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A helping hand in Haiti

Third-year student Matthew Edson lends paramedic skills to aid earthquake victims
Read Matthew's story

Oh Henry!

Dr. Steve Henry, class of 1969, joins 2010 group of K-State Alumni Fellows.
A standout in swine health

Phi Zeta Research Day puts spotlight on researchers

Annual Phi Zeta Research Day awards top research and features visiting lecturer from New York.
Who were the winners?

Veterinary Medicine Online goes live with 30 new CE seminars

DHS names K-State as a 'Center for Excellence'

April's big events: Public Health Week and Kind Hearts Caring Hands Day

Congratulations on faculty promotions

Regular features

Under the Microscope
Kristopher Silver, Post Doctoral Fellow, Clinical Sciences

Check it Out at the Library
"Check out the National Agriculture Library"

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New Arrivals/Recent Departures

Lifelines back issues

Hard copy version of Lifelines (printable)
Note: File is in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.

- Matthew Edson says he’d still be there if he could. So strong is his sense of compassion and conscientiousness, he wishes he could do more.

Only two weeks after a devastating earthquake hit the island nation of Haiti in January, Matthew Edson, third-year veterinary student, made arrangements to take an unscheduled break from his studies to join ongoing relief efforts. His mother, a nurse practitioner in New Jersey who specializes in emergency, burns, and trauma, had already decided she wanted to go to Haiti and thought Matthew might want to come along.

“I was at a camelid conference at the University of Missouri, and she called me during the middle of that conference,” Matthew said. “Before going to veterinary school, I was a paramedic and kept my license current, so I figured I could go down there and help out.”

Matthew and his mother joined a relief group called Mercy Works that organizes groups of ER doctors and medical workers for relief assistance around the world. They left for Haiti on Jan. 26 and returned Feb. 1.

“We went to the city of Port-au-Prince and worked in the national police headquarters -- right across from the national palace that had collapsed,” Matthew said. “Half of the building was still pretty stable, so they had a couple of clinic rooms in there. They also had a small operating room in there, and we spent about half the first day in there.”

Matt said the circumstances weren’t the best, so they had to adjust their plans.

“Some members of our group were orthopedic surgeons, and the facilities there weren’t really that great,” he said. “We ended up getting on with the University of Miami’s Medishare Hospital, which is the biggest trauma surgical hospital they have in Haiti right now. It’s really just a big series of tents and stuff, but it’s really well-stocked, well-supplied and well-staffed. We were lucky enough to get credentials there, so that’s where we spent the majority of our time.”

Matthew explained there were tents where the relief workers could sleep, although he slept very little.

“You don’t really get time to get oriented, because as soon as your shift starts, there are patients coming from every which way,” Matt said. “The first day I got put in charge of the emergency department -- I think I got two hours of sleep that night. We were at a triage tent and took in people with emergencies. Some people came in unconscious; some people came in with diarrhea – you saw everything. If they had an orthopedic injury, we would stabilize them and send them to the orthopedics tent. If it was a pediatric patient, we’d stabilize them and send to the pediatric tent. The first day there I lost my mother and found out later she had been pulled away to help deliver a baby.”

Matthew found the volume of patients and severity of injuries to be a little overwhelming.

“I thought I had seen a lot of trauma as a paramedic, but this experience was like an entire year in four days,” Matthew said.

While the workdays were long, Matthew brought along some of his notes from K-State and found little bits of time in which to study. He also made friends with other relief workers and some the patients.

“The patients down there are so grateful for everything that you do,” Matthew said. “No matter what you do or how painful a procedure is, all they have to say is, ‘Merci, merci’ - thank you, thank you.”

Matthew extended his own thank-you to Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan. The hospital provided $500 worth of medical supplies for Matthew to take to Haiti.

“That was really nice of them, and I was very lucky too, to be able to take time from my classes,” Matthew said. He managed to pick a time in his schedule where he didn’t have tests or labs. While he is back to the everyday life of being a veterinary student, he still thinks a lot about his experience.

“It was really hard to leave,” he said. “There’s so much more to do. If I could, I would go back now and keep trying to help.”

Matthew starts a pre-op patient on antibiotics so she
could be in place for surgery the next day.

