Lifelines
The official newsletter of the College of Veterinary Medicine
June 2011 - Vol. 6, No. 6
Top StoriesMother of four earns DVM
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Under the Microscope
Mother of four overcomes challenges to earn DVM
Story by Dana Avery
Walking across a stage at graduation brings a lot of emotions for many students. For one veterinary student, this day meant overcoming the challenge of balancing school and family responsibilities. Melanie Summers earned her DVM this year. She is a wife and a mother of four (Braxton, 7, Sienna, 5, Aspen, 3, and Taylin, 11 months). “I always wanted to be a veterinarian,” she said. “When I told people I wanted to go to veterinary school, they were surprised. I didn’t hear it while I was in school. But when I was done with school, people would come up and tell me how they were surprised I graduated. I didn’t let people’s doubts discourage me from going after my dreams. I used it as motivation.” Though having a family did come with some challenges in itself, Melanie felt that balancing time and studies was always the biggest obstacle. There were days when the kids would get sick and her husband, Clint, would take off work when he could. When Clint couldn’t take off work, Melanie would take the children to school with her. “There were times when my kids would come to lectures with me because something would come up,” Melanie said. “They would either color or play with electronics while I was listening to the instructor.” Melanie says she felt she was limiting her children because they couldn’t be involved in extracurricular activities due to her school work. She hopes to change that in the upcoming year. Melanie said she is grateful for her education at K-State because the clinicians were really good about working with her. To her, family was the most important thing and the clinicians understood. This carried over into a scary situation for Melanie when her daughter Sienna became sick. “I was working at an externship when I found out my daughter had E. coli,” Melanie said. “She was in the hospital for about a week. The doctors didn’t know what caused it, but I was scared that I was the reason for it. I was working around cattle at the time, and I didn’t know if I had brought something home with me.” As the school year wrapped up, Melanie said this marked a big sigh of relief for her. |
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Graduation meant she could spend more time with her children and watch them grow up; she would no longer have to worry about what time she would be done with clinics and who would pick up the kids; she could spend time with family; and she had fulfilled her dream of becoming a veterinarian. “Graduation was really emotional for me,” she said. “There were times when it was hard and I kept wondering if it was ever going to come. I am so thankful for everything I have. I get to be a veterinarian and I have my family.” Melanie will be working at a mixed animal practice in Atchison, Kan., with three other veterinarians including fellow student Chris Hansen. She was excited for the opportunity, but wants people to realize anyone can accomplish his or her dreams while working through personal challenges. “Realize you can do anything despite what the issue may be,” she said. ”You can push yourself. The challenge might not be kids, but it might be something else that people don’t know about. It’s important to follow your dreams and not give up.”
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Hats off to the class of 2011
On May 13, 107 students earned their DVMs. Commencement was held in McCain Auditorium. Congratulations class of 2011! A graduate says, "Thanks!" - written by Dr. Kimberley Hosking, class of 2011:
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Reunited: Class reunions highlight annual conference
Several reunions were held in conjunction with the 73rd Annual Conference for Veterinarians. Classes going back each five years got together at different locations. Our video crew tracked the class of 1981. Check out the video below, and be sure to start thinking about your class's next reunion.
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Video produced by Joseph Chapes and Kent Nelson, technology coordinators from | |
Activities abound at Annual Conference for Veterinarians
This year's Annual Conference featured an amazing array of activities for all. Check out some of these offerings in this photo gallery.
