The AASV Foundation is pleased to announce the third year of the National Pork Industry Foundation’s (NPIF’s) funding to provide $3300 each for six US veterinary students to participate in a 1-month mentorship with a swine practitioner in the United States. The target applicants include students with an interest but little to no experience in swine medicine. The goal of the program is to attract additional veterinary students into swine medicine and to provide interested students with some exposure to the life of a swine veterinarian.
The AASV Student Recruitment Committee (AASV-SRC) developed the program to link each selected first- or second-year veterinary student with a practitioner mentor for 1 year. During the summer, the student is required to spend 1 month under the practitioner’s guidance in the field. The $3300 stipend is meant to defer costs of travel, lodging, and compensation for the 1-month period. In addition, the student is encouraged to attend both the AASV Annual Meeting and the Leman Conference.
The AASV-SRC is seeking six US swine practitioners to be mentors for these students. Commitments include answering one student’s questions regarding the industry throughout the year and hosting the student for a minimum of 1 month in the summer.
The practitioners who served as mentors for the 2009-2010 NPIF interns included veterinarians in a variety of practice situations, including mixed practice, corporate practice, and single- and multi-person swine practices. After hosting Emily Gordon (Purdue, class of 2012) at his practice, Dr Paul Armbrecht reported, “It was refreshing to have a young person visit us and provide us with a perspective that there are people who do want to go into a mixed-practice setting.” Dr Nathan Winkelman, who hosted intern Timothy Krebs (Cornell, class of 2013), said “Overall, I enjoyed being a mentor, trying to pass on my enthusiasm for my career choice and the swine industry.”
The student interns were very appreciative of the opportunities provided by their mentors. Lincoln Montgomery-Rodgers (Virginia-Maryland Regional CVM, class of 2012) noted, “This internship exceeded my expectations. Dr Whitt and the entire veterinary team at Cargill Pork were very good at involving me in their weekly conference calls and keeping me informed about the health issues they were dealing with long before I even met them.” Emily Gordon said, “Not only was I able to do all of the things I expected, but I was able to do a lot more. Dr Armbrecht was such a great mentor and he allowed me to gain a lot of hands-on experience.”
If you are interested in being a practitioner mentor, please contact Dr Amanda Ness at amanda.ness@boehringer-ingelheim.com.
Nominate exceptional colleagues for AASV awards
Do you know an AASV member whose dedication to the association and the swine industry is worthy of recognition? The AASV Awards Committee requests nominations for the following five awards to be presented at the upcoming AASV annual meeting in Phoenix.
Howard Dunne Memorial Award – Given annually to an AASV member who has made a significant contribution and rendered outstanding service to the AASV and the swine industry.
Meritorious Service Award – Given annually to an individual who has consistently given time and effort to the association in the area of service to the AASV members, AASV officers, and the AASV staff.
Swine Practitioner of the Year – Given annually to the swine practitioner (AASV member) who has demonstrated an unusual degree of proficiency in the delivery of veterinary service to his or her clients.
Technical Services/Allied Industry Veterinarian of the Year – Given annually to the technical services or allied industry veterinarian who has demonstrated an unusual degree of proficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of veterinary service to his or her company and its clients as well as given tirelessly in service to the AASV and the swine industry.
Young Swine Veterinarian of the
Year – Given annually to a swine veterinarian who is an
AASV member, 5 years or less post graduation, who has demonstrated
the ideals of exemplary service and proficiency early in his or her
career.
Nominations are due December 15. The nomination letter should specify the award and cite the qualifications of the candidate for the award. Submit to: AASV, 830 26th Street, Perry, IA 50220, Fax: 515-465-3832, E-mail: aasv@aasv.org.
Applicants sought for Alternate Student Delegate on AASV Board of Directors
The AASV Student Recruitment Committee is accepting applications for veterinary students interested in serving as the Alternate Student Delegate on the AASV Board of Directors. This student will represent student interests and serve as a non-voting member of the AASV board. This experience will provide the student with a unique perspective of the inner workings of the AASV. The term of service is 2 years: the first year as alternate student delegate and the second year as the student delegate.
The alternate student delegate and student delegate are required to attend the AASV board’s two meetings each year: the spring meeting, held during the AASV Annual Meeting, and the fall meeting, which is usually held in October. The student delegate presents a summary of board activities to the student membership at the student breakfast during the AASV Annual Meeting, and should reemphasize all student opportunities in AASV to the student members at that time. In addition, the delegate and alternate delegate are voting members of the AASV Student Recruitment Committee and are invited to participate in committee conference calls and meetings. The delegates receive reimbursement to cover travel and lodging expenses for the fall board meeting and transportation expenses for the spring meeting.
