Lifelines Online
Monthly Newsletter
October 2025 - Vol. 20, No. 10
< September 2025 | November 2025 >
Latest Headlines
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Fourth-year student receives prestigious Coyote Rock Canyon Scholarship
Fourth-year student Amanda Bolinger has been honing her knowledge and skills in the care and medical treatment of horses, and her efforts are now being recognized with the Coyote Rock Ranch Scholarship — one of the nation's top scholarships for veterinary students pursuing equine medicine. |
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Dr. Konnor Stueve dissects anatomy education to reach advanced learners
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Veterinary students corral scholarship awards at AABP
Forty-two scholarships were given at the 58th Annual Conference of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, or AABP, in Omaha, Nebraska, Sept. 11-13. Four of the scholarships went to two K-State veterinary students: Thomas Christensen II and Ivy Elkins. |
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A new tick appears in Kansas, but fighting it is a familiar mission for K-State
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Rising input costs and growing demands to improve cattle health are pushing producers to look closely at how they manage bovine respiratory disease (BRD), one of the beef industry’s most persistent health challenges. Researchers recently shared findings from three field trials that tested treatment strategies in real-world feedlot settings. |
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Where have animals tested positive for rabies in Kansas? By KSNT News Twenty positive cases of rabies have been recorded from the start of the year to Sept. 8, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Infections include everything from wildlife to household pets. |
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Santee Nation receives timely visit from Community Outreach team The Community Outreach team made a 5 1/2 hour trip to northern Nebraska to provide care for the Santee Nation. "We brought preventative medicine, spay/neuter and illness exams/ medications/ treatment options to a community that is underserved," said veterinary nurse Catherine Lowry. |
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Prevent Halloween pet scares with these tips from a K-State veterinarian Halloween's tricks and treats can be frighteningly risky for pets, but a few simple precautions can keep them safe during the holiday festivities. "There are many hazards associated with Halloween," said Dr. Susan Nelson, clinical professor and veterinarian in the Hill's Pet Health and Nutrition Center. |
Regular features
Alumni Events, Development and Continuing Education
The Veterinary Medical Alumni Association organizes alumni receptions at several of the national annual conferences plus continuing education events and more.
More Alumni Updates
Best of Richmond, Virginia, survey chooses Dr. Justin Jones '16 as best veterinarian

Congratulations are in order! Dr. Justin Jones, DVM class of 2016, and his clinic were picked by the Richmond Times-Dispatch in its Best of 2025 poll for the veterinarian category. "Thank you to everyone who voted and supported us," Dr. Jones posted on the Facebook page for Jones Veterinary Care PLLC. "Huge shout out to our staff- they are incredibly special and have embodied our mission to increase access to veterinary care."
Dr. Sarah Burkindine '02 publishes memoir on burnout and recovery

Dr. Sarah Burkindine is a member of the DVM class of 2002. She let us know she has written and self-published a memoir about her "journey through burnout and subsequent recovery, with the hope of helping others in the profession." She says, "My intention in sharing my story is to encourage others who may recognize themselves in my experiences to seek help sooner than I did."
The memoir, "Scarlet Macaw Ascending," is listed with Amazon and Apple Books.
Dr. Burkindine and her mobile veterinary service was featured in a profile in 2022. https://voyagekc.com/.../meet-sarah-burkindine-of-kc.../
Five of a kind: Veterinarians share stories about practicing in the Flint Hills of Kansas
Host Jeff Davidson introduces the panel for "Flint Hills Veterinarians Tell their Best Ranch Stories" at the "Fall Roundup" held at Matfield Green, a small community in the Flint Hills 78 miles south of Manhattan.

