ARK
THE
WESTERN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
FIRST-CLASS STUDENTS
Class of 2013 joins
College
WCVM’S
NEW DEAN
Dr. Douglas Freeman
SPRING 2010
A Messa
By Dr. Charles Rhodes
inside
4 New WCVM Dean: Dr. Douglas Freeman
The College’s sixth dean takes the reins on March 1.
6
Diagnostics Addition Opens at WCVM
Two-storey structure introduces new labs, offices and work areas.
10 Dr. Dorothy Middleton: A Puzzle-packed Career
Veterinary pathologist, administrator and building designer.
12 Planned Giving to the WCVM
How to leave a legacy to future generations of people and animals.
14 U of S Celebrates Waldner’s Research Record
Dr. Cheryl Waldner receives New Researcher Award.
16 Class of 2013 Joins WCVM Fold
WCVM welcomes the largest first-year class in its 45-year history.
19
In Memoriam: Dr. Francis Hrudka
An expert in spermatology and histology, Hrudka loved the outdoors.
On our front cover: The 77 members of WCVM’s Class of 2013 pose for a
group shot in one of the College’s lecture theatres.
Above: First-year student Cheryl Thompson (centre) of Fertile, Sask., jokes with Dr. Lloyd
Keddie, vice president of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) after the White
Coat Ceremony in September 2009.
THE
2 • The ARK • Spring 2010
The Ark is produced by the Western College
of Veterinary Medicine. To learn more about
the WCVM, please visit www.wcvm.com or
visit www.wcvm.com/collegenews to sign
up for an online newsletter.
Please send comments to: Dean’s Office, WCVM,
University of Saskatchewan
52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4
Tel: 306-966-7451 • Fax: 306-966-8747
ralph.hildebrandt@usask.ca
I
from
n my final message as the dean of WCVM, I thank everyone
for the financial and moral support that you have given to the
College over the past eight years. Before a dean can achieve any
level of success, it’s critical to have the backing of people who work
and study at the college as well as the support of alumni, veterinary
medical associations, industry and other important stakeholders of
the College.
This was especially true during the past five years as we worked
to complete a major expansion and renovation of WCVM’s facilities.
Continuous construction created major challenges for everyone
— but I believe most of you would agree that the results were well
worth the discomfort.
The WCVM is now one of the most advanced veterinary
institutions in North America with an infrastructure that’s envied
by many. Our success in upgrading the College’s facilities and
technologies reinforces a conviction that I’ve held throughout the
39-plus years that I’ve worked here: the WCVM is an outstanding
veterinary college that ranks among the best in the world.
And more improvements are coming. In June 2009, the
Saskatchewan and Canadian governments announced $9.06
million in joint funding through the Knowledge Infrastructure
Program (KIP). The money will allow us to complete renovations
to the WCVM’s existing diagnostic laboratories and associated areas.
This final project will complete our plans to ensure that the College
can meet the demands of the profession and the public for decades
to come.
The WCVM’s future success will increasingly depend on the
ongoing support of alumni, friends and supporters. Like other
veterinary institutions in North America and around the world,
support for daily operations and programs continues to shift from
governments — the traditional source of funding — to other
partners including alumni, industry and individual donors.
It’s a big change, but we’re adapting to this new environment
and learning more about how we can meet the needs of our
stakeholders. In return, their support is allowing us to maintain
crucial bursaries and scholarships for students, to initiate new
research studies, and to attract gifted faculty for new professorships.
Other changes are happening. For instance, the veterinary
profession has dramatically transformed itself in the four decades
since I received my DVM. Practitioners are taking on broader
responsibilities in animal health, public health, food safety and
ecosystem health. Animal welfare issues, emerging diseases and
the concept of one world, one medicine, one health dominate the
profession’s headlines. Veterinarians are expected to serve society in
general — not only their clients.
It’s a new world out there for our veterinary graduates — one
in which they’ll be expected to adapt to throughout their career.
ssage
the Dean
“I think that feeling
of closeness and unity
has brought the College
a lot of success through
many difficult times over
the last half-century.
I hope it will carry us
ahead for another
50 years.”
To help them prepare for those challenges, the WCVM completed a
major revamp of its DVM curriculum a few years ago. Next spring,
members of the Class of 2011 will be the first to graduate after
experiencing a full four years of the new program.
While the curriculum maintains the WCVM’s goal of providing
students a broad-based education in veterinary medicine, it’s also
designed to help students adjust to new challenges and to be more
pragmatic. We hope their WCVM education will serve them well as a
strong, solid base for their veterinary careers.
This College is very special to me and to many others, and I
think I understand why. It’s because it’s not just a building. WCVM
is not just an excellent faculty and staff. WCVM is not just a body
of talented students, it’s not just an alumni of truly exceptional
professionals and people.
In fact, WCVM is all of these things, and we are — each of us
— WCVM for life.
I pass that message on to our students and alumni whenever I
can because I think that feeling of closeness and unity has brought
the College a lot of success through many difficult times over the
last half-century. I hope it will carry us ahead for another 50 years.
Perhaps that’s a message that the entire veterinary profession
can also take to heart. All of us — whether we specialize in small
animal medicine, theriogenology, surgery or public health —
share one thing in common. We’re veterinarians. By working
together as a united group, we can accomplish so much for the
benefit of our patients, our communities — and society in
general. A
WCVM DEAN RHODES RETIRES: Nearly 200 people gathered
on Saturday, June 13, 2009, to celebrate WCVM Dean Dr. Charles
Rhodes’ outstanding career with the College. Rhodes, who joined
the WCVM faculty in 1971, retired on February 28, 2010, after
serving nearly eight years as the College’s dean and 39 years as
a WCVM clinician, professor and administrator. The retirement
dinner’s program included words of appreciation from several
key people in Rhodes’ career including Peter MacKinnon, U of S
president, Dr. Neil Shantz, swine practitioner, and Dr. Klaas Post,
head of WCVM’s Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences.
ABOVE: Dr. Julie de Moissac, president of the Canadian Veterinary
Medical Association (CVMA), presents Dr. Charles Rhodes with a
hand-carved, First Nations ceremonial talking stick — a gift from the
British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association (BCVMA).
Western College of Veterinary Medicine • 3
COLLEGE NEWS
Dr. Douglas Freeman
New WCVM Dean
The University of Saskatchewan’s Board of Governors has approved
the appointment of Dr. Douglas Freeman as the Western College of
Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) new dean.
Freeman, who begins his five-year term on March 1, 2010, will
become the regional veterinary college’s sixth dean in its
45-year history. He will replace Dr. Charles
Rhodes, the WCVM’s dean since 2002.
Rhodes is retiring after 39 years of
service with the college.
“Dr. Freeman’s broad
experience, his approachable
personality and his collaborative manner will make
an excellent fit with the
Western College of Veterinary
Medicine and the University
of Saskatchewan,” said Brett
Fairbairn, the university’s
provost and vice-president.
“These qualities will serve
him well in his new role as one of
Canada’s key leaders in veterinary
education, animal health, public health
and food safety.”
“I am thrilled to be the next dean
of the Western College of Veterinary
Medicine. It is an outstanding
veterinary school with tremendous
talent in a broad range of
programs,” said Freeman.
CHANGES IN LEADERSHIP: Dr.
Douglas Freeman isn’t the only new
face among the WCVM’s leadership
team that continues to go through
change. The first change came
in January 2009 when veterinary
ophthalmologist Dr. Bruce Grahn
became the College’s associate dean,
academic. He took over the role
from Dr. Jeremy Bailey who retired
in December 2008 after 27 years of
outstanding service at the WCVM.
Grahn (WCVM ’77) has operated the
College’s veterinary ophthalmology
service for more than 18 years. 4 • The ARK • Spring 2010
“I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students and friends of
the veterinary college in addressing current challenges and opportunities in
veterinary medicine.”
During his 26-year career, Freeman has gained a valuable range of
experience as a veterinary practitioner, an administrator of clinical and
diagnostic services, a researcher and an academic department head. Since
2001, Freeman has been a professor and head of two departments — Veterinary
Diagnostic Services and Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences — at North
Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D.
