty and staff members. By summer, a few paid student interns were allowed to return to the clinic.
Initially, senior veterinary students were not allowed to participate in on-site rotations, although some veterinary student employees were able to continue working. Services such as emergency and critical care and oncol ogy were not able to postpone patient care. Their caseloads remained at or above pre-pandemic levels. In December 2020, the emergency service transitioned to Level 2 status, meaning that patients with non-emergent chronic illness were not seen and other patients that were stable after initial treatment were sent home to await a scheduled specialty service appointment rather than transferred to the service.
FIRST 7-YEAR ACCREDITATION VISIT CONDUCTED ONLINE
The Global Veterinary Student Summit, initiated by Illinois veterinary students, attracts 50 participants from more than 15 countries.
The college’s hospital and clinics, like its diagnostic laboratory, remained open even when schools and businesses went into lockdown.TheVeterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana and Med ical District Veterinary Clinic in Chicago adopted similar strategies for operating during a pandemic: postponing rou tine or wellness visits; restricting client access to the building; and dividing staff into work groups that came to the clinic on different schedules to limit exposure.
AUGUST 22, 2020
SAYING THANK-YOU AND FAREWELL
4 VETERINARY REPORT FALL 2022
FIRST VIRTUAL VET MED OPEN HOUSE
Veterinary Caregivers Are Essential Workers
The Medical District Veterinary Clinic introduced a telemedicine option so established clients could speak with a veterinarian via phone or videoconference.
Like veterinary caregivers around the world, our clinicians, staff, and students showed tremendous dedication during a very trying time.
Provost Andreas Cangellaris and faculty leaders of the SHIELD team recognize the efforts of Dr. Holland and the entire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory staff.
AUGUST 28, 2020 GLOBAL VETERINARY STUDENT SUMMIT
Students respond to the pandemic and the antiracism movement by creating interactive content focused on dispelling myths about animals and about veterinary careers.
After the pandemic delayed a planned April visit, Illinois becomes the first veterinary college to have its seven-year accreditation visit by the AVMA Council on Education conducted online.
WELCOMING
2021 TIMELINE
Third-year students, dispersed across five classrooms, experi ence a socially distanced White Coat Ceremony. Each gets a turn to pose for a photo with the dean while family and friends look on via Zoom.
MAY 15 GRADUATION CEREMONY
The Class of 2021 graduates in a ceremony that follows the procedure used for the March 24 ceremony. Students select Dr. Ian Sprandel, comparative biosciences, to give the faculty address.
JUNE 2021 VACCINATION RECORDS GRANT ACCESS
The college’s first-ever virtual Fall Conference provides up to 40 hours of online C.E. to more than 500 participants. 15, 2020 DIAGNOSTIC LAB PERFORMS 1 MILLIONTH ON-CAMPUS COVID TEST
5THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE DECEMBER 1-2, 2020 FIRST VIRTUAL FALL CONFERENCE
As a new variant causes a spike of cases worldwide, campus implements safety measures including delaying the start of spring semester by a week so students can have two negative tests before going to class, cancelling spring break, and limiting in-person interactions to only essential activities.
FEBRUARY 15, 2021 INTERVIEW DAY Interview Day for applicants to the Class of 2025 takes place via Zoom meetings for the first time. One advantage was eliminating travel and lodging expenses for applicants. The online process also was used for Interview Day in 2022.
JANUARY 2021 COVID VARIANT ARISES
DECEMBER
MARCH 24, 2021 WHITE COAT CEREMONY
Provost Cangellaris notes the milestone as a time “to celebrate the spirit of innovation, the creativity and the selfless, tireless, and collaborative efforts of thousands of individuals across the entire campus.”
With the availability of vaccination phasing in since January, by June students, faculty and staff with verified vaccination records are allowed in buildings without showing proof of a recent negative test.
OCTOBER 28-29 FORMAT
OCTOBER 3, 2021 ONLINE & IN-PERSON OPEN HOUSE Open House takes a hybrid form with live-animal exhibits outdoors or in ground-floor locations and other exhibits presented online.
Dr. Smith and the Illinois SHIELD Program
“Throughout the 2021 academic year, I was on a call with the SHIELD leaders every morning at 8:30 to review the data from the day before. As we learned what risk factors were most associat ed with infection, we were able to refine the testing. Just like you do on a swine farm.
FALL CONFERENCE IN HYBRID
University of Illinois President Tim Killeen awards Presidential Medallions to 28 key leaders of the system’s COVID-19 response, including five from our college: Drs. Robin Holland, Tim Fan, Rick Fredrickson, Rebecca Smith, and Leyi Wang.
The fall semester begins with an outdoor, unmasked iVLE for the incoming Class of 2025. Students wear masks in the classroom but without social distancing requirements.
“In the early months of the pandemic, most of the U.S. was practicing infection monitoring. At Illinois, we were conducting public health surveillance, which means we not only collected health data but analyzed it and used it to implement safety measures.
Under the Big Tent Come one, come all! Explore the greatest profession on earth! Sunday, October 3 10 AM to 4 PM Fall Conference TIMELINE
6 VETERINARY REPORT FALL 2022 AUGUST 2021 FALL SEMESTER BEGINS
“In the case of COVID-19, that translated to more frequent testing for undergraduates than for other groups on campus. Eventually we were able to pinpoint specific housing units whose occupants had to test more frequently.
As an infectious disease epidemiologist, Dr. Rebecca Smith brought the discipline of data-driven, risk-based surveillance to the SHIELD project at Illinois. She also became a go-to spokesperson in the media, logging more than 70 interviews, most with national and international news outlets.
AUGUST 15, 2021 MOST COLLEGE STAFF WHO HAD BEEN WORKING REMOTELY RETURN ON SITE AUGUST 23, 2021 PRESIDENTIAL HONOR
Fall Conference returns to an in-person format while offering an online platform as well.
“Testing alone, of course, was not enough. The many facets of the Illinois SHIELD program were synergistic: social distancing, online classes, wearing a mask, and testing. The whole is greater than the “Ourparts.goal was not to have zero infections. Our goal was to prevent outbreaks that would require us to shut the campus down.”
AWEARMASKALLINDIVIDUALSMUSTWEARAFACECOVERING INSIDE UNIVERSITY FACILITIES
DECEMBER 2021 VACCINATION GOAL REACHED
By February 2022, the college’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and its COVID-Testing Annex processed more than 2.85 million tests—more than the total number of tests performed by that date in 10 U.S. states and 60 countries worldwide.
“Seven species have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at our veterinary diagnostic lab, including a fishing cat and binturong in October 2021.”
FEBRUARY 28, 2022 MASK MANDATE LIFTED Indoor mask mandate lifted on campus, except in instructional spaces and a few other places.
