RUSVM Alumni Magazine

RUSVMS

UM

MER

20

15

Alumni MagazineFIRST ISSUE INTRODUCING RUSVM’S new alumni magazine

IN THIS ISSUE6Where Are We Going? Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations

Commencement 2015

Human and Animal Medicine: Bridging the Gap

Dear Graduate:

When you first enrolled at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

(RUSVM), you made a commitment—a commitment that began the day you

arrived on campus in St. Kitts—to do what was necessary to achieve your

dream of practicing veterinary medicine. You took initiative. You overcame

obstacles. You persevered. And ultimately, you succeeded.

Nearly 4,000 of you have earned your degrees at RUSVM through our

unique, truly global veterinary education program. This provided you the

opportunity to study veterinary medicine in a truly picturesque environment,

one rich with culture, research opportunities, and exotic wildlife.

Each of you has your own RUSVM story. But you all have one thing in

common: You have collectively completed a unique, rigorous, and truly

unforgettable experience while learning the practice of veterinary medicine

in St. Kitts. Your experience in St. Kitts shaped you, it guided you, and we

believe it made you into a veterinary professional like no other. It’s a bond

that holds us all together—a bond that is distinctively RUSVM.

One of my many endeavors as Dean is to ensure you do not forget

your RUSVM experience, because it is one that will carry you through your

veterinary career. On that note, it is with great pleasure and pride that I

announce our new Alumni Magazine—where we will keep you connected to

your alma mater through alumni profiles, campus and island updates, news

on One Health and other research initiatives, interesting feature stories, and

much more.

Should you have any feedback or comments, please feel free to contact

[email protected].

With warm regards,

Elaine D. Watson, BVMS, MVM, PhD, DSc, Dip ECAR, FRSB, FRCVS, ARAgS

Dean

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Alumni Magazine | 1

LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD A retrospective: Over the course of about 40 years,

RUSVM has evolved from a small international

veterinary school to an accredited, research-focused

institution that encompasses nearly 50 acres of campus space and has

graduated thousands of veterinarians now practicing across the globe.

FEATURES

BULLETIN BOARD

PROFILES

CLASS NOTES

ALUMNI EVENT RECAPS

SUMMER 2015

06

OVER 340 NEW VETS TO “LEAD THE WAY”We recognized the Class of 2015 at its 49th annual

commencement ceremony Saturday, May 30, at the

BankUnited Center in Coral Gables, FL.

10

WHERE ARE WE GOING? Redefining Institutional Advancement

and Alumni Relatations.

12

DEPARTMENTS

04

16

22

26

RUSVMS

UM

MER

20

15

Alumni Magazine

HUMAN & ANIMAL MEDICINE: BRIDGING THE GAPJeffrey J. Runge, DACVS, explains how cutting-edge

research in minimally invasive surgery enhances animal

and human outcomes.

14

RUSVM ALUMNI MAGAZINE is published by the office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations along with the office of Marketing and Communications. It is distributed twice a year to alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends. For information or to send name/address changes please contact: [email protected].

Elaine D. Watson, BVMS, MVM, PhD, DSc, Dip ECAR, FRSB, FRCVS, ARAgS Dean

Guy St. Jean, DVM, MS, Dipl, ACVS Associate Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs

Stephen J. DeSalvoDirector of Institutional Advancement & Alumni Relations

ALUMNI RELATIONS

Jennifer LeFebvre

Jhanay Harris

Lynly Jeanlouis

SPECIAL EVENTS

Cheryl Schumacher

Kenneth Edwards

Morgan Lynch

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Chris Railey

Jennifer Colodney

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/EDITORS

Jenna Calder

Stephen DeSalvo

Jhanay Harris

Lynly Jeanlouis

Sara Kaufman

Jerry Kimbrough

Melissa Kvidahl

Jodi Peeler

MAGAZINE PROJECT MANAGER

Kristine Lester

DESIGN

Peter GialloretoHoward Design Group, Inc.Princeton, NJ

2 | Ross Univers i ty School of Veterinary Medicine

DeVry Education GroupDeVry Education Group

(DVG) is a global provider of

educational services and the

parent organization of American

University of the Caribbean School

of Medicine, Ross University School

of Medicine, and Ross University

School of Veterinary Medicine. DVG

also operates Becker Professional

Education, Carrington College,

Chamberlain College of Nursing,

DeVry University and its Keller

Graduate School of Management,

and DeVry Brasil. These institutions

offer a wide array of programs in

healthcare, business, technology,

accounting, and finance.

DeVry Medical InternationalDeVry Medical International (DMI),

which is part of DVG, includes

American University of the

Caribbean School of Medicine,

Ross University School of

Medicine, Ross University School

of Veterinary Medicine, and the

Medical Education Readiness

Program. DMI Shared Services

refers to the departments and

colleagues who work together as

well as directly with the leadership,

faculty, and colleagues at the DMI

institutions to support them in

fulfilling their educational missions.

Mission of DMI Shared ServicesThe mission of DMI Shared

Services is to provide excellent

service and support to enable

students, faculty, and colleagues

to fulfill their goals. We strive to

promote continuous improvement,

operational efficiency, and student

service in order to foster academic

achievement, an unparalleled

student experience, and long-term

growth for the DMI institutions.

FROM THE ALUMNI DIRECTOR’S DESK

I would like to express how excited I am to have

joined Ross University School of Veterinary

Medicine (RUSVM) as the Director of Institutional

Advancement and Alumni Relations (IAAR). I come

here with more than 15 years of higher education

experience, the majority of that time in alumni

relations. Very early in my career, it became

apparent to me that there is enormous potential

within the unique connection between alumni and

their alma mater. It then became my life’s work to

help alumni leverage this relationship. The key is

simply becoming engaged with the university in

whatever ways work for you.

Whether you walked across the graduation

stage just a couple of years ago or if that memory

is now very distant, you are what made and what continues to make RUSVM a

special place. On your journey through life, RUSVM will always be a part of your

story. With the coordinated efforts of the RUSVM Alumni Council, the deans and

administrators of all the academic departments, and student services, we are

planning new programs, events and benefits with real impact.

I invite you to reimagine the ways that you can stay connected and involved.

RUSVM needs all of our alumni actively engaged as our ambassadors in order to

continue to be a thriving institution. There are a number of volunteer opportunities

available for our alumni. No matter where you live or how much time you have to

give, there are ways you can serve. I look forward to sharing such opportunities

with you throughout the year.

Every academic institution will tell you that keeping in touch with alumni is an

enormous challenge. This challenge is one that is a major priority for my staff and

me. Please take a minute to visit www.rossu.edu/RUSVM-info-update to provide

us with your updated personal and professional information.

Over the past year, we have begun to execute a shift in the focus and structure

of the IAAR department. This department’s efforts are critical to elevating the

awareness and competitive positioning of our institutions, with our alumni truly

engaged as ambassadors, as well as exemplars of our success in providing

opportunity matched by quality education. Your new direct contact is Lynly

Jeanlouis, and you can reach her at 732-509-9015 or [email protected].

I always look forward to hearing from alumni, whether it is a great story or any

suggestions you may have; I am interested in how you think the alumni association

should evolve over the next few years. So do not hesitate to contact me at

[email protected] or 732-509-4667.

Sincerely,

Stephen J. DeSalvo

Director of Institutional Advancement & Alumni Relations

Alumni Magazine | 3

RUSVM ALUMNI AMBASSADORDo you have some free time to give to your alma mater? Would you like to share the value of your education with prospective students and their families? Are you looking for a meaningful way to volunteer? Become an RUSVM Alumni Ambassador today!