Interested students must be members of AASV in their freshman or sophomore years. Applicants are required to submit the following documentation to the AASV (830 26th Street, Perry, IA 50220-2328; E-mail: aasv@aasv.org).
1. An introductory letter, not to exceed one page, explaining why they want to serve as the Alternate Student Delegate for AASV, and their level of interest or background in swine medicine.
2. A one- or two-page resume featuring the student’s interest and experience in production medicine, particularly swine medicine.
3. A statement of recommendation from a faculty member.
The deadline for submission of necessary documentation is November 12, 2010. The delegate will be chosen by members of the AASV Student Recruitment Committee following review of the submitted materials.
The term of service is 2 years, beginning at the AASV Annual Meeting. During the first year, the student will serve as the Alternate Student Delegate. The alternate delegate will automatically succeed as Student Delegate, beginning at the annual meeting the following year. The alternate delegate will serve in the capacity of delegate if the selected Student Delegate is unable to carry out his or her duties. Each year, a new alternate delegate is selected by the AASV Student Recruitment Committee.
Questions may be directed to the chair of the AASV Student Recruitment Committee, Dr Blaine Tully: btully@shpswine.com.
AASV represented in the AVMA House of Delegates
The AASV was represented in the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA’s) House of Delegates (HOD) during its meeting prior to the AVMA’s annual convention in Atlanta on July 29 and 30. The HOD is the principal body within the AVMA responsible for establishing policy and providing direction for matters relating to veterinary medicine. Each state veterinary medical association and allied organization (including AASV) is represented in the HOD by a delegate and an alternate delegate, Dr Bill Hollis and Dr Jennifer Greiner, respectively, for AASV.
During this session, the HOD considered a number of resolutions brought forward by the delegates. The first was a resolution initiated by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association recommending a third party evaluation of the AVMA Council on Education’s accreditation practices for foreign veterinary schools. This resolution, opposed by AASV, was defeated following discussion which revealed that the current process is subject to external review. The discussion renewed support for the need for AVMA to take the lead on the accreditation process.
Two additional resolutions were brought forth by the AVMA Executive Board in response to the recommendations of the AVMA’s Antimicrobial Use Task Force (AUTF; Dr John Waddell represented AASV on the AUTF). One called for the adoption of the following statement: “…the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) believes that veterinarians should be involved in the decision-making process for the use of antimicrobials in animals regardless of the distribution channels through which the antimicrobials were obtained.” The second sought to establish veterinary foresight and expertise in antimicrobial discussions – in essence formalizing the necessity for AVMA to be an active participant in antimicrobial discussions. The AASV supported both of these resolutions, considering the wording in the first to be consistent with our existing judicious use guidelines, and AVMA is already actively participating in the discussions associated with antimicrobial use. Both were approved.
The AASV would like to thank Drs Hollis and Greiner for their willingness to represent the interests of swine veterinarians and provide leadership in the allied caucus and discussions of issues of importance to AASV members. Dr Hollis will serve one more year as the AASV delegate, at which time Dr Greiner will assume that role. If you are interested in representing AASV as the alternate delegate, please contact Dr Tom Burkgren (aasv@aasv.org) or Dr Harry Snelson (snelson@aasv.org).
Schwartz named Faculty Member of the Year
Dr Kent Schwartz was selected as the 2010 Faculty Member of the Year by Iowa State University’s (ISU’s) College of Veterinary Medicine. The award was presented during the college’s fall convocation on September 1. In presenting the award, Dr John Thomson cited Schwartz’s tireless service and countless contributions that embody the tri-partite mission (service, teaching, and applied research) of the college.
“Dr Schwartz clearly appreciates that the primary reason the college exists is to prepare professional students to be great practitioners,” said Dr Pat Halbur, professor and chair of the college’s Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine. “His commitment to customer service, diagnostic medicine, personalized approach to professional mentorship, and problem-solving intellect have long been respected by food-animal practitioners and diagnosticians throughout North America.”
Schwartz is a food-animal clinician at ISU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2009, he received the AASV’s Howard Dunne Memorial Award. He represents District 6 on the AASV Board of Directors and chairs the AASV Swine Health Committee. Schwartz is also a member of the National Pork Board Swine Health and Comprehensive Surveillance committees.
Dr Fred Sick receives 2010 Switzer Award in Veterinary Medicine
Dr Fred Sick was recognized with the William P. Switzer Award in Veterinary Medicine on August 13 at the Research Day luncheon of the Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The award, given annually, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society through their achievements, or have made major contributions to the enhancement of the College of Veterinary Medicine. The award was presented by Dr Eldon Uhlenhopp, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Outreach and Operations.