Dr. Wang and Animal Testing, October 2021
Buster
By the end of Spring Semester 2022, annual student rites of passage including White Coat Ceremony, the Awards and Scholarships Celebration, and graduation had largely returned to celebrations.in-person
PRESENT TIMELINE A binturong
Campus achieves a 95% vaccination rate for all faculty, students, and staff, the goal set by Chancellor Robert Jones at the start of the semester.
FEBRUARY 25, 2022 FIRST DIAGNOSIS OF SARS-COV-2 IN A DOG IN ILLINOIS
Dr. Drew Sullivan, of the college’s Medical District Veterinary Clinic in Chicago, and Dr. Ying Fang, who has an NIH grant to develop assays for SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals, team up to identify the state’s first positive canine case, Buster the pug. This is
7THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
“The first sample we tested was from a Malayan tiger in April 2020. Our lab’s positive test results were con firmed the following day by the NVSL. “Since then, we have tested more than 1,500 samples from more than 50 animal species in over a dozen zoos and aquaria. We have tested a wide variety of animal species, from dogs, cows and pigs to big cats, nonhuman primates and even marine mammals.
2022
Criticalist Dr. Jenica Haraschak (at left) is implementing a new hemodialysis service for small animal patients undergoing transfusion or dialysis therapy. With the renovation, the hospital established an intermediate care ward for hospitalized patients in stable condition. Trained veterinary nurses oversee fluid administration, pain management, and monitoring of small animal patients. There is an adjacent isolation ward to house two patients, with space for following biosecurity protocols.CARE WARD
INTENSIVE
EXTERIOR
Even as we put finishing touches on the completely remodeled Small Animal Clinic lobby, we have launched projects to expand equine surgical facilities and add a new wing for small animal oncology. some of the new amenities.
SMALL ANIMAL EMERGENCY/INTENSIVE/INTERMEDIATE CARE - Our brand-new ER stays busy around the clock. Multiple treatment stations arranged in an open floorplan allow caregivers to coordinate efforts and triage patients efficiently. Designated dog/cat wards, a client consultation room, and a rounds room integrate into the floorplan.
8 VETERINARY REPORT FALL 2022 RENEWAL DURING HOSPITALONGOINGRENEWAL Care Thrives
Here’s a peek at
CHARTING
Over the past five years, the spaces housing nearly every service in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital have been transformed through new construction or renovation. And we’re not done yet.
CENTRAL AREA INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
SMALL ANIMAL SURGERY - This 9,000-sq-ft addition features eight operating rooms, including an interventional radiology suite. A large central charting area, sub-sterile procedure room, surgery prep areas for people and instruments, and a rounds room with windows into two surgery suites support patient care and student education. The new wing connects to a large anesthesia headquarters (see cover photo) with multiple workstations in an open floorplan and an adjacent rounds room.
A new intensive care unit, with windows into the ER, enhances the advanced nursing care of our most critical small animal patients.
DENTISTRY The renovated space for dentistry has nearly twice the footprint, with four dental tables and dental imaging to accommodate a robust caseload. Dr. Suma Rao (at left) joined Dr. Amy Somrak on the dentistry service last fall.
9THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE RENEWAL
MEDICATION DISPENSARY
Here exercising horses can be evaluated for medical and performance issues under soft and firm footing conditions in a safe indoor environment. The arena footing was generously donated by Kruse Cushion Ride.
PURINA NUTRITION RESOURCE ROOM
Two licensed pharmacists with veterinary-specific credentials, Drs. Lauren Forsythe and Alex Gochenauer, oversee hospital-wide pharmaceutical services, including compounding and consultations. The renovated space includes temperature-, pressure-, and humidity-controlled hazardous drug and non-hazardous drug clean rooms that meet USP800 standards.
This room, made possible in part through a gift from Nestle Purina, allows clinicians and students to learn about and prepare veterinary diets for small animal inpatients.
EQUINE LAMENESS ARENA
In January 2020, the small animal primary care, zoo logical medicine, and shelter medicine services moved in, after a complete renovation of the space to meet their Smallneeds.animal primary care and zoological medicine share: Reception staff and lobby with separate areas for different species
“Our rotation aims to mirror the real world as much as possible.
•
dispensary • Central sterile Introducing: RENEWAL
• Onsite
10 VETERINARY REPORT FALL 2022 VETERINARY MEDICINE SOUTH CLINIC
• Four
species • Digital
•
WHERE STUDENTS TAKE THE LEAD
Dental suite equipped with imaging, wet and dry tables, and anesthesia Laboratory for basic hematology, cytology, fecal evaluation, and commercial benchtop tests
In the primary care rotation, students take the lead in delivering patient care and communication with each client. A faculty mentor observes and provides feedback on the students’ communication skills, physical exam technique, and other aspects of care.
Treatment room with three exam tables and patient caging animal housing wards to accommodate various radiography and ultrasound medication
This 16,519-sq-ft building, located across Hazelwood Drive from the teaching hospital, was originally a research complex for another campus unit. The veterinary college took possession in 2017, remodeling the east wing as the first purpose-built space for the Wildlife Medical Clinic in 2018.
Five exam rooms Prep and sub-sterile procedures room and OR with two operating tables
Students draw blood, place IV catheters, and perform routine surgeries and dental cleanings. Most students actively participate in at least two surgeries during the two-week rotation.
Students are hands-on in every aspect: medicine, client communications, and in the business aspects,” says Dr. Pavlovsky.
Dr. Gene Pavlovsky heads the primary care service and serves as medical director for Veterinary Medicine South Clinic.
•
•
Dr. Pavlovsky and fellow faculty member Dr. Justin Fehr, IL DVM 2016, teach students that caring for clients is as much a part of everyday practice as giving injections.
•
•
“The client experience plays a huge role in the client’s overall perception of care,” says Dr. Pavlovsky. “We instill in students the need to provide care, not just medicine. The client is an important part of the care team, and they should be included in the decision-making process.”
“I give to create a legacy by supporting wildlife medical care and advancing wildlife education.” - Richard P. Sivicek
Two faculty positions will be filled by fall to round out the zoo medicine service.
11THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Dr. Krista Keller, head of the zoological medicine service, worked with Dr. Kari Foss, neurology, on a study to establish normal brain imaging via MRI for bearded dragons. Watch a video: youtube.com/watch?v=JOaW-dPFO18
Dr. Kenneth Welle retired in May after 11 years on the faculty full time and 22 years in private practice before that.
DONORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
WILDLIFE MEDICAL CLINICREPORT:IMPACT2021 122 SPECIES SEEN 7,000+ HOURS VOLUNTEERED 2,055 PATIENTS CARED FOR— THE MOST IN THE HISTORY OF THE CLINIC! RENEWAL
ZOO MEDICINE ON THE MOVE
Dr. Sam Sander is transitioning from her role as director of the Wildlife Medical Clinic to lead the service’s ambulatory care for several central Illinois zoos.
