01-14-13
January 14, 2013
CVM NewsCalendar is a biweekly newsletter for faculty, staff, and students of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Please submit news and calendar items to Sue Kirchoff, editor, at kirchoff@umn.edu by noon the Friday before publication.
In this issue - College news
- Sabbatical leave to be topic of Wednesday's Caffeinated Conversations
- Interviewing for Class of 2017 begins January 24
- Researchers find that seeds from box elder tree cause muscle disease in horses
- FindTheBest ranks CVM #7
- Improving Animal and Worker Health and Welfare Forum is January 17
- UMASH seeks grant proposals
- Raptor Center annual report now online
- CVM volunteer opportunities: Ronald McDonald House and Cook for Kids
- 2012 CVM Web traffic report: College websites reach thousands
- Faculty and staff news
- Fekadu Kassie awarded NIH grant
- Rebecca Davies becomes first U.S. member of international research quality group
- Urolith Center researchers publish paper in JAVMA
- Ricq Pattay gears up for Mush for a Cure
- Congratulations: Recent promotions announced
- Welcome to the college
- Student news
- Six new affiliate students join the college
- Alumni news
- Christine Hoang participates in webcast on antibiotic use in livestock
- Jessica Christensen buys practice in South Dakota
- John Rodgers publishes article in Drovers CattleNetwork
- In the news
- HIV/AIDS research
- Avoiding germs and staying healthy
- Research on declining moose population
- Charges in equine cruelty case
- Calendar
- Clinical Investigation Center
- Need a home
- Blood donors need foster homes
- Links
Sabbatical leave to be topic of Wednesday's Caffeinated Conversations Sabbatical leave will be the topic of Caffeinated Conversations on Research on Wednesday, January 16. Attendees will hear from five faculty members about their research experiences during academic/sabbatical leave and from Laura Larson, human resources director, about eligibility criteria and procedures. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Refreshments will be served at 3:15 p.m., with the presentation starting at 3:30 p.m. in 280 Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Interviewing for Class of 2017 begins January 24Applicants from throughout Minnesota and across the country will be interviewed to fill 100 seats in the College of Veterinary Medicine's DVM Class of 2017 starting Thursday. Each aspiring veterinarian will take part in an interview lasting approximately an hour, conducted by two-member teams composed of faculty, staff, and alumni. Applicants will also have a chance to tour the facilities, have lunch with current students, and participate in a student-hosted question-and-answer session. Interviews will take place in CVM conference rooms and offices January 24-26, January 31-February 2, and February 7-9. The interview is the last step in the applicant review process. Offers of admission will be extended to candidates in mid-February, with an accept-or-decline deadline of April 15. Researchers find that seeds from box elder tree cause muscle disease in horses Researchers at the University of Minnesota Equine Center have discovered that a toxin in the seeds of the box elder tree cause seasonal pasture myopathy in horses. Seasonal pasture myopathy, or atypical myopathy, is a devastating equine muscle disease that is fatal in more than 90 percent of cases. Until now, veterinarians and researchers have not known what caused the disease, which is often confused with colic or founder. FindTheBest ranks CVM #7FindTheBest, a company that provides "unbiased, data-driven comparisons" based on factors such as veterinary licensing exam pass rate, notable award winners in the veterinary field of study, number of alumni serving as dean at one of the 28 veterinary schools, and average GPA and GRE scores of admitted students, ranks the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine #7 of 28 veterinary programs. See the FindTheBest overview. Improving Animal and Worker Health and Welfare Forum is January 17 Registration is still open for the fourth Finding Common Ground Forum on Thursday, January 17. The Center for Animal Health and Food Safety and Global Initiative for Food Systems Leadership, in partnership with the Center for Integrative Leadership and the Upper Midwest Agriculture Safety and Health Center, are hosting the one-day forum to explore the opportunities and conflicts in improving the well-being of food animals and the workers who care for them. UMASH seeks grant proposals The Upper Midwest Agriculture Safety and Health Center (UMASH) is requesting proposals for small grants ranging from $5,000-$10,000 to address health and safety issues related to agricultural workers and their families. The grants are intended specifically to follow up on consensus ideas developed at the January 17 Finding Common Ground Forum about improving animal and worker health and welfare. Deadline: February 27. Learn more. Raptor Center annual report now onlineThe Raptor Center's 2012 annual report is now online. The six-page publication includes a summary of the center's teaching, research, and service efforts in 2012, a list of donors, a financial report, and more. CVM volunteer opportunities Ronald McDonald House and Cook for Kids