Freeman completed a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a clinical
residency and a Master of Science degree in theriogenology at the University of
Minnesota. He received a PhD in reproductive physiology from the University of
Idaho and is a diplomate in the American College of Theriogenologists.
Freeman has worked in the clinical science and basic science departments
of academic institutions in the United States as well as overseas.
His experience also includes private veterinary practice and veterinary
professional services in the animal health industry. Freeman is a past president
of the American College of Theriogenologists and is a current member of the
Board of Directors for the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
(AAVMC).
During his term at North Dakota State University, Freeman served as
director of the NDSU’s Great Plains Institute of Food Safety for two years, and
led multi-disciplinary research programs in disease surveillance, public health
and food safety. He was selected as an American Council on Education Fellow
in 2006, and spent one year at the University of Minnesota where he gained
experience in academic leadership and administration of the university’s
Academic Health Center. A
At the same time, he has been
involved in undergraduate and graduate
teaching as well as research in areas
such as inherited retinal disorders,
glaucoma and ocular pathology.
In July 2009, veterinary epidemiologist Dr. John Campbell became
head of WCVM’s Department of Large
Animal Clinical Sciences. Campbell
replaced Dr. David Wilson (WCVM
’80), a large animal surgeon, researcher
and professor who served as department
head for six years. Wilson is on
administrative leave until June 2010. Another leadership change will take
place this summer when Dr. Norman
Rawlings retires from the WCVM.
Rawlings, who joined the College in
1975, has been a prolific researcher
as well as an excellent teacher and
mentor in the WCVM’s Department
of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences.
Since 2003, he has also served as the
College’s associate dean of research.
The search for his successor will take
place this spring once Dr. Douglas
Freeman assumes his position as
WCVM dean.
Left to right:
Rob Norris (Minister
of Advanced Education,
Employment and
Labour), Brad Trost
(MP for SaskatoonHumboldt), Dr. Karen
Chad (U of S vicepresident of research)
and WCVM Dean
Dr. Charles Rhodes.
Funds
Flow
in to the WCVM
2009 was a banner year for the WCVM: the College
received more than $11.8 million in infrastructure funding
from the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan.
T
wo separate public funding announcements, worth more than $11.8
million in total, will allow the Western College of Veterinary Medicine
(WCVM) to complete the final stages of its infrastructure project within
the next 18 months.
The first funding announcement came in April 2009 when Western
Economic Diversification Canada (WD) invested $2.77 million in the
expansion of the WCVM’s diagnostics laboratory and an upgrade of its large
animal clinical services area. Both projects were completed in 2009.
Specifically, the WCVM used the money to finish a two-storey addition in
its diagnostics area. The 3,000-square-metre addition includes a consolidated
histology laboratory, a new post-mortem examination room and crucial
laboratory space for diagnostic research and support services. Another
important feature is a special projects laboratory where staff can handle
potential high-risk cases of zoonotic disease or suspect foreign animal disease
in a completely separate and biosecure area.
Part of the WD’s investment was also used to complete a series of
renovations to the large animal surgery suites and clinical wards in the
WCVM’s veterinary teaching hospital. As well, part of the project is the
development of a dedicated room for nuclear scintigraphy. This technology will
allow researchers to explore new diagnostic and therapeutic options for horses
and other animals that suffer from subtle lamenesses or spinal conditions.
“The expansion of the College’s diagnostics area and the renovation of our
large animal clinical services provides our staff and students with specialized,
biosecure facilities where they have access to a full range of new technologies,”
said WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes.
Two months later in mid-June, the Governments of Canada and
Saskatchewan announced a $21.8-million infrastructure package for the
University of Saskatchewan. The announcement included $9.06 million that
will be used to renovate the WCVM’s existing diagnostics laboratories and
associated areas — the final phase of the veterinary college’s infrastructure
renewal plan that began in 2004.
This construction project involves renovating the veterinary college’s
pathology demonstration laboratory and its previous necropsy area. It will
upgrade and amalgamate some of the supporting diagnostic services including
bacteriology, virology, immunology, serology, toxicology, PCR and TSE
(transmissible spongiform encephalopathies).
Once completed, the new laboratory design will improve efficiency
of human resources and diagnostic services, plus it will enhance overall
biosecurity and biosafety. The renovated diagnostics area will also provide
WCVM faculty, staff and students with an environment where innovations in
diagnostic and clinical techniques can be developed, tested and practically
applied — all at one centre.
“Ultimately, many of these new practices and techniques will have a
positive impact on the health, productivity and the economic value of livestock
herds across Western Canada,” said Rhodes.
The federal and provincial governments’ support will help to ensure that
the WCVM plays a leading role in animal and public health and food safety —
not just in the four western provinces but on national and international levels,
said University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon.
“These upgraded facilities and new technologies will enable the college to
train, attract and retain high-quality veterinarians, researchers and graduate
students who will in turn advance our unique U of S life sciences research and
training cluster,” says MacKinnon.
Construction is expected to start later this year, with project completion
slated for February 2011. A
Western College of Veterinary Medicine • 5
CONSTRUCTION
The new diagnostics addition on WCVM’s east side.
Diagnostics Addition
opens at wcvm
Three years after construction began on the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s
diagnostics addition, crews completed the two-storey structure in October 2009.
The diagnostics addition and basement add approximately 3,000 square metres of new
space to the veterinary college’s existing diagnostic facilities. Here are some highlights of
the new addition:
• A special projects laboratory where diagnostic staff can handle all potential
high-risk cases of zoonotic disease or suspect foreign animal disease as a completely
separate stream.
• A new waste disposal system: Based on alkali hydrolysis, the two new tissue
digesters reduces a mix of solid and liquid waste into a very dense, sterile package that’s
completely biodegradable and ready for transport to a landfill.
• Closed and open sample rooms: Separate reception entry areas allow staff
to accept packaged laboratory samples and animal deliveries in two different streams
— simplifying the delivery and documentation process. An enclosed truck reception
area also enhances biosecurity.
• A consolidated histology laboratory where staff members can conduct all
aspects of slide preparation in one location.
• A biosecure post mortem examination room: The area is equipped with
an overhead rail system that allows diagnostics staff to transport carcasses. The room
also includes coolers and freezer space for post mortem cases and research projects.
• Prairie Diagnostic Services space: The new addition allows PDS
administration to be located within the same building as its operations, making the
Saskatchewan diagnostic laboratory more user friendly with easier access for
veterinarians and clients to all services.
• New office space for diagnostic and WCVM pathologists, as well as for the
headquarters and Western Region offices of the Canadian Cooperative and Wildlife
Health Centre. A
6 • The ARK • Spring 2010
Staff members work in the new histology laboratory.
The new postmortem area in the diagnostics addition.
Biosafety hoods in the special projects laboratory.
A rotating stock that links up to the large animal chute
complex is part of the WCVM’s standing surgery suite.
One of two new equine surgery suites.
WCVM’s Glen Barr holds a horse in a new anesthesia induction room.
new upgrades for
large animals
Construction crews have completed renovations to the large animal clinical
services area in the WCVM’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The renovations,
which began more than a year ago, provide staff and students with a safer, more
biosecure environment while diagnosing and treating large animal patients in
the teaching hospital.
An exciting addition is a dedicated room that will be equipped with nuclear
scintigraphy — one of the most advanced diagnostic technologies available to
large animal veterinarians. The diagnostic capabilities of this medical imaging
tool will play an important role in the veterinary college’s equine and large
animal health research programs.
Nuclear scintigraphy allows WCVM specialists to pinpoint problem areas and
make definitive diagnoses even in the most challenging of cases that are referred
to the hospital by the region’s veterinarians.
Other renovations include a closed large animal surgery area where surgical
teams have access to two surgical suites and a third suite for standing surgeries
in cattle that’s linked to the hospital’s new large animal chute complex. All
suites have wide doors so medical imaging tools and other diagnostic equipment
can be wheeled in and out. The suites cluster around a centralized nursing and
medical supply area with ready access to anesthesia-induction areas and to
medical imaging.
