Fall 2019 EPDC Extracurricular Grant Awardees - Day 3

"The University of Illinois CVM chapter of NAVAS (North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society) utilized the Fall Extracurricular Grant given to us by the EPDC for wet labs, and the labs turned out to be a great success!  With the funds, we were able to offer the lab twice. The labs gave over 35 students extremely valuable small animal nerve blocking skills, including four different dental blocks, an ear block, three forelimb blocks, and epidurals, all taught by three of our incredible Teaching Hospital’s Anesthesia Department faculty.  We are planning a small ruminant nerve block lab in the near future, taking full advantage of the supplies purchased with this grant!"

Fall 2019 EPDC Extracurricular Grant Awardees - Day 1

One of the many incredible perks of being a part of SAVMA is being able to apply for grants to help YOUR school put on incredible events! The SAVMA Economics and Professional Development Committee (EPDC) awarded grants for up to $500 to a few universities. Check out the events those schools put on over the next few days!

"The Ohio State Shelter Medicine Club was able to provide a unique opportunity for veterinary students during the Midwestern Veterinary Conference by having three experts in the field of animal forensics and law come to talk about their careers and lead students through expert witness interrogations.

Dr. Melinda Merck is the owner of Veterinary Forensics Consulting in Austin, Texas. She also chairs the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s Animal Wellness and Welfare Committee and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Science. Dr. Emily Walz has extensive experience as an expert witness in animal cruelty and neglect cases for shelters across the Midwest. She also has a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Minnesota and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. Diane Balkin, J.D., worked as a trial attorney for 32 years, where she prosecuted multiple types of felonies, including animal-related crimes. She also worked with Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Criminal Justice Program and is a past president of the International Veterinary Forensic Sciences Association. 

First, the speakers demonstrated two examples of expert witness testimony using a closed case that they were involved in. Diane acted as both the prosecutor and defense as Emily and Melinda took the stand. Throughout the demonstration, Diane would pause and explain why she was asking certain questions, and Emily and Melinda would add in tips of what to be prepared for as an expert witness. Then, we worked through two fabricated scenarios composed by the Shelter Club E-board; one was an animal violence case and the other was a hoarding/neglect case. Here, students were able to practice taking the stand and demonstrating their knowledge as well as professional composure in a low stress environment. All the students who participated did a great job, and we were so happy to have Melinda, Emily, and Diane to help show us the different tricks used in the court system and how to compose ourselves! It was truly a unique experience for our students, and we wouldn’t have been able to make it a huge success without the SAVMA extracurricular grant!"

Vet Students Impacting Environmental Health

Daria Hagan from Kansas State

I am participating in an ornate box turtle population survey with Sunset Zoo in conjunction with six other AZA facilities in Kansas. We conduct line transection surveys at two different sites, twice each per month when the weather is warm enough for turtle activity. Any box turtles that we find are measured, weighed, and marked so that they can be identified if found again. We also keep track of location, which may help with determining preferred environment or movement patterns. Ornate box turtles are rather difficult to find in the wild so no one is sure about their current population status. Motor vehicle collisions and collection from the wild may pose a significant threat to the species, but we need an understanding of their population in order to understand the level of threat. The population survey will continue for two more years and the results could help to implement regulations preventing public collection from the wild in order to protect them. Although most of my time with the project is spent hiking through long grass trying to tell the difference between a rock and a shell, our team has a lot of fun working together. We know that the information we gather will help protect our state reptile and their habitat for many other species.

WINN AND THE AAFP OFFER TWO SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2020

[Wyckoff, NJ, Hillsborough, NJ - February 18, 2020] Winn Feline Foundation (Winn) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) are pleased to announce two scholarships for third- or fourth-year veterinary students enrolled in accredited veterinary colleges or schools in the United States or Canada. The $2,500 awards are based upon academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and dedication to and excellence in the study of feline medicine, health, and welfare.

The Boards of Directors of both the AAFP and Winn are thrilled to offer these scholarships to support future veterinarians and continue to advance feline medicine. These two leading feline-dedicated organizations are offering one $2,500 scholarship for a veterinary student with an interest in feline practice and the second $2,500 scholarship for a veterinary student with an interest in clinical scientific research.

All applications will be reviewed, selected, and approved by the AAFP and Winn. In addition to a short application form, interested students will also be required to answer two essay questions asking for the applicant to explain his/her specific interest and background in feline health and welfare, and to describe plans for future participation in feline medicine.

All completed applications with accompanying supplementary documents must be received no later than March 20, 2020. The winning recipient will be notified of their award on or before April 15, 2020. 

Applications and instructions are available shortly on each organization’s websites: 

www.winnfelinefoundation.org/partners/affiliations    

www.catvets.com/members/students/  

How Do YOU Feel About Declawing Cats?

The AVMA recently voted upon and released a statement saying they "discourage declawing of domestic cats as an elective procedure. The Association encourages the use of alternatives but says professional judgment is key when making a decision as to whether to declaw a cat."

Check out the rest of the article here, and share it with your peers!