02-12-07, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota

CVM This Week
February 12, 2007

CVM This Week is a weekly newsletter for faculty, staff, and students of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Please submit news and calendar items for next week's issue to Sue Kirchoff, editor, at kirch004@umn.edu before noon Friday. To view CVM This Week online and access back issues, go to         http://www.cvm.umn.edu/newsandevents/publications/cvmthisweek/home.html.

In this issue

From the dean

By Dr. Jeff Klausner, Dean
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association meeting in Minneapolis Feb. 1-3. Our wealth of presenters included Drs. Trevor Ames, Mike Conzemius, Laura Crews, John Fetrow, Mark Hinton, Sandra Koch, Liz LaFond, Justine Lee, Jody Lulich, Gerry O'Sullivan, Paul Rapnicki, Juan Romano, Peggy Root, Mindy Rostal, Jeremy Schefers, Steve Stewart, Aubry Tauer, and Christie Ward. Thank you so much for sharing your specialized knowledge and helping to promote the College!

Those who planned and staffed the College's booth were also an integral part of the event and deserve special thanks. They included Larry Bjorklund, Bev Burrington, Mariah Carroll, Amber Hodges, Kim Horne, David Lee, Andre Nault, Lisbeth Peacock, and Jan Williams. Excellent work, everyone!

College news (top)

Faculty members honored with MVMA awards
Several CVM faculty members were honored with awards at the annual meeting of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association Feb. 1-3. For details see faculty and staff news.

Search underway for associate dean
A search is underway for a new associate dean for research. Search committee chair Richard Isaacson reports that the committee recently conducted video conference interviews with a number of candidates, some of whom will be brought to campus for formal interviews.

Points of Pride Research Days set for March 20-21--
Call for abstracts
Each spring, the College hosts Points of Pride Research Days, which celebrates the College's research accomplishments. This year, Research Days are scheduled for March 20-21. The event will include a poster presentation and competition for Summer Scholars and graduate students, residents, and post-docs, with $250 awards for the best poster in each category.

Abstract submission forms may be requested from Erin Mann at mann0162@umn.edu and must be submitted electronically by March 1. When filling out the abstract form, please substitute the title of your abstract where the form says "Title," substitute the author(s) name(s) in the appropriate spaces, and include your abstract. Abstracts must be in Times New Roman 12-pitch font and should be submitted electronically to Erin Mann at mann0162@umn.edu. Posters must be no larger than 3 by 5 feet (or 5 by 3 feet) and will be displayed March 20-23 on the poster rails in the lobby and first-floor hallways of the Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine building.

Poster presenters will be expected to be available for 30 minutes during the poster judging, which will be held from 3:30-5:00 p.m. on March 20. The judges will speak to each individual participating in the competition.

The winners of the competition will be announced after the 3 p.m. Distinguished Alumni Seminar on March 21. A reception will immediately follow the seminar and award presentations. If you have questions about Points of Pride Research Days or the abstract submission process, contact Erin Mann at 4-2744 or Dr. Bert Stromberg at 5-7008.

Technology-Enhanced Learning Seminars scheduled
The Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) Seminar Series continues this spring with four sessions. The first, Designing Effective Blended Learning Experiences, will be held Feb. 15 from noon-1:30 p.m. in 155 Peters Hall and includes the CVM's Christina Clarkson, Tom Fletcher, and Larry Wallace as panel members. All University faculty members, staff members, students, and members of the general public are invited to attend at no charge. For more information, go to http://dmc.umn.edu/series/spring07.shtml.

Center for Human Resource Development offers supervisory workshops
The Center for Human Resource Development is offering a series of programs designed to help you learn about important supervisory issues. The courses cover such topics as implementing merit pay plans (March 14), effective applicant interviews (April 11), and managing differences in the workplace. The next workshop, Implementing Merit Pay Plans, is scheduled for March 14 from 1-3 p.m. in 210 Donhowe. For a complete description of all of the supervisory courses, go to http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/supervisors/workshops. If you're interested in other University supervisory training sessions, visit www.umn.edu/ohr/supervisors.

