Lifelines - December 2012
The official newsletter of the College of Veterinary Medicine
December 2012 - Vol. 7, No. 12
Top Stories
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Iman Research Award
Under the Microscope
Dr. Nagaraja receives Iman Award
Faculty research award includes $5,000 prize
Dr. T.G. Nagaraja, university distinguished professor of microbiology in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology (DM/P) recently received a $5,000 Iman Outstanding Faculty Award for Research at the K-State Alumni Association. This was one of two different awards given to outstanding faculty at K-State. Joining the K-State faculty in 1980, Dr. Nagaraja’s research program has focused primarily on microbiology of the gastrointestinal tract of cattle, particularly of the rumen, the first of the four compartments of the complex stomach. His research program is geared toward supporting the beef industry in Kansas, contributing primarily to the in-feed use of antibiotics, causes and preventions of digestive disorders, such as acidosis, bloat and liver abscesses. In the past 10 years, his research has focused on preharvest food safety, particularly of the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 in beef cattle. His nominator, Dr. M.M. Chengappa, university distinguished professor and DM/P department head, said, “Dr. Nagaraja is an exceptional scholar and recognized both nationally and internationally for the caliber of his research and expertise. He brings enormous visibility not only to the department and college, but also to the university and the state of Kansas.” The recipient of the Iman Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching is Andrew Barkley, agricultural economics professor in the College of Agriculture. Barkley teaches courses in agricultural economics and public policy. He is a frequently requested speaker on the topics of motivation, teaching, higher education and agricultural and public policy. “We are so pleased to honor these outstanding K-State faculty members,” said Amy Button Renz, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association. “They are certainly worthy of this special recognition. We also are grateful to Ron and Rae Iman for their generous commitment to make these awards possible.” Past CVM winners of the Iman Award include Drs. Dan Marcus (Anatomy and Physiology) for research and Derek Mosier (Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology) for teaching. Both of these awards were announced in 2009. The Imans live in Albuquerque, N.M., and are life members of the K-State Alumni Association and serve as KSU Foundation trustees. The annual Dr. Ron and Rae Iman Outstanding Faculty Awards are sponsored by the K-State Alumni Association and are made possible through the generosity of Dr. Ron and Rae Iman. |
Mapping the Genome
K-Staters partner in Swine Genome Sequencing Consortium
An international scientific collaboration that includes two CVM researchers is bringing home the bacon when it comes to potential animal and human health advancements, thanks to successfully mapping the genome of the domestic pig. The sequenced genome gives researchers a genetic blueprint of the pig. It includes a complete list of DNA and genes that give pigs their traits like height and color. Once all of the genetic information is understood, scientists anticipate improvements to the animal's health as well as human health, as pigs and humans share similar physiologies. "With the sequenced genome we have a better blueprint than we had before about the pig's genetics and how those genetic mechanisms work together to create, such as the unique merits in disease resistance," said Dr. Yongming Sang, research assistant professor in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology. For three years, Dr. Sang worked on the genome sequencing project with Dr. Frank Blecha, associate dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine and university distinguished professor of anatomy and physiology. A report of the international study appears as the cover story for the Nov. 15 issue of the journal Nature. Learn more about this project in the video below:
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Video produced by Joseph Chapes and Kent Nelson, technology coordinators from Computing and Technical Support (CATS). |
Third-year student takes rescue training course in Nicaragua