Alumni activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Information Seminar Speaker • Current Student Outreach Rep• On-Campus Panelist• White Coat Ceremony Speaker• Commencement Speaker• Email Ambassador• Social Media Ambassador

(Facebook®, LinkedIn®, Twitter®)• Enrollment Webinar Alumni Rep• Prospective Student Outreach Rep• Clinical Representative• Alumni Mentor Program

• Speaker at College Fairs• Transitional Program Speaker• Regional Chapter Leader• New Student Reception Event• Profile in Marketing Material• Alumni Association Council Member• Post Internship/Job Opportunities• Class Representative• Conference Speaker/Presenter• WIVC SpeakerAnd much more…

If you are interested in the Alumni Ambassador program and would like more information, please email us at [email protected].


bulletin board

WHITE COAT CEREMONY JANUARY 2015

It’s a historic rite of passage—a ceremony symbolizing

students’ entry into the study of veterinary medicine.

We’re referring, of course, to our traditional White Coat

Ceremony.

“The white coat has been the symbol of a doctor’s

dedication to the advancement of the science of

medicine and their devotion to patient care. To a patient,

the coat may also symbolize trust and knowledge,” said

Carmen Fuentealba, DVM, associate dean for teaching

and learning at Ross University School of Veterinary

Medicine (RUSVM).

On Monday, January 5, RUSVM welcomed members

of the class of 2018 as they were presented with these

symbolic coats, complete with RUSVM seal, and an

additional gift from the RUSVM alumni office.

Associate Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs Guy St.

Jean, DMV, MA, Dipl, ACVS chaired the event, welcomed

family and friends, and congratulated the students on

their success.

Keynote speaker—RUSVM graduate and animal

neurology/neurosurgery specialist, Jennifer Rich, DVM

(’08)—challenged the new class to ask themselves

what they would do with the opportunity to become a

veterinarian. To her, the opportunity was a beautiful one.

“It is beautiful how fascination with a topic can make

it easy to learn, easy to study for hours on end, easy to

put in the long hours

with critical patients.

It is beautiful when a

career and a passion

fall together,” she

said.

Dr. Rich took

that passion

and completed

an internship at

VCA SouthPaws

Veterinary

Specialists and

Emergency Care in

Fairfax, VA, with a

focus on emergency

medicine and critical

care, and a neurology residency at Mississippi State

University. She now practices at the Center for Veterinary

Specialty and Emergency Care in Lewisville, TX.

The ceremony closed with a recitation of the

Veterinary Student’s Oath, where students pledged their

commitment to the service of animals and humanity. n

WHITE COAT CEREMONY MAY 2015

“Live your dream...it starts today.”These were the heartfelt words from keynote speaker Christa A.

Gallagher, DVM (’93) at the opening of Ross University School of

Veterinary Medicine’s (RUSVM) Summer White Coat Ceremony

on May 4, 2015.

Dr. Gallagher opened Arbor Creek Animal Hospital in Holly

Springs, NC in 1998 and, following an interest in vet med-canine

physical rehabilitation, became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation

Practitioner (CCRP) through the University of Tennessee College

of Veterinary Medicine.

In 2003, she expanded her hospital to include a physical

rehabilitation referral practice, and after 15 years of private

practice ownership, she returned “home” to her alma mater at

RUSVM to help aspiring veterinarians live their dreams.

Dr. Gallagher accepted a position as assistant professor

of small animal medicine, and now teaches veterinary public

health and epidemiology in the biomedical sciences department

at RUSVM. She is actively involved in research, primarily in

primatology, focusing on the island’s vervet monkeys. Her

research interests are in One Health, wildlife and conservation

medicine, EcoHealth, and the ecology and epidemiology of

zoonotic disease.

Adding to her accolades, Dr. Gallagher earned a Master of

Public Health (MPH) through the University of Iowa in December

2013, and in June of 2013 attained diplomate status through the

American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM).

Equipped with some sage advice, Afifah Abdul Rahim,

RUSVM Student Government Association President and White

Coat Ceremony speaker, addressed the crow of new students.

“This is the moment where you begin your journey to be the

veterinarian that you have always aspired to be,” Rahim said. n

Alumni Magazine | 5

YOU NAME IT!As a Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) graduate, you have given us a history to be proud of. Because of you, our alumni network holds nearly 4,000 veterinarians and counting—and our new alumni magazine is all about you.

So who better to name our new magazine than our alumni? That’s why we’re reaching out for your help!

Our alumni magazine is your key to staying connected to RUSVM—complete with alumni profiles, interesting articles, campus updates, and much more!

Please send your suggestions to [email protected] with ‘You Name It: RUSVM’ as the subject line. Once we’ve narrowed your suggestions down, you’ll vote on the final choices in September. We’ll announce the winner in our news section once the contest is over.

YOU NAME IT, WE’LL RUN WITH IT!

SHOW YOUR RUSVM PRIDE. RECOMMEND A FUTURE STUDENT

You’ve worked hard to join the ranks of our proud alumni

community, and future veterinarians want to follow in

your footsteps. You can help—all it takes is a letter and a

qualified candidate.

If you know a prospective student of veterinary

medicine, or have had one volunteer at your practice,

now’s the time to help them earn the RUSVM Pride of

Alumni/Book Scholarship. For more information or to

submit a recommendation, please contact Sharon O’Dea

at [email protected]. n

RUSVM ALUMNI STORIES: WE WANT TO HEAR THEM!

Whether you graduated from Ross University School of

Veterinary Medicine yesterday or years ago, your DVM

has allowed you to make a difference in the world of

animal medicine, and we couldn’t be prouder. What’s

unique about your story after graduation? Are you a

small animal surgeon? Do you work in public health?

Tells us about yourself! We may feature your story on

our website—stay connected with fellow alumni and show

prospective students what being an RUSVM grad is all about.

Interested? Contact Lynly Jeanlouis: [email protected]

for more information! n

feature

LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD: A RUSVM Retrospective


The Goal: To Give Veterinary Students a Chance

According to an article published on the

American Veterinary Medical Association

(AVMA) website in 2011, RUSVM founder

Robert Ross was approached, in the

early 1980s, by a friend whose daughter

couldn’t get into vet school. So he said,

“Why don’t we have a vet school of our

own? We already have a med school.”

That last quote from Ross comes

courtesy of Bobby G. Brown, RUSVM’s

first dean. Dr. Brown served as dean

for RUSVM from 1982 to 1985, before

moving on to posts at the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention and

Auburn University.

When the veterinary school was

founded in 1982, it didn’t actually have

a campus of its own. Instead, the first

class of veterinary students shared space

with medical school students. Visiting

professors taught many of the courses,

at the time; Dr. Brown, in addition to his

duties as dean, taught both anatomy

and physiology.

“They worked hard,” Dr. Brown said of

the inaugural batch of RUSVM students.

“We took students who couldn’t get in to

US vet schools, and they came knowing

this was their last chance.”

Ultimately, RUSVM officials decided

to move the campus to St. Kitts,

and construction began in earnest

in Basseterre on two buildings that

were planned to house lecture rooms,

laboratories, and a clinic. That was in

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE that over the course of about 40 years, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) has evolved from a small international veterinary school—one without its own campus—to an accredited, research-focused institution that encompasses nearly 50 acres of campus space and has graduated thousands of veterinarians now practicing across the globe.

What might be easy to believe, though, is that the school’s origin story shares parallels with that of Ross University School of Medicine, an institution founded four years prior by the same man who founded the veterinary school. Even easier to believe: both stories, and both schools, are all about giving an opportunity.

It all started with a single person who wanted to be a veterinarian.

Alumni Magazine | 7

1983. Months later, construction was

completed, and RUSVM students

headed over to St. Kitts.

But the way that early group of

RUSVM students actually made it to

St. Kitts is a story all itself.

Old RUSVM to New RUSVM: Memories from Early Students

Hugh R. Matthews—an early RUSVM

student quoted in the AVMA story—was

watching an island boat being built

during the days preceding the trip to St.

Kitts. He didn’t know what this boat was

going to be used for, and he definitely

didn’t know this boat would ultimately

be the vehicle he and other students

used to get to St. Kitts.

Then one day, students and

equipment were loaded onto the boat

and the voyage began. Passengers

traveled all night, slept on hammocks,

and arrived in St. Kitts within a day.