Third-year veterinary student Matthew Edson visits a girl he met
at the orphanage where he was staying during his four-day visit to
help the relief effort in Haiti. The little girl was transferred back
to the orphanage after undergoing surgery on the USNS Comfort,
a medical relief ship (also featured in the fall 2010 Haling Hands).
Matthew said "I was saving that little pink flamingo beanie baby
for her, but she had fallen asleep and I didn't want to wake her up.
She ended up getting transferred to the University of Miami (Fla.)
Medishare hospital where I was working a few days later. Luckily
I still had the beanie baby in my bag and got to give it to her then."

Matthew starts an IV on a patient outside the ER/Triage tent. To
his right, is Limage, who acted as Matthew's translator. This
was the first time they met; afterwards Limage worked with
Matthew during every night shift.

Matthew with his mother, Cathy, take a quick break outside the triage tent. Cathy is a nurse practitioner.

Matthew treats a pre-op patient in the orthopedic tent. He had an
open fracture of his leg and was being treated (interestingly
enough with Equine fAb fragment tetanus anti-toxin) to prevent
tetanus.

Matthew stands on the roof of the national police headquarters. Behind him is the national palace, which collapsed
from the earthquake.

Dr. Steve Henry, Solomon, Kan., was named the 2010 Alumni Fellow for the College of Veterinary Medicine. He was selected to receive the award for distinguishing himself as a successful veterinarian and industry leader through his accomplishments in swine medicine and production with the Abilene Animal Hospital veterinary group in Abilene.

“Veterinary practice, with care for individual animals and populations, is my avocation and passion," Dr. Henry said. "Our College of Veterinary Medicine pushes us out the door at graduation with the tools and the stimulus necessary to make a difference for our clients and patients. And the support of our college is there for us throughout our careers if we will only access it. Thank you for this honor and the chance to share time and stories with students and colleagues.”

Dr. Henry gave a lecture in Frick Auditorium, Feb. 25 talking about the One Health movement and the importance of clinicians being on the front lines on animal health and how it can impact human health issues, such as through the food supply.

Dr. Henry, a Longford, Kan., native, received a bachelor’s degree in 1970 and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1972, both from K-State.

Following graduation, Dr. Henry practiced in Illinois before returning to Kansas in 1976. Since, Dr. Henry has become president and partner with the Abilene Animal Hospital PA in Abilene, and is an adjunct professor in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology at K-State.

While serving as a general practitioner, Dr. Henry’s primary interest is in swine health and pork production efficiency. He works with all sizes of client farms and companies throughout the world. His focus is pathogen control and elimination from farms, regions and countries. Dr. Henry and his veterinary partners provide services to pork producers in the central United States and consultation to the pork production industry throughout North and South America. He is also a close collaborator with researchers at K-State and abroad.

Dr. Steve Henry talks about One Health issues and the role of clinicians.

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K-State's expertise in vaccine development, diagnostics, animal disease detection and education programs formed the basis for the university's selection as a Center of Excellence for Emerging Zoonotic and Animal Diseases by the Department of Homeland Security, said K-State President Kirk Schulz. K-State will receive $12 million over the next six years.

"K-State's research focus on zoonotic diseases and animal health, the unique research capabilities of the Biosecurity Research Institute and experienced and world-renowned faculty researchers all aided the selection of K-State for this Center of Excellence," Schulz said. "Because zoonotic diseases can spread from animals to humans and vice versa, this center will be important to protecting human health as well."

Schulz said he believes that K-State's established research infrastructure and the future construction of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility -- NBAF -- on the K-State campus also contributed to K-State's selection for the new center.

"We are using 21st-century technology to solve 21st-century problems," he said.

K-State will partner with Texas A&M University's Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense Center to co-lead the Science and Technology Directorate's efforts to involve university researchers in zoonotic and animal disease detection. The acronym for K-State's center is CEEZAD.

Dr. Jürgen Richt is principal investigator and the center's director. At K-State he is a Regents Distinguished Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Kansas Bioscience Authority Eminent Scholar.

"This new Center of Excellence gives K-State the opportunity to build on our infrastructure and enable us to be even stronger leaders in this area," Dr. Richt said. "K-State has specialists in infectious diseases who know agriculture systems well, not only livestock but also other food sources including fish and poultry. We will hire new researchers to complement our existing expertise, but more importantly, we will collaborate with outstanding researchers from institutions all over the United States to best protect the nation's food supply."

Ron Trewyn, vice president for research, said K-State was one of five universities competing for the center designation through a three-step process that involved external peer review, internal subject matter expert review and site visits. Reviewers considered a range of factors, including the quality and relevance of the research programs, management plans, education programs, involvement of minority-serving institutions, and transition and application plans.