Thanks to Richard P. Sivicek, a retired police officer from Oak Lawn, Ill., the ambassador educational animals of our Wildlife Medical Clinic now enjoy six large raptor enclosures with outdoor and temperature-controlled indoor spaces. Two indoor enclosures serve our reptile and mammal ambassadors. Bench seating creates a wonderful setting for public outreach programs.
University of Illinois DVM Class of 2025 Most Diverse Ever DVM ALL IN AT ALLERTON AND BLUE'S CLUES OF DEGREES
25% frombackgroundsunderserved 85% female
12 VETERINARY REPORT FALL 2022 STUDENTS
The 128 members of the Class of 2022 were hooded on May 13. They were the 70th class to earn Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Ian Sprandel was selected by the graduates to deliver the faculty address, and Dr. Julie Klein gave the response from the Class of 2022. Above, Dr. Sam Sander shares a smile with the newly hooded Sara Colin. Last fall for the anesthesia course’s annual Dress Up Day, third-year students chose a Blue’s Clues theme to represent the embodiment of a positive, uplifting, and kind-hearted spirit.At the 2021 Open House, about half the usual number of exhibits were available in person, while other exhibits were presented virtually. Our students provided a fantastic glimpse into the world of veterinary medicine for the young people who attended. First-year student Simone Kirkland offered insights into ophthalmology.
ILLINOIS
DEGREE IN DEMAND
A MATTER
The Illinois Veterinary Leadership Experience for incoming first-year students was held at Allerton Park last summer.
AN EYE ON THE FUTURE ORANGE
One in five applicants to U.S. veterinary schools applied to Illinois National applicant pool in fall 2021 for the Class of 2026: 10,273 (up 6% over previous year) University of Illinois applicant pool for the Class of 2026: 2,038 (up 88% over previous year)
credit: L. Brian Stauffer
A boarded veterinary dermatologist, Dr. Souza completed her veterinary degree, a master’s degree, a PhD, and her dermatol ogy specialization in her native Brazil. She also did a dermatology residency at Colo rado State University, and a post-doc at the University of Minnesota, before joining the Illinois faculty in 2018. This summer, nine Illinois students traveled to Greece for a three-week experience that included caring for dogs and cats at vari ous shelters. This trip, originally planned for 2020, had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. Both Dr. Souza and Dr. Loukia Agapis, who previously held the interna tional programs coordinator role and now lives in her native Greece, worked with the students during this trip.
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DR. DAVID KIELTYKA ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
NEW
SUPPORTSCHOLARSHIPSDIVERSITY
In March 2020, Dr. Sara Connolly took on the newly created position of assistant dean for student success. After completing her veterinary degree and clinical pathology residency at Purdue Uni versity, Dr. Connolly taught at Illinois and at the University of Melbourne and worked at Antech in Chicago before rejoining the Illinois faculty as a clinical assistant pro fessor in 2015. She now splits her appointment between her student affairs position and her continuing duties as clinical pathologist in the Veteri nary Diagnostic Laboratory.
“For me, international travel really opened my mind to new possibilities. My main goal for students is that they will realize there’s so much more to veterinary medicine than what they can experience in one place. They will learn from interacting with different people and cultures, and even from traveling and working in a group.
The Awards and Scholarships Celebration, in person this year for the first time since 2019, was held at the Colonnades Club at Memorial Stadium. Thanks to generous donors, 165 veterinary students received awards totaling more than $730,000 in scholarship support. Read about them at vetmed.illinois.edu/awards-scholarships-22/.
“If you know someone who is interested in veterinary medicine, contact me to get that person connected to the college,” she says. “If you are willing to host veterinary students in your clinical practice or other professional setting, contact me to connect with Reachstudents.”heratsconnoll@illinois.edu.
HADLEY FAMILY DOVE SCHOLARSHIP
In January 2022, Dr. Clarissa Souza, assis tant professor in the Department of Veter inary Clinical Medicine, took on the role of coordinator of international programs at the college.
13THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE STUDENTS
Credit: Brad Leeb
“Travel builds tolerance and understand ing, and these trips for veterinary students also offer unique hands-on experiences. They can see that people around the world approach challenges in a multitude of ways and still accomplish their goals. Things don’t have to be just one way.”
Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Denyse Hadley and their six children established this scholarship to help advance diversity within the veterinary profession The schol arship will be granted to students from underrepresented popula tions and those who have shown a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Hadley, a 1987 graduate of the college, is the chief executive officer of Pathway Vet Alliance, a veterinary manage ment group serving pets and their parents throughout the U.S.
With a stated aim to support increased diversity among the veterinarians of tomorrow, the scholarship is designated for students with financial need who are “active with a UIUC LGBT Resource Center affiliated student organization, have made significant contributions to the LGBT community… committed to making UIUC a more open environment for LGBT students” or are African American, Filipino or Hispanic. Dr. Kieltyka, a 1978 graduate of the college, spent most of his career practicing in California, including serving as the veterinarian for Orange County.
Dr. Michael McElvaine, a 1976 graduate of the college, led an illustrious career in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which culminated with 14 years as deputy director of the Office of Risk Assessment and Cost-Benefit Analysis. He also had far-reaching influence as a mentor, leader, and activist on behalf of diversity in sexuality and gender identity. His estate gift created a scholarship for a student with a demonstrated record or strong potential in support of LGBTQ activism. It is responsibilityour to create a sense of belonging within our profession for lifeexperiences,backgrounds,diverseandjourneys.
Dr. Stephen Hadley, scholarship donor
Dr. Souza knows many people in other countries and hopes to draw on her contacts to create opportunities for students. She’s also very interested in bringing veterinar ians and students from abroad to Illinois, and has hosted several such visitors already.
SUCCESSONDEANNEWPROGRAMSINTERNATIONALSOUZACLARISSALEADSASSISTANTFOCUSESSTUDENT
Dr. Connolly’s new role focuses on con necting current veterinary students with internship and externship opportunities and attracting more people from under-repre sented populations—based on gender, racial or ethnic background, economic strata, and more—to the veterinary profession. She would like college alumni to contact her!
MICHAEL MCELVAINE SCHOLARSHIP
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Dr. Dunphy hopes that by talking publicly about their estate gift, he and his wife can help other people understand that they, too, can make a difference in veterinary medicine.
“The support will go on and help vets for not just the short term but for generations,” he said. “That’s how I look at charitable giving. You’re not just helping in the moment. You’re giving for the future.”
Animals cannot tell their doctors where it hurts or whether they’re taking their medicines. That makes effective communication between animal owners and veterinarians so Recognizingcrucial.