John Bradfield, a RUSVM alumnus

currently serving as senior director for

the Association for Assessment and

Accreditation of Laboratory Animal

Care (AAALAC) International, was

another one of the students who took

that boat ride from Dominica to St.

Kitts. He remembers it well: A handful

of students and the university’s small

collection of animals journeyed to

St. Kitts on a craft Bradfield called

an “overgrown rowboat.” They were

greeted by brand new buildings and

a welcoming Kittitian culture, newly

independent from Great Britain.

“The St. Kitts campus was a quiet

little outpost,” Bradfield recalls. “The

average class consisted of 10-15

students, so there were 45 students and

a handful of faculty and that was it.”

Bradfield remembers practicing

large animal surgeries with his

classmates at RUSVM in a courtyard,

exposed to the elements. At that time,

there were very few university-owned

animals, so students would work

with local herds, gaining experience

wherever they could. “I later realized,

when I was in large animal practice

and performing surgeries out in a field

somewhere in the US, that St. Kitts had

been a good training ground for me,”

he said.

In October 2013, Bradfield visited

the St. Kitts campus. What he saw

amazed him: an extensive large animal

paddock and kennels, with more

than 350 animals. Multiple surgery

laboratories, a large animal hospital,

and roughly 20 acres of pastureland.

Even a Clinical Skills Lab and a

Simulation Lab.

“There are students everywhere,

so many faculty members, so much

new construction and development.

It’s difficult to imagine that the

building that once served as my

parasitology classroom now serves

as the Information Technology office,”

said Bradfield.


feature

To be sure, a lot has changed, but one

goal remains constant throughout

RUSVM’s nearly 40-year history: To

provide veterinary students with a

learning environment where they

can grow personally and succeed

professionally. Since the school’s 1982

founding, nearly 4,000 veterinarians

heard the calling to care for animals,

seized the opportunity that RUSVM

offered, and turned that opportunity

into a career.

So yes, that part of our institution’s

mission remains the same—but it’s

bigger now. It’s evolved. Under the

leadership of acclaimed veterinary

school expert Elaine Watson, who was

appointed dean of RUSVM in 2011,

the school has grown its mission past

educating students into the realms of

research. Our research team comprises

faculty from across the globe—many

with experience at international

agencies such as the World Health

Organization and the US Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention.

Much of the research at RUSVM

is tied to the concept of One Health,

a global strategy that views the

well-being of animals, people and

ecosystems as inextricably related,

and that seeks to promote the health

of all species through the collaborative

efforts of veterinarians, physicians,

environmental scientists and other

thought leaders in a wide range of

fields. In fact, in 2014, RUSVM hosted

a two-day conference that brought

together experts from the animal,

human and environmental health

sectors for discussions on applying the

global One Health concept to improve

the health of the Caribbean region and

other tropical regions worldwide.

Though we’re expanding and

transforming our institution’s

mission, we don’t plan on losing

sight of the people who ultimately

helped bring life to RUSVM—and

that’s our alumni. Because without

you, there wouldn’t be a RUSVM,

and the dreams of the nearly 4,000

graduates who trained here wouldn’t

have become reality.

We’re proud of that, and we hope

you are, too. n

An Eye on the Future of Veterinary Medicine

Alumni Magazine | 9

RUSVM’s Research Centers advance the productivity

and standing of research and research training,

supporting a research-informed educational program

for our students. Research Centers are the primary

avenues through which RUSVM interacts nationally,

regionally, and globally. They include:

• The One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary

Medicine: The Center focuses on a variety of research

methods, from the laboratory to the field, to investigate

issues concerning emerging, re-emerging as well as persisting

endemic infectious diseases in consideration of nationally,

regionally, and internationally recognized priorities and critical

research gaps.

• The Center for Integrative Mammalian Research: Innovation

and advances in human and animal healthcare depend on

progress in understanding the pathogenesis of diseases

and the efficacies of therapies. This Center focuses on basic

research in close collaboration with a range of international

institutions.

• The Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health:

This Center focuses on applied research, renewed advocacy,

educational outreach and training, and evidence translation

toward best practices and policy change as a fundamental

basis for surveying and managing the health of populations,

communities, and ecosystems.

• The Center for Research and Innovation in Veterinary and

Medical Education: Enhancement of the learning environment

is accomplished by providing opportunities for faculty to

develop relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to

adapt and succeed in a rapidly evolving educational field. This

Center promotes scholarly activity that encourages creativity

and innovation in teaching and learning.

2015 Commencement: Over 340 New Vets to “Lead the Way”


feature

R oss University School of Veterinary Medicine

(RUSVM) recognized the Class of 2015 at its

49th annual commencement ceremony Saturday,

May 30, at the BankUnited Center in Coral Gables,

FL. The university conferred about 340 Doctor of Veterinary

Medicine degrees as well as RUSVM’s first-ever Master of Science

by Research degrees.

Keynote speaker, Jennifer Welser, DVM, DACVO, is a veterinary

ophthalmologist and the chief medical officer at BluePearl

Veterinary Partners. BluePearl, headquartered in Tampa, FL,

provides specialized services and emergency medicine at nearly

20 locations throughout the United States.

“Dr. Welser’s career path is a great example for our

graduates—establishing a career in ophthalmology and then

taking on a leadership role in practice is just one of many

options available in veterinary medicine,” said RUSVM Dean

Elaine Watson, PhD, DSc, FRCVS. “From working with the

US Department of Homeland Security’s Food, Agriculture

and Veterinary Defense Division to conducting research on

transmission of infectious diseases between animals and humans,

the possibilities in veterinary medicine are endless.”

The ‘One Health’ concept, which posits that the health of

humans, animals, and the environment is inextricably connected,

is an integral part of the curriculum at RUSVM. One of RUSVM’s

four research centers—the One Health Center for Zoonoses

and Tropical Veterinary Medicine—is dedicated to examining

infectious diseases of animals in the tropics that can be passed

to humans. According to Dean Watson, the focus on One Health

prepares RUSVM graduates to address contemporary issues in

veterinary medicine.

“New veterinarians will lead the way in tackling some of the

greatest societal issues of the mid-21st century: food safety

and security, pandemic and zoonotic disease prevention, and

preservation of fragile ecosystems,” she said. According to Dean

Watson, newly minted graduates of RUSVM’s Master of Science

by Research degree program have been trained on how to

explore new tools and ways of thinking that lead to innovation

within their chosen discipline.

As part of RUSVM’s strategic vision to produce career-ready

veterinarians who are comfortable in leadership roles, the school

has expanded its global presence and international educational

opportunities for its students. This year, RUSVM established

relationships with other educational institutions in Africa and Asia,

and students have been able to complete their clinical training at

affiliate organizations in Ireland and Australia.

“As our world shrinks and becomes increasingly interconnected,

it’s important to provide such global experiences,” Dean Watson

said. “By doing so, we’ve enhanced our graduates’ capacity for

solving challenges across the globe.” n

Alumni Magazine | 11


RECONNECT (ree-kuh-nekt)

to join, link, unite or bind; to

establish successful communication

between two parted entities.

Whether it has been only a year

or 30 since you walked across

that stage, shook the dean’s hand

and officially became a Doctor of

Veterinary Medicine, there is one

constant: Ross University School

of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM).

Every time you put on your long

white coat in the morning, you

take care of one of your animal

patients, or have the next great

breakthrough in veterinary

medicine, you are linked to RUSVM.

We are so proud of all of our alumni

and their accomplishments. It is

important to remain connected

with RUSVM throughout your

career, to keep us informed about

all of those milestones, highlights

and achievements. We want to

share those successes with the rest

of the Rossies out there through

this magazine, our website, and

social media.

RE-ENGAGE (ree-en-geyj)

act of committing oneself, a pledge or a promise of involvement.

Not only is it imperative to remain in contact with RUSVM, it

is equally essential to stay in touch with your fellow alumni.

Networking is important in every career field; however, it’s

even more important to know people in your specialty and in

your regional area. Who better to fill your network than other

RUSVM alumni, with whom you share a similar experience? The

Alumni Association affords you the opportunity to get in touch

with other alumni at events, through social networking and

getting involved as an Alumni Ambassador.

