June 12, 2010

WCVM Class of 2010 honoured during Spring Awards

lindsey.kurach.jpgAfter four years of challenges and hard work, the 70 members of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's Class of 2010 had the chance to celebrate on June 2 during the College's spring awards program in Saskatoon, Sask.

Nearly $44,000 worth of scholarships and awards were handed out to the senior students as well as to graduate students and faculty during the evening. The highlight was the WCVM Faculty Gold Medal presentation to Lindsey Kurach, who had received the good news earlier in the day during the University of Saskatchewan's Spring Convocation.

The Faculty Gold Medal is the veterinary college's most prestigious award for its undergraduate 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.

ABOVE: WCVM Dean Dr. Douglas Freeman presents the WCVM Faculty Gold Medal certificate to Lindsey Kurach during the College's spring awards program on June 2.

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May 23, 2010

WCVM Class of 2014 Questionnaire

QUESTIONNAIRE.jpgMembers of the Class of 2014: congratulations on your acceptance to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine! As part of our preparations for the White Coat Ceremony in September 2010, please click here to complete and submit the WCVM Class of 2014 online questionnaire. The deadline is Friday, July 30, 2010.

Please note: The survey software will not allow you to continue unless you respond to every question. Please write "N/A" in the response windows for questions that do not relate to your experiences.

Questions? Please contact:
Myrna MacDonald, WCVM Communications
sm.ridley@sasktel.net
T/F: 306-225-4479 • Cell: 306-291-9950

May 22, 2010

King Saud University awards honorary professorship to Dr. John Giesy

Toxicology07_2.jpgUniversity of Saskatchewan researcher Dr. John Giesy's international reputation as an ecotoxicologist has earned him a new title: Distinguished Honorary Professor of Saudi Arabia's King Saud University. The honour includes a monetary award of €50,000 (equivalent of C$65,000) and the opportunity to apply for up to €1 million (nearly C$1.3 million) in joint research funding for Giesy and a Saudi Arabian colleague.

Giesy, who is the Canada Research Chair of Environmental Toxicology at the U of S and a professor in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, was selected for the award because of his high standing in the world of science.

"Once again, Dr. Giesy's outstanding research achievements and his international reputation have helped to connect the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Saskatchewan to scientists and universities around the world," says WCVM Dean Dr. Douglas Freeman. "We congratulate Dr. Giesy on his award, and we look forward to the new research and teaching opportunities that this partnership with King Saud University will bring."

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May 20, 2010

WCVM graduate student receives Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

HIMSWORTH.CHELSEA_2.jpgWCVM graduate student Dr. Chelsea Himsworth is among the 174 recipients of this year's Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships — the country's most prestigious scholarship for doctoral students. Himsworth, a senior resident in the WCVM's Department of Veterinary Pathology, will begin her PhD program at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine later this year.

As a Vanier scholar, Himsworth will receive $50,000 annually for up to three years to pursue her studies. This year's Vanier scholars were selected from across Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa and other parts of the world. Each was chosen as a result of their demonstrated leadership skills and high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering and health research.

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May 19, 2010

Dr. John Giesy receives $10,000 Innovation Award

giesy.innovation.jpgDr. John Giesy, Canada Research Chair of Environmental Toxicology at the U of S, received the 2010 Innovation Place-U of S Industry Liaison Office Award of Innovation for developing a new chemical toxin screening test that evaluates the effects of chemicals on hormones.

The $10,000 annual award honors U of S researchers who have brought new and commercially viable technology to the U of S Industry Liaison Office (ILO) for development into marketable products. The award was announced at the Celebrate Success Business Awards Gala in Saskatoon on May 18.

ABOVE: Dr. John Giesy accepts the Industry Liaison Office Award of Innovation at TCU Place in Saskatoon on May 18.

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April 20, 2010

Dr. Gary Wobeser honoured for outstanding teaching

Wobeser.gary.jpgDr. Gary Wobeser of the WCVM's Department of Veterinary Pathology is an inaugural recipient of the University of Saskatchewan Provost's Teaching Awards. Wobeser and other award recipients were honoured during a Celebration of Teaching 2010 reception at Convocation Hall on April 19.

Wobeser was one of 12 people who received the Provost's College Awards for Outstanding Teaching. Other awards recognized excellence in aboriginal education, international teaching and graduate student teaching. Awards for outstanding new teacher and for outstanding innovation in learning were also presented during the event.

“These awards were established to recognize not only our outstanding teachers, but also the many immeasurable ways they reach our students,” said Ernie Barber, U of S vice-provost, teaching and learning. “The one thing all great teachers have in common — whether faculty, sessionals or graduate students — is that they care about students and their learning. That passion comes through and makes all the difference in student experience.”

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April 18, 2010

Dr. John Giesy among nominees for innovation award

Dr John Giesy, Canada Research Chair in Environmental Toxicology at the U of S, is among the three nominees for the 2010 Innovation Place-Industry Liaison Office Award of Innovation. The $10,000 annual award honours U of S researchers who have brought new and commercially viable technology to the U of S Industry Liaison Office (ILO) for development into marketable products.

Giesy, who is also a professor in the WCVM’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, co-developed an assay test that evaluates the effects of chemicals on hormones. The H295R Steroidogenesis Assay evaluates the effects of chemical compounds on a much wider range of hormones. The test will allow regulators to determine which chemicals cause harmful hormone effects and enable them to develop regulations to minimize them. Giesy was instrumental in designing the regulation with environmental regulators in the United States and Europe.

The assay was developed with financial support from Western Economic Diversification and has been approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The U of S recently set up a wholly owned subsidiary to market this test world-wide.

The winner of the Award of Innovation will be announced May 18 during a gala event at TCU Place in Saskatoon, Sask. For more details, please read the U of S news release announcing the three award nominees.

April 09, 2010

WCVM people among 2010 USSU award recipients

TEACHING.BUTTON.jpgDr. Lynne Sandmeyer of WCVM's Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and Jim Gibbons of the College's Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences were among the 2009-10 recipients of the University of Saskatchewan Students' Union (USSU) Teaching Excellence Awards, announced on March 29.

Sandmeyer is a veterinary ophthalmologist and an associate professor at the WCVM. Gibbons, a technician IV at the College, is in charge of the histology and plastination labs. Another WCVM representative, Dr. Karen Schwean-Lardner, was among the honourable mentions for her contributions to the WCVM Animal Production course.

Through its "Experience in Excellence Awards," the USSU annually commends individual academic and administrative excellence that enhances the student experience at the U of S. Besides the teaching excellence awards, the USSU includes awards for academic and non-academic staff as well as for student volunteers.

"The Experience in Excellence Awards is the USSU's annual opportunity to congratulate and give thanks to professors, professionals, volunteers and students who have excelled in their duties to serve the students and our great university," said Daniel McCullough, vice president of academic affairs for the USSU. "Every one of this year's recipients has clearly demonstrated that it's possible for one person to make a difference."

Field trip exposes students to world of public health

CDC day 2010.jpgTwo WCVM veterinary students recently had the chance to explore the world of public health during a seminar hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Ga.

Accompanied by WCVM associate professor Dr. Tasha Epp, third-year veterinary students Kristyna Musil and Laura McDonald attended “A Day at CDC for Veterinary Medical Students” held at CDC Headquarters on January 25. The bi-annual event introduces veterinary medical students to the fields of public health and epidemiology with the goal of encouraging them to consider public health as a career choice.

Sponsors of the seminar include the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Public Health Association (APHA). Motivated by recent issues such as H1N1 influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), these organizations want to attract more veterinary students to careers in public health where their expertise can be used to help conquer new challenges such as emerging zoonotic diseases.

ABOVE (left to right): WCVM associate professor Dr. Tasha Epp and third-year students Laura McDonald and Kristyna Musil attended the CDC event for veterinary students in January 2010.

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April 02, 2010

WCVM's "Biomedical Rounds" recognized in national awards competition

Spring09_20090509_1562.jpg"Biomedical Rounds," a new course for first-year students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, has tied for second place in the 2010 Alan Blizzard Award competition — a national program that recognizes successful examples of collaborative university teaching and enhanced student learning.

The WCVM submission, entitled "Integrative teaching and learning to bridge pre-clinical and clinical sciences in veterinary medicine," is based on the collaborative efforts of professors in WCVM's Departments of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Large Animal Clinical Sciences and Small Animal Clinical Sciences. Drs. Baljit Singh, James Carmalt, Anthony Carr, Chris Clark and Elisabeth Snead collected data from the students over the past few years and prepared the submission for the competition.

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March 17, 2010

WCVM graduate students shine at research poster days

LOGO.WEB.PAGE.jpgGraduate students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) had the chance to display their research work and vie for awards during two graduate research poster days in early March.

The WCVM Graduate Research Poster Day, held on March 11, filled the second-floor hallways of the veterinary college with curious faculty, students and staff who browsed through a wide array of research posters. At the end of the day, judges gave top honours to four students and their research posters.

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March 07, 2010

The Ark (Spring 2010) now online

The.Ark.Spring.2010.jpegThe Spring 2010 issue of The Ark — the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's news publication — is now online. View a reader-friendly, digitized version of The Ark or download your own copy of the publication (PDF 1.3 MB).

Inside this issue, you'll find a variety of stories and news updates from Western Canada's regional veterinary college:

• New WCVM Dean: On March 1, 2010, Dr. Douglas Freeman became the WCVM's sixth dean in the veterinary college's 45-year history. More on page 4 of The Ark.

• Funds Flow in to the WCVM: In 2009, WCVM received more than $11.8 million in infrastructure funding from the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan. The money will allow the WCVM to complete the final stages of its infrastructure project within the next 18 months. More on page 5 of The Ark.

• 40-year Reunion for WCVM's First Class: For one weekend in September, 17 graduates of the first WCVM class returned to their alma mater. More on page 9 of The Ark.

• 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. More on page 11 of The Ark.

• U of S Celebrates Waldner's Research Record: Dr. Cheryl Waldner of the WCVM's Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences received the U of S New Researcher Award in October 2009. More on page 14 of The Ark.

Mapletoft receives 2010 IETS Pioneer Award

Reuben.jpgDr. Reuben Mapletoft, professor of theriogenology in the WCVM's Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, was presented the 2010 IETS Pioneer Award in January 2010 during the International Embryo Transfer Society(IETS) annual meeting in Cordoba, Argentina.

The IETS Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have made fundamental contributions to the development of embryo transfer technology and the embryo transfer industry.

Mapletoft is the ideal candidate for the award: his work over the past 35 years has led to new developments in assisted reproductive technologies to help improve cattle genetics on every continent.

Continue reading "Mapletoft receives 2010 IETS Pioneer Award" »

January 20, 2010

U of S appoints special advisor to the provost on experiential learning

IMG_1371.jpgThe University of Saskatchewan has appointed WCVM professor Dr. Baljit Singh as a special advisor 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 the Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award, the University of Saskatchewan’s Master Teacher Award and a prestigious 3M National Teaching Fellowship. As a special advisor, 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.

December 02, 2009

Dr. Douglas Freeman appointed dean of Western College of Veterinary Medicine

Freeman_Douglas3.jpgThe 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. “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.”