Read more about their estate gift online at: BY SUSAN MCKENNA
DUNPHYS’ ESTATE GIFT:
As a student, Dr. Dunphy served as president of his class and of the Illinois chapter of the Student American Veterinary Association. Later he served as president of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, and he remains active in that organization’s leadership program for new veterinarians.
“The main reason I give back to my alma mater is that I got so much from the University of Illinois,” explained Dr. Dunphy, who earned his DVM degree at Illinois in 1974. He also credits Dr. Erwin Small, a 1957 alumnus and faculty member who devoted more than 50 years to serving the college and the veterinary profession, for inspiring him to become involved.
14 VETERINARY REPORT FALL 2022 GIVING ‘GIVING FUTURE’ FOR THE
the importance of effective communication skills, Dr. Clyde Dunphy and his wife, Catherine, recently decided to name the Communication Center within the college’s Clinical Skills Learning Center through an estate gift. They also give to two veterinary student scholarships: one established through the Class of 1974 and another through the Small Animal Executive Veterinary Program, a program Dr. Dunphy completed in 2000.
At the college, Dr. Dunphy has given a guest lecture for graduating seniors for the past 15 years, covering the business management side of operating a veterinary practice and the value of communicating well with clients. When choosing the focus of their estate gift, Dr. Dunphy said, “My wife and I really wanted to donate back to the college to benefit all the students,” in addition to supporting scholarships that benefit one student at a time.
On a recent tour of the Clinical Skills Learning Center, he and Catherine saw firsthand how students were able to develop their hands-on skills using the center’s models. His professional interest in client communications also guided their decision. Early in his career, Dr. Dunphy joined the local Toastmasters club, which honed his communications skills.
“That’s at the
Photo credit: Christine Dietrich
charitable giving. You’re not just helping in
15THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE GIVING
how I look
moment. You’re giving for the future.”
ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS DOUBLY GREAT IN 2021
Dr. Chris Dupuis, president of the VMAA, and Dean Peter Constable flank the award winners who attended the presentation on October 28, 2021. From left: Roger Dupuis, Marci Kirk, Christina Tran, Misty Croy, and Stephen Dullard.
16 VETERINARY REPORT FALL 2022
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Read more about the award winners: go.vetmed.illinois.edu/alumni-awards-2020-2021.
VETERINARY MEDICAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD: Bill Augustine, 1975 Martha Armour, 1989 J.B. Bruederle, 1991, past president Chris Dupuis, 2003, president Roger Dupuis, 1971 Erika Eigenbrod, 2013, president-elect Valerie Eisenbart, 2011 Larry Firkins, 1986 Justin Florey, 2009 Jason Kennell, 2014 Mike Miller, 2011 Ginger Passalacqua, secretary/treasurer Wendy Probst, 2007 Aaron Smiley, 2007 VMAA UPDATES
ALUMNI
Dr. Erwin Small Distinguished Alumni Award for graduates who have excelled in their field and made significant contributions to the profession and/or the college. 2020: Dr. Roger Dupuis, Class of 1971 2021: Dr. Christina Tran, Class of 2000 Outstanding Young Alumni Award for creativity and entrepreneurship. 2020: Dr. Marci Kirk, Class of 2011 2021: Dr. Paul Fedyniak, Class of 2014 Special Service Award for an individual or organization that has made significant contribu tions to the advancement of the veterinary profession or to the college. 2020: Misty Croy, certified veterinary technician at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital 2021: Dr. Stephen Dullard, a 1986 veterinary graduate of Iowa State University
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The college and its alumni association presented awards for both 2020 and 2021 at the Annual Fall Conference for Veterinarians last year, making up for the lack of an in-person event in 2020.
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In August, members of the Class of 1965 got together (a year late) to celebrate their 55th reunion! They toured the Veterinary Teaching Hospital with Dean Constable and Assistant Dean Julia Whittington. Fun facts: This class graduated before the current veterinary campus existed! Veterinary tuition for this class was only $110 per semester. Members of the Class of 1970 and college leaders attended a memorial last September to honor the late Dr. Gary Stamp. Dr. Stamp’s hometown of Monticello, Ill., named a roadway after this remarkable pioneer in the field of veterinary emergency and critical care. Dr. Stamp’s widow, Mary, and their children were on hand. Dean Peter Constable and 1970 classmate Dr. Michael Kastello shared remarks about Dr. Stamp. Alumni, faculty, and lots of veterinary students hit the greens for the annual golf outing. Skill and experience not required. Just come to have a good time and meet the future of the veterinary profession! Above, students Anthony Mendoza and Erica Jackson make a foursome with Drs. Ryan Fries and Anne Barger.
ILLINI CLASSMATES CONNECT
ALUMNI-STUDENT GOLF OUTING September 24, Savoy, Ill. HIRE AN ILLINI JOB FAIR September 28, Urbana, Ill.
with
The Hire an Illini Job Fair, the evening before Fall Conference, is the hottest ticket in town. Employers found that reaching out to students early in their course of study was a good way to win them over as an eventual associate.
CONNECT STUDENTS
17THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE ALUMNI
The Class of 1971 gathered in Champaign last October to celebrate their 50th reunion!
FALL CONFERENCE ALUMNI RECEPTION September 30, Champaign, Ill. ISVMA ALUMNI RECEPTION November 5 AAEP ALUMNI RECEPTION November 20, San Antonio, Texas
CLASS 0F 1965 CLASS 0F 1970 CLASS 0F 1971 JOIN US FOR A 2022 ALUMNI EVENT! Credit: Ginger Passalacqua Credit: Ginger Passalacqua Credit: Ginger Passalacqua Credit: Ginger PassalacquaCredit:Brad Leeb
Only at the University of Illinois through the new online Master’s in Veterinary Science (MVS) in Livestock Systems Health.
Credit: Bradley Leeb
Where can you gain skills in business strategy, livestock health, environmental impact, biosecurity, and food systems data, all in the same degree program?
To learn more about the program, visit: go.vetmed.illinois.edu/MVS
To meet the needs of learners who prefer an inperson educational experience, the college recently began offering an MVS degree delivered on the Urbana campus. Apply on our website or contact the i-Learning Center for orilearning@vetmed.illinois.edudetails:217-300-7439.
When students enroll, they meet with their assigned adviser, who helps them map out an individual course schedule. College faculty serve as advisors and interact with their students regularly throughout the program to learn their goals and help them identify a meaningful capstone project.
CONVENIENT AND AFFORDABLE Launched in spring 2021, the MVS is conducted entirely online in a synchronous format. With a broad and deep curriculum that can be tailored to each learner’s goals, this degree can be completed in 18 to 24 months and costs less than $10,000. Students take 12 credit hours of core courses and 20 credit hours of electives.