There are many opportunities to get involved with your

Alumni Association. We work closely with the Enrollment

Management team at their informational Seminars all around

the country distributing information about RUSVM to

prospective students. Alumni join current faculty and one of

our deans on a panel to present their unique experiences and

answer questions. We also send alumni back to St. Kitts for

different events on campus, to speak at White Coat events,

orientation, transitions week, and spend time with pre-vet

advisors. Or, you can simply become a mentor to a current

student during their journey of becoming a veterinarian.

Once you have become an Alumni Ambassador, you will

be invited to exclusive events that will take place all over the

country. Most recently, we held an event in a luxury box at a

New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden, and this

fall we are planning a wonderful family event at the Bronx

Zoo. These events allow us to show our appreciation and

gratitude for our volunteers who give up their time and talents

throughout the year.

Where Are We Going?Institutional Advancement & Alumni Relations

feature


REINVIGORATE (ree-in-vig-uh-reyt)

fill with life and energy, to rouse into activity.

Our charge is to truly develop a strong and long-lasting

alumni relations program. This will include many new

initiatives, with this magazine certainly being one of the

first steps in the right direction. We will be producing

and distributing two issues a year, one in the summer and

again in the winter. The content in these publications will

focus on the discoveries, accomplishments, successes, and

milestones of you, our alumni!

We will also be developing a Regional Alumni Chapter

Program, where deans and prominent faculty members

or administration will visit our alumni all over the country,

presenting them with status updates on all things RUSVM.

Many of you are unaware of how many alumni are in your

local area and the opportunities you are missing. These

Regional Chapter events will give you that chance to

develop that network.

Additionally, you will see a new presence on social

media platforms dedicated to RUSVM alumni. We have a

team dedicated to posting the most relevant and current

news and notes regarding RUSVM and your fellow alumni.

We will also be redesigning our website. You will have the

opportunity to search for fellow alumni through an online

directory, seamlessly update your information, or submit

something for the magazine. These are just some of the

things to look forward to in the coming year!

REMINISCE (rem-uh-nis)

to recall past experiences,

events, or time periods of

significance in one’s life.

That first day on St. Kitts, the

first time you put on the white

coat, the transition to clinicals

and internships, and of course

commencement, you have

shared so many significant

memories with those who

came before and after you at

RUSVM, and most certainly

with your fellow classmates.

Ensure that this bond stays

intact! Keep in touch with

us, or even better, become

an Alumni Ambassador and

assist with one or many of

our new programs. Either

way, we are looking forward

to reconnecting you to

Ross University School of

Veterinary Medicine!

Where Are We Going?


HUMAN

Jeffrey J. Runge, DACVS, explains how cutting-edge research in minimally invasive surgery enhances animal and human outcomes.

A s any person with a

postoperative pet knows,

assessing Fido’s pain levels can

be difficult. Unlike humans, pets can’t

describe what hurts, how much, and

where. This can result in discomfort for

the pet and concern among owners.

But according to Jeffrey J. Runge,

DACVS (’05), assistant professor

and head of the minimally invasive

surgery program at the University of

Pennsylvania School of Veterinary

Medicine, new surgical technologies

offer a better alternative.

“As surgeons, we used to require

larger incisions to complete operative

procedures. But at the turn of the

century, surgeons began realizing

that we could do a lot more with small

incisions,” he says. “Through small

incisions, we can now introduce cameras

and tiny instruments, essentially

improving our view and extending the

reach and capabilities of our fingers.”

Minimally invasive surgery is the gold

standard in human medicine today, and

for many reasons: a smaller incision

means less pain, quicker recovery,

shorter hospital stays, faster return

to function, and fewer complications.

“We already know the same benefits

that exist for humans also translate

to animals,” says Dr. Runge, “as many

of the pivotal studies that proved

the benefits of minimally invasive

surgery were done using animals for

translational research models.”

The operations he can perform

via minimally invasive surgery include

complex thoracic procedures on the

heart and lung (including abscess and

tumor removal), procedures in the

abdominal cavity as basic as a spay

or gastropexy, and more challenging

procedures like bladder and urethra

stone removal, cryptorchid corrections,

adrenalectomy, and intestinal surgery.

But it’s in his research and innovation

where Runge and his team are making

a widespread impact for animal and

human patients alike.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE ABDOMINAL

SURGERY

One of Dr. Runge’s major contributions

to his field is a new minimally invasive

access approach for veterinary

laparoscopy called single port surgery.

This single port platform has

shown promise as a potentially less

invasive and less traumatic alternative

to multiport laparoscopic techniques

ANIMAL

Human and Animal Medicine:

Bridgingthe Gap

feature


because, as he explains, “This

platform enables all of the individual

laparoscopic instruments and the

camera telescope to pass through the

same single abdominal incision, through

a specially designed port, without

compromising the safety and efficacy

of the surgical procedure.”

And because Dr. Runge’s animal

patients are small, he has begun

collaborating with minimally invasive

pediatric surgeons as they work to

justify and validate new operative

techniques for their patients. “Animals

are a translational research model,”

he says. “It opens the doors for

collaboration and it’s an unbelievable

relationship. My clinical research

enables me to help not only veterinary

patients but also children and adults.”

SUPERIOR TUMOR DETECTION

“When it comes to curing cancer, in

humans and animals, typically the

first line of defense we have in giving

the best outcome is to surgically

remove the tumor in its entirety,”

explains Dr. Runge. The problem lies

in the possibility of any cancerous

tissue being left behind after the

procedure, as this can dramatically

affect the prognosis. But thanks

to groundbreaking research at the

University of Pennsylvania, led by Dr.

Sunil Singhal and Dr. David Holt, a

new surgical imaging technology was

developed that enables tumors to glow

intraoperatively, giving surgeons one

more tool in their detection arsenal.

Their method relies on injecting a

special dye that accumulates in the

cancerous tissue; upon shining an

infrared light on the cancerous area, the

entire tumor glows. “Our group at Penn

had previously shown that lung tumors

can be visually enhanced during open

chest surgery using near-infrared (NIR)

imaging,” Dr. Runge says. “This opened

the doors to evaluate how it would

translate to the minimally invasive arena.

“I was fortunate to be asked to

join this exciting research to help

prove how the use of this new type of

imaging would work during minimally

invasive tumor removal in veterinary

surgery,” he adds. Dr. Runge and his

team are currently evaluating dogs

having thoracoscopic lung resection

for cancer, because this translational

research model is almost identical

in both humans and dogs. And since

minimally invasive surgery prevents

surgeons from fully using their fingers

for palpation to locate lung nodules,

this advanced imaging can help these

surgeons find cancer in their patients.

“So far, our research has been very

promising,” says Dr. Runge. “Dogs and

cats play an integral role in scientific

research, and it’s the right time to be a

veterinarian in research. Pet owners are

realizing it’s not just about their dog—

they can help kids and adults, too.” n

“I was fortunate to be asked to join this exciting

research to help prove how the use of this new type

of imaging would work during minimally invasive

tumor removal in veterinary surgery.”

Opposi t e page and above : Dr. Runge and his t eam per f or ming minimall y invasi ve sur ger y in t heir s t a t e - o f-t he - ar t oper a t ing r oom . P ho t os cour t esy o f John Donges .

A bove : Image 1 shows pink lung t issue , w i t h no t umor v isible t o t he eye . Image 2 is t he same v iew o f t he lung , bu t by using a near in f r ar ed l igh t, a t umor glows blue .

1

2

“The cool thing I didn’t realize about

veterinary medicine was how varied of

a path you can take,” Dr. Kidd says. “You

hear about things like lab animal medicine

and public health, but you can also go into

animal welfare, general practice, large

animal, small animal, equine, public policy,

or research and you can study and work

anywhere in the world.”

Dr. Kidd has been making the most of

his RUSVM experience, starting with the

moment he set foot on St. Kitts.

