Assemblies

Event: Annual conference and symposia, Aug. 22-26, Saint Paul, Minn.
Program: Plenary sessions featured "General link between epidemiology and theriogenology" by Dr. John Gay; "Can you hear me now?" by Dr. John Thomson, about communication in the electronic age; and "Critical evaluation of articles and other sources of information" by Dr. John Kastelic. Clinical advancements in infectious causes of reproductive failure were provided in equine, food animal, and small animal sessions. Thirty-three scientific abstracts and six veterinary student case presentations were featured at the conference. Three symposia were conducted that focused on reproduction in dairy cattle, contraception and sterilization in small animals, and reproductive management of dogs, for breeders.
Awards: Dr. Lawrence Rice, San Antonio, presented The David Bartlett Honorary Address. Dr. Rice was recognized for his research and clinical expertise in reproduction of beef cattle and the numerous individuals he helped train in theriogenology while on the faculty at the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The inaugural Nandi Award was presented to Dr. Wallace Cardwell, Elgin, Texas. The Nandi Award was created to reflect the society's roots and recognize contributors to clinical theriogenology. Winners of the Dr. Jerry Rains Memorial Abstract Competition, sponsored by Intervet, were as follows: Dr. Noopie Arora, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, "The influence of stage of simulated estrous cycle and the presence of uropathogenic virulence factors on the occurrence of Escherichia coli-induced cystic endometrial hyperplasia/pyometra complex in the bitch," first place ($1,000); Dr. Rasa Levenstein, Guelph, Ontario, "The repeatability of canine herpesvirus-1 PCR assay at one commercial laboratory," second place ($750); Dr. Fernanda Gimenez, La Plata, Argentina, "Effect of melatonin implants on control of reproduction in the domestic cat (Felis catus)," third place ($500); and Dr. Hernan Ortegon, Guelph, Ontario, "Concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1, leptin, growth hormone, estradiol, and progestin in follicular cysts of lactating dairy cattle," fourth place ($250). Winners of the Veterinary Student Case Presentation Competition were Courtney L. Riley, University of Florida, "Medical treatment of a Kerry Blue Terrier with prostatitis and poor sperm quality," tie for first place ($650); Kathy Tuhacek, University of Pennsylvania, "Uterine segmental aplasia in a Thoroughbred mare," tie for first place ($650); Erin L. Sellers, University of Florida, "Sry-negative XX sex reversal in a Pug," third place ($450); T. L. Stephens, University of Florida, "Bilateral seminoma in a stallion," fourth place ($375); Elizabeth James, Oregon State University, "64,XY (Sry-positive) sex reversal in a mare with gonadal agenesis," fifth place ($300); and Jane Merryman, University of Pennsylvania, "XO gonadal dysgenesis in an Oldenburg mare," sixth place ($200).
Business: The results of the branding study conducted by Stewart and Associates were reported. The Society for Theriogenology unveiled a new logo that emphasizes the term theriogenology and adds a tag line, "Veterinarians dedicated to animal reproduction." Additional marketing efforts will be developed to promote acceptance and use of the term theriogenology. The society is well-represented on several AVMA councils and committees. Members were encouraged to contact their congressional representatives regarding several legislative items, including support of funding for the National Veterinary Medical Service Act.
Officials: Drs. Peter J. Chenoweth, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia, president; Patrick Hearn, Orangeville, Ontario, president-elect; Ana Adams, Alpharetta, Ga., vice president; Gary Warner, Elgin, Texas, secretary/treasurer; and Walter W. Zent, Lexington, Ky., immediate past president. Newly elected members of the board of directors are Drs. Jane Barber, Sherrills Ford, N.C.; Clint Hilt, Dutton, Mont.; and Rory Meyer, Livermore, Colo.
Contact: Dr. Charles Franz, Executive Director, Society for Theriogenology, SFT Association Office, P.O. Box 3007, Montgomery, AL 36109; phone (334) 395-4666; fax, (334) 270-3399; charlesfranzmgt [dot] com (charles[at]franzmgt[dot]com); Web site; www.therio.org.

American College of Theriogenologists

Event: Business meeting, Aug. 25, Saint Paul, Minn., held in conjunction with the Society for Theriogenology annual conference.
Awards: The Theriogenologist of the Year Award, sponsored by Fort Dodge, was presented to Dr. Terry Blanchard, Lexington, Ky., for his contributions to research and teaching in theriogenology. Dr. Blanchard is a staff veterinarian at Hill 'n' Dale Farms. He served as a faculty member in the Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine from 1986-2005. Dr. Blanchard is recognized for his research in uterine infections in mares and factors that affect semen production in stallions.
New diplomates: Nine new diplomates were welcomed by the ACT following successful completion of the certification examination that was held in Saint Paul. They are Drs. Christy S. Barlund, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; James A. Brown, Vacaville, Calif.; Bruce W. Christensen, Gainesville, Fla.; Andres Estrada, Baton Rouge, La.; Fiona K. Hollinshead, Birchgrove, New South Wales, Australia; Natalia Santos, Ithaca, N.Y.; Devon L. Strickland, Reddick, Fla.; Anne M. Traas, Philadelphia; and Dawna L. Voelkl, Unionville, Pa. The ACT now has 321 active diplomates.
Business: The ACT continues to discuss collaborative efforts with the European College of Animal Reproduction. The ACT is implementing items developed in the strategic planning session it held in January 2005. New database software has been purchased for use by the certifying examination committee. The ACT continues to discuss possible changes to the organization's name or logo in light of the decision by the Society for Theriogenology to continue use of the term theriogenology and adopt a new logo for the society. An Educator Forum was held during the society's conference to discuss teaching of theriogenology to veterinary students, veterinarians in theriogenology residency programs, and veterinarians who are seeking continuing education courses.
Officials: Drs. Margaret Root Kustritz, Saint Paul, Minn., president; Gary Nie, Springfield, Mo., president-elect; Ahmed Tibary, Pullman, Wash., vice president; Travis Meredith, Talboro, N.C., treasurer; Craig A. Smith, Schaumburg, Ill., secretary; and John V. Steiner, Lexington, Ky., immediate past president. Dr. Russell Crisman, Philomath, Ore., was elected to the board of directors.
Contact: Dr. Charles Franz, Executive Director, American College of Theriogenologists, P.O. Box 3065, Montgomery, AL 36109; phone (334) 395-4666; fax, (334) 270-3399; charlesfranzmgt [dot] com (charles[at]franzmgt[dot]com); Web site; www.theriogenology.org.

Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges

Event: Summer meeting, July 14-17, Honolulu
Program: The AAVMC addressed the need for continuity of operations in veterinary schools and colleges in the face of a pandemic. Dr. Marguerite Pappaioanou, University of Minnesota, discussed interventions to consider implementing at such times—isolation or quarantine of persons with contagious diseases, social distancing or contact interventions, and infection control or transmission interventions. The continuation of education and use of distance learning was presented by Dr. Theresa Bernardo, Michigan State University. Dean Bennie I. Osburn, University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, spoke about operating veterinary teaching hospitals in the face of a pandemic.
Officials: Drs. Lance Perryman, Fort Collins, Colo., president; Dr. Timothy Boosinger, Auburn, Ala., president-elect; Ralph Richardson, Manhattan, Kan., secretary; Lawrence Heider, Washington, D.C., treasurer; and Bennie Osburn, Davis, Calif., immediate past president

Association of Avian Veterinarians

Event: Annual meeting, Aug. 6-10, San Antonio
Awards: President's Award: Drs. Robert M. Groskin, Englewood, N.J., and Susan L. Clubb, Loxahatchee, Fla. A 1968 graduate of Cornell University, Dr. Groskin practices at Englewood Animal Hospital. Chair of the AAV Conservation Committee, he was recognized for his continuing commitment to the health and welfare of the global avian population. A 1978 graduate of Auburn University, Dr. Clubb practices at Rain Forest Clinic for Birds in Loxahatchee. A diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (avian practice), she was honored for her lifelong dedication to advancing the quality of healthcare to birds. AAV Resident Manuscript Competition Award: Dr. Tara L. Hadley, for "Evaluation of liver function using hepatobiliary scintigraphy in domestic pigeons (Columbi livia)." A resident at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Hadley works at the College of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. Service Award: Drs. Gregory A. Rich, Metairie, La., and Nico J. Schoemaker, Utrecht, The Netherlands, for outstanding service to the AAV. Dr. Rich is rebuilding his practice, West Esplanade Veterinary Clinic, after Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Schoemaker works at the University of Utrecht Faculty of Veterinary Medicine's Small Animal Medicine Clinic.
Officials: Drs. James Carpenter, Manhattan, Kan., president; Scott Echols, Austin, Texas, president-elect; Kenneth Welle, Urbana, Ill., treasurer; and Thomas Tully Jr., Baton Rouge, La., immediate past president

Idaho VMA

Event: Annual meeting, Aug. 17-19, Post Falls
Awards: Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. David B. Gerber, Coeur d'Alene. A 1978 graduate of Colorado State University, Dr. Gerber is president of Simmons & Associates Northwest Inc., a veterinary practice brokerage and appraisal firm. He has served as president of the IVMA and chaired its Political Action Committee, and was alternate delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates from 2002-2003.
Officials: Drs. Dave Tester, Coeur d'Alene, president; Jody Rockett, Heyburn, president-elect; Wayne Loertscher, Boise, treasurer; and James England, Caldwell, chairman of the board

South Dakota VMA

Event: Annual meeting, Aug. 13-16, Sioux Falls
Awards: Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Fred Hubbard, Miller. A 1975 graduate of Kansas State University, Dr. Hubbard began his career as an associate for Meriweather Veterinary Supply, becoming a partner in 1979. In 1998, he established Miller Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Hubbard is a past president of the SDVMA. He supports the association by mentoring veterinarians and is an ambassador for the profession in the state.
Officials: Drs. Dayton Williams, Sioux Falls, president; Peggy Behrens, Rapid City, president-elect; Mike Stiefvater, Salem, 1st vice president; Vicky Wilkey, Pierre, 2nd vice president; and Dick Rogen, Sioux Falls, secretary-treasurer

Vermont VMA

Event: Annual meeting, June 22-23, Burlington
Awards: Dave Walker Award: Dr. Paul Howard, Colchester, for dedication to animal health and well-being of veterinarians in Vermont. A 1975 graduate of Michigan State University, Dr. Howard owns Vermont Veterinary Surgical Center. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, he is a past president of the Vermont and New England VMAs.
Officials: Drs. Julie Moenter, Bristol, president; Elizabeth Alton, South Burlington, president-elect; Ron Veenema, Dummerston, treasurer; and Sue Hayden, Brandon, immediate past president