Each surgery suite has its own recovery room close to the large animal
wards. As well, each suite has new surgical lights that are “camera capable”
for digital imagery. Flat panel LCD monitors will be located over the operating
tables so veterinary surgeons can view laparoscopic images or review digital
X-ray images. Anesthetic “booms,” connections for medical gases, suction and
electrical cords will drop down from the ceiling to minimize clutter.
The upgrades to the large animal clinical area will contribute to the overall
biosecurity and safety of the veterinary college’s hospital facilities. The equine
ward and the bovine ward are separate, plus both areas can be closed
off from the rest of the hospital during a heightened biosecurity risk. A
Western College of Veterinary Medicine • 7
WCVM & Beyond
WCVM professor heads
new commission
Dr. Joseph Stookey, a professor of applied ethology at the
Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), has been appointed
co-chair of a new, independent advisory group that focuses on beef
cattle health and well-being.
The North American Food Animal Well-being Commission for Beef
(NAFAWC-Beef), which was announced in August 2009, includes
world-renowned experts in animal well-being and members of the
beef cattle industry in Canada and the United States.
Stookey will share the chair’s role with Dr. Dan Thomson, professor of
production medicine and epidemiology at Kansas State University.
The commission will advocate for increased research funding for
animal well-being, facilitate the communication of research results
in a more timely manner, advance best management practices in
cattle health and welfare, and serve as an unbiased, science- and
production-based group to address concerns about animal well-being.
NAFAWC-Beef will also help to direct research efforts, field studies and
assessment tools for the North American beef industry in relation to beef cattle
well-being. Based on these efforts, the commission will be able to provide
science-based recommendations for cattle management practices.
Besides Stookey, four other Canadians are among the commission’s 21
inaugural members. They include Drs. Jeff Rushen and Karen SchwartzkophGesnswein of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Susan Church of the Alberta
Farm Animal Council, and Jennifer Woods, a livestock handling expert who is
based in Blackie, Alta.
For further information about the new commission’s goals and
activities, please contact Dr. Joe Stookey at joe.stookey@usask.ca.
WCVM students earn awards
• Hayley Lang, a WCVM veterinary student from Humboldt, Sask.,
is one of 33 equine-focused veterinary students in North America and the
West Indies to receive a financial boost from the Winner’s Circle Scholarship
program. Lang, who is in her fourth and final year at the veterinary college,
is guaranteed a minimum of US $1,500 in scholarship support through the
program.
The Winner’s Circle program was created through a partnership of
the Race for Education, the American Association of Equine Practitioners
(AAEP) Foundation and Platinum Performance. The program is designed to
encourage and support veterinary students intending to enter equine veterinary
medicine and to reward leadership and participation in Student Chapters of the
AAEP (SCAAEP).
• Erinn Hilberry, a second-year WCVM student from Duncan, B.C., was
the only Canadian to receive one of four CANIDAE DVM Scholarships for 2009.
Organizers selected recipients for the $2,500 awards based on their grade point
averages, their dedication to the well-being of animals and their insightful
essays about the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Before coming to the WCVM, Hilberry completed her Bachelor of Science
degree (biology) at the University of Northern British Columbia in 2008.
She has worked at the Prevost Veterinary Clinic in Duncan, B.C., and also
volunteered with four large animal veterinarians and with a dairy farm in her
home community.
8 • The ARK • Spring 2010
CANIDAE All Natural Pet Foods is a manufacturer and distributor of
natural pet foods that are sold throughout North America. This is the second
year that CANIDAE has awarded its scholarships.
• Roberta Templeton, a second-year student at the WCVM, received a
$1,000 scholarship from the Canadian Western Agribition in November 2009.
Originally from Coaldale, Alta., Templeton attended the U of S College of
Agriculture and Bioresources before beginning her DVM program in 2008.
Templeton is a past president of the Canadian Junior Hereford Association
and represented the CJHA at the World Hereford Conference in Denmark two
years ago. In the past three years, she has competed in the Agribition’s Hereford
Show and has been involved in the Canadian National 4-H and Youth Judging
Competition. WCVM alumni among 2009
CVMA award recipients
Several of the Canadian veterinarians who were honoured at the Canadian
Veterinary Medical Association’s 2009 Annual Awards Ceremony were WCVM
alumni:
• Dr. Dewey Stickney (WCVM ’76) received the CVMA Humane Award
for his work in providing veterinary services to northern parts of Alberta and
the Northwest Territories since 1976. Stickney designed a unique veterinary
clinic: the 50-foot trailer of an 18-wheel tractor-trailer unit. Stickney’s mobile
clinic enables him to contribute significantly to the welfare and well-being of
animals.
• Dr. Steve Marsden (WCVM ’88) received the CVMA Small Animal
Practitioner Award which encourages progress in the field of small animal
medicine and surgery. Marsden and his wife, Dr. Karen Marsden, founded
the Edmonton Holistic Veterinary Clinic and Natural Path Clinic — one
of the only facilities in the world that treats people and animals under the
same roof. Dr. Steve Marsden co-founded the College of Veterinary Integrated
Therapies (CVIT) and launched the first online distance learning course for
veterinarians. He and his wife also operate The Natural Path Herb Company.
Singh becomes special adviser
The University of Saskatchewan has appointed WCVM professor Dr.
Baljit Singh as a special adviser to the provost on experiential learning for a
30-month term.
Experiential learning is a commitment identified by the U of S in its
current integrated plan. Singh, a professor in the WCVM’s Department of
Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, has played a key role in improving student
experience at the College. Several years ago, he helped to design integrative
“biomedical rounds” in the WCVM’s new Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
curriculum. Biomedical rounds integrate traditional classroom learning with
realistic case studies and practical learning experiences.
Singh, who joined the WCVM faculty in 1999, has earned a number of
honours including the Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award, U of S
Master Teacher Award, Pre-clinical Professor of the Year Award and a
prestigious 3M National Teaching Fellowship. As a special adviser, Singh will
help to create new programs, courses, internships and other experiences for
U of S students.
He will continue teaching and research work at the College in addition
to his new role with a university-wide focus on experiential learning.
WCVM
40-year Reunion
By Dr. Don Jamieson (WCVM ’69)
We’ve come from wide
We’ve come from far
We’ve come by plane
We’ve come by car
From the East
And from the West
Like birds returning to the nest
From whence we hatched
And learned to fly
First took wing and soared so high
WCVM CLASS OF 1969, left to right (back row, standing): Paul Edwards,
Bob Evenson, Richard Krauss, Ross Clark, Andy Strang, Terry Church, Art Schatz,
Bob Hope, Ed Wiebe, Grant Maxie, Rex Benoit and Wayne Burwash. Front row,
kneeling: Pete Rempel, Allan Sutton, Ernie Olfert, Ed Neufeld and Don Jamieson.
Classmates who were unable to attend: Albert Anderson, Pat Brennan,
Doug Graham, Jim Hanson, Gary Harbin, Gord Mackenzie, Garry Quamme, Jake Smart and Richard Weetman. Deceased classmate: Lawrence Ford (May 31,
2005).
40-year reunion for WCVM’s first class
Our old practitioner, Richard Krauss
Ernie Olfert, Doctor Mouse
Ropin’, ridin’, cowboy Gord
In spirit only, Lawrence Ford
No longer lean
No longer fast
We were the first
And yet we last
It’s been quite a few years since members of the WCVM Class of 1969 have thought about
classes, clinical rotations and the College’s annual Roundup. But for one weekend in September
2009, 17 graduates of the first WCVM class returned to meet some of today’s veterinary students
and to share some memories and laughs with their classmates.
As part of the weekend’s celebrations, the WCVM alumni met with the College’s current
students over the Friday noon hour to talk about their careers in veterinary medicine and answer
questions from the younger generation. Afterward, Class of ’69 graduates accompanied senior
veterinary students on a variety of clinical rotations throughout the afternoon. The day wrapped
up with the WCVM Roundup where alumni and students had the chance to relax over supper, skits
and a dance.