Mark your calendar for Sunday, January 27, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. A group of 6-12 volunteers is needed to prepare dinner and serve the families (approximately 80 people) at the Ronald McDonald House. Cook for Kids volunteers are asked to purchase the food, prepare it, serve it buffet-style in the community kitchen, and clean up after the meal. Organizers are looking not only for volunteers for the event but cash and food donations to help with the meal. The menu will include beef stroganoff, noodles, french bread, green beans, mixed fruit, and brownies. If you are interested in donating to help offset the cost, contact Bridget Monson at ocon0003@umn.edu or 4-1408. 2012 CVM Web traffic report: College websites reach thousandsTop 10 College of Veterinary Medicine websites
By number of visits
Data from Google Analytics - College of Veterinary Medicine: 295,448 visits
- Veterinary Anatomy: 139,991 visits
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory: 115,148 visits
- The Raptor Center: 82,641 visits
- Veterinary Medical Center: 74,938 visits
- Equine Center: 74,666 visits
- Education and Student Services: 65,851 visits
- Minnesota Urolith Center: 46,971 visits
- Veterinary Medical Library: 35,422 visits
- Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: 26,409 visits
By the numbers
Visits to the CVM home page came from 86,414 people ("unique visitors") in 161 countries and territories. Ninety-five percent of the visitors were from the United States. Most (72 percent) were returning visitors. Visitors spent an average of 3:51 minutes on the site and viewed an average of 1.96 pages per visit. The Veterinary Anatomy site had visitors from 170 countries and territories.
Faculty and staff news (top) Fekadu Kassie awarded NIH grantDr. Fekadu Kassie, assistant professor with the Masonic Cancer Center and research faculty member with the Animal Cancer Care and Research program, has been awarded a two-year grant from the National Institutes of Health. The project, "Diindolylmethane: Inhibition of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Targeting AKT," was awarded $363,660. The research will examine the efficacy of diindollylmethane, a constituent of vegetables, to combat lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths. Rebecca Davies becomes first U.S. member of international research quality groupDr. Rebecca Davies, director of Quality Central, has accepted an invitation to join the Outreach Working Party of the international Research Quality Association (RQA), which recently changed its name from BARQA (British Association of Research Quality Assurance). Dr. Davies will be the only member from the United States. The mission of the RQA is to develop and promote quality standards in scientific research and development, facilitate knowledge-sharing and transfer, and liaise with regulatory agencies in the development and interpretation of regulations and guidance. Dr. Davies is the director of Quality Central, the internal service organization that provides tools and support for integrating quality assurance practices into College of Veterinary Medicine service and research programs. Urolith Center researchers publish paper in JAVMA "Effects of Storage in Formalin on Composition of Canine and Feline Uroliths," by Hasan Albasan, DVM, PHD; Carl A. Osborne, DVM, PHD, DACVIM; Jody P. Lulich, DVM, PHD, DACVIM; Lisa K. Ulrich; and Lori A. Koehler, was published in the December 15 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.  Ricq Pattay gears up for Mush for a Cure
