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Online Records Facilitate Patient Care, Teaching, and Research
Online Records Facilitate Patient Care, Teaching, and ResearchAs of May 23, patient records throughout the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital are being managed electronically through VETSTAR, a commercially available integrated patient information system. The complete patient file, including medical history, laboratory results, and billing data, can be readily accessed from any computer linked to the system. Every examination room in the Small Animal Clinic has been equipped with a PC, facilitating not only entries into patient records but access of veterinary consulting software and other online information.
Dr. Arthur Siegel, director of medical informatics, says the College is a leader
nationally in using this system to its fullest potential. The College’s Laboratory of Veterinary Diagnostic Medicine has been using a sister-program, called VADDS, for several years. By the end of the summer, laboratory results in VADDS will link to patient information in VETSTAR. The combined database will contain more than 30,000 cases a year.In regard to clinic operations, the VETSTAR program streamlines such things as requesting imaging or pathology services. VETSTAR is expected to reduce billing errors by making it easier to immediately record materials or services used. Eventually, low-resolution images, such as a picture of a skin lesion or eye problem, can be stored digitally as part of the patient record.
“A big benefit of the new program will be facilitating the College’s teaching and research efforts,” says Dr. Siegel. Case studies will be easy to prepare for use in the veterinary curriculum or in continuing education programs. VETSTAR will also aid retrospective clinical research studies, making possible searches on various diagnoses, species or breeds, and other factors.
Transition to the online program was surprisingly smooth, but a lot of preparation went into the changeover. Since February 1998, Dr. Siegel has been working closely with medical records administrator Kathy Ellis, Computing Services staff, and many others throughout the College to coordinate implementation of the new system.
Faculty Honored for TeachingTwo faculty members were recently recognized for outstanding teaching abilities.
Dr. Howard Gelberg, associate dean for research, received the Carl J. Norden Outstanding Teacher Award at the April 24 awards and scholarships ceremony. Fourth-year veterinary students selected him for outstanding teaching ability as well as character and leadership qualities. The award is sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health. Drs. Ted F. Lock and Sheila M. McCullough, both of veterinary clinical medicine, were finalists.
Dr. C. W. “Bill” Smith, veterinary clinical medicine, received the University of Illinois Campus Award for Excellence in Grad-uate and Professional Teaching, which recognizes faculty in professional or graduate programs who normally wouldn’t have an opportunity to compete for undergraduate teaching awards. The criteria for the award are excellent performance in the classroom, excellence in supervision of student research or professional practice, impact on students, innovative approaches to teaching, and other contributions to improved instruction. The $5,000 award also carries a $3,000 raise.
Tree Dedicated in Memory of Lisa Coole
On a beautiful May 1, more than 100 people gathered for a celebration of the life of Lisa Coole, the member of the Class of 2001 who died in a car accident last May as she was traveling to adopt a greyhound. The service included tributes to Lisa by her classmates and teachers and the dedication of an oak tree, chosen for its strength and longevity. The tree, day lilies, and four benches are located near the south entrance of the Basic Sciences Building to form a perpetual reminder of an exceptional individual who touched so many lives during her year at the College. The area was made possible through gifts from Lisa’s family and friends, from ISCAVMA, and from College gift funds.
Cardiology Service Announces TrialsThe cardiology service at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital anticipates funding of more than $500,000 for clinical cardiovascular research in the coming year. Referring practitioners are invited to help enroll patients in the following studies:
• Heart Failure Drug Trial: Dogs with proven heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy or mitral regurgitation for a blinded, placebo-controlled study of a new NEP inhibitor; must have prior
radiographic documentation of pulmonary edema.• Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Puppies or adult dogs weighing over 3 kg for study of non-surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus.
• Feline Hypertension: Cats with proven or suspected (untreated) systemic hypertension for evaluation study; hyperthyroid cats are specifically excluded.
Most fees and diagnostic procedures are covered by the research sponsor. Owner consent is required. For more information about any of these trials, please contact the director of the cardiology service, Dr. David Sisson, 217/333-5300; d-sisson@uiuc.edu.
