01-28-13
January 28, 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
- Interviewing underway for Class of 2017
- John Ohlfest dies of melanoma at age 35
- Researchers awarded grant to study costly pig disease
- A thank-you from Second Harvest Heartland
- RESPOND project highlights: November/December
- Veterinary Medical Library news
- Nominations sought for Distinguished McKnight University Professorship, President's Award for Outstanding Service
- Consortium seeks proposals
- Faculty and staff news
- Ricq Pattay gears up for Mush for a Cure
- Student news
- Scholarship tips from U.S. News & World Report
- Alumni news
- Two alumni named among "25 to watch"
- In the news
- Minnesota pet ownership
- Link between tree seed and seasonal pasture myopathy
- Therapy dogs
- Lead poisoning and bald eagles; raptor education program
- Berlin, the polar bear
- Calendar
- Clinical Investigation Center
- Need a home
- Blood donors need foster homes
- Links
Interviewing underway for Class of 2017 Aspiring veterinarians from throughout Minnesota and across the country are being interviewed to fill 100 seats in the College of Veterinary Medicine's DVM Class of 2017. Interviewing began last Thursday and will continue January 31-February 2 and February 7-9. Each interview lasts approximately an hour and is conducted by two-member teams composed of faculty, staff, and alumni. Applicants also have a chance to tour the college, have lunch with current students, and participate in a student-hosted question-and-answer session. 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.
 John Ohlfest dies of melanoma at age 35
Dr. John Ohlfest, a researcher with the Masonic Cancer Center, member of the Animal Cancer Care and Research program, associate professor in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Pediatrics, and 2010-12 McKnight Land-Grant Professor, died of melanoma on January 21. Well-known at the college for his work with the canine brain tumor clinical trials program, John designed new treatments for human and canine brain cancers, collaborating with Dr. Liz Pluhar and other colleagues and employing more than 15 staff in his research lab. "John had a unique ability to inspire," said Dr. Aaron Friedman, vice president for health sciences. "Everyone he came in contact with walked away invigorated about the possibilities of science. His excitement about his work, his appreciation for those with whom he worked, and his desire to make a difference are all traits that we will deeply miss." John studied molecular biology at Iowa State University, where he received his B.S. in 2001. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota in 2004 working on gene therapy approaches to treating malignant gliomas. He joined the faculty of the Department of Neurosurgery in 2005 and led their gene therapy program and gene and stem cell core facility. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, parents, and sister; other family members, colleagues, and friends; and beloved pit bull terrier. Services were held on January 25. The Ohlfest Memorial Education Fund has been established for John's children. To donate, visit any Wells Fargo branch or mail your donation to Ohlfest Memorial Education Fund, P.O. Box 131477, Roseville, MN 55113.
Researchers awarded grant to study costly pig diseaseThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a five-year, $3 million grant to team of researchers to study genetic resistance to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). In addition to researchers at Iowa State University, the collaborative effort includes Drs. Montse Torremorell and Bob Morrison from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and researchers at Kansas State University, the USDA, the Roslin Institute in Scotland, and industry. PRRS is a viral disease that causes significant economic losses for North American swine producers due to reproductive failure in older pigs as well as respiratory and other signs of ill-thrift in younger pigs.
A thank-you from Second Harvest HeartlandSecond Harvest Heartland, the Upper Midwest's largest hunger relief organization, thanks College of Veterinary Medicine faculty, and staff, and students for their donation of 293 pounds of food during the holiday season. Donation bins were located outside the dean’s office and in Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine, the Veterinary Medical Center, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and The Raptor Center. The food will provide 229 meals.
 RESPOND project highlights: November/December
The work of the USAID RESPOND project took CVM faculty and staff to Kenya, Rwanda, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, and Washington, D.C., in November and December. Activities included: - Planning, lecturing, and developing a residency program in Uganda. Dr. Michael Mahero worked with university partners in Kampala, Uganda; gave a talk to third-year veterinary students on One Health challenges and opportunities; and coordinated a planning session for partnerships in pathology training. He and Drs. Innocent Rwego and Sylvia Wanzala prepared for the new One Health residency at Makerere University, advertising for the position, screening applicants, conducting interviews, and choosing three candidates: a local government veterinarian, a veterinarian with a non-governmental organization, and a nurse with public health interest.
- Working with a zoonotic disease unit in Kenya. Dr. Michael Mahero traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, to meet with university partners.
- Meeting with One Health clubs, planning a workshop, teaching, and lecturing in Rwanda. Dr. Serge Nzietchueng met with members of a newly formed student One Health club, worked with a colleague at Umutara Polytechnic on a request for a quality assurance workshop, and gave lectures on epidemiology study design and participatory epidemiology to students in veterinary medicine, environmental health, nursing, and infection control. Drs. Innocent Rwego and Ann Apio, taught a two-week applied ecology course to about 70 veterinary students, and Drs. Rwego and Carolyn Garcia worked with the One Health Student Club.