During his career, Dr Sick has dedicated himself to service to his community, profession, colleagues, and students. His strong commitment has been a continual inspiration to others. “Dr Sick’s record of service is remarkable,” said Dr Uhlenhopp. “He has always been a committed supporter of our college and the veterinary profession. It is truly an honor to present this award to him.” After graduating from Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1974, Dr Sick was a private practitioner in Sioux Center, Iowa. In 1997, he joined the staff at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc, as the site veterinarian at the company’s Sioux Center facility.
Active in organized veterinary medicine, Dr Sick is a past president of both the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the Northwest Iowa Veterinary Medical Association. He currently serves as the advisor to the pre-veterinary clubs at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, and Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. He has also served as a mentor to many veterinary students whom he recruited into the profession. Dr Sick has been an AASV member since 1984.
Dr Sick is a native of Iowa. He and his wife, Geralyn, live in Sioux Center. They have two daughters, both registered nurses (Michelle, who lives in Ames, and Shari, who lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota) and four grandchildren.
AASV submits comments on VFD rule
The AASV has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding a request from the agency for information relating to the veterinary feed directive (VFD). On March 29, 2010, the FDA announced an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010–6872.pdf) to solicit comments from the public regarding potential changes to its current regulation related to VFD drugs. The agency is requesting public comment on all aspects of the VFD regulation, particularly suggestions related to improving efficiency. This information may be used to help draft a proposed rule in the near future.
The VFD regulation, which became effective on January 8, 2001, established requirements relating to the distribution and use of VFD drugs and animal feeds containing such drugs. The FDA reaffirmed that certain new animal drugs should be approved for use in animal feed only if these medicated feeds are administered under a veterinarian’s order and professional supervision. Currently, there are only two approved VFD animal drug products, Nuflor and Pulmotil, both approved for use in swine.
The FDA has received a number of informal general comments that characterize the current VFD process as being overly burdensome. In addition, there are concerns that the process in its current form will become particularly problematic to administer in the future as the number of approved VFD animal drugs increases. When veterinary oversight of a medicated feed is determined to be necessary, it is critically important that such oversight be facilitated through an efficient VFD process.
The AASV comment can be viewed online at http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#home by entering the docket number FDA-2010-N-0155 in the search box and scrolling down to find the AASV comment.
Kelly named Boilermaker Honoree
American Association of Swine Veterinarians member Dr Jason Kelly, a 2003 graduate of the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine, was recently recognized as a Boilermaker 40 Under 40 honoree. The 40 Under 40 recognizes young Purdue graduates who are making a profound difference in their professions, communities, our nation, and the world.
Kelly used his time at Purdue to participate in research projects and connect with alumni in his field. “Faculty at Purdue were kind enough to allow participation on special projects and to get me into contact with influential people that could provide excellent off-campus learning experiences,” he notes.
After receiving his bachelor’s in animal science and doctorate in veterinary medicine (DVM), both from Purdue, Kelly started at Suidae Health Production in Iowa in 2003. He has since became an owner and is currently a managing partner in the practice. He continues to enrich the veterinary field with herd-health and production consulting and journal publications, and by speaking at veterinary and swine producer meetings all over the world.
In 2008, Kelly was named the first Young Swine Vet of the Year by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV), an award that is now given annually to an AASV member within 5 years of graduation who has demonstrated exemplary service and proficiency early in his or her career. “I enjoy working with pig farmers who are dedicated to providing safe, nutritious, and great-tasting pork to the world,” he says. “Our clients are passionate about what they do. It is exciting to be able to help them succeed.”
Swine Disease Manual, 4th edition, available for purchase online
The American Association of Swine Veterinarians has published the 4th edition of the Swine Disease Manual, edited by Drs Eric Neumann, Alex Ramirez, and Kent Schwartz. The 4th edition has been completely revised and updated, and includes new information on clostridial disease, salmonellosis, porcine circovirus, and more. View sample pages at http://ecom.aasv.org/sdm.
The Swine Disease Manual provides a concise overview of diseases and syndromes affecting swine and serves as an informative reference for students, instructors, practitioners, technicians, and anyone working in the swine industry.
The 170-page soft-cover book groups diseases by etiologic agent. For each disease, it includes information on the occurrence, history, etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, lesions, diagnosis, treatment, and control. The book also includes a set of tables to aid in differential diagnosis and provide a quick overview of diseases affecting a single body system.
The Swine Disease Manual is available for $25.00 per copy, plus shipping and handling. Order online at http://ecom.aasv.org/sdm, or contact the AASV, 830 26th Street, Perry, IA 50220; Tel: 515-465-5255; aasv@aasv.org.