A former linebacker and starting rugby

player for the University of California at

Berkeley, he says he channeled his energy,

concentration, and preparedness for sports

into academics—graduating at the top of

his class and co-authoring two publications.

Dr. Kidd worked hard to achieve success,

but also took advantage of island life.

“During the week I hit the books, but

every weekend I played volleyball, football,

and rugby, plus or minus scuba diving,

snorkeling, or rock climbing,” he says. “One

nice thing about St. Kitts is that I could have

a healthy and active lifestyle and still have

academics be in the forefront.”

Dr. Kidd did his clinical rotation at the

University of California at Davis. After

graduation, he spent a year working in an

A POST-GRAD SUCCESS STORYScott Kidd, DVM (’13) always knew he wanted to

be a veterinarian, and after enrolling at Ross

University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM),

he discovered that the field was even more expansive

than anticipated.

profile

emergency practice in Melbourne, Australia. His

most memorable experience there was helping save

the life of a cat that had impaled itself on a stake—a

surgical feat covered by Australian newspapers, and

one that landed him on talk radio.

Currently, Dr. Kidd works as a vet at the Animal

Medical Center in New York City, and is also co-authoring

two papers on canine total hip replacement with his

former supervisor in Australia. Next year, he begins a

surgery internship in Reno, NV. Ultimately, he says he

would like to his join his father’s and brother’s practice

as a surgical specialist.

“People say you can do whatever you want,”

he says. “It sounds clichéd but I have found it to

be true.” n



His role at the university:

As associate dean of clinical

affairs, Dr. Samper visits each

of RUSVM’s affiliates—about

28 sites on three different

continents—at least once

per year. His job is to match

students with clinical sites,

taking into account a variety

of factors: What are the

student’s goals? Interests?

Strengths? “Students at Ross

have a unique opportunity

that most students don’t

have. They get to choose one

place for their clinical year

that has the strengths that

match their career interests,”

he says. “I am very hands-on,

and I try to meet with students one-on-one to

discuss their goals.”

His research interests: “Research should be

applicable to the people working in the field,” Dr.

Samper says. “So one of the things I try to do is

build a bridge between practice and research.”

Currently, his research focuses on equine

reproduction. One project focuses specifically

on how frozen semen quality affects fertility;

the other examines factors affecting pregnancy

rates in mares with fertility problems.

His teaching philosophy: Though his position

as dean takes up most of his time, Dr. Samper does

sometimes find himself in the classroom lecturing

on equine reproduction. But

whatever the topic, he tries to

keep the focus on evidence-

based learning. “We try,

particularly in the last year

of preclinical curriculum, to

ensure the lectures are more

cl in ical ly and practical ly

oriented, as well as practice-

based,” he says.

Why he chose RUSVM: Dr.

Samper has always involved

students throughout his

career, often enlisting externs,

interns , or residents in

academia to join his practice

as a learning experience.

“When I was approached

about this job, I was interested

for two reasons,” he says. “First, it would get me

back into the academic environment. But, more

importantly, it would give me the opportunity to

interact with students on a very different level.

I’ve been a veterinarian for almost 33 years. I’ve

had the opportunity to be in academia, work in

industry, work as an associate veterinarian in

private practice, and have had my own practice

for over 20 years. With these experiences, I’ve

been able to see what determines our ability

as veterinarians to succeed and be happy. And

now, I get to share some of those experiences

with students who are just entering their clinical

year.” n

MEET A DEAN6

Juan Samper Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs

Juan C. Samper DVSM, MSc, PhD, arrived at Ross

University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM)

in September 2014, as the associate dean of clinical

affairs. Here’s what you need to know about...

profile


Q & A WITH6 Media Maven Timnah LeeHow this RUSVM alumna uses the media to inform and educate.

Like most veterinarians, Timnah Lee,

DVM (‘06) is passionate about animal

care and education. But Dr. Lee has

something many of her colleagues do

not—a platform in the media.

WHAT SORTS OF MEDIA

OPPORTUNITIES HAVE YOU HAD?

I first got started with the media by

chance. In 2006, the hospital I was

working in was located right by the

ABC News studios in New York City.

They called about the pet food recall,

and I was the DVM working that day. I

got such an adrenaline rush from it, so

I told them to stay in contact for future

opportunities.

I then changed hospitals (to my

current location) and work kept falling

into my lap. I worked on an article for

Good Housekeeping, and over the

years I did pieces with Fox News,

20/20, ABC News, and other news

outlets on a variety of topics: vaccines,

salt on dog paws during winter and its

consequences, pet food recalls, Ebola,

and more.

I also worked with Animal Planet as

one of the vets on the show “Underdog

to Wonderdog,” about pets from shelters

with extra needs like obesity, spinal cord

damage, or finding forever homes. One

of my last media pieces was about the

Ebola spread in animals and humans. I

hope to have more soon!

WHY IS MEDIA WORK IMPORTANT

TO YOU?

I like working with the media because I

want the community to learn as much

as they can about their pet and his

healthcare. We know way too many

people who GoogleTM something and

come up with a completely incorrect

diagnosis, and this can make them more

hesitant to do diagnostics or treatments

in the hospital because they think

they know what their pet has. I want

to open owners’ eyes and ears to their

veterinarians. We have the answers to

their pet questions—not the Internet.

HOW HAS RUSVM PLAYED A PART IN

YOUR CURRENT SUCCESS?

RUSVM prepared me for anything at any

time. Whether its Montserrat’s volcano

erupting during mid-semester break

or trying to diagnose a complicated

medical case in the hospital, I felt

much more prepared after RUSVM.

The professors, students, and locals all

became your community—a community

that helps to push you to do your best

and succeed in ways you never thought

you could.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?

Well, I’m already doing it! I’m still

doing my regular veterinary clinic and

surgery hours, while running two of

the busiest hospitals in Manhattan. In

total, our team has a total of 11 DVMs,

10 licensed veterinary technicians, and

approximately 40 other staff working

seven days each week in four locations

in lower Manhattan. New York is the

city that never sleeps, and nor do our

clients! I usually see more than 10 to

15 patients a day, with anywhere from

two to five surgeries and/or dentals

each day.

And as for media, I’m always looking

for new ways to jump in! n

profile

What You Need to Know About… The Student Experience

Take it from Ashley Danowski:

a full calendar is a good calendar.

With one year to go until her anticipated

graduation, Ashley Danowski’s

already got quite the resumé. She was

president of Ross University School of

Veterinary Medicine’s (RUSVM) Student

Government Association (SGA), an avid

volunteer, and a voracious learner. Here’s

what she had to say about the student

experience both on and off the island.

ON THE SGA...

“As our student government president,

I am the primary liaison between

students and administration,” she

says. Her role includes sitting on the

curriculum committee, representing

the school at conferences, speaking

at white coat and other university

events, and addressing issues as they

arise. The key to keeping it all on track

is a clear goal: “My primary focus has

always been on facilitating the needs

of the student body,” she says. That

ranges from bringing opportunities

to their attention (scholarships,

internships, conferences), to bettering

the island experience overall, to

providing student organizations with

financial support.Some of the SGA’s

latest projects include:

• An ongoing relationship with PAWS,

an island animal rescue group

working towards building its first

shelter on St. Kitts.

• Providing over 20 scholarships

enabling current students to attend

the Student American Veterinary

Medical Association (SAVMA)

Symposium, where they can

represent RUSVM, network, and

bring ideas and potential speakers

to campus.

• Facilitating scholarships to

offset expenses for internships,

conventions, or anything related to

gaining veterinary experience.

ON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES...

“I obtained a fake ID in high school, not

to sneak into bars or get a tattoo, but

because I needed to be 18 to volunteer

at the local animal control,” Danowski

says. “I have volunteered and worked in

the field as long as I can remember.”

Her experience includes working

in small animal shelters in addition to

hospitals and centers at home and in

South Africa. She has also assisted in

wildlife and marine mammal rescue and

rehabilitation efforts, including those in

the aftermath of the BP oil spill—and all

before even setting foot on the island.

