The One Health theme—recognizing the connection between the health of animals, people, and the environment—encompasses much of what the school accomplishes. And it is always exciting when those initiatives are achieved at the VMTH. There have been many examples of veterinarians and physicians learning from and working with each other to meet goals that will benefit both veterinary and human medicine.
Just recently, two cardiologists from the UC Davis School of Medicine (SOM) joined our Cardiology Service to treat a dog with a patent ductus arteriosis – a life-threatening heart defect. Standard veterinary treatments had failed, but with this partnership, the dog received a new approach taken from human medicine. While it is still early in the dog’s recovery, the surgery appears to have been a success. Hopefully, this exciting collaboration has given our team—and the residents we train—a new treatment approach.
The Ophthalmology Service has an ongoing, mutually beneficial connection with the SOM to advance eye health through shared research and clinical care. Their monthly joint rounds and research projects have paved the way for groundbreaking new treatments in veterinary medicine like corneal surgical techniques routinely performed on humans that will advance vision restoration in animals.
Examples of veterinarians and physicians working together to advance both human and animal health have also occurred with our surgical teams, both small and large animal.
Clinical trials of drugs and treatments that cross species are making strides to improve both human and animal health, like a current evaluation of a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs in horses for treatment of joint disease. This collaboration may lead to techniques that will be applicable for future use in humans.
Perhaps the most collaborative aspect of medicine between veterinarians and physicians at UC Davis is through the Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC). Recently, SOM oncologist Dr. Robert Canter and SVM oncologist Dr. Michael Kent launched a clinical trial to keep cancers in canines from metastasizing or spreading. SOM’s Synthesis magazine highlighted the trial by showcasing our patient Josie, who is doing much better since enrolling in the trial. Because of collaborations such as this, the CCC has received the first National Cancer Institute grant in the country to fund a comparative oncology training program.
I am encouraged and enthused by Dr. Canter’s comments about our One Health approach to solving medical problems: “Comparative oncology represents the best of both medical worlds and is crucial to advancing the understanding of tumor biology, speeding development of therapies, and giving hope to patients – whether they are people or pets.”
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Dr. Jane Sykes
Chief Veterinary Medical Officer
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Photo by Don Preisler, SVM Communications
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Recognitions
The hospital’s Focused Recognition Award Program provides an opportunity to highlight our ongoing cultural journey and recognize those who have provided remarkable progress within our five cultural beliefs: One Team, Trusted Dialogue, Pursue Excellence, Realize Our Vision, and Value People.
January recipients:
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Jessica Fraser was recognized for exemplifying our cultural beliefs of One Team and Pursue Excellence, which contributed to the key result of Exceptional Patient Care.
“Jessica always goes above and beyond for the Community Surgery Service. She works hard to make sure our students have appropriate surgeries and works tirelessly to find replacements when we have cancellations. Jessica is a valued asset and always has a wonderful attitude!”
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Rebecca Swan was recognized for exemplifying our cultural belief of One Team, which contributed to the key result of Exceptional Patient Care.
“Rebecca stepped up to keep the Diagnostic Imaging Service running when an employee had to take an unexpected leave. She was able to maintain the clinical caseload and the student teaching by herself. Rebecca never complained the entire time her co-worker was out; she just went about her work and the entire Diagnostic Imaging Service is very grateful to her!”
Thank you, Jessica and Rebecca, for your hard work and dedication to the VMTH.
Thank you to everyone for submitting the Focused Recognition Award cards and demonstrating your support of each other that demonstrate excellence in support of our cultural journey. The drop boxes are located: Reception A, second floor in Pritchard waiting room 2198; Large Animal Reception, first floor in Pritchard next to water fountain/restrooms; Reception B, first floor in CCAH next to the recycle bins.
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Key Cultural Pillar
"Pursue Excellence"
There have been some great letters of recognition to us lately from clients who were helped during these trying times. Enjoy these notes and other accomplishments involving the hospital.
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Neurology/Neurosurgery Service
“When our mini schnauzer Bella Rose was 7 years old in 2016, she became a VMTH patient. She was diagnosed immediately with Inflammatory Brain Disease (GME). Because of the incredible treatment Bella Rose received by the VMTH and Dr. Chai-Fei Li, she lived an additional five years until her recent passing from complications of health issues unrelated to GME. ‘Thank you’ will never be enough for everything Dr. Li did for Bella Rose and for us. Dr. Li's knowledge and expertise in neurology kept our Bella Rose in remission and gifted us with an extra five years with her. Beyond the medical, Dr. Li truly cared about our Bella Rose, and we always felt that she only wanted the best for her. UC Davis is very lucky to have Dr. Li.”
-Jennifer S.
Client Services, Oncology Service, Soft Tissue Surgery Service
Kudos to the Client Services team for providing excellent service for a friend of Interim Dean Ari Kelman of the College of Letters and Science. An immediate appointment was able to be facilitated with the Oncology and Soft Tissue Surgery Services. The client’s dog was then able to have surgery to remove a cancerous tumor shortly thereafter. “You made a big difference in someone’s life,” said Dean Kelman. “I’m very grateful to you for being willing to help.”
