Drug Development Leader, Zoological Medicine Veterinarian Honored |
The UW School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association has recognized two graduates with 2022 Distinguished Service Awards: Thomas Kennedy MS’73, PhD’75, who has led a celebrated career in veterinary pharmaceutical research and development and, among other roles, serves as co-founder, partner and chief operating officer for Covenant Animal Health Partners, and Kurt Sladky MS’88, DVM’93, clinical professor and section head of the UW School of Veterinary Medicine’s Zoological Medicine and Special Species Health Service, who has mentored and advised more than 150 students, residents and interns, authored over 90 publications, and more. The awards program recognizes graduates who have made significant contributions to society and whose accomplishments, affiliations and careers honor the school's legacy of excellence. Related: The UW School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association was established in July to support the advancement of the school through alumni engagement, replacing the alumni advisory board. All SVM alumni are invited to join.
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School News
The latest updates on research, faculty and staff, and other happenings at the school.
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High school students from UW-Madison’s Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE) and the Madison-based organization Maydm visited the UW School of Veterinary Medicine in July to learn about the path to becoming a veterinarian, the types of careers possible with a doctorate in veterinary medicine, and gain firsthand experience. A significant emphasis of PEOPLE and Maydm is increasing diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
On August 19, the school held a “topping off” ceremony for the building expansion project, which signifies that the new north building has reached its highest point and is now more than halfway through construction (view progress here).
Other recent news:
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Eighteen UW School of Veterinary Medicine students who participated in the Summer Scholars program presented their work at the 2022 National Veterinary Scholars Symposium in August, highlighting the essential role of scientific research in veterinary medicine.
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A new study led by professor Wilmara Salgado-Pabón provides a new understanding of “superantigens.” These small toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, more commonly called a staph infection, can cause complications for the circulatory system and undermine the body’s ability to heal. The findings may point the way toward improving the treatment of S. aureus infections.
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The Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Disease, co-directed by School of Veterinary Medicine professor Lyric Bartholomay PhD'04, has been renewed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through 2027. Related: In August, Congressional staff visited the SVM to learn more about how the center is identifying the best methods to prevent exposure to tick and mosquito-borne illnesses.
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School of Veterinary Medicine researchers have developed a genetic screening test to determine whether a dog is susceptible to cruciate ligament rupture. The test is the first of its kind in companion animals. Earlier this month, the researchers made the test available for Labrador retrievers, a breed with a high risk of developing the disease. They're next working to extend development to other high-risk breeds.
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Alumni Updates
The latest news about your classmates and items of special interest to alumni.
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Food animal incentive award: DVM graduates currently enrolled in an advanced training program from an AVMA-accredited school (internship, residency or related graduate program) directly involving food or fiber production related to beef, dairy or small ruminants are invited to apply for the Dr. W. Bruce Wren Food Animal Incentive Awards (application deadline: October 12). Recipients receive a $1,000 award, complimentary registration, lodging, airfare, meals and a $450 travel allowance to attend the 95th WVC Annual Conference in February 2023.
Alumni News
Chris Chase MS'87, PhD'90, professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at South Dakota State University, received the 2022 Distinguished Service Award from the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association. Chase's research has been directed at understanding the initial events of viral infections to develop better methods for preventing virus infections in animals.
Leslie Estelle DVM'06 was appointed by the governor of Wisconsin to the state Veterinary Examining Board in the summer of 2021. She attended the American Association of Veterinary State Boards conference in September.
Toby Pinn-Woodcock DVM’08, an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Population Medical and Diagnostic Sciences at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, discussed tick-borne diseases that can spread to horses in a recent episode of the EQUUS podcast Farm Calls.
In Memoriam
The UW School of Veterinary Medicine regrets to announce the loss an alumna.
Christine Elaine Klein DVM’87 of Sharon, Vermont, passed away in July after a stoic journey with cancer. Klein’s love and devotion to animals began in childhood and continued throughout her life. She worked for 33 years at Riverbend Veterinary Clinic. A highly skilled, hard-working and loyal veterinarian, she maintained many close friendships with colleagues and clients. In addition to family and friends, Klein loved her dogs, cats and horses, long-distance running, walking and dog competitions.
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“Some of the most dramatic and fulfilling changes have come from prioritizing fear-free practices... I love that some dedicated owners have taken it upon themselves to rescue animals from horrible living situations or have chosen to adopt older animals with specific housing requirements. With these often-unknown past histories for our pets and patients, it becomes imperative to practice compassion, empathy and patience to ensure every patient receives the care it deserves.”
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October 27
Veterinary Continuing Education Event: Getting Started With Wildlife Rehabilitation
Wisconsin Humane Society
6-8 p.m.
November 20
Wisconsin Alumni Reception at AAEP Convention
6-8 p.m.
Casa Rio, 430 E. Commerce St., San Antonio
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Genetics of Ocular Melanosis
The Ophthalmology Service is actively recruiting cairn terriers for a study investigating the genetic foundations for ocular melanosis. This slowly progressive disease can result in painful, blinding glaucoma. The research team seeks to identify those mutations or abnormal DNA variations that may predispose cairn terriers to this condition. The study findings may allow for the development of a genetic screening test for cairn terriers and other dog breeds that may be at risk of ocular melanosis. Cairn terriers with and without ocular melanosis qualify, plus four other breeds diagnosed with the disease.
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The three most recent classes of DVM students at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine represent the most diverse cohorts at the school to date. The school continues to make strides in creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, and we commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
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