Today, Danowski continues to

dedicate herself to volunteerism

by working with SAFE St. Kitts, a

student-developed and student-run

animal rescue organization. She’s also

participating in a parasitology research

study that examines the different

parasites and rickettsial organisms

found on the island. In April, she was

part of a group of RUSVM students who

traveled to Central America to offer

veterinary care and services, including

spaying and neutering procedures, in

less fortunate areas. “I will additionally

be doing a similar program in August,

run through The Humane Society,

offering veterinary services and animal

sterilization on Native American Indian

reservations,” she adds.

ON FINDING A NETWORK OF

RUSVM ALUMNI…

While returning home to New York

on a school break, Danowski, in an

effort to determine if specialization

would suit her, had the opportunity

to shadow veterinarians at nearby

East End Veterinary Emergency &

Specialty Center. “I was overwhelmed

by the caliber of veterinarians at this

practice, many of them graduates of

RUSVM. While it was a very humbling

experience, it was amazing to think that

many of these veterinarians started

exactly where I am now,” she says.

“It is amazing to share stories about

terrible cars, pesky monkeys, and other

‘island-isms’ while simultaneously

gaining more veterinary knowledge

and experience.” n

profile


Jager, who expects

to graduate in 2017, is

from Guelph, Ontario,

where she grew up

on a horse farm. “We

also have dogs, cats,

goats, and ducks,” she

adds. “I always loved

horses and I rode until

I moved here to St.

Kitts.” In fact, starting

at the age of 5 and

continuing throughout

her adolescence, Jager

competed in dressage.

She achieved bronze

and silver status, but

by far her highest honor

and most exciting adventure was when she

competed in Germany in the 2009 Young Rider

World Cup.

Knowing her background, it’s not surprising

that her desire to become a vet was a long time

coming. “When I was very young, I wanted to be

a veterinarian, then I wanted to be an engineer

like my father, and then I went to the University

of Guelph,” she says. “That’s when my love of

medicine came through.”

Now at RUSVM, she knows she’s in the right

place. “The level of support from your fellow

classmates is amazing. I’ve got a few really good

friends who I study

with, but there’s always

someone you can turn to,

whether it’s for a tutoring

session or to have dinner

with ,” she says . “The

upperclassmen are so

giving. They’ll offer to

lend you study guides—

and they don’t just say

it; they do it. The island

is our home. We’ve given

up our friends, family,

and life back at home

to come to a foreign

country, but there is

true student body

camaraderie and a great

support system among the students here.”

Jager’s eager to try it all when rotations roll

around, but she’s got two inclinations for her

future: forming either a strictly equine practice

or a mixed practice for all farm animals big and

small, from horses and cows to dogs and cats.

Currently, Jager is involved in a number of

on-campus clubs (she’s an officer for the SCUBA

club) and volunteers for equine and bovine

surgeries. “I am also a research assistant for the

St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network,” she says.

“There are definitely perks to living on a beautiful

tropical island while studying to be a vet!” n

From Dressage to SCUBA, Amy Jager is Making Waves“It’s a perfect triangle,” says Amy Jager, now starting

her fourth semester at Ross University School of

Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) in St. Kitts. “I love

animals, I love medicine, and I love helping people.”

profile



Attention Alumni! Want to get involved with your alma mater? Guy

St. Jean, DMV, MS, Dipl, ACVS, associate dean of

student and alumni affairs, is here to help.

“We are willing to listen. We

want to know how we can

help you.” That’s Guy St.

Jean’s message to alumni.

As the associate dean of

student and alumni affairs

at Ross University School

of Veterinary Medicine

(RUSVM), Dr. St. Jean works

hand and hand with the

IAAR Department to build

bridges, stay in contact,

and involve alumni both on

campus and off.

And with so many new

initiatives in the works,

there’s no doubt alumni

engagement is top of mind

at RUSVM. To start, alumni

can look forward to more class reunions. “That’s

something we talked to alumni about, and

they’re excited about it,” explains Dr. St. Jean of

the reunions taking place during the West Indies

Conference. “We will have different special

events for the different classes. It’s a chance to

reconnect, meet with colleagues, have fun, and

visit the school.”

Alumni who want to make their way back to

St. Kitts will have the chance to be considered

as a speaker for one of the many events taking

place on campus, such as welcoming receptions

for new students, graduation events, and white

coat ceremonies. Getting involved closer to

home, though, is as easy as volunteering to speak

at one of the many information seminars for

prospective students, which

take place all over the US.

“In addition, we want

to make sure alumni are

recognized,” adds Dr. St. Jean.

To that end, he is working

with IAAR on developing a

recognition program as well as

annual alumni awards to honor

those doing great things in the

profession.

On the horizon is an

employment portal for RUSVM

students who are looking

for work; the portal is also

planned to have applications

for alumni who might be

looking to change jobs or even

hire an associate. “This will be

a place where alumni can find opportunities for

themselves, as well as what’s available for them

if they’re hiring,” Dr. St. Jean explains.

Alumni who want to get involved with students

more personally will soon have an opportunity

to do so through a new mentorship program,

in which alumni can help students to be more

employable, practice-ready, and successful on

exams. “Some mentorships can take place via

Skype™ or email, or some alumni may want to

host a current student in their practice,” says Dr.

St. Jean.

Ready to get started? Interested alumni can

contact St. Jean directly at gst.jean@rossvet.

edu.kn to discuss involvement opportunities and

brainstorm new ideas. n

upcoming alumni programming


class notes

1990s6 S C O T T R . L E F F L E R , D V M ( ’ 9 5 )Currently, Dr. Leffler is the owner,

veterinarian, and president of small

animal medicine and surgery at Animal

Medical Center of Streetsboro, Inc. in

Streetsboro, OH. The Center won two

accolades: Angie’s List A-rated and Dr.

Leffler was voted the Akron/Canton hot

list Best Veterinarian for 2015. Dr. Leffer

was also recognized in Streetsboro

Gateway News last year for utilizing

cutting-edge laser therapy on pets with

pain and inflammation.

D O U G L A S C O T L E R , D V M ( ’ 9 7 )Dr. Cotler is currently the chief of staff

and owner of South Brunswick Animal

Hospital. He purchased South Brunswick

Animal Hospital four years ago (the

hospital has been in business almost 30

years). The hospital is a busy five-doctor

small animal practice just 30 minutes

away from RUSVM’s administrative

offices in Iselin, NJ.

J E S S E K . N A G Y, D V M , M S , D A C V R ( ’ 9 7 )Dr. Nagy currently works for IDEXX

as an imaging consultant. He recently

published an article in a peer reviewed

journal: Journal of the American Animal

Hospital Association volume 51, issue 3

May/June 2015, pp 143-147. The article is

titled Radiographic distortion artifact of

circular external fixators.

2000s6 C H R I S T O P H E R J . W I N K L E R , D V M , D A B L S ( ’ 0 1 )Dr. Winkler is the owner of Suffolk

Veterinary Group Animal Wellness

and Laser Surgery Center, NY. He is a

professional member of the American

Society for Laser Medicine and

Surgery, and became one of only six

veterinarians to be Diplomates of The

American Board of Laser Surgery in

2015.

D E B R A S Z P I C E K , D V M , C VA ( ’ 0 2 )Dr. Szpicek is married to Dr. Anthony

Smatt (’03). Together they own The

Pets I Love Veterinary Hospital in

Monroe, NY.

.

J E N N I F E R S H I N D L E , D V M ( ’ 0 3 )Dr. Shindle opened her own

animal practice, McConnellsburg

Veterinary Clinic, LLC in June 2013 in

McConnellsburg, PA. The practice was

recently awarded the 2014 Excellence

in Small Business Award by the Fulton

County Chamber of Commerce and

Tourism.

S T E P H A N I E M U R P H R E E , D V M ( ’ 0 5 )Dr. Murphree is currently a veterinary

associate at Travis Country Veterinary

Hospital. She is currently in the process

of trying to open up her own small

animal practice in the greater Austin,

TX area.