During the reunion’s second day, the Class of 1969 met with Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes and
other WCVM representatives for a walk through the College’s expanded and renovated facilities
— a project in which the class had a vested interest. Six years ago, the Class of 1969 set the bar
for other WCVM classes by contributing $50,000 to the WCVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s
expansion. The College’s first class also established a $2,000 award — the WCVM ’69 Class
President Award — that’s annually presented to the WCVM class president during the Fall Awards
program. A
In all of WCVM
Our class uniquely “sans la femme”
Want more WCVM news?
Visit www.wcvm.com/collegenews
Here’s to ranga langa ding dong Al
Harbin, Hope and Wiebe as well
Classmates, friends and pioneers
Here’s to us all and 40 years
Though greyer, stouter
Balder, bent
These two score years
Have been well spent
We’ve kids and grandkids we adore
Anderson must have a score
And Andy must be up there too
Great grandkids perhaps a few
Another fact that’s really neat
Bob, Rex, Gord and Pete
Have children who are DVMs
And most from WCVM
Western College of Veterinary Medicine • 9
PROFESSORS EMERITI
A Puzzle-packed Career
Dr. Dorothy Middleton:
F
or WCVM professor emerita Dr. Dorothy Middleton,
veterinary pathology has always been like an intriguing
puzzle that she couldn’t put down.
The veterinary pathologist’s fascination with veterinary pathology
began during her fourth year at the University of Edinburgh’s
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Before that, she had
always intended to be a large animal practitioner because of
her agricultural roots: her father had a farm in Aberdeenshire
(Scotland).
But after receiving her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and
Surgery in 1968, Middleton stayed on in Edinburgh to study
Streptococcus suis infection in pigs’ tonsils and complete a PhD
in pathology in 1972. Her next move was to Switzerland where she was an
instructor in veterinary pathology at the University of Zurich for two and a
half years. Besides her work, she also took the opportunity to become fluent in
German and explore Europe during her stay.
In 1975, Middleton became an assistant professor at the WCVM. After her
marriage to Stuart (a fellow Scotsman) and the birth of their two children in
the late 1970s, Middleton filled a series of part-time diagnostic and teaching
positions at the veterinary college so she could spend time with her young sons,
Neil and Ian. During this time, Middleton also achieved a longtime ambition:
passing the board examinations for the American College of Veterinary
Pathologists (ACVP) in 1988.
Six years later, Middleton became an associate professor in WCVM’s
Department of Veterinary Pathology. The full-time position gave her the
chance to become more involved in teaching undergraduate and graduate
students — work that has given Middleton much satisfaction.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with our graduate students: they’re a great
bunch of people, they’re so enthusiastic and you learn a lot from them,” says
Middleton, who mentored more than a dozen graduate students in the past
two decades. In some cases, their interest in veterinary pathology was initially
sparked in one of her undergraduate courses. “It’s very rewarding when
students come back to continue their education at the post-graduate level,
but even if they don’t, you still get to meet many wonderful students in the
undergraduate program.”
Middleton has especially enjoyed teaching general pathology — a core
course that has dramatically evolved since her days as a student. When she
began teaching the course in 1990, the timing coincided with a wave of
discoveries about molecular processes that had a major impact on general
pathology. “It was a big ‘light bulb’ period for me, and after that, I particularly
enjoyed general pathology and gaining a better understanding through new
information.”
Her fascination with the fundamentals of pathology also fueled her interest
in investigating the pathogenesis of bacterial diseases in domestic animals
— most recently neonatal diarrhea in swine with her research partner and
colleague, Dr. Elemir Simko. “For me, that was one of the highlights of my
career. We have similar interests, and, along with Dr. (Musangu) Ngeleka, we
worked very well as a team.”
10 • The ARK • Spring 2010
A true believer in giving back to her college, Middleton was involved in
various committees including groups focused on curriculum development
and admissions. She also served a three-year appointment as head of WCVM’s
Department of Veterinary Pathology from 2002 to 2005.
In 2003, Middleton became chair of the committee responsible for
planning the College’s diagnostic addition and renovations. Members of this
committee have worked closely with the architectural team to ensure that the
design facilitated function in the complex area of diagnostics.
“Any of the pathologists in our department could have done it, but since
I’ve always been interested in planning and designing, it was a natural fit.
Maybe too much so because I liked to draw my own plans,” Middleton adds
with a wry smile.
Even after her retirement in 2008, Middleton continued to be involved
in the project that initially focused on completing the College’s new twostorey diagnostics addition. Renovations to the WCVM’s existing diagnostics
area — part of the original plan that Middleton helped to develop — were
initially on hold for more than a year. But that changed in June 2009 when
the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan announced $9.06 million to
include completion of the state-of-the-art diagnostics complex at the College.
The announcement realized one of Middleton’s dreams.
For Middleton, fitting all of the necessary elements into an existing space
has been a challenge during the planning phase of the diagnostics renovations.
But now that all of the pieces are in place, Middleton looks forward to 2011
when one of the most rewarding puzzles of her career will be finished. A
Dr. Dorothy Middleton (in blue) gives federal Minister of
State Lynne Yelich (in yellow) and federal MP Brad Trost a
tour of the new diagnostics addition. The tour took place
in April 2009 after Yelich announced $2.77 million in new
funding for the College’s infrastructure project.
Q. How did you become involved in
wildlife projects?
About two months after I arrived at the WCVM in
September 1975, a biologist named Bob Stewart with
the Saskatchewan government came to the WCVM. He
was looking for somebody who could help him with
drugs for catching moose, and I went on to work with
him for seven or eight years.
The moose work led to other projects including
work with seals on Sable Island, caribou work in
northern Alberta’s Birch Mountains, a stint in the
higher Arctic, seven seasons working with polar bears
and much more.
Q. Your MSc degree’s thesis focused on
reproductive seasonality in elk. How
did that topic fit into your work?
I was always interested in theriogenology, and I
had the chance to develop some expertise in that field.
As for the connection to elk, my wife Joanne and I flew
to New Zealand with a herd of elk in the early 1980s.
That’s when I realized the potential for elk farming
in Canada. I raised elk and was a founding member
of the Saskatchewan Game Farmers Association. The
experience also got me interested in the first textbook
that I wrote (Farming Wapiti and Red Deer).
How did the idea for developing a
Uganda rotation become reality?
I contacted Dr. Christine Dranzoa, head of
the Department of Wildlife and Animal Resource
Management (WARM) in the Faculty of Veterinary
Science at Makerere University in Kampala. We
emailed back and forth, I visited her and spent time
with her and her colleagues in Kampala, and then we
began to design a program. It was as simple as that.
Makerere University was a strong part of the
program. Their Master’s degree students joined our
students for a month and brought different perspectives
to the group, so it was a two-way street for learning.
Dr. Jerry Haigh
A Life Gone Wild
While every other little boy in his school wanted to be a train driver, Jerry
Haigh wanted to be a zookeeper — a career goal that changed to a farmer then
a veterinarian.
Haigh eventually managed to fit all three in his adventure-packed career.
After earning his BVMS and MRCVS from the University of Glagow in 1965,
Haigh spent nearly 10 years practising veterinary medicine in Africa before
joining the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1975 as its first clinical
specialist in wildlife and zoo animal medicine.
Since it was a new position, Haigh was free to write his own job description
at the veterinary college — an opportunity he took to heart.
During his 33 years at the College, Haigh was involved in many wildlife
and specialized livestock research studies, extension initiatives and hands-on
rotations for veterinary students. These projects took him everywhere from Sable
Island, northern Alberta and the Arctic to Mongolia, New Zealand and Uganda.
In 2005, Haigh received the J.W. George Ivany Internationalization Award
that recognized his international work and his role as a global ambassador for
the University of Saskatchewan. One example was the development of a fourweek Uganda wildlife rotation. From 2003 to 2009, groups of WCVM fourthyear students experienced first hand the challenges of their profession in a
country where wildlife, livestock and humans interact on a daily basis.
“It makes you realize just because you think one way doesn’t mean everyone else does,” says Haigh. “Students can’t get that type of knowledge in the
classroom — not until they see it and work with the people.”