Ricq Pattay of AHC Information Systems is getting ready to run his six-dog team (five Samoyeds and one Alaskan husky) 24 miles on Minnesota's Gunflint Trail for Mush for a Cure on March 9. Mush For a Cure is a fundraiser to find a cure for breast cancer through pledge/tribute runs by dog-sledding teams. Since the first Mush For a Cure in 2008, $141,000 has been raised and donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Details about the event can be found at www.mushforacure.com. It will be the third time Ricq has participated in the event. Anyone wishing to donate on his behalf can do so online through his donation page at www.active.com/donate/2013MushforaCure/Ricq-Pattay or by e-mailing him at ricq@umn.edu. Congratulations: Recent promotions announced- Klaudyna Borewicz, promoted to scientist
- Amber Dargis, promoted to senior veterinary technician
- Sarah Edstrom, promoted to senior veterinary technician
- Elaine O'Brien, promoted to assistant scientist
- Michelle Yanta, promoted to animal care technician specialist
- Stacy Ziegenhagen, promoted to animal care technician specialist
Welcome to the collegeWelcome to the following new employees who joined the college in December: Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department
Christa S. Hofacre, program specialist
Madhumathi Thiruvengadam, assistant scientist Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department
Catherine L. Hageman, assistant clinical specialist
Davis M. Seelig, assistant professor
Veterinary Medical Center
Sarah K. Borer, veterinary technician, VMC specialties
Karmen M. Kjos, veterinary technician, VMC large animal core
Veterinary Population Medicine Department
Karine Silveira Machado, senior laboratory technician
Student news (top)Six new affiliate students join the collegeSix students from affiliate schools arrived at the college on January 7 to complete their clinical training. The new students are— - Morgan Johnson, Meagan Merinder, and Megan Roy from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts
- Joseph Melvin (Buck) Temple from St. Matthew's University School of Veterinary Medicine in the Cayman Islands
- Megan Greer and Jennifer Pond from St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada
Alumni news (top)Christine Hoang participates in webcast on antibiotic use in livestockDr. Christine Hoang, a CVM alumna who is now assistant director of scientific activities at the American Veterinary Medical Association, participated in a webcast on the use of antibiotics in livestock during a recent U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance panel discussion. View the webcast. Jessica Christensen buys practice in South DakotaDr. Jessica Christensen, class of 2011, has purchased Mid-River Veterinary Clinic of Chamberlain, South Dakota, from Dr. Julie Williams, who had practiced in Chamberlain for 30 years. Jessica had served as associate veterinarian at Gregory Animal Clinic in Gregory, South Dakota, for the previous year and a half. Read more in the Chamberlain/Oacoma Sun. John Rodgers publishes article in Drovers CattleNetwork"Economic Analysis Favors Use of Reproductive Technologies," by Dr. John Rodgers, Cattle and and Equine Technical Services, Pfizer Animal Health, was published by Drovers CattleNetwork on January 4. John earned his DVM from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983. Research for his study was completed as part of his master's degree from the University of Minnesota in 2008.
In the news (top) HIV/AIDS researchHealth Talk reported that Dr. Pamela Skinner, associate professor, and longtime collaborator Dr. Liz Connick, professor at the University of Colorado Denver, have been awarded a five-year research grant totaling more than $3.7 million from the National Institutes of Health. Avoiding germs and staying healthyWCCO-TV interviewed Dr. Jeff Bender for "Avoid These Eight Surfaces with the Most Germs, Stay Healthy" on January 8. Research on declining moose population "GPS Will Help Biologists Address Decline of Moose," an article in the January 5 issue of the Star Tribune, included a photo of Dr. Tiffany Wolf, a PhD student in the comparative and molecular biosciences graduate program, and quoted CVM alumna Dr. Erika Butler, class of 2006. Charges in equine cruelty caseThe Horse reported that a Minnesota man is facing more than 20 animal cruelty charges for allegedly maltreating more than 50 horses and donkeys on his Fillmore County property. In November, animal welfare and law enforcement authorities removed 55 animals from a property in LeRoy, Minnesota. A dozen of the animals were transported to the Large Animal Hospital for treatment. Of those, five were euthanized due to their condition, and one died despite intensive management, said Dr. Christie Ward, who supervised the horses' care. The six surviving animals are in the care of the Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation and various foster farms.