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December 01, 2009

WCVM students to host SCVMA Symposium from January 14 to 16, 2010

symp-wcvm-2010-logo.jpgHundreds of veterinary students from across Canada will be visiting Saskatoon and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) during the 2010 Students of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA) Symposium, January 14-16, 2010.

Hosted by a different Canadian veterinary college each year, the symposium provides students a unique opportunity to build relationships, to network with the host college's clinicians and researchers, and to learn more about potential career opportunities across the country.

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October 02, 2009

Veterinary career begins for 77 WCVM students

DSC_0154 copy.jpgThe Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan officially welcomed the newest class of 77 students to its four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at an evening ceremony on Friday, September 25.

“The continued success of our veterinary 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 very impressive. We’re very fortunate to attract these talented individuals to the WCVM and to the veterinary profession.”

During the veterinary college’s annual “White Coat Ceremony,” every first-year class member accepted a personalized lab coat from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Each student also received a stethoscope from the provincial veterinary medical association in the student’s home province.

ABOVE: With a total of 77 students, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's Class of 2013 is the largest in the college's history. 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; Anita Yee of Coquitlam, B.C.; and Lukas Kawalilak of Sherwood Park, Alta.

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August 12, 2009

Knowledge Infrastructure projects move forward at the U of S

KIP.AUG.10.27.jpgFederal and provincial government officials were at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) on August 10 to discuss an update on the $22.9 million in funding going towards refurbishing a number of roofs and renovating the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) diagnostic lab.

The joint funding is part of the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) launched in June 2009.

ABOVE (left to right): Rob Norris (Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour), Brad Trost (MP for Saskatoon-Humboldt), Dr. Karen Chad (U of S Acting Vice-President Research) and WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes.

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June 22, 2009

Appreciation dinner celebrates Dean Rhodes' career

RHODES.DEMOISSAC.1.jpgNearly 200 people gathered on Saturday, June 13, to celebrate WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes' outstanding career with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Rhodes, who joined the WCVM faculty in 1971, is retiring at the end of this year after serving nearly eight years as the College's dean and 38 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, president of the University of Saskatchewan.

"In my experience, really good deans — the most able deans — are appreciated as much by their internal collegiate communities and by the larger university community. By that standard, Chuck has been simply an excellent dean," said MacKinnon. "During his deanship, as I have observed, the WCVM has built very important bridges to the rest of the campus in terms of interdisciplinary research around vaccines, public health, and interfaces of animal and human health. He has been an important supporter of the growing integration of the university's health sciences colleges and he has been a key participant in the new Council of Health Science deans."

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).

Click here to view a slideshow of photos taken during Dr. Rhodes' appreciation dinner on June 13.

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WCVM honours employees and students during annual barbecue

WCVM.CALDWELL.JPG.jpgThe Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) honoured some of its employees and graduate students during the College's annual staff barbecue on June 11. The evening's most prestigious honour — the Distinguished Employee award — was given to Sarah Caldwell of the WCVM's Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences.

A 25-year employee of the WCVM, Caldwell is an electron microscopist (technician IV) who oversees the electron microscope (EM) suite at the College. She has been involved in a variety of EM-related research projects and is well known for her teaching work with many graduate students. In addition, Caldwell has made many contributions to the College through her involvement with the human resources and safety committees.

Rhodes said the letters supporting Caldwell's nomination "highlighted her leadership, her strength as a team player, and the fact that she's a very compassionate person with her fellow workers." All of these qualities made her the ideal choice for this year's award, said Rhodes.

ABOVE: WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes presents Sarah Caldwell with a plaque commemorating her 2009 Distinguished Employee Award.

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June 13, 2009

WCVM receives $9.06 million to complete veterinary diagnostics complex

IMG_4243.jpgThe Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have allocated $9.06 million to complete renovations to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s diagnostic facilities at the University of Saskatchewan.

The new funding will be used to renovate the WCVM diagnostics laboratory -- the final phase of a much larger infrastructure renewal plan that began in 2004. These renovations will ensure that Saskatchewan producers, veterinarians, and researchers have access to up-to-date animal diagnostics services meeting the highest biosafety standards.

Construction is expected to start this summer, with project completion slated for December 2010.

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.

ABOVE: Renovations to the WCVM's existing diagnostic facilities will now go forward this summer — creating a diagnostics laboratory complex that includes the College's new two-storey diagnostics addition.

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June 05, 2009

WCVM's Class of 2009 Convocates

9462.jpgThe 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 on Wednesday, May 27.

During the ceremonies, WCVM Dean presented fourth-year 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.

ABOVE: WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes congratulates Tamara Quaschnick, recipient of the 2009 WCVM Faculty Gold Medal, during the veterinary college's spring awards banquet on May 27.

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May 21, 2009

WCVM scientists part of U of S research teams that receive CIHR funding

IMG_3292.jpgSeveral 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) on May 21.

• 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.

For more details, click here to view the U of S news release that outlines the two CIHR-funded projects.

ABOVE: Dr. Tasha Epp, associate professor of zoonosis, is one of several WCVM scientists who will take part in a CIHR-funded research training project in rural health and safety.

April 27, 2009

Equine Foundation of Canada's $10,000 donation doubles in value at the WCVM

IMG_4360.jpgA $10,000 gift from the Equine Foundation of Canada to support vital horse health research at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine will double in value and impact through a unique matching gift program at the veterinary college.

“We’re extremely grateful to the hundreds of horse owners and enthusiasts across Canada who worked together through the Equine Foundation of Canada and raised this significant donation for the College’s horse health research program,” says WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes. “The EFC’s long-standing commitment to enhancing the health and welfare of all horses is an impressive example for the country’s entire horse industry.”

ABOVE: WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes accepts a $10,000 cheque from Charlene Dalen-Brown, vice president of the Equine Foundation of Canada (EFC). The $10,000 gift from the EFC was matched by the Heather Ryan and L. David Dubé Foundation.

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April 15, 2009

Government of Canada invests $2.7 million in WCVM's infrastructure project

IMG_4162.jpgResearchers and students at the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine will benefit from upgrades to their Diagnostics Laboratory and Large Animal Clinic, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification (WD).

“Our Government is proud to make this significant investment in the College as it is essential for a competitive Saskatchewan and Canadian livestock industry,” said Minister of State Lynne Yelich. “Investments such as these will lead to new diagnostic tests that will protect Canada’s livestock industry and the health and safety of Canadians, their families, and communities.”

ABOVE: Minister of State Lynne Yelich reviews blueprints in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's new histology laboratory — part of the College's diagnostics expansion. Minister Yelich announced an investment of $2.77 million in the veterinary college's infrastructure project on April 15. Photo: Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

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April 06, 2009

Dr. Rex Leach (WCVM '70): 1940-2009

Rex.leach.jpgDr. Reginald (Rex) Leach, a 1970 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), died suddenly on March 20, 2009, during a family holiday in Mexico.

Born in Cabri, Sask., on July 14, 1940, Leach earned two degrees from the University of Saskatchewan: a BA (Honours, Biochemistry) and his DVM degree from the WCVM. After one year in Shoal Lake, Man., Leach and his family moved to Swan Lake, Man., where he practised veterinary medicine for 38 years and became an integral part of his community.

In his obituary, his family describes Leach as a man who "had a passion for learning, whether it was keeping abreast of developments in the veterinary profession, figuring out how something worked or learning about history, cultures or people." Throughout his career, Leach was always an enthusiastic supporter of the WCVM, and he volunteered his services and expertise to many community organizations and events.

Leach is survived by his wife Beverley, their son Braden and two daughters, Mallora and Christine, and his four grandchildren — Aidan, Christopher, Maia and Jack. A memorial service was held in Swan River on Monday, March 30. Memorial donations in Dr. Rex Leach's memory may be made to the Community Foundation of Swan Valley, Box 1509, Swan River, Man., R0L 1Z0. Please click here to read the full obituary for Dr. Rex Leach.

March 20, 2009

U of S awards go to WCVM graduate students

AHMAD.AL-DISSI.jpgGraduate students from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine earned top marks for their research posters at the 16th annual U of S Life and Health Sciences Research Day on March 13. Here’s the list of 2009 award recipients who are based at the WCVM:

• Bryan Macbeth: first place in the Animal Science category. Supervisor: Dr. David Janz, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences.
• Ahmad Al-Dissi: second place in the Cardiovascular/Respiratory Science category. Supervisor: Dr. Lynn Weber, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences.
ABOVE: Award recipient Dr. Ahmad Al-Dissi, a PhD student in the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. Al-Dissi is investigating the role of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tobacco smoke-induced vascular and lung dysfunction in pigs.

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February 26, 2009

WCVM students receive scholarships

OAKLEY.ANGELA.jpgFour WCVM students recently received scholarships during two of the most popular livestock events in Western Canada. As part of the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, veterinary students Tyler Corbiell of Cluny, Alta., Angela Oakley of Edmonton, Alta., and Terence Goslin of Saskatoon, Sask., were recipients of the 2008 Bill Kehler Memorial Scholarships.

LEFT: First-year veterinary student Angela Oakley of Edmonton, Alta., was one of the Bill Kehler Memorial Scholarship recipients for 2008.

Kehler was a longtime broadcaster, rodeo announcer and an enthusiastic supporter of Western Canada’s agriculture industry. The $2,500 scholarships are annually awarded to students with academic interests in broadcasting or agriculture, or to post-secondary students who are involved in professional rodeo.

During the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina, Sask., veterinary student Karen Wagner was among the 2008 recipients of the Canadian Western Agribition’s $1,000 post-secondary scholarships. Wagner has been a participant in Agribition livestock and other agricultural competitions for the past five years.

February 24, 2009

Sign up for The Ark!

ARK.MASTHEAD_2.jpgWant to read the latest news from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine? Make sure you don't miss our next issue by joining The Ark mailing list. To join, please click on the "Join Now" link (at left), fill in all of the required information and then submit your completed form.

Once you've joined our mailing list, you will receive regular updates about the latest achievements of WCVM students, faculty and staff, upcoming events, new research funding and alumni news. We hope you enjoy The Ark!

February 06, 2009

Dr. Baljit Singh: 3M National Teaching Fellow

IMG_1371.jpgDr. Baljit Singh of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is among 10 Canadian professors who have been selected as 3M National Teaching Fellows for 2009.

"This is a great honour for Dr. Singh as well as for the WCVM and the University of Saskatchewan," says WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes. "I want to congratulate him for the hard work and commitment to teaching that has earned him this prestigious award."

The Fellowship, which was established in 1986 by 3M Canada and the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE), is the highest recognition of university-level teaching excellence in Canada. It celebrates exceptional achievements and contributions by teacher-scholars across Canada.

Continue reading "Dr. Baljit Singh: 3M National Teaching Fellow" »

February 05, 2009

WCVM construction update: February 2009

WCVM.diagnostics.jpgAs the veterinary college enters the fifth year of its major expansion and renovation initiative, the final stages of the multi-phase construction project are nearing completion. Exterior work on the WCVM’s diagnostic expansion wrapped up in late 2008 and construction crews are focusing their efforts on completing interior work in the office and laboratory spaces. Occupation of the new diagnostic areas is scheduled for the spring of 2009.