By Rebecca Martineau Disasters across the world compromise the welfare of both humans and animals in the area. The World Vets organization works to secure veterinary aid in these situations. The first step for World Vets volunteers is a Technical Animal Rescue course to prepare both students and professionals. Laura Schurr, a third year student, took this one week program over Thanksgiving break as an alternative mentorship requirement. Laura was the only veterinary student at the training, among two other Americans and four Nicaraguans. “It was interesting to see what goes into disaster planning and where my role would be,” Laura said. “I found that my skills would probably be most useful in triage, away from the actual disaster.” The FEMA-certified course takes place in Granada, Nicaragua, and focuses on preparing interested participants to be called upon by World Vets in the event of a disaster. The sessions include practice with basic rescue skills, such as anchor systems, hydraulics training and restraint techniques. Participants also focus on the flow of disaster relief, organization and planning in high stress events. They also receive surgical training within the Granada community, helping to spay, neuter and de-worm local dogs. World Vets programs can be found in 36 countries around the world. When these disaster situations arise, such as the Thailand tsunami or Haiti earthquake, the program deploys volunteers to that area. These volunteers can be veterinary professionals, students or simply interested individuals. However the technical rescue course is a requirement for interested volunteers. Laura hopes to be deployed with the program in the future, recommending both the course and the World Vets organization as a whole. To see a video of Laura’s training from World Vets, visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OKgoK-hrOI
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Dr. Dan Thomson nabs APLU teaching award
A CVM faculty member is one of six professors throughout the country to win a 2012 Excellence in College and University Teaching in the Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Teaching Award. |
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CVM partners with Helping Hands Humane Society for spay/neuter services
by Rebecca Martineau For nine weeks during the fall semester, 230 dogs from Topeka's Helping Hands Humane Society and other organizations are admitted to K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine to be spayed or neutered. Third-year students learn surgical techniques while Kansas State faculty who are board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons supervise the surgeries. The students learn blood collection, physical examination, anesthesia, tissue handling, suturing and post-surgery monitoring. The students work in groups of four, rotating responsibilities weekly to broaden their experience. “This is the first time in the curriculum that students use what they learned in class and apply it to a hands on experience,” said Deb Skaggs, veterinary technician, describing the nine-week collaboration as an excellent educational experience. The program is a win-win situation for both the CVM and the Humane Society. Because Kansas state law requires animals to be spayed or neutered at adoption, the service greatly improves the efficiency of the adoption program from the Humane Society. Undergraduate veterinary students at the CVM have the opportunity to learn surgery under the guidance of professionals, while practicing other vital clinical skills. Both parties are invested in student education and the well-being of the dogs that pass through the system. Soon-to-be-adopted pets are also vaccinated, dewormed, and may have other beneficial health procedures performed during their stay. “The program is a great way to accomplish something great for both of us,” said Bill Acree, director of the Helping Hands Humane Society. “We love collaborating with K-State to benefit animal welfare and education.” Before and after the surgery, the students spend time interacting with the dogs, socializing them before their return to Topeka. Students often teach basic commands to the dogs. As a result, bonds are formed between the students and their patients, resulting in many student adoptions of these dogs. “It’s hugely rewarding, teaching skills that students will use every single day in the veterinary profession, as well as providing a service to the community and a better chance for the dogs to get healthy and adopted,” Skaggs said. Skaggs is also the proud owner of Emmy, a corgi adopted through the program.
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New ‘Pet Friendly’ License Plate
The College of Veterinary Medicine has unveiled a new way to support Kansas Shelter Medicine. The Pet Friendly license plate will be made available to Kansas residents. For information, see www.vet.k-state.edu/depts/development/license.htm, call 1-855-269-7387 or e-mail: petplate@vet.k-state.edu.