Haigh talked about some of his experiences with The Ark. But to get the full
story, visit his web site at www.jerryhaigh.com and learn more about his books,
storytelling, photography, travels and blog.
Q. Do you think the Uganda rotation
program has made a difference?
Sixty-nine Canadian veterinarians and 17
Ugandans have seen something a little different
through the rotations. If the letters from alumni are
anything to go by, it’s been a life-changing experience
for members of both groups.
ABOVE: Dr. Jerry Haigh (right) and one of the WCVM’s fourth year students work with
A crucial component has been the support of the
a tranquilized Uganda kob during one of the College’s Uganda rotations.
Canadian branch of Veterinarians Without BordersPhoto: Tessa Leena.
Vétérinaires sans frontières. They have supported my
travel, some disease research and our program with
Saskatchewan Writers Guild. I’m also working on my career as a storyteller, and
two primary schools — one of which is an AIDS orphanage. It’s impossible not
I’m a member of the Storytellers of Canada. I’ve published two books about my
to feel emotional about the young pupils’ reactions to our contributions to their
African experiences — Wrestling with Rhinos and The Trouble With Lions.
schools. The money was mainly raised by our Canadian fourth-year students and
Now I’m working on my third book that will cover a new area for me. Since I
by many Saskatoon community donors.
came to Canada in 1975, I have worked on a wide variety of deer species on four
different continents. One of my working titles for the new book is Of Moose and
Q. What are some of your current projects?
Men: A Glasgow Vet in Canada. A
I’m in the second and final year of my term as president of the
Western College
of Veterinary
Medicine
Western College
of Veterinary
Medicine
• 11 • 11
WCVM SUPPORTERS
Planned Giving
to the WCVM
By Dr. Charles Rhodes, WCVM Dean
O
ver the past four decades, the Western College of Veterinary
Medicine has been very fortunate to receive a tremendous
amount of moral and financial support from alumni and
friends as well as a range of businesses and organizations. We’re extremely
grateful to everyone who has contributed to this veterinary institution’s future:
your support ensures that we can continue to offer high-quality education,
clinical services and research programs in facilities that are second to none.
We hope that many of you will continue to give or consider making your
first contribution to the WCVM. While there are numerous ways that people can
give to the College, I want to talk about planned giving — an option that you
may not have considered in your financial planning.
Planned giving is a way for you to leave a legacy to future generations of
people and animals that rely on the WCVM’s programs, services and facilities.
Most importantly, a planned gift can consist of any amount from $50 to several
million dollars — we’re grateful for any level of support that you decide to give.
There are a variety of methods that you can use to give your gift to the WCVM.
What’s important is that if you wish to give a planned gift, I strongly encourage
you to contact Lisa Green, the WCVM’s development officer, as a first step.
Lisa will be able to answer your questions about planned giving, and she is
very experienced in helping donors select the options that work best for them.
She will also talk to you about where you would like to direct your gift: do
you want your donation to go toward establishing a student scholarship? New
research projects? New clinical equipment? These are all details that Lisa will be
happy to discuss with you.
Why do we encourage you to contact the WCVM in advance of making a
gift to the College? As dean of the WCVM and someone who has a long personal
GIFTS TODAY • Cash: Tax receipt given for full amount.
• Publicly traded securities: Only 25 per cent of the capital
gain on shares is taxable and you receive a tax receipt for the full market value.
• Life insurance: By making the WCVM the owner and
beneficiary of your policy, you receive a tax receipt for the policy’s cash surrender value and for premium payments that you continue to make.
• Real estate, artwork and cultural property: This type of
gift, subject to approval by the WCVM and independent appraisal, results in a tax receipt for the fair market value of the property. 12 • The ARK • Spring 2010
history with this institution, I want to ensure that your original intentions in
giving to the WCVM are ultimately met.
The best way to do so is to ensure that all of the paperwork is properly drawn
up and that it reflects your wishes. Then, when your gift is realized years down
the road, the donation’s use will be clear to everyone.
As well, if the College alters or adds programs or activities that you wish to
support, we will have time to update the documents so they continue to meet
your expectations.
If you’re hesitant about stating the exact amount of your gift to the
College, we understand your concern. We realize that the gift’s final value may
be different than originally planned because of many factors. What’s more
important is to document your wishes so the College directs your contribution
— whatever its final value — to the program or activity that you want to
support.
The benefit of establishing a planned gift now is that it doesn’t affect
your current cash flow or net worth. While the College can still recognize and
celebrate your gift today, you can have peace of mind that your future support of
the WCVM doesn’t affect your lifestyle today.
If you have any questions or concerns about planning your gift, please
don’t hesitate to contact Lisa Green — she looks forward to hearing from you
and helping you to fulfil your dreams for the College. A
Lisa Green, Development Officer, WCVM
Tel: 306-966-7450 • Fax: 306-966-8747
lisa.green@usask.ca
GIFTS TOMORROW
• Wills and bequests: A bequest may specify a sum of money,
an asset or a portion of your estate to be donated to the College.
• Life insurance: By making the WCVM only the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, you provide a future gift and your estate is not affected, nor is the gift diminished due to taxes, probate or administration fees.
• RRSPs and RRIFs: By making the WCVM the beneficiary of
your RRSP or RRIF, you can provide a significant future gift whose tax credit will help to offset the tax otherwise payable upon distribution of the fund.
$50,000
Gift Supports Pet Health
In December 2009, the WCVM’s companion animal clinical and research programs
received a welcome boost from Sophie Katarynch of Winnipeg, Man. The dedicated pet
owner and longtime supporter of the WCVM donated $50,000 toward the purchase of new
equipment that will be used for companion animal-related clinical service and research.
The contribution is part of the Sophie Katarynych Fund for Companion Animals
that was created four years ago in memory of Sophie’s parents — Nykola and Waselyna
Katarynych of Radisson, Sask. The fund was originally established with a $25,000 gift
from Katarynych.
This latest gift is one of many that Katarynych has made to the veterinary college’s
small animal health programs over the past two decades. Her contributions have
enabled WCVM to buy thousands of dollars worth of equipment including a computed
tomography (CT) scanner, a canine aquatic treadmill, a bronchoscope, and a Bair
hugger patient warming system.
Through the years, Katarynych has shared her home with a number of beloved
Dachshunds. Concern for their health sparked her interest in supporting the College’s
small animal clinical services that have greatly benefited from Katarynych’s support.
EQUINE GIFTS MAKE PERFECT MATCH: Two
gifts supporting equine health activities at the WCVM have
doubled in value — thanks to the College’s matching gift program. In April 2009. WCVM Dean Charles Rhodes (top
left) accepted a $10,000 cheque from Charlene DalenBrown, vice president of the Equine Foundation (EFC). Members of the national charity raised the money through
trail ride fundraisers plus a generous gift from the Alberta Trail Riding Association.
Since the EFC gift met the requirements for the college’s
matching gift program, the original donation helped to earn
another $10,000 from the Heather Ryan and L. David Dubé
Foundation. The Saskatoon-based organization will match
any new or increased donations to the WCVM’s equine research programs between 2006 and 2011.
The matching program also kicked in when Bob and
Lois Brickley of Kennedy, Sask., donated the sale proceeds
of one of their registered Quarter horse foals (top right) to
the WCVM’s Equine Health Research Fund. The foal, which
was sold during the Brickleys’ production sale in Regina last
September, sold for $700. This is the second year that the
Saskatchewan equine ranchers have used this unique option
to donate to the EHRF. So far, the Brickleys have donated
$1,225 to the EHRF — helping to raise a total of $2,450 in
support of vital equine health research and training programs
at the WCVM.
Western College of Veterinary Medicine • 13
WCVM RESEARCH
“Dr. Waldner is considered
one of the most pre-eminent
veterinary epidemiologists in
North America whose scientific
output and commitment to
service and mentorship has
been outstanding.”
Dr. Cheryl Waldner. Photo: Scott Bell, U of S.
U of S celebrates Waldner’s
research record
During the University of Saskatchewan’s 2009 Fall Convocation, Dr.