As well, renovations continue in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s large animal clinical services area. That project includes the modernization of the surgical and ward facilities, the creation of common areas between two large animal surgical suites, and a new induction and recovery area for large animal patients. A nuclear scintigraphy suite is also being developed as part of the renovation. Construction will be completed during the first few months in 2009.

February 04, 2009

Student's research paper earns top prize

Orleigh Bogle IETS award 2009.jpgLast month, WCVM graduate student Orleigh Bogle returned from the International Embryo Transfer Society's annual meeting in San Diego, Calif., with a well-earned first prize for her research paper.

Bogle's paper, "Evidence for the presence of ovulation inducing factor in porcine and equine seminal plasma,"* was judged to be the best over 30 papers in the student competition at the meeting which took place from January 3 to 7. Besides giving an oral presentation of her findings, Bogle's research poster was displayed along with the rest of the entrants' work.

Bogle (centre) is a Master of Science (MSc) student under Dr. Gregg Adams' (at right) supervision in WCVM's Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. The research work was done within the trans-disciplinary context of the University of Saskatchewan's Reproductive Science and Medicine Research Group. One of the group's committee members, Dr. Reuben Mapletoft (at left), also attended the IETS meeting in San Diego.

* Bogle OA, Ambati D, Davis RP, Adams GP. 2009. "Evidence for the presence of ovulation inducing factor in porcine and equine seminal plasma." Reproduction, Fertility and Development. 21: 101.

Dr. Bruce Grahn: new associate dean (academic)

DR.GRAHN.jpgDr. Bruce Grahn officially took on the role of WCVM’s associate dean (academic) for a four-and-half-year term on January 1. Grahn replaces Dr. Jeremy Bailey who retired in December 2008 after 27 years of outstanding service at the veterinary college.

Born and raised near Marwayne, Alta., Grahn graduated from the WCVM in 1977 and spent 13 years in private practice at Camrose, Alta. After completing a two-year residency in veterinary ophthalmology at the Ontario Veterinary College, Grahn joined the WCVM’s faculty in 1992.

For the past 17 years, Grahn has operated the WCVM veterinary ophthalmology service. 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. Grahn’s clinical, research and teaching activities have led to 50-plus peer-reviewed manuscripts, more than a dozen book chapters, a book and several CD-ROMs.

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February 02, 2009

WCVM first recipient of new U of S Teaching Award

STETHOSCOPE.jpgA WCVM project called “Integrative teaching and learning to bridge basic and clinical sciences in veterinary medicine” received the 2008 Provost’s Prize for Innovative Practice in Teaching and Learning at the University of Saskatchewan. The veterinary college is the first recipient of this new award at the university.

The collaborative, unit-wide effort uses a biomedical rounds course to provide experiential learning for students. The teaching initiative integrates traditional classroom learning with realistic case studies and practical learning experiences.

Members of the selection committee unanimously selected the WCVM project for the $5,000 award because of its strong and balanced commitment to teaching as well as to learning. That was emphasized by comments from veterinary students who agreed that the project’s approach has led to a significant improvement in their learning experience at the veterinary college.

December 23, 2008

Dr. James Arnold Henderson, 1912-2008

henderson.jpgDr. James (Jim) Arnold Henderson, a longtime veterinarian and veterinary educator in Canada and the United States, recently passed away in Victoria, B.C., at the age of 96.

During the early 1960s, Henderson had a profound impact on the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's future when he was asked to chair the "Deciding Committee on the Location of a Veterinary College" in 1963. Members of this committee visited the University of Alberta and University of Saskatchewan campuses to determine the site of the new veterinary college in Western Canada. Henderson was instrumental in the final decision to locate the WCVM at the U of S campus.

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December 19, 2008

Dr. Janet Hill among CFI research grant recipients

IMG_0850.jpgDr. Janet Hill of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is one of eight University of Saskatchewan researchers whose projects will receive support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The CFI Leaders Opportunity Fund awarded a total of $661,310 to U of S researchers. Notably, eight of the nine U of S applicants were successful.

Hill, an assistant professor in WCVM's Department of Veterinary Microbiology, was granted $25,842 to investigate complex microbial communities that inhabit the digestive and reproductive tracts of humans and other animals. These microbes cause inflammatory bowel disease, post-weaning diarrhea in pigs, and bacterial vaginosis in humans. Work conducted by Hill's research team will help identify new genes and biotechnology tools to counter these problems.

“These CFI investments will provide our leading researchers with the resources they need to make a difference by addressing key issues such as hepatitis C, osteoporosis, and strokes,” said Karen Chad, acting U of S vice-president of research.

ABOVE: Dr. Janet Hill and PhD student Dr. Atul Desai.

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December 10, 2008

SHRF's Top Research Fellow: Dr. Bonnie Chaban

IMG_0855.jpgDr. Bonnie Chaban of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) was one of five Saskatchewan researchers to be recognized by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) during the provincial organization's annual Santé Awards Dinner on December 10, 2008.

Chaban, a postdoctoral fellow in WCVM's Department of Veterinary Microbiology, was named the Top Research Fellow (Biomedical) at the evening event. Working with her supervisor, Dr. Janet Hill, Chaban is developing DNA-based diagnostic tools for detecting individual species of Campylobacter. The bacteria are a major source of gastrointestinal disease in humans. While most research to date has focused on livestock sources of the bacteria, Chaban is pursuing other sources of infection: pets such as cats and dogs.

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November 28, 2008

U of S Alumni Service Award: Dr. Don Hamilton

donald_hamilton.jpgVeterinary professor Dr. Don Hamilton's unselfish service and respectful leadership within the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association (USFA) have earned him the 2008 U of S Alumni Service Award.

Hamilton, a professor in WCVM's Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, was one of seven U of S alumni who were honoured during a gala dinner on October 17, 2008.

Hamilton is a three-time U of S graduate, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1968, his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1970 and a PhD degree in 1974. Besides his work as a teacher and researcher at the WCVM, Hamilton became head of the college's Department of Veterinary Physiology (later the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences) in 1981 — a position he held for 16 years. Despite a heavy administrative load that included membership on graduate committees, grant review committees and accreditation teams worldwide, he continued to teach, leading by example within the college.

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November 27, 2008

Dr. Chelsea Himsworth wins Young Investigator Award

Graduate student Dr. Chelsea Himsworth received a Young Investigator Award for her research poster at the American College of Veterinary Pathologists' annual meeting that took place from November 15 to 19 in San Antonio, Tex.

Himsworth, a Master of Veterinary Science (MVetSc) student in anatomic pathology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, won the first-place prize and $500 in the poster competition's natural disease category. Her award-winning poster was entitled, "Destructive arthropathy in bovine fetuses: A possible association with Ureaplasma diversum infection?"

Supervised by Dr. Ted Leighton, Himsworth is in the second year of her graduate program that's based in WCVM's Department of Veterinary Pathology.

The ACVP Young Investigator Awards poster competition recognizes quality poster presentations by veterinary pathology residents and graduate students. Besides the natural disease category, judges also awarded prizes to students whose research focused on aspects in diagnostic pathology, experimental disease and toxicologic pathology.

November 26, 2008

WCVM resident receives national Aboriginal award

IMG_6567_2.jpgDr. Candace Grier-Lowe, a veterinary resident at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), is one of 14 outstanding Canadians who have been named recipients of 2009 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.

Grier-Lowe is a member of the Norway House First Nation and grew up in Winnipeg, Man. She received her veterinary degree from the WCVM in 2005 and was a clinical associate in the veterinary college’s pet radiation therapy centre for three years.

In 2008, Grier-Lowe became the first successful candidate of the WCVM’s Nestlé Purina veterinary dental residency program. The Canadian veterinary college is the only institution in the world to offer a three-year program that combines a veterinary dentistry residency with a Master of Veterinary Science degree.

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November 15, 2008

World's reproduction experts to visit Canada in 2012

After two years of preparation, a University of Saskatchewan-led team of researchers won its bid to host the 17th International Congress on Animal Reproduction (ICAR) in Vancouver, B.C., in 2012.

The Congress, which is held every four years, is expected to draw more than 1,000 international delegates to Vancouver. Dr. Gregg Adams, a professor in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, is the secretary general of the 2012 Congress and chair of the local organizing committee.

Other committee members include Drs. Reuben Mapletoft, Jaswant Singh and Ali Honoramooz of WCVM as well as Dr. Roger Pierson of the U of S College of Medicine.

A number of U of S researchers — including former graduate students — participated in the 16th annual Congress that was held in Budapest, Hungary, in July 2008.

Founded in 1948, ICAR has held a major conference every four years in countries throughout the world. The congress brings together international scientists whose interests focus on animal reproduction including animal physiology, animal pathology and reproductive technology.

For more information, contact Dr. Gregg Adams.

Veterinary scientists part of special OIE publication

image001.jpgVeterinary researchers from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Calgary are among the authors of an invited paper that’s included in a climate change-focused issue of Revue scientifique et technique, a publication of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The article, “Pathogens of domestic and free-ranging ungulates: global climate change in temperate to boreal latitudes across North America,” appears in the publication [27(2), 2008] called “Climate change: the impact on the epidemiology and control of animal diseases.”’

Co-author Dr. Emily Jenkins says the article comprehensively addresses how climate change is redrawing the maps and rewriting the rules of engagement of pathogens in wild and domestic animals in North America — including some with public health significance. She stresses that society requires more information on regional impacts and climate susceptibility of pathogens to determine the net effects, especially for northern Canada that’s vulnerable to climate change and resource extraction.

ABOVE (from left to right): Drs. Lydden Polley, Emily Jenkins, Eric Hoberg and Susan Kutz.

Continue reading "Veterinary scientists part of special OIE publication" »

November 14, 2008

MSc thesis earns award for U of S toxicology graduate

JocelynatUnknownMay2005#1.jpg“Ecotoxicological assessment of juvenile northern pike inhabiting lakes downstream of a uranium mill” earned Jocelyn Kelly the Dr. Richard Playle Award for Outstanding Master of Science (MSc) Thesis in Aquatic Toxicology this fall. Kelly received her award during the 35th annual Aquatic Toxicity Workshop that was held in Saskatoon, Sask., from October 5 to 8.

The former graduate student, whose supervisor was Dr. David Janz of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, completed her Master of Science degree in toxicology in 2007. During her program, Kelly conducted her field research on juvenile northern pike inhabiting lakes in northern Saskatchewan.

Each year, a MSc student and a BSc student are selected as recipients of the Playle Awards during the annual workshop. Dr. Richard Playle, a professor of biology at Wilfrid Laurier University from 1992-2005, was an enthusiastic supporter of the Aquatic Toxicity Workshops.

November 11, 2008

WCVM presents 70-plus awards at fall awards program

7753_2.jpgDuring the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual fall awards program on September 26, representatives were kept busy distributing more than 70 awards and scholarships. The awards program — a longstanding tradition at the veterinary college — is supported by individuals, organizations and businesses from across Canada. During this ceremony, more than $100,000 in scholarships and awards was presented to WCVM students, faculty and staff.

“Our fall awards program wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our donors who recognize the achievements of people at the College,” says Rhodes. “Many of our donors travelled long distances to be part of this special event, and we sincerely appreciate their support.”