University offers $65 wellness awards
UPlan Wellness has reintroduced Health Connections, an approach to wellness that offers University employees and their spouses or same-sex domestic partners financial incentives for health improvement. When faculty and staff complete the confidential UPlan Wellness Assessment by April 30, 2007, they are eligible to receive a $65 wellness reward. If the employee's spouse or same-sex domestic partner is covered by the UPlan Medical Program, he or she can also take the assessment and earn a $65 wellness reward.Get started at http://www.healthconnections.umn.edu.

Applications sought for President's Emerging Leaders Program
Are you ready to learn how to fulfill your potential as a leader at the University of Minnesota? The President's Emerging Leaders Program (PEL) is currently accepting applications for its 2007-08 cohort. This program is designed to identify and further develop the leadership skills of talented professional and administrative, civil service, and bargaining unit staff. The PEL program offers participants a structured but flexible development opportunity featuring both educational and experiential components. The 2007-08 cohort will include a new element: training sessions devoted to the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) project management model. The application deadline is March 9. For more information and application
instructions, go to http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/pel/index.html.

Other University news
The University has a new code of conduct, which you can find with links to related
policies at http://www.instcomp.umn.edu/conduct/.

Calendar (top)

Monday, February 12

New Employee Orientation
8:30 a.m.-noon
458 Veterinary Medical Center

Delivering Great Customer Service
Presented by Jessica Miller, Training Services
9 a.m.-noon
280 Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
This class is mandatory for VMC employees and strongly encouraged for residents, interns, and faculty. To sign up, contact Patty Shudy at shudy003@umn.edu or 4-4674.

Herbs and Needles: An Exploration of Traditional Oriental Medicine
Jackie Bryan, Kirsten Caskey, Abigail Cumpton, Robinette Dunahaugh-Ralston, Julie Fill, Tracy Julius, Erica Keller, and Sarah Mercurio will share experiences with traditional oriental medicine and culture gained on a month-long visit to Asia.
Noon-1 p.m.
135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine
Snacks will be provided.
Contact: Kate Worley, kworley@umn.edu or 4-7474

Tuesday, February 13

Graduate Seminar in Comparative and Molecular Biosciences
Effects of Infectious Bronchitis Virus and Escherichia coli Co-infection on the Pathogenesis of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale in Laying Chickens
Presented by Dr. Anil Thachil
Advisor: Dr. K.V. Nagaraja
Noon-1 p.m.
215 Veterinary Science
Contact: Dr. Mark Rutherford, ruthe003@umn.edu or 612-625-4281

Wednesday, February 14

Brown Bag Financial Series: Diversify Your Retirement Plan
Noon-1 p.m.
210 Donhowe
For more information, go to  www1.umn.edu/ohr/benefits/events/index.html#brownbag
Contact: Betty Gilchrist, b-gilc@umn.edu

Comparative Biosciences Seminar
Parathyroid Hormone Regulation of Matrix Gla Protein in Osteoblasts
Presented by Dr. Rajaram Gopalakrishnan, Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences
Hosted by Cathy Carlson
3 p.m.
125 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine
Everyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments available.
Contact: Jaclyn Barnes, barne063@umn.edu or 4-2700

Thursday, February 15

Veterinary Clinical Sciences Grand Rounds
Feline Lungworm and Other Parasites of Feral Cats in Victoria, Australia
Presented by Dr. Lauren Lacorcia
8 a.m.
125 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine

Technology-Enhanced Learning Seminar
Designing Effective Blended Learning Experiences
Panel members include Christina Clarkson, Tom Fletcher, and Larry Wallace
Noon-1:30 p.m.
155 Peters Hall
For more information, go to http://dmc.umn.edu/series/spring07.shtml#1

Friday, February 16

Hospital Meeting (No Large Animal Grand Rounds)
8 a.m.
215 Veterinary Science

CVM Seminar on Teaching
The Birds and Bees: Instructional Design in Theriogenology Teaching as a Model
Presented by Peggy Root Kustritz
Noon-1 p.m.
280 Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

Saturday, February 17

Horse Owner Education Days
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
U of M Crookston Horse Facility
For more information, go to  www.cvm.umn.edu/outreach/events/horseowner.html.