Accreditation Team Visits CollegeOver five activity-packed days, April 17 to 21, the seven members of the site team representing the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education met with dozens of faculty members and students. Their mission was to evaluate whether the College meets the eleven “essentials” of
accreditation. The team will prepare a report on the visit that will be presented to the full Council on Education in October. If accreditation is renewed, the next site visit will take place in seven years, with written reports submitted annually in the interim.
Students Honored at Spring CeremonyNearly 140 awards were made at the April 24 awards and scholarships ceremony, totaling more than $130,000. Five new scholarships and awards were presented for the first time this year. This aid is vital to our College and to our veterinary students.
American Veterinary Medical Association/Professional Liability Insurance Trust Award
Our College is pleased to have been selected among the first pool of veterinary schools to present this award in its first year. Sponsored by the AVMA/Professional Liability Insurance Trust, this award goes to a third- or fourth-year student selected by his/her peers as “the classmate with whom they would most like to practice.” In subsequent years, the awards will be made at different veterinary schools.Dr. and Mrs. Wally Brandt Scholarship
This award goes to a student entering the senior year of studies who has expressed interest in practicing rural veterinary medicine. It was established in memory of Dr. Wally Brandt, a 1955 Illinois graduate who practiced at Flanagan, Illinois, and was a long-time employee of Hoffmann-LaRoche. It is sponsored by the Dr. and Mrs. Wally Brandt Endowment Fund. The recipient is selected with input from the swine, production, and food animal medicine sections.Kankakee River Valley Kennel Club Scholarship
The Kankakee River Valley Kennel Club sponsored this scholarship for any deserving veterinary student originally from Kankakee or Iroquois County who has genuine interest in dogs and has a promising career in veterinary medicine. The recipient is selected by the awards selection committee.Charles Renegar Family Scholarship
Charles Renegar, a long-time supporter of the College and of the library at the University of Illinois at Chicago, spent his career at Abbott Laboratories. His son, Wayne, is a 1976 graduation of our College. This scholarship is awarded to any veterinary student exhibiting high moral character and financial need. The awards selection committee makes the pick, and the Charles Renegar Family Endowment Fund sponsors the award.Scamps Top Herder Memorial Scholarship
Abbotsford Captain Daredevil, better known as “Scamps,” was a Shetland sheepdog who exhibited true showmanship, the desire to compete in obedience and herding, and promise of becoming a herding champion. Mark, Jean, Josh, and Jesse Fisher established an award in tribute to their loved and outstanding companion who will be remembered for a lifetime. The Fishers select a third- or fourth-year student for an essay on the importance of daily compassion in the veterinary profession as well as for awards and accomplishments, academic merit, and dog show or training experience.George H. Alexander Memorial Scholarship
April Kukuck
Amanda ThompsonAmerican Animal Hospital Association Award
Jennifer KrukAmerican Association of Feline Practitioners’ Student Award
Kyle DavisAmerican College of Veterinary Radiology Award
Sara GrogmanAmerican College of Veterinary Surgeons Awards
Katie Collier, Large Animal Surgery
Eman Jassim, Small Animal Surgery
Theresa SaLee, Small Animal SurgeryAmerican Kennel Club Awards