One multi-award recipient was Dr. Gary Wobeser. The longtime veterinary pathologist received the Professor of the Year Award from the Students of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association as well as the prestigious Pfizer Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award.

Another award recipient was Dr. Jaswant Singh who took home the Pfizer Research Excellence Award. Singh’s research interests focus on the use and further development of the bovine model for the study of ovarian function in humans.

Click here to view the entire list of award recipients.

ABOVE: WCVM veterinary pathology professor Dr. Gary Wobeser accepts the Pfizer Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award from WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes during the 2008 WCVM Fall Awards program.

October 03, 2008

WCVM welcomes 76 members of the Class of 2012

white.coat.jpgA group of 76 men and women received an official welcome to the veterinary profession from the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) during an evening ceremony on Friday, September 26.

“We’re very pleased to welcome our newest and largest group of talented students to our four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program — the 44th class since the veterinary college opened in 1965,” says WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes.

During the college’s annual “White Coat Ceremony,” every first-year class member accepts a personalized lab coat from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Each student also receives a stethoscope from the provincial veterinary medical association in the student’s home province.

ABOVE: First-year WCVM student Blake Balog of Milk River, Alta., accepts his personalized white lab coat from Dr. Julie de Moissac, president-elect of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

CLICK BELOW TO VIEW GROUP PHOTOS

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September 25, 2008

WCVM scientists help identify genetic mutation in Labs

DSCN0155.jpgSASKATOON, SK– Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan’s University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine have identified a genetic mutation in Labrador retriever dogs that is highly associated with exercise-induced collapse (EIC) syndrome.

The findings published this week in Nature Genetics are expected to help dog breeders gradually reduce the number of Labradors with the trait in future generations.

After intense hunting or retrieving exercise, EIC-affected Labradors start to lose control of their hind limbs. In most cases, their legs get wobbly and their limbs give out. In rare cases, the dogs may die. Labradors are the most common dog breed in the world and an estimated three to five per cent of Labradors have this condition.

“After 13 years of working on this problem, we now have the definitive answer about the syndrome’s true cause for Labrador breeders and owners. This discovery will have a huge impact on the Labrador breed worldwide.” says Dr. Susan Taylor, a professor of small animal internal medicine at the WCVM.

“This is very exciting because it is the first naturally occurring mutation of this gene identified in any mammal,” adds James Mickelson, professor of veterinary sciences and a genetic researcher at the University of Minnesota. “Its discovery could offer insight into normal as well as abnormal neurobiology in both animals and humans.”

ABOVE: Dr. Susan Taylor of WCVM's Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences with her two Labrador Retrievers, Blue and Breeze.

Continue reading "WCVM scientists help identify genetic mutation in Labs" »

September 09, 2008

CAHI awards Dr. Trish Dowling as industry leader

DOWLING.AWARD.jpgDr. Trish Dowling, a professor and researcher in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, is the 2008 recipient of the Canadian Animal Health Institute's Industry Leadership Award. Initiated in 1997, this national award recognizes leadership and innovation in the fields of veterinary medicine and animal agriculture

Besides her numerous accomplishments in research and teaching, Dowling was a driving influence in the establishment of the Canadian gFARAD (global Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database). The searchable database provides veterinarians with information about approved drugs and details about extra label drug use and environmental toxins.

ABOVE, from left to right: CAHI President Jean Szkotnicki, Dr. Trish Dowling of WCVM and Dr. Paul Dick of Elanco Animal Health.

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Wildlife health work earns awards for WCVM pathologists

Two WCVM researchers were honoured for their work in wildlife health at the Wildlife Disease Association’s annual meeting in Edmonton, Alta., in early August:

DSC_0209_2.jpg• Veterinary pathologist and WCVM professor Dr. Ted Leighton (left) received the WDA Distinguished Service Award – the association’s highest honour. Leighton is also the executive director of the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre. The award recognizes longtime members who have made noteworthy contributions to the WDA through outstanding research, teaching and participation in the association’s activities.

127.jpg• Veterinary pathologist and professor Dr. Gary Wobeser (right) received the association’s Beth Williams and Tom Thorne Memorial Award. This honour, which is jointly given by the WDA and the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, recognizes a member’s contributions to wildlife disease research and wildlife management policy, and a person’s efforts to clarify significant problems in wildlife health.

Morris Animal Foundation backs WCVM-based research

Polar bear_Cattet_biopsy.jpgA Western College of Veterinary Medicine-based investigation of a non-invasive method for monitoring stress in wildlife has received a $97,281 grant from the Morris Animal Foundation — the world’s largest nonprofit foundation for animal health research.

Over the next two years, Dr. David Janz of WCVM’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and Dr. Marc Cattet of the College’s Department of Veterinary Pathology will explore the option of using hair cortisol concentration to monitor stress in wild mammals.

ABOVE: Dr. Marc Cattet (left) takes a biopsy from a tranquilized polar bear in Canada's North. Photo courtesy of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Continue reading "Morris Animal Foundation backs WCVM-based research" »

SHRF supports WCVM-based bacterial research

IMG_0869_2.jpgDr. Bonnie Chaban of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Veterinary Microbiology is one of seven University of Saskatchewan postdoctoral researchers to receive support from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) through its postdoctoral research fellowship program.

Chaban, a 2007 PhD graduate of Queen’s University, will receive $90,000 over the next two years in support of her work to develop diagnostic tools to detect species of Campylobacter bacteria found in pets.

While these microorganisms are a major source of gastrointestinal disease (such as food poisoning), current diagnostics are largely limited to those species found in livestock. Chaban will conduct the work under the supervision of Dr. Janet Hill, an assistant professor at the WCVM and a 2007 recipient of SHRF’s Top New Investigator Grant (Biomedical).

Merck-Merial Veterinary Scholars visit Michigan

This summer, six Western College of Veterinary Medicine students and an external student from Colorado State University took their research posters on the road for the annual Merck-Merial Veterinary Scholars Symposium.

The students, who were selected as WCVM’s 2008 Merck-Merial Veterinary Scholars, attended the symposium with program director Dr. Baljit Singh. The international student conference was hosted by Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich., from July 31 to August 3.

The six WCVM first-year veterinary students and their research mentors included: Rand Davis (Dr. Gregg Adams); Danyse Lewis and Steven Mills (Dr. Baljit Singh); Anique McCrea (Dr. George Forsyth); and Kristyna Musil (Dr. Janet Hill). Zachary Freeman, a first-year student at CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, was also part of the WCVM research program with Dr. John Gordon, his research mentor.

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July 19, 2008

WCVM honours memory of RCMP dog handler

GALLOWAY.RCMP Officer.jpgA new patient examination room in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's renovated teaching hospital at the University of Saskatchewan has been named after Corporal James Galloway, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police service dog handler who was killed while on duty four years ago in Edmonton, Alta.

“Corporal Galloway was committed to caring for the health and well being of his canine partners for more than three decades,” says WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes. “By supporting the expansion and renovation of our teaching hospital, his family and friends are helping us to carry on a similar commitment of providing quality health care for service dogs and companion animals across Western Canada.”

Representatives from WCVM, the RCMP and other law enforcement organizations across Canada joined the family and friends of Galloway at a private dedication ceremony on July 19. During the event, guests visited the Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Room 1522 — the patient examination room that now includes a framed memorial and photo of Galloway with Cito, his last canine partner.

“This is the perfect memorial for Jim because he loved his dogs, he had a deep respect for veterinary medicine, and he enjoyed talking about his work and his dogs with students of all ages,” explains Margaret Galloway, Jim’s wife of 33 years. “I think he would be very pleased to be part of this building where animal health care and teaching are so vital.”

Continue reading "WCVM honours memory of RCMP dog handler" »

July 02, 2008

Honours for outstanding resident and clinical intern

akridge.jpgClinical intern Dr. Heather Akridge (at left) and veterinary anesthesiology resident Dr. Barbara Ambros (below), both members of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, were the recent recipients of two achievement awards at the College.

ambros.jpgAkridge received the 2008 Hill's Outstanding Intern Award while Ambros accepted the Hill's Outstanding Resident Award for the year. Both awards were presented by SACS department head Dr. Klaas Post during the College's annual employee barbecue on June 12. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is the sponsor for both of the annual awards at WCVM.

Dr. Klaas Post: WCVM 2008 Distinguished Employee

POST.jpgDr. Klaas Post, head of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and a professor for nearly three decades, was the recipient of the College's Distinguished Employee Award for 2008. The award was presented to Post during WCVM's annual employee barbecue on June 12.

During the award's announcement, WCVM Dean Charles Rhodes read excerpts from some of the submissions in support of Post's nomination for the award. The longtime professor's positive attitude, his willingness to take on new challenges and his ability to inspire others were a few of the positive traits that people recognized in Post. His most recent efforts also indicate his dedication to his work: besides serving as a department head, Post took on the challenging role of interim director for the WCVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital from July 2007 to April 2008.

The WCVM Distinguished Employee Award is an annual honour that recognizes the dedicated excellence and positive contributions that employees make to the College. Award selection is made by WCVM's Human Resources Development committee whose members rely on submitted nominations, letters of support and an award criteria to make their final decision.

ABOVE: Dr. Klaas Post (right) accepts a commemorative plaque from WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes (left) during the 2008 WCVM Distinguished Employee Award presentation on June 12.

June 25, 2008

WCVM's newest veterinarians receive degrees and kudos

O'KELL.jpgAfter four years of lectures, labs and late nights, the 68 members of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's Class of 2008 officially received their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees on May 28 during the University of Saskatchewan's annual Spring Convocation.

Besides receiving her degree, graduate Allison O'Kell (left) accepted the prestigious WCVM Faculty Gold Medal during the Convocation ceremonies at Saskatoon's TCU Place. The College annually presents this award to the graduating student who has displayed the highest general proficiency in the science and art of veterinary medicine during the four-year DVM program.

Later in the evening, WCVM representatives presented additional awards to members of the Class of 2008 during the College's annual Graduation Banquet. Several other awards were also presented to graduate students and to WCVM faculty. In total, WCVM award recipients took home more than $40,000 worth of scholarships and awards from the evening event.

Click here to view the complete list of 2008 WCVM award recipients.

May 29, 2008

Dr. Baljit Singh receives U of S Master Teacher Award

IMG_1371.jpgDr. Baljit Singh is the Spring 2008 recipient of the University of Saskatchewan's Master Teacher Award — the fourth professor in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's history to receive this prestigious honour.

Singh, a professor in WCVM's Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, received the award during the U of S Spring Convocation ceremony on May 28. Established in 1984, the Master Teacher Award recognizes faculty members who make outstanding contributions to the university's learning and working environments. The award honours faculty members who excel in their profession, and emphasizes the importance of good teaching at the U of S.

"This is a tremendous honour for Dr. Singh and for the College," said WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes. "Dr. Singh takes his teaching and the discipline of teaching very seriously. He puts tremendous effort into all his teaching, and into improving his teaching. It's great to see his effort and commitment rewarded."

Dr. Cecil Doige was the first WCVM professor to receive the U of S award in 1985. Drs. Otto Radostits and Gary Wobeser were also honoured for their teaching abilities in 1986 and 1992 respectively.

