Tag: veterinary medicine Page 1 of 6

“Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.” —Sitting Bull

Katie Griffin, a Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) student

This past year has provided all of us a dramatic view of how much our world can change when events such as pandemics disregard borders and alter life plans. History tells us that our current situation is not unique, but has distinctive factors that will shape our future. Our school was created in reaction to real threats to the livestock industry in California. In the middle of the past century, devastating diseases of cattle and other livestock not only impacted the state’s food supply, but also the nation’s economic stability. Since 1948, we have addressed issues facing our communities, while training the next generation of those that advance animal health, and by extension human and environmental health.

Our extensive history of educating veterinarians and scientists, and discovering new knowledge through research, has set high standards of cross disciplinary collaborations to solve critical issues in veterinary medicine, agricultural sciences, and public health. For more than 70 years, our faculty and staff have developed new disciplines, novel clinical treatments and advanced the One Health approach to address complex issues at the interface of animals, people and the environment.

Celebrating a Decade of Innovation and Discovery

By Michael Lairmore

On January 6, 2020

In Dean's Perspectives

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” —Steve Jobs

The end of a decade brings reflections on the past and hope for the future. Organizations that continue to provide an environment of innovation and embrace change are often those that lead us toward the future. As we have done since our inception, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine’s faculty, staff, and students have continued to create the future of veterinary medicine through the generation of novel ideas, unique discoveries, and creativity in teaching and service.

During the past decade, our people have pushed boundaries to produce new treatments, pioneer approaches to solve complex programs, and serve their communities in caring and compassionate ways to address societal needs. Through our innovations, we have helped make veterinary medicine even more vital not just to the treatment of animals, but to human and planetary health. View Decade in Review video.

Welcome to the Class of 2023

By Michael Lairmore

On August 20, 2019

In Dean's Perspectives

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy

The incoming class of 2023 of the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine

In our annual activities to orient and welcome new students to the next step in their academic journey, we are reminded of the potential of the future. By introducing them to our traditions, we are, in turn, inspired by their energy to define what lies ahead. In listening to their dreams, we reflect on our past and renew our belief in change.

Ali Pankowski and Elizabeth Grant (left to right in center) are both from multigenerational DVM families.

I like to remind each class that they have all worked extremely hard to get the chance to pursue their dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Each of them had the ability to apply to medical school and become doctors who treat humans, instead they were accepted into a profession that treats humanity. Our new class of veterinary students, like so many before them, come to us with their own histories, talents, and dreams—each with their own story to share with us. For example, the class includes members whose parents include past presidents of the California Veterinary Medical Association and family histories built upon veterinary medicine.

Inspiring Action Through Leadership

By Michael Lairmore

On March 5, 2019

In Dean's Perspectives

“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

By Michael Lairmore

On February 4, 2019

In Dean's Perspectives

“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

By Michael Lairmore

On January 2, 2019

In Dean's Perspectives

“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

By Michael Lairmore

On December 11, 2018

In Dean's Perspectives

“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

By Michael Lairmore

On November 21, 2018

In Dean's Perspectives

“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.

Honoring Our Alumni—Foundation to Our Success

By Michael Lairmore

On October 17, 2018

In Dean's Perspectives

“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.

Curiosity is Key to Knowledge

By Michael Lairmore

On June 7, 2018

In Dean's Perspectives

“Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.” –William Arthur Ward

Dean Michael Lairmore greets attendees at the Spring Showcase.

A basic characteristic to becoming a good student, an astute researcher, or insightful clinician is curiosity. The ability to ask questions to learn new information and explore new paths of knowledge is forged from the trait of being inquisitive. Our school has led veterinary medicine and contributed to fundamental knowledge in biomedical and agricultural research by talented faculty, staff, and students who seek new and innovative ways to advance the health of animals, people, and our planet. Many of these advances were on full display at our Spring Showcase, an annual event to highlight the accomplishments and aspirations of the Centers for Companion Animal Health (CCAH), Center for Equine Health (CEH), and our Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center (KCDWHC).

Dr. Michael Kent, on left, chats with donors attending the Spring Showcase.

The CCAH, led by Director Dr. Michael Kent, continues to build upon a rich history of advancing the health of companion animals through research grants, resident project funds, and equipment grants. At the Showcase, Dr. Kent reviewed how the CCAH provided over $1.5 million in research support this past year, made possibly by generous donations from grateful clients, foundations, and individuals united in their passion to help discover new ways to help animals through studies to solve the toughest problems faced in veterinary medicine. In turn, those faculty, residents, and students who are the beneficiaries of this support have responded by creating new knowledge that is at the leading edge of understanding in veterinary medicine. From the discovery of genetic clues to explain diseases in chondrodysplasia in dogs and humans, to bringing new hope to shelter animals through evidenced-based studies to reduce disease and increase adoptions, CCAH funded investigators envision ideas that lead to innovative solutions in animal health.