What's ahead

Hill's Pet food distribution: Feb. 21, noon-12:50 p.m. and 5:00-5:50 p.m., Large Animal Hospital, Gortner Avenue dock

Brown Bag Financial Series: Keeping Your Investment Strategy on Track: Feb. 21, noon-1 p.m., 210 Donhowe. For more information, go to    www1.umn.edu/ohr/benefits/events/index.html#brownbag. Contact: Betty Gilchrist, b-gilc@umn.edu

Hill's Pet food distribution: Feb. 22, 7:00-7:50 a.m. and noon-12:50 p.m., Large Animal Hospital, Gortner Avenue dock

Veterinary Clinical Sciences Grand Rounds: Porphyromonas Bacterin--Another Tool in the Fight Against Periodontal Disease? presented by Dr. Donelle Hansen, and Mitotane Versus Trilostane for Canine Cushing's Disease, presented by Dr. Jen Myers, 8 a.m., 125 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine

Hill's Pet food distribution: Feb. 23, 7:00-7:50 a.m. and noon-12:50 p.m., Large Animal Hospital, Gortner Avenue dock

Horse Owner Education Days: Feb. 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Heintz Center, Rochester, Minn.. For more information, go to  www.cvm.umn.edu/outreach/events/horseowner.html.

Delivering Great Customer Service: Feb. 26, 1-4 p.m., 280 Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Presented by Jessica Miller of Training Services, this class is mandatory for all VMC employees and strongly encouraged for residents, interns, and faculty. To sign up, contact Patty Shudy at shudy003@umn.edu or 4-4674.

Brown Bag Financial Series: A Perspective on Today's Economy and International Investing: Feb. 28, noon-1 p.m., 210 Donhowe. For more information, go to    www1.umn.edu/ohr/benefits/events/index.html#brownbag. Contact: Betty Gilchrist, b-gilc@umn.edu

Mather Lecture Series-Treatment Targets for Chronic Kidney Disease, presented by Dr. David Polzin: March 1, 7:00-8:30 p.m., 135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine. For more information about the Mather Lecture Series, go to www.cvm.umn.edu/outreach/events/mather.html.

Hill's Pet Food Orders due: March 2, noon

Friday Professional Development Seminar: March 2, noon-1 p.m., 125 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine. Topic: Conflict management, presented by Rosie Barry

Technology-Enhanced Learning Seminar--Meeting the Millenials Halfway: Expanding Teaching and Learning with Pod- and Vodcasting: March 7, noon-1:30 p.m., 402 Walter Library (Minneapolis campus). For more information, go to http://dmc.umn.edu/series/spring07.shtml.

Center for Human Resource Development Workshop: Implementing Merit Pay Plans: March 14, 1-3 p.m., 210 Donhowe. For a complete description of all of the supervisory lab courses, go to
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/supervisors/workshops.

Floating holiday: March 16

Media news

"Unbridled Ambition," an article in the February issue of Minnesota Monthly,  explored the new Equine Center, with quotes or mentions of Drs. Trevor Ames, Mary Durando, Jim Mickelson, Travis Saveraid, and Stephanie Valberg and students Lisa Borgia and April Schroeder. The article is online at  www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/February-2007/Unbridled-Ambition/

"Little Stray Gets Back on His Feet," an article in the Feb. 9 issue of the Star Tribune, told the story of Mr. Stubbs, a Shih Tzu that was fitted with prosthetic legs. Dr. Liz LaFond, a Veterinary Medical Center surgeon, donated her time on the case.

Dean Jeff Klausner was quoted in "House Committee Looks at U of M Ag Research Efforts," an article in the Feb. 6 issue of Agri News, an independent agricultural newspaper. The article is online at   http://webstar.agrinews.com/agrinews/288141983872952.bsp.

Faculty and staff news (top)

Drs. John Arnold, Bee Hanlon, and Walter Mackey are Veterinarians of the Year
Drs. John Arnold, Bee Hanlon, and Walter Mackey received the Veterinarian of the Year Award at the annual meeting of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association Feb. 1-3. The three retired professors were honored for their involvment in forming the Minnesota Veterinary Historial Museum.

If you're a Minnesota veterinarian who has written a book, the Minnesota Veterinary Historical Museum would like a copy for its Wall of Books. You're welcome to drop it off when the museum is open on Wednesdays from noon-3 p.m.