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May 27, 2008

$1.2 million for CWD and BSE studies at U of S

BOLLINGER.jpgTwo U of S-based research studies targeting chronic wasting disease (CWD) and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) were among 19 national projects that received a total of $8 million in new funding from PrioNet Canada on May 7.

• A collaborative research team led by Dr. Trent Bollinger of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Veterinary Pathology will receive $750,000 over the next three years to continue work in creating a national strategy for minimizing the spread of CWD among wild deer. Bollinger’s co-investigators include scientists from WCVM, the U of S Department of Biology and the University of Alberta.

Dr. Andrew Potter, director of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) and the International Vaccine Centre (InterVac) and his collaborators will receive $445,000 toward the development of a BSE vaccine for cattle to ensure that Canadian herds are protected against the prion disease.

PrioNet Canada, part of the Networks of Centres of Excellence Canada program, brings together the country’s top scientists involved in investigating prion diseases like BSE, CWD and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans.

May 26, 2008

Funding pours in for THREATS development

MONIQUE.DUBE.jpgThe Canadian Water Network has awarded a $1.6-million grant to Dr. Monique Dubé, the University of Saskatchewan’s Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Ecosystem Health Diagnosis and a professor in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences.

Over the next four years, the funding will support Dubé’s development of The Healthy River Ecosystem Assessment System (THREATS). Once completed, the specialized software program will enable scientists to assess and adaptively manage the cumulative effects of man-made developments on Canadian freshwaters.

This project involves scientists at Dalhousie University and the Universities of New Brunswick, Waterloo, Saskatchewan, Calgary and British Columbia. It also involves watersheds in B.C. (Fraser River), Alberta and Saskatchewan (South Saskatchewan River), Ontario (Grand River), and New Brunswick (Saint John River). As well, six PhD students will be trained in a team-based model of their own to encourage development of a high-performance, collaborative student network across Canada.

For more information, contact Dr. Monique Dubé.

May 25, 2008

National reproductive health research group receives support

DR.JANET.HILL.jpgDr. Janet Hill of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is part of a multi-disciplinary team of Canadian researchers that received $35,000 through the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research in April 2008.

The Collaborative Research Group for the Study of Human Vaginal Microbiota in Health and Disease received one of the foundation’s 2008 Health Research Team Planning Awards. The program focuses on understanding the role of vaginal microbial ecology in human reproductive health — particularly pre-term birth.

Dr. Deborah Money, executive director of the Women’s Health Research Institute and an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of British Columbia, leads the national research team. The award will support travel, meetings and support personnel for the group’s development over the next year. For more details, contact Dr. Janet Hill.

Gordon elected to join international allergy group

IMG_6635.jpgThe Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA), an exclusive collegium of the world’s leading allergy clinicians and researchers, elected U of S immunologist Dr. John Gordon to become one of its members on May 5 during its annual symposium at Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles.

Gordon, director of the U of S Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, is a former long-time faculty member and researcher at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. He is now an associate member of the college’s Department of Veterinary Microbiology. Gordon’s research team recently made significant strides in developing a new immunosuppressive dendritic cell therapy for asthma that has had very positive results in animal models and with allergic cells of atopic people.

Founded in 1954, the CIA is an international collegium for the study of scientific and clinical problems in allergy and related branches of medicine and immunology. Only about 250 clinicians and scientists have been elected as members of the organization: all have made significant contributions to knowledge in allergic diseases throughout their careers.

May 20, 2008

WCVM 2007 Annual Research Report now online

RESEARCH.REPORT07.jpgNew research facilities, greater funding and increases in faculty and graduate student numbers have all contributed to make 2007 a banner year for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s research program.

You can now read all about the veterinary college's recent research achievements in the WCVM 2007 Annual Research Report: click here to download your own copy (4.5 MB). Inside, you'll find:

• profiles of Dr. Lynn Weber, Dr. Steve Hendrick, Dr. Janet Hill, Dr. Susantha Gomis and Dr. Trent Bollinger — five members of WCVM's successful research team
• an article on the impact of WCVM research in the worldwide scientific community
• photos and stories about the WCVM Goodale Research Farm and the college's new research wing
• a listing of award-winning faculty members and graduate students
• listings of faculty, graduate students, clinical interns and summer research students
• listings of peer-reviewed journal articles, books, reviews, presentations and contributed papers.

For more information, please contact the WCVM Research Office (306-966-7453; wcvm.research@usask.ca).

April 16, 2008

EHV information seminar to be held in Regina

EHV.BUTON.jpgAPRIL 16, 2008 -- Infectious disease specialist Dr. Hugh Townsend of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will give horse owners the facts about equine herpes virus during a public information seminar on Tuesday, April 22, in Regina, Sask.

The Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan Inc. (FACS) is organizing the free, two-hour evening session in partnership with WCVM and the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association. Organizers are holding the seminar after a recent outbreak of equine herpes virus type 1 (EHV-1) in the Saskatoon area caused concern among Saskatchewan’s horse community.

“The exemplary co-operation of horse owners involved in the recent outbreak has been so valuable in controlling the spread of EHV-1,” says Townsend, a professor in WCVM’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. “Public awareness is a very effective way to minimize the disease’s risks.”

TIME, DATE AND LOCATION:
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Cannington Room, Regina Inn
1975 Broad Street, Regina, Sask.
7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Continue reading "EHV information seminar to be held in Regina" »

April 11, 2008

WCVM's Veterinary Teaching Hospital resumes all clinical services for horses

P1070622.jpgAPRIL 11, 2008 -- Based on the results of diagnostic tests, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine has resumed all regular clinical services for equine patients at its Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The decision, which took effect at 6:00 p.m. on April 11, ends a 29-day suspension of non-emergency equine admissions to control the risk of equine herpes virus type 1 (EHV-1) spread at the facility.

WCVM’s Large Animal Clinic initiated the restrictions on March 14 after the admission of two horses from a local riding stable that proved to be suffering from the neurologic form of EHV-1 infection.

During the next three weeks, WCVM veterinarians identified more affected animals at the same stable and at a second private farm. It’s believed that all cases on the second farm are linked to the initial outbreak of EHV-1 at the first farm.

Continue reading "WCVM's Veterinary Teaching Hospital resumes all clinical services for horses" »

WCVM infectious disease specialist gives facts about equine herpes virus to Saskatchewan horse owners

EHV.BUTON.jpgAPRIL 11, 2008 -- More than 300 members of Saskatchewan’s horse industry learned the facts about equine herpes virus from infectious disease specialist Dr. Hugh Townsend at an information seminar in Saskatoon last night.

Organized by the The Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan Inc. and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, the two-hour session focused on the neurologic form of equine herpes virus type 1 (EHV-1) that’s at the centre of a recent outbreak among Saskatoon-area horses. EHV-1 is a contagious virus that can be transmitted among horses through aerosol and through direct and indirect contact. EHV-1 can’t be transmitted to humans or to other animal species, and it is not a reportable disease in Canada.

Continue reading "WCVM infectious disease specialist gives facts about equine herpes virus to Saskatchewan horse owners" »

April 04, 2008

Horse owners urged to attend free information seminar on equine herpes virus (EHV) in Saskatoon

Goodale8.jpgThe Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan Inc. and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan are teaming up to present an equine herpes virus information seminar on Thursday, April 10, in Saskatoon, Sask.

A recent outbreak of equine herpes virus type 1 (EHV-1) in the Saskatoon area has caused concern for people involved in Saskatchewan’s horse industry. Organizers have developed the free, two-hour evening session to provide horse enthusiasts with the facts about the contagious virus and its potential for causing disease in horses.

“Knowledge and public awareness are two of the most effective tools in controlling the spread of equine herpes virus among horses,” says Dr. Hugh Townsend, an infectious disease specialist at WCVM who will speak at the event. “This seminar will give people the information they need to minimize the risk of infection on their farms and acreages.”

Continue reading "Horse owners urged to attend free information seminar on equine herpes virus (EHV) in Saskatoon" »

WCVM equine herpes virus update for April 4, 2008

WCVM 02-07 097.jpgAPRIL 4, 2008 -- Veterinarians at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine suspect that the neurologic form of equine herpes virus type 1 (EHV-1) has affected four more horses at a Saskatoon-area farm.

Testing is underway to verify a diagnosis in one of the farm’s horses that was euthanized due to severe neurologic signs. Three of its herdmates are showing milder clinical signs of the disease and are also being tested for EHV-1. The farm’s owners have restricted horse traffic on and off their property.

According to the farm’s owners, horses from the newly-affected farm may have had contact with infected horses before clinical disease was evident. This suggests that these newly-suspected cases are still linked to the initial outbreak of EHV-1.

WCVM suspended non-emergency equine clinical services at its Large Animal Clinic in mid-March following admission of two local horses that proved to be suffering from EHV-1 infection. These horses were discharged last week and returned to the local riding stable where the first cases of the viral infection originated.

Continue reading "WCVM equine herpes virus update for April 4, 2008" »

March 28, 2008

WCVM equine herpes virus update for March 28, 2008

P1000879_2.jpgMARCH 28, 2008 -- As of Friday, March 28, field service veterinarians from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine are treating 15 horses at a Saskatoon-area riding stable for equine herpes virus type one (EHV-1) infection, says Dr. Katharina Lohmann of WCVM's Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Last week, WCVM announced the suspension of non-emergency equine clinical services at its Large Animal Clinic after admitting two local horses that proved to be suffering from the neurologic form of EHV-1. The virus, which is contagious through contact and through aerosols, can be controlled by restricting contact and with stringent decontamination. EHV-1 can not be transmitted to humans or to other animal species and is not a reportable disease in Canada.

By March 26, the two horses that were initially admitted to WCVM’s Large Animal Clinic more than 10 days earlier had improved enough to be discharged. Both horses returned to the same riding stable where WCVM field service veterinarians continue to treat 13 other horses for the viral infection. The stable’s owners have kept their facility quarantined since the beginning of the outbreak to control the potential spread of EHV-1 to other farms.

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March 20, 2008

Western College of Veterinary Medicine at U of S recommends precautions to prevent spread of equine virus among horses

P1070622.jpgMARCH 20, 2008 -- As a precautionary measure, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's Large Animal Clinic at the University of Saskatchewan is not accepting any non-emergency equine patients to control risks related to equine herpes virus type 1 (EHV-1) infection.

WCVM suspended its equine clinical services following admission of two local horses that proved to be suffering from the neurologic form of EHV-1 infection, also called equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM).

The virus, which is contagious through contact and through aerosols, can be controlled by restricting contact and with stringent decontamination of hospital facilities. EHV-1 can not be transmitted to humans or to other animal species and is not a reportable disease in Canada.

All other activities and services provided by the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine are not affected by these precautions.

“We suspended equine admissions at the Large Animal Clinic and placed all of our remaining equine patients under isolation to minimize the risk of further disease transmission among horses,” says Dr. Katharina Lohmann, a specialist in veterinary internal medicine at WCVM’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital and an associate professor in the veterinary college’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences.

“In addition, we’re working closely with the local riding stable where the first two cases originated and where eight other horses have developed clinical signs. The stable owners have also implemented a quarantine of their facility to control the potential spread of EHV-1 to other farms.”