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KVMA Awards include several CVM alumni/faculty
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Elective course makes history on veterinary website
The year, 2011, marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the first veterinary school in the world at Lyon, France in 1761 followed by the school at Alfort near Paris in 1764. This monumental work was the inspiration of the French veterinarian Claude Bourgelat (1721-1779) who was appointed director and inspector general of the school by King Louis XV’s Royal Council of State. This formally initiated the beginning of the veterinary medical profession. The primary purpose was to open a school to train veterinarians to eradicate livestock diseases such as Rinderpest. However, as a result of Bourgelat’s collaboration with surgeons in Lyon, he was also the first scientist to suggest that studying animal biology and pathology would help to improve our understanding of human biology and pathology, the beginning of the concept of “One Medicine – One Health.” Some of the topics covered in this elective are:
Each student enrolled in the course is required to write a paper on some topic related to the history of veterinary medicine, to prepare a PowerPoint presentation on their topic, and some students have the opportunity to present their papers in class. Students are encouraged to submit their papers for the J. Fred Smithcors Essay contest, a national contest sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical History Society. The winning essays are published in Veterinary Heritage and they have also been featured in the JAVMA. Essays are also posted on the course web site for all students to read. Winning essays in the Smithcors essay contest from Kansas State University students in recent years are as follows:
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The elective course, AP780, History of Veterinary Medicine, has been accredited to celebrate World Veterinary Year, the 250th Anniversary of the First Veterinary School. The course was accredited by the U.S. Vet2011 Accreditation Subcommittee of the U.S. National Vet2011 Committee organized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The course will be included on the Vet2011 International website (
President says K-State becoming animal health leader
For proof that Kansas State University is a leader in animal health, look no farther than the national research centers that have come to Manhattan because of the university's expertise. That was the message K-State President Kirk Schulz had today for those attending an animal health summit hosted by Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback at Kansas Farm Bureau. Schulz named some of these centers: the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, a national center for animal health; ABADRU, which left Wyoming to relocate in Manhattan and studies arthropod-borne animal diseases; and CEEZAD, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security center that focuses on emerging and zoonotic diseases. "All of these are here because of the expertise we currently have, as well as our plans for growing this area aggressively in the future," Schulz said. K-State wants to be a national leader in animal health, he said. As Schulz led the university in creating a visionary plan for the future — K-State 2025 — he said one consideration was in what areas can K-State play a major role not just in Kansas, but also in the Midwest and the United States. "And animal infectious diseases is clearly one of the areas in which we will continue to excel," he said. K-State's particular expertise is in zoonotic diseases — those spread between animals and humans — and emerging disease threats. "The Biosecurity Research Institute here on campus at Pat Roberts Hall gives us the kind of facility we need to do these things aggressively," Schulz said. "As we hire more faculty and build on the expertise we currently have, the university will continue to be a national and emerging leader in this area." Moreover, Schulz said that K-State's strength in this area will help build up the animal health corridor that stretches from Columbia, Mo., to Manhattan. "We want to make sure we're a solid anchor tenant of this exciting enterprise that in the next decades will rival things like the research triangle in North Carolina and Silicon Valley in California," he said. Schulz also said the university was behind Gov. Brownback's desire to have a nationally recognized veterinary medicine school in the state. Schulz said K-State was working toward making its superb College of Veterinary Medicine even better. |
150 Years of Kansas Beef
Don’t forget to order your '150 Year of Kansas Beef' commemorative book!
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Dr. James Coffman receives Distinguished Alumnus Award
Dr. James R. Coffman, Manhattan, Kan., is the recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Alumnus Award. This award is presented as part of the 73rd Annual Conference for Veterinarians on June 5. The Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes veterinarians who have had an outstanding career and have contributed to the success of the veterinary profession through service and professional organizations. Dr. Coffman earned a bachelor’s degree in 1960, DVM in 1962 and master’s degree in pathology in 1970, all from K-State. After earning his DVM, he operated a private equine practice in Wichita from 1962-1965. He returned to K-State and served on the faculty of the department of surgery and medicine from 1965-1969. After two years in private practice in Oklahoma City, “It is a real honor and very humbling to receive this award,” Dr. Coffman said. “The College of Veterinary Medicine has been a very important part of my life, and I was really fortunate to have the education and experience I received there. This goes far beyond the classroom and clinics – to mentoring and long-term relationships. I am extremely proud to be part of the veterinary medical profession. It is a unique mix of hands-on expertise, problem solving and leadership. I am especially grateful to the Veterinary Medical Alumni Association and Dean Richardson for making this possible.” “Dr. Jim Coffman has been an amazing leader with a career that spans the roles of veterinary practitioner, faculty member, department head of clinical sciences, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, and provost of Kansas State University,” said Dr. Ralph Richardson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “This award helps recognize an inspirational career, a great role model and a valuable colleague.” Dr. Coffman has been active in many professional organizations including: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), Phi Zeta, Gamma Sigma Delta, Phi Kappa Phi and Gold Key honor societies. With his expertise, Dr. Coffman has been recognized with numerous awards throughout his career. In 1969, he was a recipient of the Norden Distinguished Teaching Award in veterinary medicine. Dr. Coffman was awarded an Alumni Recognition Award by the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine at the AAEP convention in 2002. He is a Distinguished Life Member of AAEP. He has received the Iverson Bell Award from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges in 2005. During that same year, Dr. Coffman received K-State’s E.R. Frank Award. In 2010, Coffman Commons was dedicated on the K-State campus in honor of Dr. Coffman. Coffman Commons is an outdoor plaza with seating and garden areas located south of Hale library. Dr. Coffman is married to Sharon (Neill). They have three sons: David, Michael and Scott, and nine grandchildren. |