The veterinarian panel included four K-State alumni and an Oklahoma State alumna: Top row, from left: Dr. Duane Henrikson, DVM class of 1967, of Emporia; Dr. Jessica Gernhard, DVM class of 2019, of Marion; and Dr. Bill Brethour, DVM class of 1966, of Wamego. Bottom row: Dr. Tom Jernigan, DVM class of 1979, of Council Grove; and Dr. Audra Blasi, Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine graduate of 2014, of Council Grove.
Pioneer Bluffs is a historic ranch in Chase County, Kansas, located 1 mile north of the city of Matfield Green. The ranch was settled in 1859 by Charles W. Rogler, who originally used the land for his farm. Pioneer Bluffs serves as a gateway to understanding, interpreting and safeguarding the past, present and future of ranching in the Flint Hills for the ranching community and the public in general.
As part of its 2025 Fall Roundup event, a panel of experienced veterinarians were invited for a discussion titled, “Flint Hills Vets tell their Best Ranch Stories.” These ranch docs shared memorable experiences — funny, wild, sweet — working with horses, cattle, dogs and people on ranches across the Flint Hills. Four of the veterinarians were K-State alumni, who have all spent most of their careers practicing in the Flint HIlls. A video is posted on YouTube with the discussion on "most fulfilling moments" as a veterinarian.
Watch our newest video biographies online