Continue reading "Western College of Veterinary Medicine at U of S recommends precautions to prevent spread of equine virus among horses" »

March 14, 2008

WCVM featured in Star Phoenix education supplement

WCVM Jan 200889.jpgThe Western College of Veterinary Medicine was one of the featured educational institutions in the "Road to Higher Learning," a post-secondary education supplement produced by the Saskatoon Star Phoenix.

The article, which includes comments from WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes, highlights the veterinary college's education, clinical and research programs. "We aren't the largest veterinary school in North America, but I think our students match up with any other veterinary graduate in the world," says Rhodes.

The college's dean also gave an update on WCVM's $71-million construction project that includes several new expansions and renovations of the college's existing facilities. "The construction involves all areas of the college to some degree," says Rhodes, pointing out that approximately 70 per cent of the college's major construction projects are now complete.

For more recent updates about WCVM's projects and initiatives, please click here to download your own copy of The Ark (Winter 2008), the veterinary college's news publication.

ABOVE: Large animal surgeon Dr. David Wilson (right) demonstrates surgical knots to second-year veterinary students Karyn Arthur (centre) and Byron Hamlund (left) during a surgical exercises lab in the food animal teaching centre.

March 11, 2008

The Ark (Winter 2008) now on line

THE.ARK.WIN08.COVER.jpgThe Winter 2008 issue of The Ark — news publication for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine — is now available on line. Click here to download your own copy (1.9 MB), or check out the following stories that are included in this issue:

• Dr. Reuben Mapletoft, S.O.M.: A longtime professor and researcher at WCVM receives Saskatchewan's highest honour.
• A Message from the Dean: WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes highlights some of the College's latest achievements.
WCVM & Beyond: WCVM students, faculty, staff and alumni make the news across Canada.
• Tailor-made Veterinary Training: Members of the Class of 2011 are the first students to test-drive WCVM's revised curriculum for its DVM program.
• Westgen Research Suite Opens: A western Canadian organization's name is now part of WCVM's new research wing.
• Construction Update: WCVM's expansion and renovation projects surpass the 70 per cent mark.
• College Beat: A roundup of WCVM's news and kudos.
• Research Program Thrives: The numbers tell an exciting story: WCVM's research program is having a healthy growth spurt.
• Bench Press: A spotlight on WCVM's latest research feats.
• June Conference: WCVM and the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association join together to present the June Conference, June 18-21.

December 10, 2007

Dr. John Campbell receives Carl Block Award

carl block award 2007_2.jpgWCVM researcher Dr. John Campbell is the 2007 recipient of the Canadian Animal Health Coalition's prestigious Carl Block Award in honour of his research contributions to Canada's cattle industry.

The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association nominated Campbell for his ". . . tireless dedication to producers. His research efforts, approach, honesty, sincerity and respect of farmers and ranchers have helped to position the Canadian cattle industry to be among the best herds in the world."

ABOVE: Dr. John Campbell (left) accepts his award from Rob McNabb, vice chair of the Canadian Animal Health Coalition.

Continue reading "Dr. John Campbell receives Carl Block Award" »

December 07, 2007

Dr. Janet Hill receives SHRF Top Researcher Award

DR.JANET.HILL.jpgDr. Janet Hill of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine was among the Top Researcher Award recipients at the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation's annual Santé! Awards Dinner on December 6.

Hill, an assistant professor in the College's Department of Veterinary Microbiology, was the recipient of SHRF's Top New Investigator Establishment Grant (Biomedical) for her research efforts.

Hill is the third WCVM scientist to receive this province-wide annual award in the past three years. Drs. Ali Honoramooz and Lynn Weber of the College's Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences were the award's recipients in 2005 and 2006.

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November 28, 2007

U of S Distinguished Researcher Lectures: Dec. 3 and 4

Two Western College of Veterinary Medicine graduates who received the University of Saskatchewan Distinguished Researcher Awards in 2007 will present public lectures on December 3 and 4, 2007. Both presentations are part of Saskatchewan's Health Research Week that runs from December 2 to 8.

The annual week of special events, which focuses on the theme of "Connecting Research with Communities," is organized by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF). The U of S Distinguished Researcher Public Lectures are presented by the U of S Research Communications Office in conjunction with SHRF.GREGG.ADAMS.jpg

• DISTINGUISHED RESEARCH — OR THE WORLD'S WORST JOB?
By Dr. Gregg Adams, professor, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, U of S (1982 WCVM graduate)
Studying animals' reproductive organs can be a messy — but extremely rewarding — experience. Learn how Dr. Gregg Adams and his U of S colleagues have worked with animals of all sizes to unravel some long-standing mysteries about fertility, puberty and reproductive aging in animals and humans.
7:30 p.m., Monday, December 3, 2007
Room 2302, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
Reception and tours of the Westgen Research Suite will be held after the lecture.

alcorn.jpg• FACTS AND FEARS: HOW MOM'S MEDICATIONS INFLUENCE HER BREASTFEEDING BABY
By Dr. Jane Alcorn, associate professor, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, U of S (1994 WCVM graduate)
Public concern or fear of causing harm to the developing child leads health care professionals to actively caution mothers about medication use during breastfeeding. What are the risks to the breastfed baby when mothers need to take medications?
9:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 4, 2007
West Winds Primary Health Centre, 3311 Fairlight Drive

Click here to download your own copy of the poster promoting the public lecture. For more information, please call U of S Research Communications at 306-966-1425 or email research.communications@usask.ca.

November 21, 2007

Sask. Agricultural Hall of Fame honours WCVM pioneer

Dr Radostits.jpgThe late Dr. Otto Radostits, one of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's founding faculty members, is among five 2008 inductees to the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame.

The first clinician hired at WCVM in September 1964, Radostits went on to play an integral, pioneer role in establishing and developing the new veterinary college on the University of Saskatchewan campus. As a veterinary educator, clinician and author, Radostits had a profound influence on his students, on the growth of WCVM, and on his beloved profession. During his 43-year teaching career, Radostits taught nearly 2,500 veterinary students in Ontario, Indiana and Western Canada.

Continue reading "Sask. Agricultural Hall of Fame honours WCVM pioneer" »

November 08, 2007

Rare veterinary collection honoured by research libraries

ROSEN.COLLECTION.1.jpgA rare collection of veterinary books, materials and artifacts at the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine Library is featured in a special book and on a web site commemorating the Association of Research Libraries' 75th anniversary.

Celebrating Research, which profiles selected rare and special collections available for use in major research libraries across North America, includes the WCVM library's Rosen Collection of Veterinary History. The collection includes 500 books, journals, newsletters, family records, pamphlets, clippings, certificates and awards that reflect the history of veterinary medicine and agriculture in North America and Europe from the early 16th to the mid-20th centuries.

ABOVE: U of S librarian Jill Crawley-Low with pieces of the historically-rich Rosen Collection of Veterinary History.

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October 29, 2007

U of S Distinguished Researcher is WCVM graduate

alcorn.jpgFor the second time this year, a graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine has received the University of Saskatchewan's Distinguished Researcher Award.

The latest recipient is Dr. Jane Alcorn, an associate professor of pharmacy in the U of S College of Pharmacy and Nutrition who received the honour at the U of S Fall Convocation on October 27.

Alcorn received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at WCVM in 1994, then went on to complete a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences at at the University of Kentucky in 2002. She is now a gifted researcher and teacher in the field of pharmacokinetics (area of study that explores how medications and other bioactive materials work in the body).

Dr. Gregg Adams, a 1982 graduate of WCVM, received the university's Distinguished Researcher Award in June 2007. Adams is a professor and researcher in the veterinary college's Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences.

Click here to learn more about Alcorn's background and research achievements. More information about Adams' award is available in the June 2007 archives of WCVM News.

October 23, 2007

First 18 months at U of S memorable for Dr. John Giesy

Giesy CRC hi-res.jpgA growing research team, a flurry of published papers, a successful record in attracting new research dollars and some research kudos have all combined to make Dr. John Giesy's first 18 months at the University of Saskatchewan memorable.

Giesy is the Canada Research Chair in Environmental Toxicology at the University of Saskatchewan, a professor in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and part of the university's Toxicology Centre.

AT RIGHT: Dr. John Giesy with Jasmine, a Swaison's hawk. Photo: Kevin Hogarth.

Continue reading "First 18 months at U of S memorable for Dr. John Giesy" »

October 22, 2007

Dr. Reuben Mapletoft to receive Saskatchewan honour

MAPLETOFT.GROUP.jpgDr. Reuben J. Mapletoft, a professor in WCVM's Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and an internationally known researcher of animal reproduction, is one of seven Saskatchewan citizens who will receive the Saskatchewan Order of Merit this fall.

AT LEFT: Dr. Reuben Mapletoft (far right) with other WCVM-based executive members of the University of Saskatchewan's Reproductive Science and Medicine research group. From left to right: Drs. Norman Rawlings, Gregg Adams and Jaswant Singh.

Continue reading "Dr. Reuben Mapletoft to receive Saskatchewan honour" »

U of S students win awards at Aquatic Toxicity Workshop

ATW-Logo-2007.jpgIn early October, U of S graduate students Amber Tompsett and Eric Higley took home a couple of high-profile research awards from the 34th annual Aquatic Toxicity Workshop in Halifax, N.S. The national meeting, which took place from September 30 to October 3, attracted about 500 environmental researchers and graduate students from across the country.

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October 21, 2007

White coats and stethoscopes for WCVM's Class of 2011

Class2011.jpgOn September 28, the 73 members of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's Class of 2011 participated in the annual white coat ceremony during WCVM's fall awards program. As part of the ceremony, each first-year veterinary student received a personalized white lab coat from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and a stethoscope from the provincial veterinary medical association in the student's home province.

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$120,000-plus distributed at WCVM awards night

HRUDKA.jpgVeterinary students, faculty and staff took home more than $120,000 worth of honours from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's fall awards program on September 28. The annual event celebrates the scholastic, research, teaching and service achievements of students, faculty and staff at the veterinary college. This year's awards evening attracted 330 people to its Saskatoon venue. Click here to view the complete list of award recipients.

ABOVE: Second-year veterinary student Kathleen Wood of Vancouver, B.C., accepts the Dr. Francis Hrudka Prize in Histology from Mark Hrudka, Francis' son. Dr. Francis Hrudka, who retired in 1988, was part of WCVM's faculty for 20 years and among the veterinary college's first group of professors.

Continue reading "$120,000-plus distributed at WCVM awards night" »

October 19, 2007

U of S specialist brings cancer expertise to pet owners

medical.oncologist.jpgVeterinary medical oncologist Dr. Valerie MacDonald is providing cutting-edge cancer therapy to pets at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine on the University of Saskatchewan campus.

MacDonald, a veterinarian who has expertise in veterinary medical oncology, joined the college’s faculty in October 2006. This fall, the specialist established a clinical service in veterinary medical oncology at WCVM’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

RIGHT: Veterinary medical oncologist Dr. Valerie MacDonald (left) with Rosemary Ward and her dog Winnie at the WCVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Continue reading "U of S specialist brings cancer expertise to pet owners" »

October 09, 2007

New WCVM research seminar series: October 11

WCVM.UNDERGRAD.07.jpgWCVM's undergraduate research summer students will have the chance to discuss their experiences and the results of their investigations in a new seminar series that begins this fall. Second-year student Penelope Hodgson will give the first seminar at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday morning, October 11, in Room 2105 at WCVM. Hodgson's topic is "Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in dogs: a new concept."