Colleen Trask (1998-99 recipient )AVMA/PLIT Award
Eric BergstenAmerican Veterinary Medical Foundation Scholarships
Shirley DeVaun
Jason Keller
Victor Liu
Kristi McCullough
Erica Swanke
Suzanne VossAuxiliary to the American Veterinary Medical Association Award
Jennifer KrukAssociation of Avian Veterinarians Award
Amy Valentine AlalufBil*Jac Student Scholarship in Nutrition
John CrandellDr. Loyd E. Boley Scholarship
Shawn McKimDr. and Mrs. Wally Brandt Award
James BollmeierChicago Veterinary Medical Association President’s Scholastic Award
Mikel PulinsL. L. Cluster Scholarships
Tony Goldberg
Erica SwankeCollege of Veterinary Medicine Awards for Academic Excellence
Class of 1999
First: Colleen Trask
Second: Lisa Wolff McIntyre
Third: Heather Dawson
Class of 2000
First: Meredith Lockwood
Second: Shirley DeVaun
Third: Eric Bergsten
Class of 2001
First: Morgan Wilson
Second: Megan Hinkel
Third: Justin Brown
Katherine Grimm
Shannon Long
Class of 2002
First: James Buhl
Jill Patronagio
Laura Riordan
Christine Slagel
Emily Swank
Karen Turner
Amy Waggoner
Second: Linnaea Stull
Third: Wes BaumgartnerDr. Richard E. Dierks Veterinary Alumni Fund Scholarships
Justin Brown
Chris Shule
Christine SlagelDr. Joseph L. Dorner Awards
Trevor Berg
Jennifer HerringDr. Florence Dunbar Award for the Human-Animal Bond
Linnaea StullDr. Walter and Mary Lou Fehrenbacher Scholarship
Rebecca Wright GettyAlice H. Fruit Memorial Scholarship
Christine WasmerAnna M. Gulick Scholarship
Jay ThurgoodDr. H.J. Hardenbrook Equine Scholarships
Susan Bontkowski
Robin HayesHill’s Buddy Award
Shaun DowneyDr. H. Preston Hoskins Scholarship
Tony GoldbergIllinois Academy of Veterinary Practice Continuing Education Award
Tammy NelsonIllinois Reptile and Amphibian Medicine Award
Kelly Kubski
Sara LuttrellIllinois Veterinary Medical Alumni Association Award
Michael DouglasIllinois Walking Horse Association Awards
Amy Barnes
Robin HadleyLily Ireland Scholarship
Hilary HummProfessor Virginia R. Ivens Scholarships
Katie Collier (1997-1999 Recipient)
Melissa Behrens (1998-2000 Recipient)
Colleen Gratton (1999-2001 Recipient)Kankakee River Valley Kennel Club Scholarship
Steve HaaseDr. Edward C. Khuen Memorial Award
Hilary HummDr. Vaylord Ladwig Memorial Scholarship
Sarah ProbstLake County Humane Society Scholarship
Beth GuerraPatricia Lawrence Memorial Scholarship
Sara LuttrellDr. Roger P. Link Scholarship
Kristin KanoyDr. Heidi Lott Memorial Award
Shawn McKimDr. William Magrane Clinical Ophthalmology Award
Hilary HummDr. John P. Manning Award
Shaun Downey
Dr. and Mrs. David McConnell Scholarship
Morgan WilsonDr. and Mrs. C. David McLaughlin Scholarship
Meredith LockwoodMerck AgVet Awards
Timothy Cooper
Heather Dawson
Shaun Downey
Robert Garro
Sarah Hopper
Lisa Wolff McIntyre
Cindy Rizzo-Harman
Laura Seropian
Colm Stephens
Colleen TraskDr. Christopher Moberly Scholarship
Taylor SpanglerMulticultural Fellowships
Class of 2002
Cecilia JapNorth American Veterinary Conference Award
Eric BergstenNovartis Animal Health Award for Academic Excellence in Parasitology
Morgan WilsonPfizer Veterinary Student Award
Tim CooperPharmacia & Upjohn Award
Trevor BergPharmacia &Upjohn Companion Animal Award
Jennifer FreyPharmacia & Upjohn Large Animal Award
Denise RobertsPharmacia & Upjohn Team Award
April KukuckCharles Renegar Family Scholarship
Eric BergstenDr. Harry Reynolds Pathology Award
Morgan WilsonDr. J.E. Salsbury Scholarships
John Crandell
Nathan Jurgena
Melissa Miller
Jamilon Niemann
Rachel Niemuth
Michelle Priolo
Robyn Rothberg
Jason Rudigier
Chris Shule
Amy Skladzien
Erica Swanke
Suzanne Voss
Christine Wasmer
India WoodDr. Jesse Sampson Award
Morgan WilsonSandrik Family Scholarships
Eric Bergsten