Dr. Julie Wilson
Dr. Larry Wallance

Dr. Julie Wilson receives Distinguished Service Award
The Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) presented the Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Julie Wilson at the MVMA annual meeting in Minneapolis Feb. 1-3. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes a member who has given special service to the profession of veterinary medicine, improving the profession as a result of that service. Congratulations, Dr. Wilson!

Dr. Larry Wallace receives Outstanding Faculty Award
The MVMA gave Dr. Larry Wallace the Outstanding Faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine award for outstanding service to Minnesota veterinarians, giving of his time and talent to the veterinary profession, being a leader who makes a difference to the profession, and being a dedicated contributor to organized veterinary medicine. Congraulations, Dr. Wallace!

More faculty and staff news
Dr. Jane Armstrong began a one-year sabbatical leave on Jan. 1. She has joined the clinical research program of Dr. Jacqueline Rand at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, where she is working on characterizing metabolic syndrome in the cat as a potential animal model of obesity and peripheral insulin resistance.

Dr. Elizabeth McNiel resigned her position as assistant professor of oncology on Jan. 5. She has accepted a new position at Michigan State University.

Dr. Pat Redig attended the 7th annual National Council for Science and the Environment Conference in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 1-2.

Kate Hanson and Laura Freeman of The Raptor Center education staff attended the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators conference in Tacoma, Washington, Feb. 7-10.

Drew Bickford, a senior veterinary technician at The Raptor Center, presented “Avian Anatomy and Physiology,” “Avian Emergency and Critical Care,” and a wet lab on avian hematology at the Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians annual conference at the Hilton Minneapolis on February 2-3. Senior veterinary technician Michelle Miller, Oncology and Radiation Therapy, presented "Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Side Effects."

Lisa Koch, The Raptor Center's director of education, and Jessica Klassen presented “Discover That” at the Minnesota School-Age Care Alliance conference at the Touchtone Energy Center in St. Paul on Feb. 3.

Student news (top)



A group of students gathered for a photo in front of the Ben Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center on Jan. 11. Renovation of the building is scheduled to be completed this month.

Luanne Hunt successfully defends master's thesis
The Veterinary Medicine Graduate Program announced that Luanne Hunt successfully defended her master's thesis, "Myopathies in Warmblood Horses: Clinical Characteristics and Response to Diet and Exercise Recommendations." Luanne was advised by Dr. Stephanie Valberg.

Research news (top)

Mark your calendar for Points of Pride Research Days March 20-21!

Clinical studies underway in the VMC
For a list of clinical studies currently enrolling in the Veterinary Medical Center, visit the Clinical Investigation Center Web site at http://www.cvm.umn.edu/cic/current.

Links (top)

CVM This Week
Back issues of CVM This Week, from June 2004 to today's issue, are at  http://www.cvm.umn.edu/newsandevents/publications/cvmthisweek/home.html.

Hills pet food distribution program
For more information about the Hill's Pet Food Distribution program, contact Melissa Caid at caid0002@umn.edu or Jaime Nett at nett0049@umn.edu.

Housing
For information about student and off-campus housing, including a housing and roommate search service, go to http://www.housing.umn.edu/.

Job openings
For information about positions available at the College, visit  www.cvm.umn.edu/About/HumanResources/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 http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/index.html.

The VMC Pulse
Issues are available online by logging in at  http://www.cvm.umn.edu/vmc/staffresources/Pulse.html.

Veterinary conferences
Dates, places, and links for national and international veterinary conferences are on the College Web site at  http://www.cvm.umn.edu/newsandevents/conferences/home.html.

Veterinary Medical Library
For information about the Veterinary Medical Library, including new acquisitions, visit http://www.vetmed.lib.umn.edu/news.

Veterinary Practice News
Did you know that you can get a free subscription? Subscribe (or renew) online at www.vetpracticenews.com.

CVM This Week is a weekly newsletter for faculty, staff, and students of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Please submit news and calendar items for next week's issue to Sue Kirchoff, editor, at kirch004@umn.edu before noon Friday.

The University of Minnesota is an equal-opportunity educator and employer.

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The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

Last modified on Monday Feb 05, 2007

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