Cheryl Waldner (WCVM ’88) received the university’s prestigious New
Researcher Award in recognition of her contributions to the fields of animal
health, veterinary epidemiology and public health.
Waldner, a professor in the WCVM’s Department of Large Animal Clinical
Sciences, is considered one of the most pre-eminent veterinary epidemiologists in North America whose scientific output and commitment to service and
mentorship has been outstanding.
In 2000, Waldner took on the huge task of organizing and managing
the Western Canadian Beef Productivity Study for the Western Interprovincial
Scientific Studies Association. A number of private oil and gas companies and
associations, as well as the Alberta Cattle Commission and several government
agencies, supported the multi-year, multi-million dollar study.
As the project’s principal investigator, Waldner studied the impact of
exposure to oil and gas emissions on the reproductive performance of cattle
and calf survival. Not only did Waldner successfully apply epidemiological
principles to veterinary issues, she used the opportunity to look at other aspects
of beef cattle health and productivity including infectious disease, vitamin
deficiencies in young calves and antimicrobial resistance.
During her career, Waldner has authored or co-authored four books and
more than 90 papers in refereed journals. She has presented her research at
national and international conferences, reviewed articles for top journals in
her field including the Canadian Veterinary Journal, Veterinary Therapeutics and the American Journal of Veterinary Research. She has also acted as
a consultant for a number of private and government agencies.
Waldner is actively involved in the university community as a member
of numerous departmental, college and university committees and a joint
member of the School for Public Health. She is a committed scientist and
14 • The ARK • Spring 2010
mentor who has supervised seven MSc and PhD students in the last 10 years.
She has been recognized for her expertise and commitment, including winning
the 2005 Pfizer Animal Health Award for Research Excellence from the WCVM.
Waldner earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with Great Distinction from the WCVM in 1988. After several years in private practice, Waldner
returned to the College for post-graduate studies and completed a PhD
(epidemiology and beef herd medicine) in 1999.
Graduate students shine
• PhD student Heather Bryan is among a group of international female
explorers and scientists who are carrying flags around the world as part of
“WINGS Worldquest” flag expeditions. During her research work, Bryan took
Flag #17 to coastal B.C. where the graduate student was conducting field work.
Bryan, whose supervisor is Dr. Judit Smits of the WCVM’s Department of
Veterinary Pathology (currently on leave), is investigating hair as a biomarker
for cortisol concentrations in wildlife hair using dogs as surrogates for wolves.
Her study’s results will add to a growing understanding of cortisol incorporation into hair and its application in studies of animal stress.
WINGS WorldQuest (www.wingsworldquest.org) is an international organization that’s dedicated to promoting the contributions of women explorers
and advancing scientific exploration and education.
• In December 2009, PhD student Bryan Macbeth of WCVM’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences captured the Best Poster Award during
the Sixth Annual CircumArctic Rangifer Monitoring and Assessment Network
(CARMA) meeting in Vancouver, B.C.
Supervised by Dr. David Janz, the graduate student’s poster highlighted
his research work on “hair cortisol concentration: a potential non-invasive
biomarker of long-term stress in free ranging caribou.”
• Dr. Chris Bell, a large animal surgery resident and MVetSc graduate
student, presented his research work at several conferences in the past
few months. In October 2009, Bell presented “Endoscope-guided balloon
sinusplasty of the equine nasomaxillary opening” at the American College of
Veterinary Surgeons Symposium in Washington, D.C. Bell’s sinusplasty work
was also published in Veterinary Surgery in late 2009.
In December 2009, Bell presented “How to perform ethyl alcohol
arthrodesis of the tarsometatarsal joint in the standing horse” at the American
Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) conference in Las Vegas, Nev. Back
in Canada, Bell was also a presenter at the 2010 Alberta Horse Breeders and
Owners Conference in Red Deer, Alta. The resident talked about “Understanding sinus problems in horses” at the popular equine event that took place from
January 15 to 17. Janz appointed to NSERC
advisory committee
Dr. David Janz of the WCVM’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical
Sciences has been appointed to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research
Council of Canada (NSERC) Research Partnerships Program Advisory Committee on University-Industry Grants for a three-year term.
In 2008, Janz received an NSERC Collaborative Research and Development
grant worth $376,890 over three years. The grant supports his investigation of
temporal and spatial distribution, fate and biological effects of selenium in a
boreal aquatic ecosystem. In January 2010, Janz gave an update on the topic
during his visit to the City University of Hong Kong. Janz presented “When a
good nutrient goes bad: ecotoxicology of selenium in fish” as a Department of
Biology and Chemistry Distinguished Seminar.
A month later, Janz talked about another aspects of his research: developing non-invasive techniques to measure long-term stress in fish and wildlife
species. The WCVM professor presented “Molecules to mountains: relating
long-term stress in Alberta grizzly bears to landscape change” at Simon Fraser
University in Vancouver, B.C. The presentation was an invited departmental
seminar in SFU’s Department of Biological Sciences. CIHR dollars for WCVM faculty
Several Western College of Veterinary Medicine scientists are part of two
University of Saskatchewan health research training projects that received
$3.73 million in funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
(CIHR) in May 2009.
• Dr. Gregg Adams of WCVM’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical
Sciences is part of a $1.78-million, cross-disciplinary project that will help
to train more than 50 students in health research using the Canadian Light
Source. The project will use a combination of CLS beamlines — particularly
the BioMedical Imaging and Therapy (BMIT) and BioXAS — to conduct
research into cancer metastasis, neurodegenerative diseases and toxic metals as
well as to translate synchrotron-based techniques into health care applications.
• Dr. Andrew Potter of Veterinary Microbiology, Dr. Tasha Epp of
Large Animal Clinical Sciences, and Dr. Baljit Singh of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences are part of a six-year, $1.95-million training project in rural
health and safety. Led by Dr. John Gordon, director of the Canadian Centre
for Health and Safety in Agriculture at the U of S and an associate member of
WCVM’s Department of Veterinary Microbiology, the project will bring together
experts from many disciplines to train young scientists in health promotion of
rural-agriculture workers and families.
CFI supports WCVM projects
Two new WCVM faculty members were among the University of Saskatchewan researchers who received more than $1.46 million in research support
from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) in December 2009.
• Emily Jenkins (Department of Veterinary Microbiology) will detect,
anticipate, and mitigate the emergence of parasites and zoonotic diseases in
the rapidly changing environment of northwestern Canada. Zoonotic diseases
are the most important source of new diseases for humans.
• Matthew Loewen (Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences)
will examine the movement of chloride, a component of salt, in cells lining
the windpipe. Findings from this research will lead to better understanding of
respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis, influenza, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as development of innovative treatments.
The CFI is an independent corporation created by the Government of
Canada to fund research infrastructure. The $1.46 million allocated to the
U of S will leverage another $2.58 million from provincial government,
industry and university sources for a total investment of $4 million.
Visit www.wcvm.com/research
to learn more about the
WCVM’s research program.
Dr. Tasha Epp, associate professor of zoonosis at the WCVM.
Western College of Veterinary Medicine • 15
WCVM STUDENTS
Class of 2013
joins WCVM fold
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s
ongoing search for “the best and the brightest”
has generated the largest first-year class in the
veterinary college’s 44-year history.
The Class of 2013 consists of 77 students —
15 men and 62 women — who bring a wide
range of experiences and skills to the College’s
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.
The students come from communities found
in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British
Columbia and even the northern city of Iqaluit,
Representing the WCVM Class of 2013 (left to right) is Dean Jeffery of
Saskatoon, Sask.; Heidi Pylypjuk of Grunthal, Man.; Carla Baker of Iqaluit,
Nunavut.
Nunavut; Anita Yee of Coquitlam, B.C.; and Lukas Kawalilak of Sherwood
“The continued success of our veterinary
Park, Alta.
program depends on the quality and dedication
of our students, and I’m confident that the
members of the Class of 2013 will meet our high
expectations,” says WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes. “The students’ academic
records as well as their scholastic, athletic and community achievements are
A record crowd of more than 400 people gathered to watch students and
highly impressive. We’re very fortunate to attract them to the WCVM and to the
faculty take home more than $101,000 worth of scholarships and awards at the
veterinary profession.”