K AT I E B A L L , D V M ( ’ 0 6 )Dr. Ball started her own practice,

Arkwright Veterinary Services (AVS),

in her rural hometown of Cassadaga,

NY. AVS is an ambulatory mixed animal

practice, focusing on equine, small

ruminant, and companion animal care.

In 2013, she was able to open a modern

primary care facility for companion

animals. As a solo practitioner, she

has been able to offer externships to

veterinary, undergraduates, and vet

tech students for the past few years.

When she is not practicing veterinary

medicine, she is farming. She is a third-

generation owner of an 18-acre farm

where she raises all-natural, free-range

beef, lamb, rabbit, and chicken eggs.

E L I S E K E L LY, D V M ( ’ 0 6 )Dr. Kelly has recently taken a position

with Elanco as a senior technical

consulting veterinarian based in the

Kansas City area.

N ATA L I E S P I L I O P O U L O S , D V M ( ’ 0 7 )Dr. Spiliopoulos is an associate

veterinarian at Dundee Animal Hospital

in Illinois. Dr. Spiliopoulos is currently in

the Army Reserve Veterinary Corps and

recently came back from a deployment

in Kuwait.

C H R I S T I N E B E L C H E R , D V M ( ’ 0 7 ) Dr. Belcher is a veterinarian at the

Greenville Zoo in Greenville, SC. She

was recently published in Journal

of American Veterinary Medical

Association, the Journal of Exotic Pet

Medicine, and the Journal of Avian

Pathology. Dr. Belcher has conducted

research in the Peruvian rainforest

on macaws and did a presentation

at the American Association of Zoo

Veterinarians Conference in 2011. She

currenly serves as director for a South


Carolina conservation research project

with native eastern black rat snakes

in Greenville, SC. She also serves as a

lecturer and guest speaker at various

exotic pet medicine conferences,

continuing education courses, and

universities.

K AT I E L A H A I S E K E R R , D V M ( ’ 0 9 )Dr. Kerr was recently

promoted to medical

director at VCA

Orchard Animal

Hospital. She also

recently gave birth

to her son.

2010s6VA L E R I E H E N L E Y, D V M ( ’ 1 1 ) Dr. Henley is currently a senior

veterinarian at Fayetteville, AR, animal

shelter. She has been collecting data on

positive feline leukemia virus feral/stray

cats in Fayetteville. Her goal is to make

the public more aware of this deadly

virus. She is married to Rob Henley and

has a son named John Robert Henley

(JoRo) 18 months.

D A N I E L L E S AW Y E R , D V M ( ’ 1 1 )Dr. Sawyer is a critical resident

In emergency and critical care at

Advanced Critical Care and Emergency

Specialty Services (ACCESS) in Culver

City, CA. She is working on becoming a

Diplomate of the American College of

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care

(DACVECC).

A N D R E W B O G G S , D V M ( ’ 1 2 )Dr. Boggs met his wife Sara Ann Bledsoe

(’12) in orientation as soon as they

landed in St. Kitts for the first time. They

had their wedding in St. Kitts at Ottley’s

Plantation Inn.

C H A D H A R R I S , D V M ( ’ 1 2 )Since graduating, Dr. Harris became

the chief of staff at VetCor (North

Austin Animal Hospital). He has also

been elected as a director-at-large for

the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical

Association and has been asked to be

on the board of trustees for the Texas

Veterinary Medical Foundation.

E L I Z A B E T H H U Y N H , D V M ( ’ 1 3 )Dr. Huynh is currently a diagnostic

imaging resident at the Universityof

Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

She was recently published in a peer

reviewed journal:

• Huynh E, Reichle JK. Computed

tomographic findings of the skulls of

lagomorphs and rodents. (Accepted

for oral presentation at the ACVR

Annual Conference 2014)

• Huynh E, Reichle JK. To cut or

not to cut: Respiratory noise in a

dog. Clinician’s Brief: The Official

Publication of the North American

Veterinary Conference. Available at:

www.cliniciansbrief.com//article/

cut-or-not-cut-respiratory-noise-dog.

(Online publication)

• Huynh E, Drost WT, McMurray A. What

is your diagnosis? Gastrointestinal

perforation diagnosed using computed

tomography. Journal of the American

Veterinary Medical Association. 2015

May 15; Vol. 246 (10), pp. 1063-5.

M I C H A E L E N E M A R I G AT E S , D V M ( ’ 1 4 ) Post graduation, Dr. Gates accepted

an associate veterinarian position at

a companion animal private practice,

Norwin Veterinary Hospital. The hospital

has specialized, in companion animal

medicine and surgery for 40 years.

Dr. Gates will be starting a companion

animal exotics program for the hospital.

L I N D S E Y H I L L , D V M ( ’ 1 4 )Dr. Hill completed

her clinicals at

Michigan State

University in

her home state.

She is living in

Royal Oak, MI,

practicing at

a small animal

hospital in

Clawson, MI.

Chita, her separation anxiety island

dog, continues to enjoy life in Michigan

and has given her great knowledge for

all her behavioral cases. Dr. Hill will be

getting married this upcoming October.

KEEP US = in the= PICTURE

Send your photos!

Share your news, awards, recognition,

promotions, retirement, and family news.

[email protected]


RUSVM HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL WEST INDIES VETERINARY

CONFERENCE

This past November, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

(RUSVM) played host to the West Indies Veterinary Conference

(WIVC) on the island of St. Kitts. The eighth installment of this

annual conference saw record-breaking numbers, with 163 veterinary

professionals and their families in attendance. The Continuing

Education (CE) Program provided veterinarians and veterinary

technicians 25 hours of thought-provoking and relevant lectures on a

wide variety of topics in the field of veterinary medicine.

A slate of industry-renowned experts conducted the CE sessions,

including Drs. Margie Scherk (feline medicine), Candace Sousa

(dermatology), Todd Tams (gastroenterology, internal medicine),

Ernie Ward (small animal wellness care for patients and business),

and Frank “Bimbo” Welker (equine medicine).

In addition to the educational component, the conference offered

attendees the opportunity to explore the rich culture of the island of

St. Kitts (and its sister island, Nevis) either on their own or at one of

the scheduled social events. From dancing the night away at Reggae

Beach to enjoying a “Killer Bee” cocktail at Sunshine’s, there was

certainly no shortage of fun and entertainment throughout the week.

A special thank you goes out to conference sponsors Banfield,

Companion Laser Therapy, Merial, Patterson Veterinary, and Zoetis. n

alumni events

2015 WEST INDIES VETERINARY CONFERENCE

AND ALUMNI REUNION

OCTOBER 31–NOVEMBER 7, 2015

Join us in St. Kitts

This November, Ross University School of

Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) is once again hosting

the West Indies Veterinary Conference in St. Kitts.

This week-long program will still feature 25 hours

of Continuing Education covering a diverse group

of topics including: equine surgery and medicine,

small animal anesthesia/analgesia, organizational

cultures and exceptional medicine, radiology, and

oncology. All courses are provided in lecture format

to allow maximum interaction between speakers

and attendees.

Held at the beautiful St. Kitts Marriott Resort—a

wonderful setting to take Continuing Education—the

conference will include a variety of networking and

social events. If you have any questions, please feel

free to contact us at [email protected].

Calling All RUSVM Alumni

In conjunction with the Continuing Education

program, the 2015 West Indies Veterinary

Conference will also mark RUSVM’s 10th Annual

Alumni Reunion. Revisit memories with old friends

and make new ones in the process. Relax and

marvel at the changing landscape on campus as

well as the island.

Scheduled Speakers

Dr. Erika L. Little

Equine Surgery and Medicine

Dr. Diane E. Mason

Small Animal Anesthesia/Analgesia

Dr. Richard M. DeBowes

Organizational Cultures and Exceptional Medicine

Dr. David S. Biller

Radiology

Dr. Brian D. Husbands

Oncology

Activities

• Caribbean Kick-off Beach Bash

at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort

• Campus Tour of RUSVM

• Speed Networking Reception

• Closing Gala at Brimstone Hill Fortress

• And so much more! n


ROSS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (RUSVM) ENROLLMENT EVENTS

Interested in sharing your experiences with RUSVM’s prospective students? If so, we invite you to

join us at one of our Information Seminars or Connection events this fall!