- One Health University Network planning meeting in Thailand. Drs. Jeff Bender and John Deen attended the planning meeting of the Thailand One Health University Network and visited Chiang Mai University and Mahidol University.
- Training needs assessment and histoscanner meeting in Uganda. Dr. Innocent Rwego and others met in Kampala, Uganda, to finalize an in-service training needs assessment tool. The RESPOND office in Kampala hosted a second histoscanner stakeholders meeting to discuss a memorandum of understanding.
- One Health University Network meetings in Thailand and Vietnam. Drs. Bruce Alexander, John Deen, Karin Hamilton, Brett Hendel-Paterson, and Linda Olson Keller, along with Dr. Jennifer Steele from Tufts University, traveled to Thailand and Vietnam to meet with university colleagues from the Thailand One Health University Network and Vietnam One Health University Network. Dr. Deen presented a memorial lecture on Streptococcus suis.
- Global One Health Core Competency working group meeting in Washington, D.C. Drs. Karin Hamilton, Linda Olson Keller, Deb Olson, and Katey Pelican participated in the final Global One Health Core Competency working group meeting in Washington, D.C.
Meanwhile, Drs. Serge Nzietchueng and Innocent Rwego traveled to the University of Minnesota to spend a couple of weeks working with colleagues, and One Health Talk launched its new discussion platform. The topic for November was “A One Health Case Study: Brucellosis in Smallholder Livestock Keepers in Uganda.”
Veterinary Medical Library newsThe Health Sciences Libraries have replaced their MDConsult subscription with ClinicalKey. All access to MDConsult will cease on February 28. ClinicalKey is a new database from Elsevier that contains the content of MDConsult and more. It provides access to: - First Consult's point-of-care clinical monographs
- More than 900 medical and surgical reference E-Books
- Procedures Consult's videos
- Clinical Pharmacology's drug monographs
- Over 13,000 Elsevier medical and surgical videos and images
Nominations sought for Distinguished McKnight University Professorship, President's Award for Outstanding ServiceNominations are being accepted for the Distinguished McKnight University Professorship, which honors the University's most distinguished and highest-achieving mid-career faculty members who have recently attained full professor status. Eligibility is limited to tenured faculty members who have made significant advances in their careers at the University of Minnesota (especially those whose careers have developed and flourished at the University) and have been promoted to full professor within the past seven years. The faculty member must be nominated by his or her academic home department; each department may nominate one faculty member. Recipients hold the title “Distinguished McKnight Professor” for as long as they remain at the University of Minnesota. The nomination deadline is February 22. Learn more The University is also seeking nominations for the President's Award for Outstanding Service, which recognizes faculty and staff who have provided exceptional service to the University. The award is presented each year in the spring and honors active or retired faculty or staff who have gone well beyond their regular duties and demonstrated an unusual commitment to the University community. Nominations are due by March 15. For a complete description of the award and nomination requirements, go to http://uawards.umn.edu/Awards/Presidents_Award_Outstand.html. If you have questions, contact Vickie Courtney at courtney@umn.edu or 612-625-4805. Consortium seeks proposalsThe Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment, and the Life Sciences seeks proposals addressing the societal implications of problems in health, environment, or the life sciences. Awards are available in categories for graduate/professional students and for consortium/joint degree program members. One of the student awards is designated for a joint degree program applicant. Proposals for student-initiated programs or colloquia will also be accepted. Proposals are due February 18. For more information, see awards or e-mail boyle032@umn.edu.
Faculty and staff news (top)  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. 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. Details about the event can be found at www.mushforacure.com.
Student news (top) Scholarship tips from U.S. News & World Report "Scholarships for Animal Lovers Abound," a recent story in U.S. News & World Report, discussed scholarships from the American Veterinary Medical Association Foundation and American Kennel Club.