The 45-minute seminars, which will take place on the second Thursday of every month between October 2007 and March 2008, is the ideal opportunity for the undergraduate research program's participants to gain valuable experience in presenting their research work to a larger audience, says Dr. Norman Rawlings, associate dean of research at WCVM. The monthly seminars are also designed to inform the College's first- and second-year students about the research program and to encourage them to apply for next year's research spots, adds Rawlings.

Hodgson conducted the IMHA project during her undergraduate research experience with Dr. Baljit Singh of WCVM's Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and Dr. Anthony Carr of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. Hodgson was one of WCVM's Merck-Merial Veterinary Scholars in 2007.

For more information about the new undergraduate research seminar series, please contact Dr. Baljit Singh or Dr. Norman Rawlings. Click here to learn more about WCVM's undergraduate student research program.

ABOVE: Veterinary student Penelope Hodgson describes her research findings to WCVM professor Dr. Lynn Weber. Hodgson's summer research mentors were Drs. Anthony Carr and Baljit Singh.

September 19, 2007

Westgen Research Suite opens at WCVM

WESTGEN.RESEARCH.jpgA new laboratory devoted to research into advanced reproduction techniques for livestock opened today at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) on the University of Saskatchewan campus.

Completed this April, the Westgen Research Suite is one of two open-plan laboratories in the veterinary college’s new $8-million research wing. The first scientists stationed in the Westgen Research Suite will focus on advancing reproductive techniques in cattle, swine, horses, and other livestock species.

ABOVE: Westgen President David Janssens (left) and WCVM Dean Dr. Rhodes stand beside a framed panel that recognizes the Westgen Research Suite. The new research laboratory was officially opened on September 18.

Continue reading "Westgen Research Suite opens at WCVM" »

September 18, 2007

WCVM undergraduate students put research on display

More than two dozen veterinary students put their summer research projects on display during the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's annual undergraduate research poster session on September 13 and 14. During the two-day event, the college's second-floor hallways were filled with posters that chronicled everything from infectious disease monitoring and animal reproduction to equine surgical techniques and environmental sampling of bacteria.

Continue reading "WCVM undergraduate students put research on display" »

September 17, 2007

WCVM graduate student earns research poster award

Grizzly bear_Cattet-Lindsjo_blood collection.jpgWCVM graduate student Dr. Johan Lindsjö recently earned accolades for his research poster, "Evaluation of grizzly bear health in western Alberta," at the Wildlife Disease Association's 2007 conference. The annual conference took place in Estes Park, Colorado from August 12 to 17. Lindsjö, whose work is supervised by Dr. Marc Cattet, is a Master of Science student in WCVM's Department of Veterinary Pathology.

The WDA Student Poster Award acknowledges an outstanding student poster presentation detailing a wildife disease or wildife health research project that's presented at the WDA conference. The Wildlife Disease Association's mission is to acquire, disseminate and apply knowledge of the health and diseases of wild animals in relation to their biology, conservation and interaction with humans and domestic animals. For more information, click here to visit the WDA web site.

ABOVE: Dr. Johan Lindsjö (right) takes a blood sample from an anesthetized grizzly bear in western Alberta. Dr. Marc Cattet (left) is Lindsjö's graduate supervisor. Photo courtesy of the Foothills Model Forest Grizzly Bear Research Project.

August 07, 2007

Building Brilliance

P1010661_2.jpg

COVER STORY — THE ARK, SUMMER 2007. DOWNLOAD YOUR ISSUE NOW (2.2 MB).

More than two years after the Western College of Veterinary Medicine began a major expansion and renovation of its facilities, the number of completed projects has steadily grown into an impressive list. And as the list grows, so does the number of new doors opening to reveal freshly-painted facilities and pristine, state-of-the-art equipment.

Continue reading "Building Brilliance" »

The Ark (Summer 07) is now online

The Ark:Sum07 cover.jpgClick here to download the Summer 2007 issue of The Ark — the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's news publication. Here are some highlights from this issue:

• THE GRADUATE BEHIND THE GOLD: June 5 was a red-letter day for Chelsea Himsworth, the 2007 recipient of the WCVM Faculty Gold Medal — the College's most prestigious award for undergraduate students.

• A CENTURY OF ANIMAL HEALTH: The University of Saskatchewan's close links to animal health and veterinary science have been an integral part of the university's 100-year history.

• BUILDING BRILLIANCE: As the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's four-year expansion forges past the halfway mark, the College's students, faculty and staff are opening the doors to an exciting new array of facilities and resources.

• A TEAM EFFORT: The Western College of Veterinary Medicine salutes the latest supporters of the College's $57-million expansion.

• PAIN CONTROL PILOT: Dr. Alex Livingston, WCVM's former dean and an internationally-recognized expert of animal pain control methods, is retiring. Or is he?

• DISTINGUISHED LAB PARTNERS: This year's joint recipients of the WCVM Distinguished Employee Award are Noreen Rapin and Susan Cook.

July 18, 2007

Undergraduate students explore research world

P1130790.jpgWCVM July 200710.jpg

More than two dozen undergraduate students are gaining first-hand experience in the world of research at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and at other U of S research centres this summer. The students are part of the College’s annual undergraduate summer research and leadership training program — an initiative that’s designed to increase the number of veterinary graduates who pursue advanced training in biomedical and clinical research.

Twelve of the students are supported through the Interprovincial Undergraduate Student Summer Research program that’s sponsored by the four western provinces. Other program partners include the Merck-Merial Veterinary Scholar Program for Biomedical Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s Undergraduate Student Research Awards, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Equine Health Research Fund.

Above (right): Valerie Millette, who just completed her second year at WCVM, is investigating new analgesic options for cats with supervisors Drs. Tanya Duke and Paulo Steagall in Small Animal Clinical Sciences. Above (left): Second-year veterinary student Bruce Stover palpates one of the research mares at WCVM's Goodale Research Farm. Stover's summer research supervisor is Dr. Claire Card of Large Animal Clinical Sciences.

Continue reading "Undergraduate students explore research world" »

June 26, 2007

EHRF directs $225,000 to horse health research, training

P1130930.jpgThe Equine Health Research Fund will invest more than $225,000 in equine health research and specialized training programs at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine during the next 12 months — the largest annual amount ever awarded by the 30-year-old fund.

More than $122,000 of the western Canadian-based research fund’s investment is directed toward eight new equine health research studies in reproduction, orthopedic surgery, pathology and internal medicine that will be conducted by WCVM scientists.

“These projects target health issues such as laminitis, endotoxemia, osteoarthritis and sarcoids that commonly occur among horse populations in Western Canada and across North America,” points out Dr. Norman Rawlings, WCVM’s associate dean of research. “By supporting these eight studies, the Equine Health Research Fund is giving WCVM scientists the opportunity to explore new theories in diagnosing and treating these existing problems. The long-term impact is that results from their work may lead to valuable improvements in horse health care.”

For more detailed information about each of the eight research projects, please visit the RESEARCH section on the EHRF web site or click here to download "On the Research Road Again," a roundup of 2007-08 EHRF projects.

Continue reading "EHRF directs $225,000 to horse health research, training" »

June 15, 2007

Susan Cook and Noreen Rapin: Distinguished Employees

Two Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) employees who played key roles in developing the College's new research wing are the recipients of the 2007 WCVM Distinguished Employee Award.

101.jpgSusan Cook (right) and Noreen Rapin (below) jointly received the award from WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes during the College's annual employee barbecue on June 14. "Susan and Noreen present a highly creative team supporting the advancement and expansion of the veterinary college, and we are extremely fortunate to have individuals with this level of professionalism and personal integrity supporting us," said Rhodes during the awards presentation.100.jpg

Cook is manager and supervisor for the endocrine diagnostic laboratory in WCVM's Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences while Rapin is a senior technician with the College's Department of Veterinary Microbiology.

In the past few years, Cook and Rapin have been instrumental in the development of WCVM's new research wing which became operational in late April 2007. The two employees have been closely involved in the design of the new wing, in drafting standard operating procedures and in assisting with biological safety permits. They also researched, purchased and set up new equipment, plus they helped people move into into the new facility this spring.

"Their combined synergy, positive problem-solving attitudes and leadership skills display respect and dedication for their workplace and colleagues," added Rhodes.

The WCVM Distinguished Employee Award, which was established in 1997, is an annual honour that recognizes the dedicated excellence and positive contributions that employees make to the College. Award selection is made by WCVM's Human Resources Development committee whose members rely on submitted nominations, letters of support and an award criteria to make their final decision.

June 13, 2007

Class of 2007: WCVM's newest veterinarians

151_2.jpgAfter four years of hard work and countless challenges, the 71 members of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's Class of 2007 received their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees on June 5.

The College's senior students were among the thousands of graduates who participated in the University of Saskatchewan's Spring Convocation ceremonies in Saskatoon, Sask. WCVM's newest graduates hail from the four western provinces and Canada's North — a reflection of the institution's status as one of Canada's regional veterinary colleges.

One of the morning's highlights was the announcement of the WCVM Faculty Gold Medal recipient: Chelsea Himsworth of Vancouver, B.C., was selected as the graduating student who displayed the highest general proficiency "in the science and art of veterinary medicine" during her four years at the College. "It's a tremendous honour and quite unexpected — especially since I think that so many of my classmates are so deserving," says Himsworth, who graduated with Great Distinction. She will begin a Master of Veterinary Science (MVSc) program in veterinary pathology at WCVM this fall.

The day's finalé was the annual WCVM Spring Awards banquet at Saskatoon's Sheraton Cavalier Hotel where more than $32,300 in awards was presented to students and faculty during the evening. As part of the event, WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes (above, left) presented a framed certificate to Himsworth (right) in recognition of her Gold Medal award. Click here to view the complete listing of award recipients.

May 31, 2007

Dr. Gregg Adams: Distinguished Researcher Award

WCVM3130761.jpgDr. Gregg Adams of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will receive the University of Saskatchewan's Distinguished Researcher Award during the university's Spring Convocation on June 5. The professor in WCVM's Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and a 1982 graduate of the veterinary college has made a significant impact in the field of reproductive biology through his novel research program, leadership and dedication.

The U of S Distinguished Researcher Award recognizes a faculty member's contribution to scholarship through creation, expansion, and critique of knowledge.

Adams has worked with a wide variety of mammals, including many endangered species, and has also worked to develop models applicable to humans. His collaborative research with the College of Medicine discovered that women, like some mammals, experience two to three “follicular waves” per menstrual cycle. This finding, with its profound implication for both contraception and assisted reproduction, was identified as one of the Top 100 Science Stories in 2003 by Discover magazine.

Continue reading "Dr. Gregg Adams: Distinguished Researcher Award " »

CCWHC receives OIE designation

WildlifeImages-1.jpgThe World Organisation for Health (Office International des Epizooties or OIE) has designated the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (CCWHC) as its first international collaborating centre in the area of wild animal health and disease. The designation, which was announced on May 25, means that CCWHC will be OIE's collaborating centre for wildlife disease surveillance and monitoring, diagnosis, epidemiology and management.