The program delivers an integrated learning experience that encourages students to draw upon their own practical experience and creativity. They develop a research project aimed at generating solutions to a real-world problem related to their professional background and interests. Through elective courses, students pursue an area of interest, typically business, animal health, or data analytics, that advances their career goals.
FOCUS ON REAL-WORLD NEEDS
The 43 students currently enrolled in the MVS program come from occupations in food safety, food production, farming, pharmaceutics, nutrition, education, technology, marketing, research and development, and veterinary medicine. More than 20 students will start the degree in fall 2022.
Dr. Jim Lowe, director of the College of Veterinary Medicine i-Learning Center, led the development of the MVS program drawing on his dual roles as an associate professor and as an industry consultant working with 25% of the top beef cattle and swine producers in North America as well as with pork and beef producers in Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Asia.
The MVS degree fills a gap in specialized online graduate education for students interested in succeeding in a wide variety of veterinary-sciencerelated careers. The online format fits working students who wish to advance their careers in livestock systems health.
TAILORED TO THE INDIVIDUAL
NEW FALL 2022: RESIDENTIAL MVS DEGREE PROGRAM
FIRST-EVER ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE TO MANAGEMENTANIMALCOMBINEHEALTH,FOCUS
Photo caption: Dr. Jim Lowe, director of the i-Learning Center (second from left), talks to Drs. Emily Mahan-Riggs, Josh Duff, and Marty Mohr, current MVS students who are also completing the college’s EVP in Swine Health Management program.
18 VETERINARY REPORT FALL 2022 LIFELONG LEARNING
Students complete four 3-credit-hour courses entirely online and receive a transcript and cer tificate from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. The program can be completed while working full time. Faculty in the program employ active learn ing strategies and teamwork to prepare learn ers to put their new knowledge into action and develop skills they’ll need in the next steps of theirThecareers.courses in the post-baccalaureate cer tificate program can also be applied toward a Master of Veterinary Science degree, pending admission to that program.
ROSALIE MOSES, MVS 2022, OWNER OF PRIVATE GOAT FARM
19THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE LIFELONG LEARNING
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This program is very manageable! I often thought about getting a master’s degree or an MBA but I didn’t know how I would be able to fit it in while working full time and raising a family. I am so thankful that I found a way to achieve my goal without interfering with my other responsibilities. One of my favorite classes was VCM 562 because we were assigned to work in small groups with other students in the program. I appreciated getting to meet the other people in my class (even if it was virtually). I also really liked VCM 565 because it was challenging but on the other hand it was also very practical.
NEED Online Courses Guide Animal Health Career Success
WHAT DO MVS GRADUATES SAY?
POST-BACCALAUREATE A
To find out more, visit go.vetmed.illinois.edu/ IAHSProgram.
The post-baccalaureate certificate in Inte grated Animal Health Sciences combines individ ualized career advisement with online coursework that builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills related to animal health challenges.
This is not just a degree that will benefit current veterinarians; anybody who works with livestock, from farmers to food inspectors, can benefit from having this knowledge. The classes provide useful and relevant information, and the professors and staff at the University of Illinois are knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. This is an amazing program, and I am glad that I could be a part of it.
Developing innovative educational programs to advance careers has a long history at the College of Veterinary Medicine. From the EVP certificate program for livestock practitioners, introduced in 1991, to our integrated veterinary curriculum, begun in 2009, the college has created distinctive credentials that deliver value for graduates. The innovation continues in online pro gramming, where Illinois has a 20-year track record. The latest offering is a certificate pro gram designed for learners who are seeking a competitive edge for admission to veterinary or graduate school or who are retooling their skills for an animal health career.
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DR. MELISSA BILLING, MVS 2022, BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM ANIMAL HEALTH
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FILLS
What’s more, Dr. Rowland and his new department were uniquely positioned for the “Icrisis.run an infectious disease department, right?” he says with a laugh. “Actually, for the department as a whole, this has been a very productive period for us. None of us could travel. We were stuck in front of our computers, and as a result we did a lot of writing.”
He arrived on campus March 16, 2020 — just days before the State of Illinois issued its stayat-home order necessitated by the COVID-19 “Mypandemic.firstday at the job, I sat down and the first thing that landed on my desk was, ‘How do we send everybody home?’” recalls Dr. Rowland, who came to the college after 19 years as professor in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Then by the third day it was, ‘How do we keep the essential workers here?’ So the decisionmaking made a 180-degree turn in just a few days. In a way it was really exciting because things happened fairly quickly.
Dr. Rowland’s research focuses on understanding host genetics in response to infectious diseases caused by emerging pig viruses. In coming to Illinois, he rejoined his former research partner, Dr. Ying Fang, who preceded him from Kansas State. Another former K-State pathobiologist, Dr. Weiping Zhang, also helped influence his decision to come to the college. With them, Dr. Rowland has shifted his research to focus on the “Backcoronavirus.in2004-2005, Ying and I did some pretty nice research on the SARS [Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome] virus,” Dr. Rowland says. “Ying actually developed some reagents for SARS, but it kind of went by the wayside. Well, COVID-19, it turns out, is a version of SARS. So it’s just a matter of going back into the freezer and dusting off the 15-year-old reagents. It’s a time warp.”
Dr. Rowland is co-director of the PRRS Host Genetics Consortium, a multi-year project devoted to understanding the genetic interaction between PRRSV and its host; project director of the multi-state, USDA-supported PRRS Coordinated Agricultural Project; and founding director of the North American and international PRRS symposia that draws scientists from more than 20 countries. He has been fascinated — and challenged — by the insidiousness of PPRSV.
BOB REALIZES ‘GROWTH POTENTIAL’ AS PATHOBIOLOGY HEAD
Looking back on his decision to come to the University of Illinois as professor and head of the Department of Pathobiology, Dr. Raymond “Bob” Rowland insists he is not exaggerating when he says, “I can’t think of having better luck than coming here to Illinois. It may have saved my life.”
ROWLAND
Including Dr. Rowland and Dr. Fang, the Department of Pathobiology now has five faculty members who are among the world’s top experts on swine viral infections and vaccines. The former Kansas faculty members joined Drs. Dan Rock, Donwong Yoo, and Federico Zuckermann at Illinois, establishing what college dean Peter Constable has termed “the pig virus dream team.”
“The virus I’ve worked on since forever has been PRRSV [Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus],” says Dr. Rowland. “I call it the poster child for the modern infectious disease problem. Or put another way, it’s like death by 1,000 cuts.” His research is by funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institutes of Health, Department of Homeland Security, and National Pork Board, among others.
“My wife and I both fit into some of the high-risk categories, and I was getting tested here twice a week. You can only imagine how much that alleviates your anxiety. Coming to Illinois was just such luck.”