Watch two of our newest alumni biography videos! From left: Dr. Tom Williams, DVM 1969, and Dr. Robert Cudney, DVM 1969. If you are interested in taking part in this exciting and meaningful project, please contact Sharon Greene at 785-532-4229 or sharong@vet.k-state.edu for more information.
Keep in touch with the K-State CVM and your classmates through the VMAA
As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the bonds within our alumni community, we're excited to announce a new initiative to keep you more connected than ever before.
Update Your Biography: Your journey since graduation is an essential part of our shared history. We invite you to update your biography in our alumni database. Whether you've recently embarked on a new career path, achieved a personal milestone or relocated, we want to hear about it! By keeping your bio current, you help us celebrate your successes and ensure our records accurately reflect the vibrant lives of our alumni.
Join Alumni Groups and Associations: We're also encouraging you to add yourself to alumni groups or professional associations you are a part of within Wild Apricot. These groups are designed to bring together alumni with shared interests, professions or geographic locations. By joining, you'll receive tailored communications about events, networking opportunities and news relevant to your group. It's a fantastic way to stay involved, meet fellow alumni and expand your professional and personal networks.
How to Get Started:
- Log in to Wild Apricot
- Click your name in the upper right-hand corner of your screen.
- Click edit profile.
- Make any necessary updates
- Browse the available groups and associations and join those that resonate with you. Also, if you are a part of those not listed, please email vmaa@vet.k-state.edu
- Update your biography in our Alumni Database to reflect your latest achievements and life changes.
By keeping your information up-to-date and joining relevant groups, you'll not only stay informed but also contribute to the strength and unity of our alumni community.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at vmaa@vet.k-state.edu. We're here to help!
Upcoming receptions at national conferences
2025 AAEP Reception
Denver, Colorado
6-8 pm, Monday, Dec. 8
Bar AC
750 15th St
Please RSVP through the links at our receptions web page.
Submit nominations for Alumni Recognition Awards online
See our new online nomination form to nominate a fellow alumnus for one of our many annual recognition awards, presented at the national conferences: VMX, WVC, AVMA and the Annual Conference for Veterinarians. See full details at the link below.
https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_08LT9Mrrwr4PQjA
In Memoriam - Recently Departed Alumni
*Click names (when underlined) to see obituaries
Dr. Clair E. Butler, DVM 1955
Sept. 3, 2025
Dr. Allen Roy Deets, DVM 1977
May 10, 2025
Dr. Paul Anthony Friesen, DVM 1987
July 19, 2025
CVM Alumni and Events Staff
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News Ticker
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More news from the college
National Academy of Medicine highlights Dr. Juergen Richt with the rest of the new inductees
"I am honored to share that I have been inducted into the National Academy of Medicine," said Dr. Juergen Richt, regents distinguished professor, university distinguished professor in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology, and Kansas Bioscience Authority eminent scholar, "This recognition is especially meaningful, as I am the first person from Kansas State University to receive this distinction and one of the few veterinarians ever inducted. I am grateful to my colleagues, mentors, collaborators and students who have been part of this journey and proud to represent my institution and the veterinary profession at the national level. Go Cats!" See the full story as posted in K-State professor elected to prestigious National Academy of Medicine as originally posted in October 2024. In the inset picture, Dr. Richt is joined by Dr. Hans Coetzee, K-State's vice president for research, and K-State President Richard Linton. On stage, Dr. Victor J. Dzau, NAM president, presents the honors to Dr. Richt.
A new outstanding scholar from the veterinary college: Dr. Laura Miller
"This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and collaborative spirit of my entire team and mentors," Dr. Miller said. "It was a privilege to accept the award and share the moment with key supporters like Interim Dean Beth Davis, DMP Department Head Dr. Derek Mosier and Erin Schirtzinger, my exceptional lab manager/research assistant professor. A special personal shout-out to my brother for making the trip from California to celebrate." The tribute shared during the ceremony summarized Dr. Miller's impact as an associate professor: "[She] has rapidly established herself as a global leader in veterinary immunology.... her research on host immune responses to viral pathogens has advanced disease control and vaccine development ... As a dedicated mentor ... she has held national leadership roles, including president of the American Association of Veterinary Immunologists." Dr. Miller added, "I am incredibly grateful for the platform K-State provides to conduct impactful research and mentor the next generation of scientists. Congratulations to all the other distinguished awardees — I look forward to our continued collaboration and contributions."
Fine with swine
Congratulations to the CVM's Dr. Jordan Gebhardt (circled above) and the K-State Applied Swine Nutrition team on receiving the 2025 Don L. Good Impact Award at the K-State Animal Sciences and Industry's Family and Friends Reunion Oct. 18. Presented by the Livestock and Meat Industry Council (LMIC), this award recognizes individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the livestock and meat industry. The swine team was honored for its decades of impact through applied research, producer collaboration and student training. Their work focuses on optimizing swine nutrition, improving feed efficiency, and supporting sustainable pork production. By addressing real-world challenges faced by producers, from diet formulation to in-barn management strategies, the team plays a critical role in enhancing animal well-being and driving innovation across the pork industry.
Training Event for AABP Club Members and the Dairy Production ClassMcCarty Family Farms hosted an important animal welfare training event for members of the AABP club and students in the dairy production course. Accompanied by Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek, 12 veterinary students participated in the visit, which featured an educational seminar led by Matt Jones, vice president of operations at Validus.
The session emphasized the critical link between animal welfare, ethical care practices, and on-farm productivity, while also highlighting how proper animal handling supports transparency and consumer trust.
More updatesThe Shelter Medicine Community Outreach team partnered with Wayside Waifs in Kansas City to provide community vaccination clinics the last few weeks of September. The clinic offers low-cost vaccination clinics that are open to everyone in the Kansas City area. The clinics are an essential part of the work to keep people and pets together. The Livestock Field Services team provided veterinary care at the 92nd Kansas Junior Livestock Show in Hutchinson, Kansas, Oct. 3 to 5. Drs. Katie Delph Miller and Chris Blevins received a Transforming Equine Practice Grant from the Foundation For The Horse, to support the Future Equine Vet program to help with travel expenses for student equine externships. Members of the equine section attended the ribbon cutting for K-State’s new Bilbrey Family Event Center on Oct. 10. The facility will host numerous equine events, classes and programs (including the K-State Rodeo) starting spring 2026. Dr. Tom Schermerhorn is presenting at the Massachusetts VMA conference Oct. 25-26 in Springfield, Massachusetts. His lecture is titled, “The Promise of SGLT-2 Inhibitors for Treatment of Feline Diabetes Mellitus.” |
New Arrivals/Recent Departures
CVM News Feed is published each month by the Marketing and Communications Office at the College of Veterinary Medicine. The editors are Rylee Coy, ryleec@vet.k-state.edu and Joe Montgomery, jmontgom@vet.k-state.edu.









Anna Harris
The second class of
The K-State applied swine nutrition team accepts the Don L. Good Impact Award. From left: Joel DeRouchey, Dr. Jordan Gebhardt, Mike Tokach, Bob Goodband, Jason Woodworth and Katelyn Gaffield