Shirley DeVaunScamps Award
Julia Kozak BrannanSchering-Plough Animal Health Scholarships
Katie Collier, Large AnimalNatalie Mylniczenko, Companion Animal
Dr. Erwin Small Scholarships
Julia Kozak Brannan
Angy Duke
Sarah ProbstSophie’s and Gypsy’s Golden Heart Awards
Sophie’s: Natalie Mylniczenko
Gypsy’s: Laura SeropianSouthern Illinois Veterinary Medical Association Scholarships
Ashlee Beanland
David Hester
Laurie Hester
Pamela RothenbaumStone City Kennel Club Award
Amy SkladzienStudents for Equal Access to Learning Scholarships
Victor LiuSweet Scholarship
Robin HadleyEdith Tomlinson Award
Chris SchuleUniversity Honors - Bronze Tablet
Beth GuerraVeterinary Emergency and Critical Care Awards
Kelly Lathrop
Jeremy TarlowWest Suburban Caged Bird Club Scholarships
Amy Valentine Alaluf
Robyn Rothberg
Phi Zeta Ceremony Joins Awards and ScholarshipsFor the first time, Phi Zeta initiation was held during the spring student awards ceremony. Thirty-nine new members were initiated into Illinois’s Mu Chapter of Phi Zeta, the national veterinary honor society that promotes high scholarship, research, and ethical standards in veterinary medicine.
Dr. David Freeman, veterinary clinical medicine, and Dr. Cheryl Guyer and Dr. Milton McAlister, both veterinary pathobiology, were the faculty members inducted. Thirteen graduate students/residents—Dr. Larissa Hautekeete, veterinary biosciences; Drs. Marta Guerra, John Jacobson, Laura Kohrt, Katherine Wasson, all veterinary pathobiology; and Drs. Martin Allen, Kerri Beck, Jennifer Brinson, Kinga Gortel, Jonathan Magid, Ruth-Ann Richter, Krista Sandman Tompkins, and Geoffrey Smith, all veterinary clinical medicine—were initiated into the society.
To be accepted for membership, VM-3 students must rank in the upper 10 percent of their class. Ten were initiated: Eric Bergsten, Shirley DeVaun, Tony Goldberg, Meredith Lockwood, Rachel Niemuth, Christopher Shule, Taylor Spangler, Erica Swanke, Suzanne Voss, and Christine Wasmer.
Thirteen VM-4 students who ranked in the upper 25 percent of their class but were not already Phi Zeta members were initiated: Trevor Berg, Frank Bettencourt, Shaun Downey, Barbara Gertz, Jennifer Herring, Hilary Humm, Kelly Kostuch, Todd Lawmaster, Michele Roessler, Michael Sanborn, Colm Stephens, Lauri Stover, and Amanda Thompson.
The Mu Chapter Literary Awards went to Dr. Geoffrey Smith, Basic Science Research Award, and Dr. Linda Berent, Clinical Research Manuscript Award.
OTS Spring ActivitiesOmega Tau Sigma, the veterinary service fraternity, made nursing home visits with pets and conducted several fund-raisers during the spring semester, including Candid Canines pet portraits, pet washes, a clothing sale, and a book fair at Barnes and Noble. Proceeds were donated to the Vermillion and Champaign County Humane Societies and used for repairs to the OTS House. The Spring White Carnation Banquet was held to honor seniors and other outstanding members, and the 1999-2000 executive board took office.
Fall activities will include the Welcome Back Party on August 25 and the 5K Road Race on September 12.
Events Nurture StudentsThe Illinois Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association teamed up with Waltham Brand Partners to sponsor an all-school study break at the University of Illinois ice skating arena this spring. In conjunction with Fall Conference, Waltham will be bringing Dr. Louise Dunn to speak to veterinary students on practice management—business and personal concepts needed in the working world.
The Chicago VMA hosted a student question/answer session with Dr. J.B. Bruederle of Burnham Park Animal Hospital. He spoke on what to expect after graduation and what to look for in your first job.