2009 WCVM Fall Awards program last September.
When first-year students arrived at the WCVM for their first day on August 24,
The awards dinner and program, which took place at the Saskatoon
they became the third class of students to begin the veterinary college’s revised
Travelodge, recognizes the academic achievements of undergraduate
DVM curriculum that was introduced in the 2007-08 school year.
and graduate students as well as the teaching, clinical and research
One month later, the students received their official welcome to the College
accomplishments of faculty and staff.
during the 2009 Fall Awards Program. As part of the evening’s events, the WCVM
The program is made possible by the generous support of WCVM supporters
held its annual White Coat Ceremony where every first-year class member
including the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, the four provincial
accepted a personalized lab coat from Dr. Lloyd Keddie, vice president of the
veterinary medical associations, animal health companies and individual
CVMA.
donors. Visit www.wcvm.com (Undergraduate Students — Scholarships and
Each student also received a stethoscope from the provincial veterinary
Bursaries) to view a complete list of 2009 award recipients.
medical association in the student’s home province. Provincial representatives
One of the program’s newest awards is the Dr. Susan Ambrose Award,
included Dr. Colin Palmer, president of the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical
named after a WCVM graduate from the Class of 1988. The award is sponsored
Association; Louise Crowe, manager of member services for the B.C. Veterinary
by the B.J. Hughes Foundation that was established by Bev Hughes, a Calgary
Medical Association; Dr. Hugh Millar of the Manitoba Veterinary Medical
business owner and entrepreneur. Hughes wanted to recognize Ambrose, her
Association; and Dr. Danny Joffe of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association.
longtime veterinarian and friend.
The Class of 2013 has grown by one additional seat since last year. While
The annual $5,000 award recognizes students
the Governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta continue to fund 20 students per
in the third or fourth year of the College’s
province, B.C. and Manitoba have gradually increased their number of WCVM
DVM program who are planning a
student seats over the past few years. B.C. now funds 19 seats and Manitoba’s
career in small animal health care.
quota has increased to 15.
The award’s first recipient was
The College’s education equity program offers two additional seats while one
Andrea Donaldson (WCVM ’11)
further seat is offered to students from Canada’s northern territories.
who personally accepted the award
from Ambrose at the 2009 event. Students reap WCVM awards
To read more about WCVM’s
Faculty Gold Medal recipients, go to
www.wcvm.com and click on
Current Undergraduate Students
(Scholarships & Bursaries).
LEFT: Andrea Donaldson (WCVM ’11) and Dr. Susan Ambrose (WCVM ’88).
Golden Girl
Alberta’s A
llison O’Kell, recipient of the 2008 WCVM Faculty Gold Medal, is
another “Alberta golden girl” who achieved her dream of
becoming a veterinarian. Her love of animals and her
interest in sciences made veterinary medicine a natural
career choice.
“It sounds a bit cliché, but I can’t actually
remember a time when I didn’t want to be a
veterinarian,” explains O’Kell, who grew up on a
small acreage near the town of Namao, Alta.
“My pets were a huge part of my life. I had a
horse, a sweet border collie-shepherd mixed dog
and two cats while I was growing up,” recalls
O’Kell. She also volunteered at several veterinary
clinics — experiences that made her even more
certain of her chosen career path.
After graduating from high school in 2002,
O’Kell spent two years at the University of Alberta
before arriving at the WCVM in 2004. It didn’t take
long for O’Kell to make new friends, get involved
in several clubs and feel at home in the College: “I
enjoyed the community atmosphere of the WCVM: I
liked knowing almost everyone I passed in the hallway.”
For O’Kell, the most challenging part of the DVM
program was setting realistic limitations for herself and
realizing that it was impossible to learn everything in four years.
“I had to learn to take things one day at a time but still keep the bigger
picture in mind.”
By the time O’Kell began her fourth year, she recalls how satisfying it was to
use the knowledge and skills that she had picked up in the classroom and apply
them to real cases: “Without a doubt, it was my favourite year.”
When O’Kell received the WCVM Faculty Gold Medal, her initial reaction
was happiness mingled with shock. She felt honoured to be recognized among
her classmates — and excited to accept the prestigious award in front of her
delighted family. “I really put my heart and soul into my four years at WCVM and
to veterinary medicine in general. Knowing that someone recognized my hard
work and saw something special in me was a good feeling.”
After graduation, O’Kell began a one-year, small animal rotating
internship at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary
Medicine at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
During her program, O’Kell experienced all aspects of small
animal practice and gained hands-on practice through
her clinical and emergency call work in the Small
Animal Hospital in Blacksburg, Virginia.
The internship also helped O’Kell reach the
next step in her career plans: a three-year residency
in small animal internal medicine at Virginia Tech
that she began in July 2009. Once she finishes her
residency, O’Kell’s long-term goal is to work as an
internist at a veterinary teaching institution.
O’Kell credits her WCVM years for giving her
a knowledge base of pathophysiology and disease
and for developing her diagnostic abilities. “I still
have a lot to learn, but my education at WCVM has
given me a strong foundation to build on.”
“Thank you to my family, friends
and classmates: without them, I
would not be where I am today. As
well, I thank Dr. Liz Snead, my faculty
adviser, for all of her advice and time; Dr.
Bruce Grahn for all his encouragement; and
Dr. Johanna Heseltine and Dr. Sue Taylor for all
their support of my goals during my fourth year.”
Why does O’Kell think she will be a good veterinarian? Hard question —
but the talented young practitioner finally comes up with some answers. She’s
inquisitive and loves solving problems — skills that she uses to work through
tough cases. Plus, she has a lot of compassion for her patients and clients.
“I think I’ll make a good veterinarian because I am a very hard working
person: I put 110 per cent into everything I do, especially veterinary medicine,”
says O’Kell. “It truly is my passion, and I think that’s reflected in my work.”A
WCVM’s Newest Veterinarians
The 71 members of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Class of
2009 proudly received their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees during the University of Saskatchewan’s Spring Convocation in May 2009.
During the ceremonies, WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes presented fourthyear student Tamara Quaschnick with the WCVM Faculty Gold Medal — the
veterinary college’s most prestigious award for its students. The honour is
annually presented to the graduating veterinary student who has displayed the
highest general proficiency in the science and art of veterinary medicine during the four-year program.
Later in the day, WCVM graduates and their families gathered with the College’s
faculty and staff at the annual graduation banquet. During the evening, awards
worth more than $37,000 were presented to members of the Class of 2009.
Western College of Veterinary Medicine • 17
COLLEGE BEAT
Veterinary anesthesiologist Dr. Barbara Ambros takes care of an anesthetized female lion before surgery.
New faces in WCVM faculty
In the past 18 months, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine has
welcomed several new faculty members:
• Dr. Barbara Ambros is an assistant professor of veterinary anesthesiology in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. Ambros joined the
College’s faculty after she completed her combined MVetSc-residency program
in 2009. Ambros received her veterinary degree (DrMedVet) from the University
of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria.
• Dr. Peter Gilbert is an associate professor of small animal surgery
in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. Gilbert joined the WCVM
faculty after completing his combined MVetSc-residency program in 2009.
Gilbert, who is from Australia, received his BVSc (Hons) degree at the University of Queensland.
• Dr. Ajay Sharma is an associate professor of medical imaging in the
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. Sharma received his Doctor
of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at the Ontario Veterinary College and
completed a medical imaging residency at Cornell University before coming to
the WCVM.
• Dr. Tawni Silver is an associate professor of medical imaging in the
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. A 1995 WCVM graduate, Silver
spent a number of years in private practice before beginning a combined MSresidency program in medical imaging at Colorado State University in 2005.
She joined the WCVM in October 2008.
