Congratulations Class of 2019!

“We need to have a vision of the world we want to create so that we can see ourselves as collaborators with future generations in the project of shaping it.”   David Grinspoon

As each academic year comes to a close, I reflect on how our school has shaped the future of the next generation of veterinarians and scientists that we have mentored, taught, and bonded with during their training with us. In our case, 181 graduates completed DVM studies, a graduate degree, or a residency at UC Davis. I am proud that they have received their education and training from the country’s premier veterinary school, a global leader in veterinary science.

The Class of 2019 is a particularly determined group. For instance, we celebrated Ferrin Peterson, a graduate who pursued a jockeying career while undergoing the rigors of the DVM program. Ferrin would rise at 4:15 a.m. to be on a horse at Golden Gate Fields in San Francisco by 6 a.m., and then head back to school at 7 a.m.

Ferrin won her first race on a steed named Lovely Lioness, which earned her an opportunity to race at Del Mar. In her first race, she took fourth place, riding Chocolate Goddess. She heads out in the world today as a jockey who can double as a track veterinarian.

UC Davis attracts students with that kind of passion—and who, as graduates, make an impact on medicine and the world.

Since the formation of the school in 1948, we have addressed societal needs by working to benefit the health of animals, people, and the environment in California and beyond. Our school, and its alumni, have shaped the field of veterinary medicine, from developing innovative education programs, to discovering mechanisms of diseases of animals and humans.

Making a Difference by Giving Back

Philanthropy and social change work are at their best when they are driven by your values and connected to what you care about most.” –Charles Bronfman

This month we celebrate the impact of scholarships for our students at our annual “Evening of Gratitude” event. This special night brings together our generous donors and friends with those most impacted by their acts of giving, our students. It is often an emotional night measured in the many conversations and smiles when those that give get a chance to see how their resources have changed the lives of our students. In turn, our students tell their stories to our donors and express directly to them how much their scholarships have helped them in their journey.

Over the years, I am proud of our efforts to provide scholarships and grants to our students. We recently celebrated another successful Give Day and raised scholarship funds through events like the famous Doxie Derby. We lead the nation among all veterinary institutions in the amount of scholarships and grants provided to our students, this year approximately $7 million dollars. As a result of our efforts, our veterinary student’s debt load is well below the national average. Lower debt for our students means less stress for them to pay back their educational loans, but also allows them to consider careers based upon their passions versus altering their plans based on the need to pay back excessive student loans.

Inspiring Action Through Leadership

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams

Dean Michael Lairmore assumes role of President of AAVMC in March.

This week I have the distinct privilege to be appointed as President of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), during the association’s annual conference in Washington, D.C. The conference will focus on “The Science of Building Inclusive Teams,” to promote more effective group decision-making and organizational development.

The mission of the AAVMC is parallel to the School’s mission, through the promotion of health of people, animals and the environment by advancing the profession and the education of veterinary students to meet the needs of a changing world. In assuming a leadership position in this organization, I am proud to represent the values, aspirations, and goals of our School beyond UC Davis.

Celebrating Love and Compassion

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” –Dalai Lama

The month of February has special meaning to many of us because of the celebrations surrounding Valentine’s Day. It is a day that has evolved over time beyond romantic love to include expressions of love in many forms. For our School we have the great privilege of observing the love of animals on a daily basis, as we celebrate the human-animal bond.

I have found that a good way to open conversations is to ask people if they have pets or if they are a pet parent. Typically, this question leads to favorite stories of how animals have touched their emotions or influenced their lives. Animals can bring out the truest forms of love in people, evoking the best versions of our humanity. Our interactions with animals have demonstrable benefits in promoting healthy lifestyles and in supporting those with mental and physical disabilities. It is no surprise that our society has continued to embrace the human-animal bond in these turbulent and strident times. We seek from animals what at times seems unavailable from humans: unconditional love and boundless forgiveness.

Lighting the Way into the Future of Veterinary Medicine

“We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.” — George Bernard Shaw

The holiday season marks not only a joyous time to celebrate the past year, but the beginning of a new year with all of its promise and hopes for the future. For UC Davis Veterinary Medicine, the past year has been a mixture of tremendous accomplishments and extreme sadness. We have opened new avenues to understand diseases that impact our society and battled disasters in our backyard. Our teachers inspired a new generation of students and learned from them in the process. The contrasts are striking between the extreme optimism of the next generation we are privileged to teach, and the problems we struggle with on a daily basis.