Dr. Fred Oehme accepts 2011 E.R. Frank Award
The E.R. Frank Award is presented to a faculty member who displays the same professional essence as Dr. Frank, who was a longtime faculty member in equine surgery and a K-State alumnus. Nominees must have at least a 15-year relationship with the college, possess a noteworthy record of service and display an unassuming and unpretentious manner throughout their careers. “The E.R. Frank Award has always held a special significance for me,” “This award is a tribute to the passion and commitment Dr. Oehme has had throughout his career at K-State,” said Dr. Ralph Richardson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “He has developed an international reputation for excellence in veterinary toxicology and, at the same time, exemplified what it means to be a team player, working with colleagues and students to foster an environment for academic excellence. We take great pride in celebrating not only Dr. Oehme’s professional career, but his personal character and compassion for others in our college.” Dr. Oehme, who was born in Leitzig, Germany, earned his bachelor’s degree and DVM in 1958 from Cornell University. He received his master’s degree in toxicology and medicine from Kansas State University in 1962. After receiving his DVM, Dr. Oehme went to work at a private practice in Maryland for a year. While earning his master’s degree at K-State, he worked as an assistant and associate professor in clinical medicine from 1959 to 1966. During his time at K-State, Dr. Oehme was a visiting professor at the Justus Liebig University-Giessen in Germany. In 1966, Dr. Oehme went to the University of Missouri for three years to work on his doctorate. He returned to K-State in 1969 as the director of comparative toxicology laboratories and held this position until his retirement in 2009. In 1973, Dr. Oehme also became a toxicology professor and taught for the next 36 years. After retiring, he has remained active in his professional activities and mentoring young colleagues when called upon. Dr. Oehme has been an active leader of many professional organizations. He is a diplomate for the American Board of Toxicology and the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology. He is a past president of the Society of Toxicology, American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and the World Federation of Clinical Toxicology and Poison Control Centers. Dr. Oehme served as a fellow for the American Academy of Veterinary and Comparative Toxicology, and is a fellow and diplomate for the Academy of Toxicology Services. Dr. Oehme is married to Pam. They have five children: Steve, Susan, Debra, Heidi and April. |
Dr. Frederick Oehme, Manhattan, Kan., has been named the 2011 E.R. Frank Award recipient. This award was presented at the 73 rd Annual Conference for Veterinarians on June 5.
BCI co-hosts beef performance and health training
The meetings are scheduled for June 14 in Colby; June 30 in Erie; July 6 in Holton; July 7 in Beloit; and July 12 in Pratt. The meetings are underwritten by the Kansas Beef Council and are free of charge to attendees. “Working together veterinarians and producers can improve consumers confidence in beef products,” said Dr. Dan Thomson, Jones professor of production medicine and epidemiology and director of the BCI. Producers will learn about new management practices for improving beef cattle health and production. All participants will learn about the new on-farm welfare assessment tools and leave the training BQA-certified. Veterinarians will be trained to perform welfare assessments for their clients. There also will be powerpoint, hand outs and other items included in a training kit for veterinarians for delivery to clients. Participants will learn about the Animal Care Training program ( www.animalcaretraining.org ), a national online program developed as a result of collaborations between NCBA, American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) and the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) with the BCI. "As new practices evolve or technologies emerge to improve animal welfare or food safety, we need a mechanism to rapidly share the information and training in remote locations. The goal of the Animal Care Training program is to use modern technology to reach rural areas and provide up-to-date continuing education for all people involved with raising beef and dairy cattle to improve animal welfare, food safety and environmental stewardship,” Beef consumers are more aware than ever before about the quality and safety of the food products they purchase. The BQA program is the cornerstone of the industry’s quality and safety efforts. The overarching goal of BQA is to deliver a healthy, safe and wholesome beef product to consumers. BQA includes hazard analysis and planning; proper vaccine handling; administration of vaccines at the proper injection site; management documentation and record keeping; proper cattle handling and cattle care. The afternoon workshops for producers begin at 11:30 a.m., include lunch and conclude at 3 p.m. Veterinarians are encouraged to attend evening meetings, which include dinner, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m. Participants are asked to register one week in advance of each respective session. For more information about the regional trainings, as well as more information about the BCI, go to http://beefcattleinstitute.org . For further information, participants can contact Abby Jones, (785) 532-3474 or Animal Care Training is an online training center managed by the BCI. More than 7,000 farmers, ranchers and veterinarians have already been registered in the Animal Care Training database for receiving beef and dairy cattle health and well-being training. Tools were developed by support by the NCBA, AABP, AVMA and LMA. |
Upcoming trainings hosted by the Beef Cattle Institute (BCI) at Kansas State University will focus on beef cattle performance and health. Producers and veterinarians can learn about advanced Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training, the new National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welfare assessment tools, animal husbandry best management practices and downed animal care and humane euthanasia training.