Information Seminars are a wonderful way to introduce prospective students to RUSVM and the

level of education we provide. These seminars also allow us to create a comfortable atmosphere

where a wide variety of topics about RUSVM can be discussed and many different questions can be

answered. Not just a time to discuss academics and curriculum, each information seminar is a time

for prospective students to learn, firsthand experience about life in St. Kitts from you, our alumni!

Connection Events are held as cocktail receptions that provide newly enrolled students the

opportunity to meet fellow classmates and alumni from their area before beginning their lifelong

journey as members of the RUSVM community.

Your insight and experiences are invaluable to prospective students and they are eager to hear

from our living legacies. As alumni, you are essential parts of the RUSVM family and vital to our

continued success.

If you are interested in speaking at any of these events, please email Lynly Jeanlouis at

[email protected]. She will confirm your participation and provide you with additional

information. n

INFORMAT ION SEMINARSeptember 12 New York, NY

September 19 Washington, DC

September 19 Chicago, IL

September 26 Toronto, CN

September 26 Dallas, TX

September 26 Los Angeles, CA

September 27 Irvine, CA

October 3 Miramar, FL

October 10 San Juan, PR

October 17 Tampa, FL

October 24 San Diego, CA

October 24 Savannah, GA

October 29 New Brunswick, NJ

November 7 Vancouver, BC

November 7 San Francisco, CA

November 7 Columbus, OH

November 14 Charlotte, NC

November 14 San Antonio, TX

November 14 Montreal, QC

NEW S T UDEN T CONNEC T ION E VEN TAugust 1 Chicago, IL

August 1 Orlando, FL

August 1 Irvine, CA

August 1 Dallas, TX

August 8 New York, NY

August 8 Toronto, ON

October 10 San Juan, PR

December 5 Los Angeles, CA

December 5 Toronto, CA

December 5 Chicago, IL

December 5 New York, NY

December 5 Dallas, TX

Interested in sharing your experiences with RUSVM’s

prospective students?


RUSVM 2015 SPRING RECEPTIONS

This spring, Ross University School of Veterinary

Medicine (RUSVM) alumni from all across the

country came out in masses to attend the Regional

Alumni Chapter Receptions. In conjunction

with three National Veterinary Conferences, the

receptions took place in Orlando, FL; Columbus,

OH; and Las Vegas, NV. These receptions served

as the perfect occasions for alumni to network

with former classmates in their area, reconnect

with faculty members in attendance, and share

memories with their peers to relive the RUSVM

experience. All alumni, guest, and faculty in

attendance enjoyed a relaxing evening, while

enjoying delicious cocktails and drinks.

alumni events

JOB POSTINGS

Looking to fill internships or full-

time/part-time positions at your

practice? RUSVM is happy to work

to build relationships between your

organization and RUSVM alumni.

Listing your openings with RUSVM will

provide you with increased exposure

to quality physicians from a variety

of specialties. Support the RUSVM

community of alumni and enhance

your organization by recruiting and

hiring fellow Rossies. Please email

[email protected]. n

To find out more about future regional receptions happening in your area, email us at: [email protected]. n

NOW HIRING

1/18/2015

North American Veterinary Conference NAVC

Orlando World Center Marriott

Orlando, Florida

2/16/2015

Western Veterinary Conference WVC

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino

Las Vegas, Nevada

2/21/2015

Midwestern Veterinary Conference MVC

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

Columbus, Ohio


NEW ONLINE COMMUNITY FOR ALUMNI!

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

(RUSVM) is proud to announce the creation of

our new Online Community. This new community

represents your personalized connection to

the power of the worldwide RUSVM Alumni

Network, and not only allows you to update your

information, but also network with your fellow

alumni in a variety of exciting ways.

We invite you to take a moment to log in, update

your personal profile, verify your privacy settings

and post a Class Note. You can also become

a Career Mentor, post or search for a job, and

register for upcoming events. It truly is a home

for our alumni on the web, and a simple way to

keep us updated on new developments in your

career and life. n

RUSVM Social Media Join our social networks to stay informed on the latest RUSVM news, learn about alumni events and opportunities in your area and jump start your professional career!

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES. JOIN THE CONVERSATION.

STAY CONNECTED!

Wondering what your classmates are up to

now? Like us on Facebook to reconnect with

your classmates, share your significant event

photos, and tell your success stories.

Facebook.com/RUSVMalumni

Follow us for real-time updates covering

RUSVM alumni in the news, alumni events,

and much more!

Twitter.com/RUSVMalumni

Join our Alumni LinkedIn page to be

connected to nearly 4,000 alumni, find

tips and employment resources, and

strengthen your professional network.

LinkedIn.com/in/RUSVMAlumniAssociation

Visit the RUSVM Flickr page to view images

from all past alumni events and receptions.

Flickr.com/RUSVMalumni

Please visit your RUSVM Online Community today!

alumni.rossu.edu


RUSVM UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR

AUGUST

August 1 Irvine, CA Connection Event

Orlando, FL Connection Event

Chicago, IL Connection Event

Dallas, TX Connection Event

August 8 New York, NY Connection Event

Toronto, ON Connection Event

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 7 White Coat Ceremony

Sept. 12 New York, NY Information Seminar

Sept. 19 Chicago, IL Information Seminars

Washington, DC Information Seminars

Sept. 19 Dallas, TX Information Seminar

Los Angeles, CA Information Seminar

Sept. 20 Alumni Appreciation Family Day: Bronx Zoo

Sept. 26 –Oct. 2 AAZV Conference (Portland, OR)

Sept. 26 Toronto, CN Information Seminar

Dallas, TX Information Seminar

Los Angeles, CA Information Seminar

OCTOBER

Oct. 3 Miramar, FL Information Seminar

Oct. 10 San Juan, PR Information Seminar

Oct. 17 Ottawa, ON Information Seminar

Tampa, FL Information Seminar

Oct. 21 –24 ACVS Conference (Nashville, TN)

Oct. 23 Nashville Alumni Regional Chapter

Event (ACVS Conference)

Oct. 24 San Diego, CA Information Seminar

Savannah, GA Information Seminar

Oct. 29 New Brunswick, NJ Information Seminar

NOVEMBER

Oct. 31 –Nov. 8 West Indies Veterinary Conference

St. Kitts

Nov. 7 Columbus, OH Information Seminar

San Francisco, CA Information Seminar

Vancouver, BC Information Seminar

Nov. 14 Charlotte, NC Information Seminar

Montreal, QC Information Seminar

San Antonio, TX Information Seminar

DECEMBER

Dec. 5–9 AAEP Conference (Las Vegas, NV)

Dec. 7 Vegas Alumni Regional Chapter Event

(AAEP Conference)

Your alumni association wants to keep you

connected to your friends, former classmates,

colleagues, and all those who made your

experience here memorable. And when it comes

to memories, there’s no better place to start than

St. Kitts—a unique campus environment that allows

our students to simultaneously master the study of

animal health and venture beyond the classroom to

participate in impactful research on wildlife, livestock,

habitats, and diseases. You and others took your

first, tentative steps toward the practice of veterinary

medicine on this quiet, picturesque island. You

forged friendships. You earned victories.

It all started here.

No matter where you ultimately ended up, it all started in St. Kitts. We hope you don’t forget that.

Office of institutional Advancement & Alumni Relations

485 US Hwy 1 South

Building B, 4th Floor

Iselin, New Jersey 08830

RossVetSchool

Telephone: +1-869-465-4161

Email: [email protected]

rossu.edu/vet

Save the Date

ALUMNI & FAMILY EVENT

For comprehensive consumer information, visit www.rossu.edu/student-consumer-info.©2015 Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. All rights reserved.

Sunday, September 20th More details to follow.

at the BRONX ZOO

RUSVM Alumni Magazine

Documents

Transcript of RUSVM Alumni Magazine