Regular meetings, seminars, and rounds
New Employee Orientation: Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-noon, 458 Veterinary Medical Center
CVM Research Seminars: Wednesdays, 3 p.m., 125 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Clinical Sciences Grand Rounds: Thursdays, 8 a.m., 135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine Comparative Oncology Seminar: Every second Thursday of the month, noon, 280 Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Large Animal Grand Rounds: Fridays, 8-9 a.m., Nutrena Conference Center, Leatherdale Equine Center Seminars on Teaching/Conversations on Teaching: Fridays, noon-12:50 p.m., 202 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center
Wednesday, January 16Caffeinated Conversatons on Research
Sabbatical Leave Panel Discussion
Hear from five faculty members about their research experiences during academic/sabbatical leave and from Laura Larson, human resources director, about eligibility criteria and procedures. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session.
3:15 p.m. refreshments, 3:30 p.m. presentation
280 Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Thursday, January 17 Finding Common Ground Forum: Improving Animal and Worker Health and Welfare
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The Commons, Minnesota Humanities Center, St. Paul
Get more information. Register. Friday, January 18Seminar on Teaching
Course Review: Engaging the Core Teaching Faculty
Presented by Robert Washabau
Noon-12:50 p.m.
215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center Saturday, January 19-Wednesday, January 23 North American Veterinary Conference
Orlando, Florida
Learn more and register at http://navc.com/navc-conference.html. Sunday, January 20 North American Veterinary Conference Alumni Reception
7 p.m.
Marrott, Atlanta/Boston Room
Orlando, Florida Monday, January 21 University closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday Wednesday, January 23 CVM Research Seminar
Mechanisms of Innate Immune Evasion by Dengue and Influenza Viruses
Presented by Dr. Ana Fernandez-Sesma, Department of Microbiology/ Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
3 p.m.
135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine University of Minnesota Legislative Briefing
5 p.m. registration and light dinner; 6 p.m. program
McNamara Alumni Center
Learn more and register at http://supporttheu.umn.edu/events/register-2013-legislative-briefing.html. Bovine Tuberculosis Certification Training
For accredited veterinarians and fourth-year veterinary students. Taught by Minnesota Board of Animal Health and U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinarians.
6-8 p.m.
215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center
Register by calling 651-201-6836. Thursday, January 24DVM admissions interviews
Begin today and continue through Saturday, January 26 Friday, January 25Conversations on Teaching
Playing with Learning: Using Games in an Active-Learning Classroom
Presented by Robin Wright
Noon-12:50 p.m.
215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center Saturday, January 26-Sunday, January 27 Camelid Health Conference
Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center
Learn more and register. Sunday, January 27 CVM Volunteer Opportunity: Ronald McDonald House and Cook for Kids
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Ronald McDonald House, Minneapolis
A group of 6-12 volunteers is needed to prepare dinner and serve the families (approximately 80 people). Cooks for Kids volunteers are asked to purchase the food, prepare it, serve it buffet-style in the community kitchen, and clean up after the meal. E-mail Bridget Monson at ocon0003@umn.edu if you would like to sign up. Wednesday, January 30CVM Research Seminar
Discovering the Cause of Centuries-Old Fatal Seasonal Muscle Disease in Pastured Horses
Presented by Dr. Stephanie Valberg, Veterinary Population Medicine Department
3 p.m.
135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine Thursday, January 31DVM admissions interviews
Begin today and continue through Saturday, February 2 February
Friday, February 1Seminar on Teaching
Disability Accommodations
Presented by Barb Blacklock
Noon-12:50 p.m.
215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center A Black Tie Affair
Hosted by Alpha Psi Fraternity
8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Wabasha Street Caves
Hors d'oeuvres will be provided and a cash bar will be available.