VMTH says thanks to house officers
The Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital said thanks and goodbye to its house officers in a special program held June 2. Each of the residents and interns received a plaque of recognition. Back row (left to right): Dr. Marjolaine Rousseau, Dr. Amy Armentrout, Dr. Mariana Crumley, Dr. Karie Vander Werf, Dr. Rodney Schnellbacher and
K-State dedicates new World War II Memorial
On Memorial Day, K-State held a special ceremony for the
unveiling of its World War II Memorial. The statue was designed by former CVM development director Tim Chapman. He served as
director from 1999 to 2006. Currently, Tim is president and CEO at the Fort Hays State University Foundation. The memorial is located
between McCain Auditorium and Fairchild Hall.
CVM recognizes employees of the year
The college also recognized employees for years of service. They are (as of Dec. 31, 2010): |
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5 Years 10 Years |
15 Years 20 Years |
25 Years 30 Years Retired in 2010 |
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Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
News Ticker
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Dr. Annelise Nguyen, assistant professor of toxicology, was elected president elect/vice president of the Central States - Society of Toxicology (CS-SOT) for the 2011-2012 term. Dr. William Fortney (in DM/P) presented 10 hours of lecture on small animal geriatrics and pediatrics at the Central Veterinary Conference in Washington D.C., April 26–27. Dr. Hans Coetzee presented at the UCVM Beef Cattle Conference in Calgary, Canada, May 18-19. His topics were “Pain management in Cattle; What’s in it for me” and “Pain assessment and management in cattle.” Dr. Larry Bramlage, AAEP On Call spokesperson and KSU class of 1975 DVM alumnus, was on hand at Churchill Downs assisting NBC Sports with horse health information regarding injured horse Archarcharch, who had sustained a lateral condylar fracture of the left front leg. He was featured on various video and online news reports during the Kentucky Derby. |
Susan Rose, animal facility manager, has had her artwork selected to be in a competition that will feature 150 Kansas-themed paintings. She has three paintings included in this special exhibit, which will be at Southwind Gallery in Topeka (http://www.southwindartgallery.com/). Called "Kansas-150," the exhibit is designed to honor the state’s birthday. There is also a book being published which will feature the art. The exhibit will run from June 15-July 15. The three pieces Susan entered are acrylic paintings: One features a burning prairie scene, one is a triptych of the Flint Hills with some Hereford cattle, and the third is a Flint Hills landscape. "I was really excited to be selected,especially because this was the first big juried show I entered," Susan said, "I also want to thank Dave Adams who helped to take the digital images I needed for my entry." Below is her painting, "Rite of Passage."
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The VMTH had two teaching assistants from Argentine universities observing theriogenology services during the month of May. Left to right: Dr. Maria Ferrer, Dr. Teresa Larrosa and Dr. Julieta Farias. They both work in equine reproduction in Argentina. Dr. Larrosa visited VMTH for two months and Dr. Farias visited for two weeks. 
Sheridan Reves, son of Rob and Lesa Reves, agricultural technicians, graduated with honors from Rock Creek High School on May 21. Sheridan will be attending Project SEARCH this fall, located at the K-State Union. SEARCH is a career training and placement program for young adults with special needs. This will be the first year for Project SEARCH.
Calendar of events
Continuing Education events
Aug 19: 5th Annual Conference for Care of Llamas and Alpacas (focused for veterinarians and breeders)
Sept. 24: SCAAEP Fall Equine Conference: A Focus on Reproduction.
Oct. 14: Ophthalmology Conference and Wet Lab
* More information about Veterinary Medical Continuing Education events can be found at the VMCE Web site.
New Arrivals/Recent Departures
Welcome to:
Amber Rice, Accountant II - VMTH
Wenbao Qi, Temporary Scholar - DM/P
Dr. Tonia Von Ohlen, Research Assistant Professor - DM/P
Dr. Huigang Shen, Post Doctoral Fellow, DM/P
Thanks and Goodbye to:
Jenny Cain, Administrative Assistant - A&P
Loryn Clauson, Senior Administrative Assistant- VMTH
Angela Watt, Veterinary Technician II, WMTH
Yvonne Bachura, Accountant I, DM/P
Dr. Marleen Cook, Assistant Scientist, A&P
Lifelines is published each month by the Development and Alumni Affairs Office at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
The editors are Joe Montgomery, jmontgom@vet.k-state.edu, and Dana Avery, dlaavery@vet.k-state.edu.