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Veterinary Health Center communications update
The Veterinary Health Center is taking new initiatives to provide client education and communication opportunities online. The VHC has established a Facebook page with the goal of increasing interactions between clients, donors, friends and referring veterinarians. The page will highlight daily happenings, as well as provide information from our expert veterinarians on animal health care. We encourage faculty, staff and students to go online and “like” the new page at facebook.com/VeterinaryHealthCenter. In addition to the Facebook page, the Pet Health Center is beginning an e-newsletter “PawPads” for monthly distribution to Pet Health Center clients. This will feature advice from our PHC veterinarians, as well as news, tips and events. Join the list by subscribing at www.vet.ksu.edu/depts/vhc/phc or on the VHC Facebook page. |
KLF awards large animal scholarships
Kelsey Schnoebelen (class of 2015) and Michelle Colgan (class of 2013) have been chosen to each receive a $1,500 Ralgro Wheels for Bucks scholarship from Merck Animal Health and Kansas Livestock Foundation. This award recognizes Kansas State University veterinary school students with a career goal of being a large animal veterinarian. Both hope to work in rural Kansas after graduation. |
Dr. Scott Hay receives alumni award at AAEP conference
Dr. Scott Hay, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is the recipient of K-State’s 2012 Alumni Recognition Award for the annual conference of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) in Anaheim, Calif., on Dec. 3. Dr. Hay received his DVM from K-State in 1988. After spending a few months as a staff veterinarian at Ottawa Veterinary Clinic in Ottawa, Kan., he moved to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to work with Teigland, Franklin and Brokken, DVMs. Dr. Hay is now the president and managing partner of the business, focusing on horseracing and the treatment of racetrack thoroughbreds. His primary interests lie in lameness evaluations and purchase examinations. Dr. Hay particularly enjoys consulting with and advising clients on their potential purchases at thoroughbred auctions. Dr. Hay has had a lifelong interest in both horses and veterinary medicine. His late father, Dr. William Hay, who earned his DVM at K-State in 1952, was a veterinarian in Ottawa, Kan., who raised and raced American Quarter Horses. Scott shares his father’s passion for racing American Quarter Horses and as a teenager, competed with their horses in roping events at local rodeos. “It is a tremendous honor being chosen for this award particularly knowing some of the names that have preceded me,” Dr. Hay said. “It is extremely humbling to be included in that group.” “We’re very proud to recognize Dr. Hay for this award, particularly because of the broad and extensive leadership role he has had as an AAEP member,” said Dr. Ralph Richardson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “His commitment to the veterinary profession and equine industry is outstanding, showing that it’s possible to successfully combine one’s passions on both a professional and personal level.” Dr. Hay has held numerous positions with the AAEP, including a stint on its board of directors, serving on the Professional Conduct and Ethics committee, and being the facilitator of the Purchase Examination at Public Auction Forum. Currently he is serving on the Racing Committee, Executive Director Review Committee, and is the moderator for the AAEP Racing Rounds. In addition to his involvement with AAEP, Dr. Hay is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Florida Veterinary Medical Association and Florida Association of Equine Practitioners. He has also served on the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Advisory Committee. Dr. Hay is married to Darlene, and they have three children: Baylee, Lindsay and Kylee.
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Rhonda Coffman,
Diagnostic Laboratory Office SupervisorNews Ticker
Cat Town wrap-up: Thanks to hosts and sponsors
The Development and Alumni Office would like to thank the participants of this season’s Cat Town tailgates. The host organizations include: Exotic Animal Medicine Club, Canine Club, the student chapter of AABP, the student chapter of AAEP, Christian Veterinary Mission Foundation, Theriogenology Club and the student chapter of AVMA. Sponsors of the tailgate include: Novartis, Cox Bros BBQ, MS Biotech, Elanco Animal Health and Curtin Property Company.
The cooker was originally donated to the college by Emporia Veterinary Hospital, East Emporia Veterinary Clinic and Dr. Louis Wempe, class of 1949. It was repainted this year by VMAA president Dr. Justin Janssen. |
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Calendar of events
General College/Alumni Events
Dec. 18: Dean’s Office Holiday Open House, 2:30- 4:00pm.
Continuing Education events
Jan 11: Conference on Reproduction, Calving and Calf Care in Cow-Calf Herds, http://www.vet.k-state.edu/CE/Conference.htm
Feb. 9: 2nd Annual Conference on Animal Diagnostics and Field Applications: Food Animal Medicine, Frick Auditorium, www.ksvdl.org
March 2: Veterinary Technician Conference
New Arrivals/Recent Departures
Welcome to:
Kelsey Donnelly, Veterinary Technician I, VHC
Thanks and Goodbye to:
Jessica Anderson, Senior Admin Assistant, VHC
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 Rebecca Martineau, beccamm@vet.k-state.edu.