Dr. Jürgen Richt,Regents Distinguished Professor in the College
of Veterinary Medicine and Kansas Bioscience Authority
Eminent Scholar, is the director of CEEZAD.

K-State will partner with Texas A&M's Foreign Animal and
Zoonotic Disease Defense Center to co-lead the Science and
Technology Directorate's efforts to involve univeristy
researchers in zoonotic and animal disease detection.

The purpose of the Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases will be to conduct research, develop technology and train a specialized work force to successfully defend U.S. pre-harvest agricultural systems against agroterrorism, other catastrophic events and emerging animal pathogens. The center will conduct research on foreign animal, zoonotic and newly discovered pathogens that have a consequential economic impact on U.S. agriculture and homeland security, and a significant impact on human and animal health.

DHS anticipates that both K-State and Texas A&M will conduct projects in all of the thematic areas including vaccines, detection, diagnostics, modeling and simulation, education and training. DHS will work with center leadership to ensure long term coordination and collaboration.

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Each year the Phi Zeta Society hosts Phi Zeta Day, a day dedicated to research and progression made by students and staff here in the field of Veterinary Medicine. This year’s event kicked off March 2 at 8 in the morning with clinical and applied science research presentations. Throughout the entire day over 40 presentations were given over a variety of topics ranging from human umbilical cord matrix stem cells to oxygen insufflation in horses.

The Mara Conference Center began filling up around 5:30 in the afternoon for the closing Reception and Awards ceremony. Nineteen awards were presented to students and staff both.

See a full list of awards and award winners here.

Master's student Elena Gart explains her poster about research on Ptk6 Cells during Phi Zeta Research Day. Gart's was one of more than 20 research posters on display.

Dr. Lauren Trepanier, professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, visits with Drs.Lisa Freeman and Laura Armbrust after delivering the lecture for the plenary session.

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Dr. Roman Ganta congratulates Dr. David Poole, this year's recipient of the Pfizer Animal Health Award for Research Excellence.

Be sure to mark your calendar for two of the bigger events in April:

Public Health Week

Starting April 5, the Master of Public Health Program will be hosting Public Health Week, in conjunction with the National Public Health Week (NPHW). The focus is to promote awareness and prevention of food and zoonotic based diseases. The four core studies of this week are: public health and physical activity, infectious disease and zoonoses, food safety, and public health nutrition.

Students, faculty and staff will be awarded for their great strides made in the prevention and awareness of related diseases such as: swine flu, rabies, bubonic plague, bird flu, anthrax, etc. Presentations will be held throughout the week after the opening ceremony, "Excellence in Public Health" on Monday night.

For more information on public health and the One Health Initiative you can go to www.onehealthkansas.ksu.edu, or for information on how to get your Master of Public Health degree, follow this link: www.k-state.edu/mphealth/about.htm

Kind Hearts Caring Hands Day

Kind Hearts - Caring Hands Day is being held April 16. This is a day to celebrate teaching and learning. The events are designed to encourage students’ families, alumni and friends to become better informed about the activities and heritage of the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine. Activities will include an Open House, Quiz Bowl sponsored by the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Convocation Address, White Coat Ceremony and Honors Banquet.

This year's All-College Convocation Address will be delivered by Dr. W. Ron DeHaven, executive vice president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Dr. DeHaven has more than two decades of experience with the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and gained national prominence in 2003 and 2004 when chronic wasting disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE/"Mad Cow" disease) were making headlines. Dr. DeHaven received the President's Rank Awards (Meritorious and Distinguished) for his leadership. He also received the Secretary's Honor Award twice. The AVMA honored Dr. DeHaven's contributions to the veterinary profession with the Meritorious Service Award in 2004. He also received the Roswell Award from the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare, and an honorary degree from Purdue University.

As APHIS administrator, Dr. DeHaven was ultimately responsible for the protection of U.S. agriculture and natural resources from exotic pests and diseases, administering the Animal Welfare Act, and carrying out wildlife damage management activities. Prior to being selected APHIS Administrator, Dr. DeHaven served as deputy administrator for APHIS' Veterinary Services program. Dr. DeHaven also served as acting associate administrator for APHIS from October 2001 through April 2002. From 1996 to 2001, he was the deputy administrator for the Animal Care Unit of APHIS, administering the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. Before assuming the deputy administrator's position, Dr. DeHaven served as the Animal Care Unit's western regional director in Sacramento, Calif., for seven years. Prior to starting work at APHIS, Dr. DeHaven was commissioned into the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps and served in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard.