• Dr. Matthew Loewen is an assistant professor in the Department of
Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. Loewen, who received his DVM (WCVM ’99)
and PhD at the University of Saskatchewan, conducted post-doctoral training
at Merck Frosst & Co., McGill University and the University of British Columbia
before joining the WCVM faculty in 2008.
• Dr. Emily Jenkins is an assistant professor of veterinary public health
and food safety in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology. A 1999 WCVM
graduate, Jenkins completed her PhD at the College and worked with the
Canadian Wildlife Service before joining the WCVM in 2008. She is also a joint
member of the U of S School of Public Health and an associate member of the
Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre.
18 • The ARK • Spring 2010
The WCVM’s clinical departments have also hired a number of clinical
associates in general and specialized areas:
• Large Animal Clinical Sciences: Dr. Luca Panizzi, large animal
surgery; and Drs. Andrea Plaxton and Rochelle Lewis, equine field service.
• Small Animal Clinical Sciences: Drs. Shannon Beazley and Jennifer Dodd, veterinary anesthesiology; Dr. Christine Lim, veterinary ophthalmology; Dr. Kristen Parker, Small Animal Clinic; Dr. Romany Pinto, rehabilitation;
Dr. Suresh Sathya, small animal surgery; and Dr. Kurtis Swekla, zoological,
exotic and wildlife medicine.
To search for a WCVM faculty or staff member, visit www.wcvm.com
and click on “WCVM People” in the main menu.
Longtime employees retire
In December 2009, two longtime employees at the WCVM celebrated their
retirement during an afternoon tea: • Dr. Terry Carruthers, associate professor in the Department of Large
Animal Clinical Sciences, retired after 27 years at the College. Carruthers was
also a member of the WCVM Field Service and provided clinical expertise in
dairy production medicine for WCVM’s dairy clients. Carruthers was a 1975
graduate of WCVM who completed a PhD at Michigan State University in 1979.
Besides his teaching and clinical work, Carruthers also served as department
graduate chair.
• Sarah Caldwell of the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences
also retired from the College after 25 years of service. As an electron microscopist (technician IV), Caldwell oversaw the electron microscope suite at the
College. She was also involved in a variety of EM-related research projects and
was well known for her teaching work with many graduate students.
In June 2009, Caldwell received the WCVM Distinguished Employee award
in recognition of her many contributions to the College. Letters supporting
Caldwell’s nomination highlighted her leadership, her strength as a team
player, and her compassion for her fellow workers. WCVM students host major
events in Saskatoon
• Thousands of people of all ages flocked to the WCVM during Vetavision,
the college’s four-day open house, that took place in October 2009. Held every
three years, Vetavision is entirely organized by WCVM students. “Vetavision is
the ideal chance for students to talk about the many different aspects of our
profession with the public and how veterinarians play a part in everyone’s
daily lives,” says Jasmine Dhillon, Vetavision co-ordinator.
During the event, students, families and adults took in a variety of educational displays, speakers, demonstrations and animals. Vetavision visitors
also had the opportunity to see some of the WCVM’s expanded and renovated
facilities that have opened since the last Vetavision in March 2007.
• About 275 Canadian veterinary students gathered in Saskatoon for
three days in mid-January during the 2010 Students of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA) Symposium.
The event is hosted by one of Canada’s five veterinary colleges each year.
While most participants were from the WCVM, more than 50 of the students
made the trek to Saskatchewan from Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario
and Alberta. During their stay in Saskatoon, they took in veterinary presentations, attended wet labs and toured local attractions such as the Canadian
Light Source and the Goodale Research Farm.
Dr. Temple Grandin, the Symposium’s keynote speaker, is a professor in
Colorado State University’s Department of Animal Science and a well-known
designer of livestock handling facilities. “More than 250 people attended Dr.
Grandin’s talk and it was very well-received — especially the question period
that lasted for nearly an hour,” says Jenny Puttick, SCVMA Symposium chair.
Although the symposium took a great deal of planning, Puttick says it
was worth the effort: “I think it’s very important to be able to showcase WCVM
to the rest of Canada’s veterinary students and other speakers who participated
in the event. I think it’s also a great way to meet our future colleagues from
across Canada and to learn more about how their schools are similar or different from the WCVM.” A
What’s Coming Up?
• ROYAL MANITOBA WINTER FAIR, Mar. 29-Apr. 3:
If you’re planning to attend Brandon’s popular agricultural show this spring, make sure to stop by the
WCVM display booth and say hello! The College will
be highlighting its equine health research and training
programs during the show.
• WCVM GRADUATION BANQUET, June 2: The
WCVM’s Class of 2010 will take part in the U of S
Spring Convocation and celebrate their graduation at
the College’s annual banquet at the Sheraton Cavalier
in Saskatoon, Sask. • “VETMED” SCI-FI CAMP, July-August: For the first
time, the WCVM will play host to week-long summer
camps for elementary and junior high school students.
Organized by U of S Sci-Fi Camps, students will have
the chance to learn more about the science behind
veterinary medicine. Find more information at www.
scifi.usask.ca.
• WCVM-SVMA CONFERENCE, Sept. 30-Oct. 2:
Jointly organized by the WCVM and the SVMA, this
three-day continuing education conference will take
place at the Radisson Hotel in Saskatoon, Sask. Visit
www.wcvm.com (Continuing Education) or www.
svma.sk.ca for more details.
In Memoriam: Dr. Francis Hrudka
Dr. Francis Hrudka, one of the WCVM’s longtime faculty members, passed
away on January 8, 2010, at the age of 89 years.
Born in Czechoslovakia, Hrudka received his Doctor of Veterinary
Medicine from Tierarztliche Hochschule in Vienna, Austria, and his PhD from
l’Université de Sorbonne in Paris, France. He went on to become a department
head at the Veterinary College in Kosice, Czechoslovakia.
In 1968, Hrudka, his wife and three children — Mark, Francis Jr. and
Dagmar — moved to Canada where he joined the WCVM’s Department of
Veterinary Anatomy. He devoted his life to teaching and research, and he was
internationally recognized for his expertise in spermatology and histology.
He published numerous scientific papers and contributed to the text
book, Basic Morphology in Farm Animals. After his retirement in 1988,
Hrudka continued to be scientifically active as a professor emeritus until 1997.
Those who knew and worked with Dr. Hrudka appreciated his quiet and
gentle demeanour, his vast knowledge and expertise related to his subjects, and
his commitment to detail and the scientific method.
Besides his academic work, Hrudka enjoyed spending time outdoors. In
1979, he and his wife Alice designed and built a log cabin north of La Ronge
where they enjoyed canoeing, fishing and cross-country skiing. Hrudka also
enjoyed travelling: he and Alice travelled around the world during a sabbatical leave in 1984. Throughout the trip, Hrudka gave lectures at numerous
universities and enjoyed sight-seeing in more than a dozen countries —
all in 94 days.
Hrudka leaves behind his wife of 58 years, three children and nine
grandchildren. In honour of his memory, donations can be made to the Dr.
Francis Hrudka Prize in Histology. This award is annually presented to a
second-year WCVM student who shows special interest and academic achievement in veterinary histology.
Western College of Veterinary Medicine • 19
Laurie Zemlak (WCVM ’11)
Give to the WCVM.
We promise healthy returns on your investment.
When you give to the Western College
of Veterinary Medicine, your money
generates healthy gains that benefit
animals and people alike, year after
year.
• Buy a vital piece of clinical
equipment and know that your
investment is helping to improve the
level of veterinary health care available
for all animal species.
• Establish a veterinary student
award or bursary and watch your
gift boost the education and training of
Western Canada’s new generation of
veterinarians and veterinary specialists.
Put your money to work at the WCVM.
Contact the College for more details
and explore your financial options.
• Support a WCVM research fund
and help faculty and graduate students
learn how to tackle and manage critical
health issues affecting animals as well
as people.
STUDENT AWARDS
STUDENT BURSARIES
HEALTH RESEARCH
GRADUATE TRAINING
CLINICAL EQUIPMENT
NEW TECHNOLOGIES
NEW FACILITIES
Lisa Green, Development Officer
306-966-7450 • lisa.green@usask.ca
Visit www.wcvm.com
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