For Dr. Fang, the respect is mutual. “Dr. Rowland is an internationally recognized leader in swine disease research,” she says. “He is a high-caliber scientist who has the vision and skills to lead an academic department to excellence.”
20 VETERINARY REPORT FALL 2022 LEADERS
The department also boasts faculty members who study related issues such as vaccines for bacterial disease in pigs and people, vaccines for viral disease in poultry and people, and preparedness for foreign animal disease outbreaks.
BY JIM MCFARLIN
Dr.over.”Rowland received his PhD in microbiology from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Minnesota in the laboratory of renowned arterivirologist, the late Dr. Peter ThePlagemann.factthat Illinois ranks fourth nationwide in pork production was a consideration that prompted him to leave K-State after nearly two decades, but there were others.
“Usually when it comes into a population of pigs, it sneaks in,” he noted. “It’s stealthy. And farmers don’t know they have a problem until things blow up. It’s a virus that oftentimes is discovered by accountants. ‘Hey, we’re putting all this money into feed but we’re not getting pork back. What’s going “PRRSVon?’causes about $500 million a year in losses for the pork industry. We’ve developed vaccines that offer some improvement. The goal is to eradicate it, but again, it’s so stealthy you often don’t know you’ve got it until it’s game
“I think you kind of reach a plateau,” Dr. Rowland reflects. “I am a person who focuses on growth potential, not just economic growth or building a lab, but personal growth. I think I reached the point where I can’t do better than what I’m doing now, so it was time to do something different.”
Dr. Firkins was also a popular teacher, offering a series of business electives and appearing on the “List of Teachers Ranked Excellent by Their Students” at least 75 times. He pioneered the teaching of courses on practical business skills to veterinary students, not only at Illinois but also at veterinary colleges across the country through his work with the American Association of Swine Dr.Veterinarians.Firkinsearned his DVM at Illinois in 1986. Later he added two more Illinois degrees: a master’s in epidemiology in 1996 and an MBA in 2001. While a partner in a food animal veterinary practice in central Illinois, Dr. Firkins enrolled in the first Executive Veterinary Program in Swine Health, created by Dr. LeRoy Biehl in 1991. Dr. Biehl later recruited Dr. Firkins to the college, initially as a swine Extension veterinarian, in 1995. He earned tenure as a professor in the Department of Pathobiology.
With around 100 faculty members counting unfilled positions, the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine is among the largest on the University of Illinois campus.
LARRY FIRKINS RETIRES AFTER 27 YEARS AT THE COLLEGE
A gifted teacher and speaker, Dr. Barger has twice been selected by students for the Carl Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award. She’s a five-time recipient of the Erwin Small Teaching Excellence Award and has been chosen as the faculty speaker at graduation innumerable times. She received the Zoetis Teaching Award in 2013 and 2022 and, in 2017, the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology Educator Award. Dr. Barger will continue to teach in the second-year veterinary curriculum and offer a third-year elective course.
“Anne brings a deep commitment to the college and to the success of its students and faculty,” says Dean Peter Constable. “I am grateful to have her as part of the leadership team after her many years of service, scholarship, and teaching.”
At the end of May, Dr. Larry Firkins retired from the faculty, having held a variety of leadership roles at the college, most recently Associate Dean for Public Engagement and Executive Associate Dean. In this latter role, he provided leadership in the development of the faculty-driven 2021-2025 college strategic plan. As head of the Office of Public Engagement, Dr. Firkins oversaw a variety of continuing education and public outreach activities, ranging from the Fall Conference for Veterinarians and Executive Veterinary Programs for swine and beef professionals to the annual Vet Med Open House.
“I want to focus on wellness for the people who are already in the department,” she says. “This impacts recruitment because when candidates visit, they see that the faculty are happy and fulfilled and that wellness, inclusiveness, and diversity are Dr.valued.”Barger earned a bachelor’s, a master’s, and a veterinary degree from the University of Illinois. After completing a clinical pathology residency at North Carolina State University, she worked at Antech Diagnostics in Chicago before joining the college faculty in 2002. Her leadership in veterinary clinical pathology includes serving as president of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and as editorial board member for Veterinary Clinical Pathology. With research interests in cytology, immunohistochemistry, and osteosarcoma, she has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and co-edited two textbooks: Small Animal Cytologic Diagnosis and Clinical Pathology for Veterinary Technicians.
ANNE BARGER LEADS CLINICAL MEDICINE DEPARTMENT
In April 2021, Dr. Julia Whittington was named to a newly created position of assistant dean for clinical services. While she continues as director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Dr. Whittington’s new role brings the added responsibilities of strategic direction and leadership for the college’s Medical District Veterinary Clinic in Chicago, Midwest Equine in Farmer City, the Veterinary Medicine South Clinic in Urbana, and the spay-neuter and community outreach program in Urbana. She works collaboratively with these programs’ directors to address operational issues and ensure continued delivery of excellent service.
JULIA WHITTINGTON NAMED ASSISTANT DEAN
Dean Peter Constable appointed Dr. Jim Lowe to serve as interim assistant dean for Public Engagement over the coming year.
Dr. Anne Barger was selected after an international search for the new head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine. The Class of 1996 alumna and 20-year faculty member at the college stepped into the role in March, leaving her position as clinical pathology section head in the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
21THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE LEADERS
Like her predecessor, Dr. Dennis French, and counterparts at many veterinary colleges, Dr. Barger will face the challenge of recruiting clinical specialists to academia during a period of high demand for these professionals.
“Faculty in this department teach in every year and every semester of the veterinary curriculum”
“Faculty in this department teach in every year and every semester of the veterinary curriculum,” notes Dr. Barger. “They also pursue scholarship, and most have extensive time commitments to clinical or diagnostic service.”
“The interpersonal time with clinical faculty is what students want most,” he notes. During the pandemic, a large part of rotation-based courses in Years 1 and 2 of the distinctive Illinois curriculum regrettably moved from in-person to virtual.
“There are no beaches and mountains, but it’s cool if you give it a chance,” he says, citing the area’s surprisingly cosmopolitan cultural offerings and easy access to several big cities. He and his wife Nina remain ardent supporters of the Wildlife Medical Clinic. For many years they have sponsored the meal and arranged the silent auction at the clinic’s annual Wild Night Out event.
SERVICE STILL KEY AS DENNIS FRENCH RETURNS TO FACULTY ROLE
LEADERS
Dr. Lois Hoyer, who had served the college as associate dean for research and advanced studies since 2010, rejoined the Pathobiology faculty last summer to devote more time to her “Weresearch.aredeeply indebted to Lois for her dedicated service to invigorate and grow the college’s research programs,” said Dean Constable. As associate dean, Dr. Hoyer created many opportunities for veterinary students to gain meaningful research experience. Under her leadership, the Summer Research Training Program secured three consecutive five-year renewals of its NIH funding and became a model for programs at other veterinary colleges. She also restructured the college’s DVM-PhD program to support students with strong research career goals. Her innovative elective courses included Bioscientific Writing and a two-part course that allows veterinary students to devise and complete a research project.