Dr. DeHaven obtained his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Purdue University in 1975 and a master's degree in business administration from Millsaps College in 1989.

A schedule of activities is posted at www.vet.k-state.edu/events/KindHearts.

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2009 White Coat Ceremony

The "Bagel Bonanza" is a popular start to the festivities on Kind Hearts Caring Hands Day.

Dr. W. Ron DeHaven, executive vice president of the AVMA, will deliver the All-College Convocation Address April 16 at noon in Frick Auditorium.

Kansas State University’s Veterinary Medicine Online has recently introduced a series of 30 new online seminars as part of its existing Bovine, Small Ruminant, Camelid and new Equine Seminar Series.

As of March 1, the new online seminars provide a convenient way for veterinarians to earn continuing-education hours without leaving their homes or practices. Users will be able to log in and watch recorded seminars presented by faculty from the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine and guest speakers.

The new Equine Seminar Series is offered in six segments focusing on equine laminitis. These seminars feature contributions from Dr. Raul Bras, an associate veterinarian in the podiatry department at the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky.

Among the programs are 13 new bovine seminars emphasizing bull evaluation and management. These include five presentations by Dr. Albert Barth, professor of theriogenology at the University of Saskatchewan.

Also, there are 11 new sheep and goat seminars adding to the existing programs previously available as part of the Small Ruminant Seminar Series. Topics range from parasite management and nutrition to C-sections and medicine of sheep and goats.

Veterinary Medical Continuing Education now has 30 new seminars available at Veterinary Medicine Online.

A large array of topics are available covering nutrition, reproduction, medicine, neonatology, and surgery of llamas and alpacas. These seminars feature recognized experts in the care and management of camelids.

Veterinarians who use K-State’s Veterinary Medicine Online programs earn CE credit by watching a captured seminar and taking a short quiz. Once the user passes the quiz, they are then provided with certificates confirming their completed CE hours.

The programs are available as individual seminars or in three new certificate-of-completion programs that allow users to purchase a package of seminars for a reduced price.

Users are granted access to individual seminars for 14 days and certificate-of-completion programs for 28 days.

In order to renew a veterinary license, a veterinarian is required to earn a certain number of hours of continuing education each year. Each state has different requirements for the number of hours a veterinarian must complete.

K-State’s Veterinary Medicine Online is produced by the College of Veterinary Medicine. Visit www.vet.k-state.edu/CE for more information.

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Congratulations to: Dr. Hans Coetzee who received a promotion to associate professor with tenure; Dr Butch KuKanich received promotion to associate professor with tenure; Dr. Masaaki Tamura was granted tenure; Dr. Ken Harkin received promotion to full professor; and Dr. Brad White received promotion to associate professor with tenure.

Place of birth: I was born and grew up in southeastern Pennsylvania in a suburban town called Quakertown, which is about 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

Family Information: .I live here in Manhattan with my partner, Megan Kennelly, who is a faculty member (horticultural pathologist and extension specialist) in plant pathology.

Pets: One cat, Smaug.

What is one of your most memorable vacations? our most recent trip to California in October, which included a 4 day trip to Yosemite National Park. I can't even describe the beauty of the valley or the surrounding areas or the simple joy that comes out of hiking the Half Dome trail. If you've been there, you know what I'm talking about, if you haven't, you should visit.

What are your current joys in life? I lead a fairly active life that includes sports (soccer, running, cycling, etc..), fishing, hunting, and hiking as well as home hobbies like books, movies, and household projects (e.g. puttering about the house).

What's your most effective way to relieve stress? I take pride in my research and my work, trying to ensure it is performed both well and correctly. I can't stand rudeness or narrow mindedness, and the best way for me to blow off some excess stress is to physically work it out of my system. Those exercise-induced brain endorphins really do the trick.

What do you look forward to daily? As for what I look forward to daily, I look forward to working in the lab, to lunchtime, and to seeing Megan again when we get home. When the weather turns and warms up, I look forward to playing soccer outside again, going fishing, going hiking, and working in the yard/garage at home.

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From left: Diana Stroble and Charlie Stroble (Hay and Forage
Committee), Elk County; Mark Nelson, Kansas Farm Bureau; Dana
Pieper (Beef Committee), Rooks County; Dr. Dan Thomson (Animal
Health Committee), K- State; and Scott Pfortmiller (Swine
Committee), Stafford County.