Our plans are made and then disrupted by the reality of the constantly changing world around us. While our beliefs are strong, we are shaken by the stark reality that our democracy faces unprecedented challenges from those who believe scientific facts are a matter of belief versus sound principles of inquiry. As we look to the future we are reminded how connected the world is and how events are part of an interwoven story that connects us to each other and the natural world.

A Year of Innovation and Discovery

Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”– Steve Jobs

As the year of 2018 comes to a close, it is a good time to celebrate our accomplishments.  For the school, this past year was a time of innovations and discoveries in multiple areas of our mission—from basic science to community building.

DVM students welcomed into our Class of 2022.

We welcomed a diverse incoming class of students who are academically gifted and prepared to serve in our global society. They joined and strengthened a community united by our common sense of purpose to serve society.

Talented teams of researchers, clinicians, students, and staff used novel techniques and approaches. They advanced new treatments and helped answer fundamental questions to explain our world and advance the health of animals, people, and our planet.

Gratitude and Hope in the Midst of Tragedy

“Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one’s voice. “ – Joseph B. Wirthlin

Galen Groff, a 3rd year DVM student, and Dr. Karen Park, a surgical resident, finish bandaging one of the cats rescued from the Camp Fire. He was later identified as Mayson and reunited with his owner.

As we look skyward through the gray smoke that hovers over us, waiting for the winter rains, it is a good time to reflect on the blessings around us each day.

A holiday to express gratitude following the deadly California fires over the past several weeks is both timely and healing. From tragedy comes hope as we observe all those who came to help the animals and people affected by the fire.

Resilient Solutions for Growing Populations–a One Health Approach

“The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital.” –Mark Hyman

The recently completed 5th Annual One Health Symposium, focused on “Resilient Solutions for Growing Populations,” was a vivid example of how our community comes together to focus on the health of animals, people, and the environment. The symposium brought together veterinarians (faculty, alumni, and invited speakers), veterinary and medical students, staff, as well as physicians, public health officials, and other scientists promoting diverse networking opportunities and transdisciplinary approaches to one health.

Dean Michael Lairmore with Dr. Laura Kahn (center) and Dr. Jonna Mazet.

Dr. Laura Kahn, a world-renowned physician and research scholar served to frame the issues of the day and to honor, with her lecture, legendary former faculty member, Dr. Calvin Schwabe. Dr. Kahn highlighted the global challenges in food production in the 21st century, including policy and social issues that serve as barriers to progress. Her talk served to demonstrate the sobering facts of planetary concerns such as climate change, and outlined what will be needed to find solutions for the future.

Honoring Our Alumni—Foundation to Our Success

The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” –Oprah Winfrey

We recently hosted the combined Fall Festival and Alumni Reunion allowing us to welcome back our alumni to celebrate their memories of their time with us, their life accomplishments since graduation, and their contributions to the legacy of our school. The gathering featured major milestones for our alumni highlighted by events focused on the 50th and 60th reunions of the Classes of 1968 and 1958, respectively. During our traditional Rose Ceremony, we took time to focus on the Class of 1968 celebrating their 50th anniversary, in a poignant and heartwarming affair in which classmates shared stories, both humorous and touching, about themselves and those that have been lost over the years.

I was particularly impressed by our Friday evening festivities, kicked off with special appearances by Gunrock (the UC Davis mascot) and an energetic performance by the UC Davis marching “Band-uh,” while alumni and current students enjoyed a BBQ dinner. After entertainment by the Uncovered band (comprised of several of our talented staff), current students took part in a talent show. Their singing, dancing, instrumental playing, and spirit overwhelmed many of our alumni who were impressed by our students’ energy, maturity, and talent.

Our Commitment to Excellence Reflected in Faculty

“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” — Paul J. Meyer

Dean Michael Lairmore presents Dr. Ashley Hill an award for her work with the Masters of Preventative Medicine Program.

A major event that highlights the beginning of our academic year is our annual Fall Faculty Reception where we honor faculty members with awards for excellence in teaching and research. Our faculty include some of the most talented individuals in their discipline. They are accomplished educators and researchers who strive on a daily basis to bring their talents, work ethic, and innovations to accomplish our academic mission in teaching, research, and service to our communities. Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized as leaders in their professional fields, therefore it is appropriate for us to recognize some of our best and brightest during our annual reception.

Dr. Joie Watson presents Dr. Stephan McSorley the 2018 Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teaching Award.

Dr. Stephen McSorley was honored with the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award for his excellence in teaching immunology and microbiology and for outstanding block teaching leadership. His students consistently comment on his efforts to make a complicated topic more manageable, using a “road map” to organize lecture material that includes superhero references.

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