Communication & Marketing
Congratulations to the Communications and Marketing team who won six Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VII awards, many of which centered around VMTH activities.
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Animal Health Topics website - Gold - Communications Improvement (information on various health topics contributed by clinicians and students)
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“Ask Me Anything” social media communications campaign - Gold - Communications Pivot (Dr. Jane Sykes answered follower-submitted questions on Instagram about COVID-19 in regard to pets)
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Veterinary Medical Center campaign - Silver - Marketing Improvement (featured marketing spotlights on five VMTH clients)
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Center for Equine Health Horse Report magazine - Bronze - Targeted Constituency Magazines (winning issue featured spotlight on farrier Shane Westman and his “Evening with Vet Med” presentation)
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“Why Is My Pet Acting Like This?” article in Synergy magazine - Bronze - Design, Illustrations (winning article featured the Behavior Service)
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Air Quality Impacts Early Brain Development article - Bronze - General News Writing
CASE is a non-profit association dedicated to educational advancement—alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services—who share the goal of championing education to transform lives and society.
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Support Service Recognition
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Congratulations to the Central Services team for providing crucial services and supplies during the pandemic. This resilient department—composed of sterile processing technicians and storekeepers—have continued to be paramount to the hospital’s success. Faced with rising costs, material shortages, and daily PME protocol changes, the staff have shown true resiliency in the face of adversity. Central Services has managed to secure up to 15,000-20,000 social distancing masks per month. Sterile processing technicians, with their knowledge and skillsets put to the test daily, have ensured that surgery demands are met. Although Central Services management has changed due to the retirement of Manuel Carrillo, the quality and work ethic has not skipped a beat. Kudos to Shond Felton and his entire team!
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COVID-19 Update:
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All UC Davis employees working in person, on campus are now eligible to be vaccinated, please visit the UC Davis COVID-19 Vaccine Program site for details.
- On February 17, the Office of the Dean held a town hall as an opportunity for School of Veterinary Medicine community members to learn, ask questions and make suggestions to help improve the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining Dean Lairmore were: Dr. Smita Iyer, assistant professor in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology who discussed immune response to SARS-CoV2; and Dr. Brian Bird, associate director of the One Health Institute Global Lead-Sierra Leone who discussed viral variants in coronaviruses and how this may influence public health or responses to vaccination strategies. The meeting was recorded for those who missed it.
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Staff Update:
- Please welcome our newest team member and supervisor of Reception A, Annette Lewis. Annette graduated from Western Career College (1997) with Certificate in Medical Assisting. In her 20+ years of professional experience, she has worked in many medical fields including OBGYN, urgent care, family practice, cardiology, weight loss, and health insurance. Annette has assisted with the many tasks associated with staff shortages, de-escalations, training new and existing staff, shift assignments, daily reports, and assisting with supervisory projects. She has managed a staff of 50 with direct reports of more than 25, which were scheduled under main admitting, financial counseling, cashier, emergency room, and outpatient surgery. Please stop by and introduce yourself to Annette when you have a chance.
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Wellness Update:
- The World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s (WSAVA) Professional Wellness Group will host “Veterinary Wellness - Strategies for Success” on March 3. Speakers for the free webinar include Canadian veterinarian Dr. Sarah Boston and Dr. Liz Barton, founder of Wellvet, a non-profit focused on improving the well-being of veterinary professionals. They will discuss strategies for success, share tips and practical advice, and participate in a live Q&A. The webinar will be hosted by clinical psychologist Dr. Nienke Endenburg, Chair of the WSAVA Professional Wellness Group. More details can be found here.
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VMTH Committee Update:
- The VMTH CVMO’s office and the Dean’s Office are engaging faculty and staff in ongoing improvement of VMTH operations as much as possible. More than a dozen VMTH committees exist for this purpose, with varying degrees of responsibility. Over the coming year, VMTH Voice will feature information on these committees to help faculty and staff familiarize themselves with the committees’ roles and importance.
Art Committee – The Art Committee was established to approve or propose artwork for components of the new Veterinary Medical Center, including renovated areas of existing clinical space. Members of the Art Committee include: Dr. Katie Phillips (chair), Dr. Meera Heller, Dr. Michael Kent, Dr. Michelle Hawkins, Dr. Michele Steffey, Dr. Jane Sykes (ex-officio), Joy Hoover (ex-officio), and Jeffrey Hoover (consultant). The committee is currently looking to refresh and add to the artwork in the Large Animal Clinic. They are holding an open-ended digital artwork competition where faculty and staff can submit owned images to be hung in the VMTH. For the main LAC hallway, photographs of California landscapes and large animal themes are sought. Please email Dr. Katie Phillips for more details.
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Wellness Tip of the Month
Florence Soares-Dabalos, MS, LMFT, the VMTH’s client support and wellness professional, offers a brief tip on managing stress through the current crisis. Please see full website of services that Florence offers.
- Want to de-stress using your imagination and deep breathing? Then blow bubbles! As kids, we used our imagination to help us have fun. Why not use that same imagination to help with mindfulness breathing! The AVMA website has a few deep breathing mp3 files you can listen to, including one about being a magical bubble blower.
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