Alumni news (top) Two alumni named among '25 to watch' Veterinary Practice News included two class of 1996 alumni on their "25 to Watch in Our 25th Year" list: Dr. Kate Knutson of Pet Crossing Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic in Bloomington, Minnesota, and Dr. Deborah Murray of New Fashion Pork in Jackson, Minnesota. Read more
In the news (top) Minnesota pet ownership"Minnesota's Pet Ownership Goes to the Dogs," a story in the January 17 issue of the Pioneer Press, quoted Dr. David Lee, director of the Veterinary Medical Center. Rates of pet ownership in Minnesota are among the lowest in the nation, according to survey data recently released by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The study estimated that 53 percent of Minnesota households owned a pet in 2011, which ranked only 42nd in the nation. David speculated on reasons for the low pet-ownership rates, including that Minnesotans may be better informed about the responsibilities involved in pet ownership and take the decision to adopt a pet more seriously. Link between tree seed and seasonal pasture myopathyHealth Talk and The Horse reported on Equine Center research led by Dr. Stephanie Valberg showing that a toxin from the box elder tree is the likely cause of seasonal pasture myopathy. The research was recently summarized in Equine Veterinary Journal. Therapy dogs"Lakeville Psychologist Takes Therapy Dog to Hometown of Newtown to Help After Tragedy," a story in the January 15 issue of the Pioneer Press, quoted Dr. Jeff Bender, professor of veterinary public health, who said dogs act as "a social lubricant" for people working through trauma, helping lighten the mood and break down barriers. Lead poisoning and bald eagles; raptor education program "Bad Element Has Disastrous Impact on Eagles," a story in the January 14 issue of Bluff Country Reader, reported that Dr. Pat Redig, professor and founder of The Raptor Center, had spoken on the topic of bald eagles and lead poisoning at a recent Minnesota Ornithologists' Union paper session. "Bird Watchers Can Get Close to the Stars of this Show," a story in Baraboo News Republic on January 20, quoted Mike Billington, interpretive naturalist at The Raptor Center. Berlin, the polar bear An article in the Duluth News Tribune reported that Berlin, a polar bear who was treated at the Veterinary Medical Center last year, had been moved to the Kansas City Zoo.
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
Monday, January 28Hill's College Feeding Program Distribution
Noon-12:45 p.m., 5:00-5:45 p.m.
Large Animal Hospital next to Large Animal Radiology Tuesday, January 29Hill's College Feeding Program Distribution
7:00-7:45 a.m., noon-12:45 p.m.
Large Animal Hospital next to Large Animal Radiology Wednesday, January 30 Hill's College Feeding Program Distribution
7:00-7:45 a.m., noon-12:45 p.m.
Large Animal Hospital next to Large Animal Radiology CVM 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 31 DVM admissions interviews
Begin Thursday, January 31, and continue through Saturday, February 2 February
Friday, February 1 Seminar on Teaching
Disability Accommodations
Presented by Barb Blacklock
Noon-12:50 p.m.
215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center A Black Tie Affair
Presented by Alpha Psi Fraternity
8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Wabasha Street Caves, 215 Wabasha Street S., St. Paul
Hors d'oeuvres will be provided and a cash bar will be available.
Tickets have already been sold. For more information, contact alphapsiclub@gmail.com. Wednesday, February 6 CVM 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 Thursday, January 7, 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 PharmacoNeuroImmunology Seminar Series
Presented by Dr. Hinh Ly, associate professor, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department
12:30-1:30 p.m.
11-157 Phillips Wangensteen Building MVMA Alumni Reception
5 p.m.
Hilton Minneapolis
Friday, February 8 Conversations 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 15 Seminar on Teaching
An Anatomical Saga
Presented by Tina Clarkson
Noon-12:50 p.m.
215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center Sunday, February 17 Western Veterinary Conference
Starts Sunday, February 17, and continues through Thursday, 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. Thursday, February 21PharmacoNeuroImmunology Seminar Series
Presented by Dr. Pamela Skinner, associate professor, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department
12:30-1:30 p.m.
11-157 Phillips Wangensteen Building Friday, February 22 Conversations on Teaching
Keeping Veterinary Education in Pace With the Exploding Body of Scientific Information
Presented by Al Beitz and Tom Molitor
Noon-12:50 p.m.
202 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center Tuesday, February 26Hill's College Feeding Program Distribution
7:00-7:45 a.m.
Large Animal Hospital next to Large Animal Radiology Wednesday, February 27Hill's College Feeding Program Distribution
7:00-7:45 a.m., noon-12:45 p.m.
Large Animal Hospital next to Large Animal Radiology Thursday, Feburary 28Hill's College Feeding Program Distribution
Noon-12:45 p.m., 5:00-5:45 p.m.
Large Animal Hospital next to Large Animal Radiology March
Friday, March 1Hill's College Feeding Program Distribution
Noon-12:45 p.m.
Large Animal Hospital next to Large Animal Radiology Seminar on Teaching
Ongoing and Informal Ways to Assess Student Learning
Presented by Elena Stetsenko, Kate Martin, and Jeff Lindgren
Noon-12:50 p.m.
215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center Friday, March 8Conversations on Teaching
Team-Based Learning
Presented by Timothy Lindberg
Noon-12:50 p.m.
215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center PharmacoNeuroImmunology Seminar Series
Presented by Dr. Barry Kosofsky, Weill Cornell Medical College
Noon-1 p.m.
2-101 Nils Hasselmo Hall Thursday, March 14Comparative Oncology Seminar
Difuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Noon
280 Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory March 18-22Spring break
Dogs are needed for a variety of studies in anesthesia, cancer, dentistry, emergency/critical care, internal medicine, neurology, and orthopedics/surgery, some of which help cover 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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