Continue reading "CCWHC receives OIE designation" »

May 28, 2007

Discovery Grant recipients include WCVM scientists

WCVM3130748.jpgSix scientists at the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine are the recipients of 2007 Discovery Grants through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

The College’s veterinary researchers are among 3,300 university scientists across Canada who will receive $458.8 million in Discovery Grants to support their research in the natural sciences and engineering over the next five years. The funding was part of a larger announcement on May 28 that highlighted the federal government’s plans to distribute $583 million to professors and students through NSERC grants and scholarships.

Continue reading "Discovery Grant recipients include WCVM scientists" »

May 17, 2007

WCVM scientists receive Award of Innovation

P1030459.jpgA new drug with the potential to treat a wide array of inflammatory conditions has secured this year's Award of Innovation for Dr. John Gordon and Dr. Fang Li of the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

gordon_7.jpgThe two researchers were named as winners of the $5,000 award on May 15th at TCU Place at the "Celebrate Success!" gala, sponsored by the Saskatoon and District Chamber of Commerce and Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.

Their innovation is a protein called G31P that targets inflammation associated with neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. The targeted response may make G31P superior to alternatives such as corticosteroids that can cause severe complications when used at high doses or over prolonged periods of time.

"Dr. Gordon and his team truly are a research highlight of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, and they have done so much to further the College's research efforts in the past decade," said Dr. Norman Rawlings, WCVM's associate dean of research. "We congratulate Drs. Gordon and Li on their inspiring work and determination to fully develop G31P's therapeutic potential."

Gordon is a veterinary immunologist in WCVM's Department of Veterinary Microbiology. When the research team first developed the genetically-engineered protein more than seven years ago, Li was a post-doctoral fellow in Gordon's lab who worked on the generation and characterization of G31P. The molecular immunologist is now head of the Department of Immunology at the Dalian Medical University in Dalian, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.

Click here to read the U of S news announcement.

May 04, 2007

Dr. John Gordon receives $242,000 from CIHR

IMG_6635.jpgVeterinary immunologist Dr. John Gordon has received $242,000 in research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The researcher and his team in WCVM's Department of Veterinary Microbiology will use the federal funding to further the development of a new anti-inflammatory drug that could ease the suffering of people with arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cystic fibrosis, as well as to reduce damage caused by heart attacks and strokes.

"This potential new treatment for infectious and chronic diseases is an example of life and health sciences research excellence at the University of Saskatchewan," says U of S Vice-President Research Steven Franklin. "Today's targeted investment from CIHR will help our researchers develop this exciting innovation that could benefit all Canadians."

Over the next year, Gordon and his team will look at a number of inflammatory ailments to find out which ones are the most promising candidates for human clinical trials. Their grant is part of $1.2 million to fund health research in Saskatchewan announced in April by CIHR President Dr. Alan Bernstein.

Please click here to read the entire U of S news release.

May 03, 2007

WCVM 2006 Annual Research Report now online

front.cover.jpgThe Western College of Veterinary Medicine's 2006 Annual Research Report is now available online: click here to download your own copy of the report.

This year's report highlights WCVM’s research focus areas and the many collaborations that faculty in these areas have built with other researchers at the University of Saskatchewan and at institutions across North America. As well, the report gives an update on the expansion of WCVM’s research facilities and resources including its two-storey research wing and a larger, renovated Animal Care Unit. Both projects are key aspects of WCVM’s $57-million, multi-phase expansion that will greatly enhance the College’s clinical, teaching, research and diagnostic capabilities in the future. The four-year expansion is scheduled for completion in 2008.

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April 23, 2007

WCVM students receive Centennial Merit scholarships

The University of Saskatchewan's College of Graduate Studies and Research has awarded two Centennial Merit scholarships worth $5,000 each to Dr. Leigh Rosengren and Carolyn Paterson, graduate students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

253.jpg• Rosengren, a PhD candidate under Dr. Cheryl Waldner's supervision, is a graduate student in WCVM's Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. With a research focus in swine epidemiology, Rosengren is investigating antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter and E. coli in finishing pigs.

246.jpg• Paterson is a PhD student in WCVM's Department of Veterinary Microbiology whose research focuses on molecular virology. Paterson is part of a research team at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) that's carrying out molecular characterization of bovine adenovirus-3. Led by Dr. Suresh Tikoo of VIDO, the team's aim is to develop the adenovirus as a live vaccine vector for animals and humans.

The scholarships, which are for the 2006-07 academic year, were made possible through funding from the Saskatchewan government. The Centennial Merit scholarships were created to recognize academic excellence and support provincial residents who are attending post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan.

April 17, 2007

Author, Author!

A number of WCVM faculty members have authored, co-authored or contributed chapters to books and manuals in the past few months. These texts cover a range of topics in veterinary medicine: veterinary pathology, small animal anesthesia and analgesia (pain control), wildlife diseases, canine internal medicine, endocrinology, and the use of technology in veterinary teaching.

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Medical display explores human-horse parallels

hor_rusius_title.jpgThe ancient connection between horses and humans is the focus of a travelling exhibit that’s now on public display in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s library until Thursday, May 3.

Developed by the United States National Library of Medicine, “The Horse, A Mirror of Man: Parallels in Early Human and Horse Medicine” explores the history of equine veterinary medicine and its close links to human medicine.

As the exhibit illustrates, Medieval and Renaissance theories about equine physiology and health often mirrored theories about humans, and the literature of both was inherently linked. Physicians and veterinarians alike used bloodletting, astrology and ancient texts to heal their patients while many discoveries — including the circulation of blood — were developed in tandem between the two professions.

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April 12, 2007

Mapletoft delivers R.G. Thomson Lecture

Dr. Reuben Mapletoft of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, delivered the R.G. Thomson Lecture on March 15 at the University of Prince Edward Island's Atlantic Veterinary College. Mapletoft, a professor in WCVM’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and a founding member of the U of S Reproductive Sciences and Medicine Group, talked about how collaborations with other scientists and organizations have helped him to achieve research success in the field of theriogenology.

Mapletoft gave his presentation during AVC’s annual Graduate Studies and Research Days. The R.G. Thomson Lecture is an endowed annual lecture series that honours Dr. Reginald Thomson — AVC’s founding dean. The veterinary college’s Graduate Studies and Research Committee selects the annual lecturer based on nominations from AVC faculty.

Saskatchewan backs THREATS development

DSC_6814.jpgDr. Monique Dubé, U of S Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Ecosystem Health Diagnosis and associate professor in WCVM’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, has received $80,000 from the Government of Saskatchewan to assist in the development of The Healthy River Ecosystem Assessment System.

THREATS is cumulative effects assessment software that can identify when important changes have occurred in river water quality and in the health of bugs and fish in aquatic ecosystems. Dubé’s vision is for THREATS to become a national aquatic health assessment tool for researchers and an operational tool for decision-makers across Canada.

The new funding was part of an announcement made by Premier Lorne Calvert on March 21. As part of its “Green Strategy,” Saskatchewan is providing nearly $5 million to 20 innovative organizations and projects that will help protect the environment and address the effects of climate change.

Dr. John Giesy on top 10 list of most-cited researchers

Toxicology07_2.jpg An international scientific analysis resource has ranked Dr. John Giesy of the University of Saskatchewan as the second-most cited researcher worldwide in the combined fields of ecology and environmental science. Giesy is the U of S Canada Research Chair in Environmental Toxicology and a professor in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences.

According to Essential Science Indicators, Giesy’s second-place ranking is based on his research output between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2006. During that 11-year period, Giesy published 171 papers that were cited 4,805 times — an average of 28.10 citations per paper.

Since the last 11-year period ending in December 2005, Giesy’s ranking has risen from fourth to second place. Another reflection of Giesy’s research success is that one of his former postdoctoral fellows — Dr. Kurunthachalam Kannan — is ranked eighth by the scientific resource.

The Essential Science Indicators database, which is part of the Thomson Scientific Research Services Group develops a Top 10 citations list in 22 fields every two months. The scientific resource’s latest ranking is based on a review of 2,448 researchers with five or more papers published in the fields of ecology and environmental science.

April 01, 2007

The Ark (Winter 2007) is now online

The Ark Winter 2007.jpgClick here to download your copy of the Winter 2007 issue of The Ark — the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's news publication. Here are some of the highlights from this issue:

• VETERINARY VARIETY SHOW: WCVM veterinary students are ready to host Vetavision — the largest veterinary exposition in Western Canada (March 22-25).
• $1.07-MILLION GIFT: The Heather Ryan and L. David Dubé Foundation contributes $1.07 million to WCVM's equine and companion animal health program and offers to match any new funding dollars for equine health research at WCVM in the next five years.
• CHINA: FROM HAND TOOLS TO HIGH-TECH: Deans from WCVM and the College of Agriculture and Bioresources attend the Canada-China Agri-Science Forum for Government and University Senior Managers in November 2006.
• INSIDE MOVES: Some construction crews and tradespeople moved inside this winter as several parts of WCVM's major expansion project approach completion.
• DR. JOHN GIESY: The new Canada Research Chair in Environmental Toxicology at the U of S may not be a household name, but his research discoveries have affected households around the world.

March 09, 2007

WCVM students receive swine research awards

DSC_0031.jpgThree WCVM students received honours for their research posters and presentations at the American Association of Swine Veterinarians’ annual meeting that took place in Orlando, Florida, from March 3 to 6.

The AASV Foundation awarded scholarships totaling $25,000 to 15 veterinary students during the meeting’s annual student competition. Twenty-five students representing 10 universities submitted abstracts for consideration, and from those submissions, 15 students were selected to present during the annual meeting.

Above: Recipients of the $1,500 AASV Foundation scholarships were (from left): Genevieve Remmers, Université de Montréal; Kristopher Eads, North Carolina State University; Heather James, Western College of Veterinary Medicine; Margaret Aleff, Iowa State University; Carissa Schloesser, University of Minnesota; and Dr. Ginger Pelger, Elanco Animal Health.

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WCVM equine health research teams receive $410,000

P1010188.jpgThe Heather Ryan and L. David Dubé Veterinary Health and Research Fund has awarded $410,000 for three cutting-edge research investigations of equine endotoxemia, neonatal Rhodococcus equi pneumonia and genetic ocular disorders at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

“All three research projects will be conducted by multi-disciplinary teams of scientists from WCVM, the University of Saskatchewan and other research institutions across North America,” says Dr. Norman Rawlings, the veterinary college’s associate dean of research. “Each collaborative team brings a great deal of clinical and laboratory expertise to the table, and we’re very excited about their potential for making real, concrete progress in overcoming these longstanding issues in horse health.”

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March 01, 2007

WCVM scientists receive funding from Saskatchewan ADF

Two WCVM scientists were among the Saskatchewan research teams who received $4.39 million in research and development funding from Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's Agriculture Development Fund. The funding announcement was made by Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman at the University of Saskatchewan on February 28.

The current round of ADF funding provides support for research projects undertaken by organizations such as the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, the Western Beef Development Centre and the Prairie Swine Centre. Drs. Murray Jelinski and Sarah Parker of WCVM were among the successful applicants from the U of S.

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