Tickets ($18 each) are available in the Hayloft Cafe from noon to 1 p.m. through January 18 for veterinary students, faculty, staff, residents, and interns and their guests.
For more information, contact Nicki M. Veres, class of 2014, at vere0011@umn.edu. Wednesday, February 6CVM Research Seminar
High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Osteochondrosis
Presented by Dr. Ferenc Toth, Veterinary Population Medicine Department
3 p.m.
135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine Thursday, February 7 DVM admissions interviews
Begin today and continue through Saturday, February 9 Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) Annual Meeting
Starts today and continues through Saturday, February 9
Hilton Minneapolis
Visit the MVMA Annual Meeting website MVMA Alumni Reception
5 p.m.
Hilton Minneapolis Skippy Frank Conference on Translational Comparative Medicine
Starts today and continues through Friday, February 8
Menlo Park, California Friday, February 8Conversations on Teaching
Accessible Learning: Big Picture and Small Steps
Presented by Ilene Alexander
Noon-12:50 p.m.
215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center Friday, February 15Seminar on Teaching
Presented by Tina Clarkson
Noon-12:50 p.m.
215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center Sunday, February 17 Western Veterinary Conference
Starts today and continues through February 21
Las Vegas, Nevada
Visit the Western Veterinary Conference website. Monday, February 18 Western Veterinary Conference Alumni Reception
7:30-9:30 p.m.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Visit the Western Veterinary Conference website. Friday, February 22Conversations on Teaching
Presented by Al Beitz and Tom Molitor
Noon-12:50 p.m.
215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center
Dogs are needed for a variety of studies in cancer, dentistry, dermatology, internal medicine, neurology, and orthopedics/surgery, some of which cover part of the cost of care. For information about current studies, visit the Clinical Investigation Center website at www.cvm.umn.edu/cic/current.
Need a home (top)  
Blood donors need foster homes
These Veterinary Medical Center blood donors need foster homes. For more information or to meet the animals, contact Beth Olmstead at johns547@umn.edu. - Dawson, a red and white neutered male 2-year-old fox hound. He is a little shy, and staff are working on his leash skills. Very sweet boy.
- Gita, a 1-year-old shepherd mix, is very shy and requires special attention. She does well with other dogs, but needs to be placed in a home without children.
Links (top) AVMA News Bytes and other news
www.avma.org/news/info_rss.asp Center for Teaching and Learning workshops
www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/workshops/index.html CVM NewsCalendar
Back issues of CVM NewsCalendar are at www.cvm.umn.edu/cvmnewscalendar/home.html. CVM Volunteers
www.cvm.umn.edu/facultystaff/cvmvolunteers/  Facebook
Visit the College of Veterinary Medicine's Facebook page.
Visit the Veterinary Medical Center's Facebook page.
Hill's College Feeding Program Housing
For information about student and off-campus housing, including temporary housing, go to www.housing.umn.edu/. Job openings
For information about positions available at the College, visit www.cvm.umn.edu/employment/. For detailed information about current job openings, how to apply, and application materials, go to the University of Minnesota Office of Human Resources at www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/index.html. LinkedIn Group for the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3826768&csrfToken=ajax%3A2643584546424817841
Minnesota Veterinary Historical Museum
http://hist.cvm.umn.edu/  Twitter
Visit the College's Twitter page.
Visit the Veterinary Medical Center's Twitter page.
Veterinary Continuing Education
www.cvm.umn.edu/vetmedce/ Veterinary Medical Center Gift Shop
vmcgiftshop.com Veterinary Medical Library
http://hsl.lib.umn.edu/vetmed Veterinary Practice News
Did you know that you can get a free subscription? Subscribe (or renew) online.
CVM NewsCalendar is a biweekly newsletter for faculty, staff, and students of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Please submit news and calendar items to Sue Kirchoff, editor, at kirchoff@umn.edu. The University of Minnesota is an equal-opportunity educator and employer.
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