As someone who has served “in nearly every role imaginable–Credentials Chair, Examination Chair, ABVS Liaison, and all executive offices” (according to the website of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners), Dr. French will remain active in that organization. In 2016, ABVP created a fellowship in his honor that enables veterinary students to attend the annual symposium. Dr. French makes regular visits to the Nashville headquarters—“especially when LSU is playing at Vanderbilt,” he says with a grin. He’s currently chair-elect for Illinois Ducks Unlimited, the state chapter of the largest and most successful wetlands conservation group in the world. He’s also very active in the Horsemen’s Council of Illinois. “I’ve been vice president for five years,” he says. “I just didn’t have time to be president while serving as department head, but I have a feeling that will change now.”
Dr. French plans to help create opportunities for hands-on experiences for first- and second-year students on clinical rotations, especially given that the class size entering this fall is growing from 130 to 150 students.
“I won’t be lacking ways to entertain myself,” insists Dr. French. He intends to devote more time to leadership roles outside the college, for one thing.
Her service to the veterinary profession includes chairing both the Research Committee of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges and a committee to elevate the annual National Veterinary Scholars Symposium.
Last fall, Dr. Cari Vanderpool, who is professor, associate head, and Charles G. Miller Professorial Scholar in the Department of Microbiology at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, took on the role of interim associate dean for research and advanced studies. She divides her time between the two colleges.
DEAN
He’s proud that the college has been able to retain many departmental faculty members who had offers elsewhere. Given the high demand for veterinary clinical specialists, he also spent a good deal of his time recruiting for his growing department.
After six years at the helm of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Dr. Denny French is quite content to shift his focus to what he has missed the most while serving as an administrator: working with students on clinical rotations.
LOIS AS RESEARCH
Soon after earning his DVM from the University of Minnesota in 1978, Dr. French joined the faculty at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine with a clinical specialty in equine practice and herd health. He spent nearly 30 years at LSU before coming to Illinois to lead the integrated food animal management section. Reflecting on his years as department head, he says, “The faculty have made this fun. Seeing people have success is definitely rewarding.”
HOYER WRAPS UP IMPACTFUL DECADE
STILL IN THE GAME, BUT STEPPING OFF THE MOUND
NO LACK OF ENTERTAINMENT
A LIFETIME OF SERVICE
Dr. Hoyer also established programs to make research safer and more accessible for faculty throughout the college. Many faculty members benefitted from her mentorship, and she spearheaded the college’s annual Research Day celebration.
22 VETERINARY REPORT FALL 2022
He’s also continuing in roles he has held for many years. He is director of the campus Agricultural Animal Care and Use Program, the faculty in charge of the care of the college’s teaching horses, and a lecturer on dentistry and parasite control in an equine elective “I’mcourse.autility player. I can be a shortstop one day and in the outfield the next. Maybe even catcher,” he quips.
“The interpersonal time with clinical faculty is what students want most”
“I’ll be dividing my time on clinics between the food animal service and our Midwest Equine clinic,” he says. In this role, he not only engages students but provides relief for the busy clinicians on those services. He’ll also serve as the clinical liaison for the farrier services at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Dr. Rick Fredrickson, director of the lab, was recognized in 2021 with the Administrator’s Award, presented during the joint meeting of the United States Animal Health Association and American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians for contributions having a significant and enduring impact on animal health.
DR. BORJE K. GUSTAFSSON, an international leader in veterinary education and theriogenology, died on January 5, 2020. Dr. Gustafsson earned his veterinary degree and PhD from the Royal Veterinary College in Stockholm, Sweden. From 1976 to 1978 he taught at the University of Minnesota veterinary college, where he directed the large animal theriogenology division. He led our college’s Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine from 1978 to 1987. Between 1988 and 1998 he served as dean of Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2000, Dr. Gustafsson returned to the University of Illinois to co-direct Envirovet Baltic, a program to strengthen education, research, and application in ecosystem health in the Baltic region.
23THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
FACULTY
DR. WILLIAM TRANQUILLI, professor emeritus, received the 2021 President’s Award for Meritorious Achievement from the American College AnesthesiaVeterinaryof and Analgesia. Dr. Tranquilli earned his DVM in 1977 at Illinois, stayed to complete an thenresidency,anesthesiaandservedon the faculty from 1983 to Working2006.
The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association presented its 2020 Veterinary Service Award to the University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for its extraordinary efforts in performing COVID-19 testing for both people and animals.
DR. LLOYD DAVIS, a pioneer in the field of veterinary clinical pharmacology, passed away on September 4, 2021. Dr. Davis earned his veterinary degree from The Ohio State University in 1959 and his PhD degree in pharmacology from the University of Missouri in 1963. He served on the veterinary faculties at Missouri, Ohio State, the University of Nairobi, and Colorado State before joining Illinois in 1978. He retired as professor emeritus in 1994.
DR. ARTHUR “BOB” TWARDOCK, a pioneer in the field of equine nuclear medicine, died on September 3, 2021. Dr. Twardock earned both his undergraduate and veterinary degrees (in 1956) at Illinois. After completing a PhD degree at Cornell University, he joined the Illinois faculty in 1962, serving until retired in 1999. His research focused on using a gamma camera to non-invasively diagnose equine lameness and lung problems that could not be detected by other diagnostic techniques. He is remembered as a caring teacher and dedicated statesman within the college, where he served as associate dean for academic affairs and interim dean. In 1981 he received the Loyalty Award from the University of Illinois Alumni Association.
DR. GAY Y. MILLER, pathobiology, received the 2021 Outstanding Faculty Leadership Award from the Office of the Provost, the highest faculty accolade for professional service that has advanced the University of teams,councils,subcommittees,distinctincludingonsharedeveryhasyears,OvertowardUrbana-ChampaignIllinoisitsmission.thepast25Dr.Millerservedatlevelofgovernancethecampus,125committees,panels,taskforces,and working groups. Her service at the highest levels includes chairing the Senate Executive Committee from 2015 to 2017, representing the campus on the Illinois Board of Higher Education in 2017, participating in the early planning for—and being a founding faculty member in—the recently established Carle Illinois College of Medicine, and serving on the steering committee to develop the University’s first system-wide strategic plan.
KUDOS LEADERS
TERRY RATHGEBER, former associate dean for development and alumni affairs, passed away on April 21, 2020. Between 1971 and 2003, Rathgeber grew the college’s advancement, alumni relations, and communications services. He is remembered for staunch support of student scholarships, the Wildlife Medical Clinic, CARE Grief Helpline, and Zoological Pathology Program. He also helped found the national Association of Veterinary Advancement Professionals and served as its president. In 2005, Rathgeber was named an honorary life member of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association.
Remembering these college leaders who passed in 2020 and 2021.
LABORATORYDIAGNOSTIC HONORS
“Dr. Fredrickson goes above and beyond the call of duty in service to both animal—and human— health,” noted APHIS Administrator Kevin Shea. “He is a dedicated researcher with nearly 20 years of public service, as well as 10 years of experience in private practice before that.”
with Dr. John Thurmon, a founding member and first president of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists, and Dr. G. John Benson, Dr. Tranquilli helped make Illinois a leader in the field of veterinary pain Dr.management.Tranquilli created a legacy through the residents he trained, the research post-graduates he advised, and the more than 100 scientific papers he published. He also worked to advance the practice of veterinary anesthesia and pain management through leadership in national and international organizations. In 2015, the fifth edition of Lumb and Jones’ Veterinary Anesthesia, the definitive work in the field, was edited by Dr. Tranquilli and three others trained at or on faculty at Illinois: Drs. Stephen Greene, Kurt Grimm, and Leigh Lamont.
IN MEMORIAM
Dr. Davis was a founding fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics and served as the organization’s first president. In 1972 he and colleagues published a seminal paper that demonstrated for the first time that dose regimens cannot be extrapolated from one species to another, which had been a common practice before then.
DR. LLOYD C. HELPER, a pioneer in the field of veterinary ophthalmology and a tireless advocate for students, died on July 18, 2021. Dr. Helper earned his veterinary degree (1955) and master’s degree (1961) from our college. Dr. Helper was a mentee and longtime colleague of Dr. William Magrane, founder of the American Society of Veterinary Ophthalmology. In 1971, Drs. Magrane and Helper became charter members of the American College of Veterinary InOphthalmologists.1982,Dr.Helper moved from the head of the ophthalmology service to the role of associate dean of academic and student affairs. He retired in 1993. Outside the college, he held leadership roles at the regional, state, and national levels of organized veterinary medicine, including ACVO president in 1985. In 2002, he and his wife established the Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd Helper Veterinary Student and Faculty Collegiality Awards at the college, a lasting testament to his spirit of cooperation, dedication, and friendliness.
DEAN PETER CONSTABLE will begin a three-year term next year on the AVMA Council on Education, serving as the representative from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.
24 VETERINARY REPORT FALL 2022 CONNECT The alumni reception at the close of the 2021 Fall Conference drew fierce competition for the ALMA, the Alumni Leading Mightily Award. The Class of 2001 and the Class of 1986 just about tied for the honor. Who will take home the honors this September? Making Connections!KEEP Credit: Brad Leeb Fall Conference connects you to: • Practice-relevant insights into cardiology, neurology, oncology, pain management, and more • Species-specific techniques for equine, zoo companion, and small animal patients • Strategies for hiring, mentoring, career growth, workplace climate, and caring for yourself in a worrisome world • A community of veterinary experts, classmates, vendors, and other colleagues A limited number of rooms are being held, and group-rate discounts will expire weeks before the conference. Book early! ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE FOR VETERINARIANS September 29 and 30; I Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign, Ill. Scan this code for hotel info.
Dr. Julia Whittington, assistant dean for Clinical Service; director, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE CONNECT For details and to RSVP for alumni receptions, see our website: vetmed.illinois.edu 24SEPTEMBER ........ Alumni-Student Golf Outing, Savoy, Ill. 28 Hire an Illini Job Fair, Urbana, Ill. 29-30 .... Fall Conference, Urbana, Ill. 30 ........ Alumni Reception, Champaign, Ill. 2OCTOBER ......... Open House, Urbana, Ill. 5NOVEMBERISVMA Alumni Reception, TBD 20 ........ AAEP Alumni Reception, San Antonio, Texas 2-4DECEMBERNAPRRS/NC229 International Conference of Swine Viral Diseases, Chicago, Ill.
Dr. Matthew Stewart, director, Clinical Skills Learning Center
Dr. Richard Fredrickson, director, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Dr. James Lowe, interim assistant dean, Public Engagement; director, i-Learning Center
Dr. Anne Barger, interim head, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine
Christine Dietrich, assistant dean for Advancement Dawn Rawlings, assistant dean for Budget and Business Services
Dr. Jonathan Foreman, associate dean, Academic and Student Affairs
Dr. Uwe Rudolph, head, Department of Comparative Biosciences
Dr. Samantha Sander, medical director, Wildlife Medical Clinic
Dr. Carin Vanderpool, interim associate dean, Research and Advanced Studies
Dr. Will Sander, director, DVM-MPH Joint Degree Program
Brandon Boyd, director, Facilities and Services
Dr. Clarissa Souza, coordinator of International Programs
Dr. Bob Rowland, head, Department of Pathobiology
WHO’S WHO
VET REPORT CREDITS Published by the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine for alumni and friends. Copyright University of Illinois Board of Trustees 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana IL 61802 217-333-2709; editor@vetmed.illinois.edu; vetmed.illinois.edu Managing editor, Chris Beuoy Graphic design by Design Group at Vet Med Photography by Bradley Leeb, L. Brian Stauffer, Fred Zwicky, and others KEEP IN TOUCH Facebook: /UIWMC/MedicalDistrictVet/IllinoisVTH/VetMedIllinois(WildlifeMedical Clinic) And follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and more! theSaveDate
Dr. Drew Sullivan, medical director, Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois
Dr. Yvette Johnson-Walker, coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion
Dr. Sara Connolly, assistant dean for Student Success
Dr. Peter Constable, dean, College of Veterinary Medicine
• Max Paulson, Class of 2024, was elected president-elect of the national SAVMA organization.
Next year the University of Illinois hosts the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) Symposium, March 16 to 19. The symposium was last held in Urbana in 1995. Students are already busy planning an exciting event for their peers from across the country.
At the 2022 SAVMA Symposium, hosted by the University of Minnesota, Illinois took home several honors:
• Dr. Larry Firkins, executive associate dean and professor of pathobiology, received the SAVMA Supporter of Student Well being Award, based on nominations from Illinois students.
SAVMA IS TO
• For the sixth year in a row, the Illinois chapter won the award for most registered students attending the symposium.
2001 South Lincoln Avenue Urbana, IL 61802 vetmed.illinois.edu C O L L EGEOFVETE R I N ARYMEDICIN E • UNIVERS I T Y OF ILLINOIS •SAVMA 2023
TOWN
COMING
At the 2022 SAVMA Symposium, students Max Paulson, Hassan Hanna, Crystal Munguia, and Emily Verwers showed off their Illinois pride.
