Celebrating almost a quarter century of leadership - ONTARIO VETERINARY COLLEGE
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ONTARIO VETERINARY COLLEGE WINTER/SPRING 2019
No.26
Continuous improvement
Continuous improvementkey
key to
to curricular
student and development
curricular development
Celebrating almost a quarter century of leadership
wINTER/SPRING 2019
No.26
18
New directions in heart and brain regenerative
research.
Photo credit: Noelle O’Brien, Trina Koster Photography
16 Awesome Careers
A passion for wildlife and a love of the
outdoors...
8
17 Take precautions on
After almost a quarter of a century of leadership Drs. Peter Conlon and Kerry Lissemore
complete their terms as associate deans at OVC. Read about their commitment to
your next desert camel
continuous improvement on page 8. Learn more about a NEW scholarship named in
their honour on page 5.
ride Camels have been implicated as
a host for a severe, zoonotic disease
18 Pushing the
Boundaries
3 From the Dean 8 Roadmap to success New directions in heart and brain
Continuous improvement key to curricular regenerative research
3 OVC appoints new development. A celebration of the
accomplishments of Drs. Peter Conlon
Associate Dean, and Kerry Lissemore
Students and Academic
Dr. Joanne Hewson joins OVC’s senior 12 Understanding the
leadership team
bottom line
4 Of Note Teaching the business side of vet med
News from OVC
13 The OVC Student
6 Analyzing Today and 100 years ago
Antimicrobials
Creating a NEW network of 14 Boots on the ground
knowledge Veterinary medicine and surveillance
about the crest
The Crest is the research, teaching and health care magazine of the University of Guelph’s
Ontario Veterinary College. It is published by OVC for alumni, friends and partners of the
college to share our collective strengths in evidence-based discovery, veterinary expertise and
educating the next generation of leaders in animal, human and environmental health.
Alumni and friends will receive both The Crest and the Portico seperately two times per year.
From the
Dean
Photo credit: Karen Mantel
I
nnovation is at the core of everything we do at
the Ontario Veterinary College, as we strive to
improve life for animals and people, and seek to
sustain the health of the planet we share.
You’ll find this mission clearly reflected in
the following stories. From advancing animal health
surveillance to impressive new discoveries in regenerative research, our learner-cen- OVC appoints new
tred approach to education and research speaks to the unique and vital role colleges of
veterinary medicine play in modern society. Associate Dean,
An unparalleled commitment to the learner is clearly evident in the work of
Drs. Peter Conlon and Kerry Lissemore, who both recently completed their terms as, Students and
Photo credit: Rebecca McDonald
respectively, Associate Dean Students and Associate Dean Academic. In these roles,
Peter and Kerry have demonstrated visionary leadership, ensuring holistic professional Academic
and personal development in our students for more than two decades. And the results
are clearly evident: Kerry and Peter have played pivotal roles in sustaining OVC as a
Ontario Veterinary College professor Dr. Joanne
globally top-ranked college of veterinary medicine. And, as a new Dean, they have
Hewson has been appointed to the position of
been a tremendous resource to me personally. I extend a sincere thank you to them and
Associate Dean, Students and Academic. Dr.
encourage you to learn more about their work in these pages. Hewson began a five-year term in October 2018.
Dr. Joanne Hewson has taken the reins as Associate Dean, Students and Academic. Dr. Hewson is a Large Animal Internal
Joanne brings an impressive skill set and a career-long commitment to advancing veter- Medicine faculty member in the department
inary medical education; we look forward to working with her in this new role. of Clinical Studies at the University of Guelph.
We appreciate the positive feedback many of you provided in the reader survey. We She holds both a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
heard a clear preference for two issues of The Crest per year to stay abreast of the news (DVM) and PhD degree from the University of
and research at the college. Going forward, we’ll have issues each January and June. Guelph.
In this issue and future issues, you will find stories that speak to the many ways we The Associate Dean, Students and
are delivering on our 2017—2022 Strategic Plan: furthering One Health research and Academic is a key member of the OVC senior
training; preparing students for diverse careers; enhancing our global impact; embrac- leadership team and is responsible for providing
ing novel learning and business technologies; and ultimately making OVC the first leadership in advancing the academic, profes-
choice for students, staff and professors who aspire to Improve Life. sional and personal development of students
We look forward to keeping in touch with all of you and, as always, welcome your in the DVM program, curricular innovation and
thoughts and comments. oversight, quality assurance and integrity and
DVM student recruitment and career readiness.
Dr. Jeffrey Wichtel, BVSc, PhD, Dip. ACT “I look forward to working with Joanne on
Professor and Dean, Ontario Veterinary College continuing the many initiatives and successes
that have been implemented over the years
through the stellar leadership of former Associ-
14
ate Deans Drs. Peter Conlon and Kerry Lisse-
more,” says OVC dean Jeffrey Wichtel. “I also
look forward to pursuing new opportunities as
we continue to meet all of the challenges and
opportunities that are presented to the college.”
20 In
conversation with ... Hewson is board-certified by the American
College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. She has
Smadar Tal been actively involved in a variety of initiatives
related to curricular design and redesign and
has pursued various opportunities to enhance
22 OVCAA 2018 Alumni her skills and knowledge in this area over the
Award Winners past few years.
Photo credit: istockphoto.com/ LukaTDB
She is also an active researcher and part
of the AWAR2E group, Advancement of Wellness
22 Convocation fall 2018 and Resilience via Research and Education. The
group came together in 2015 in a multi-pronged
approach to mental health and wellness initia-
23 OVC Class Notes tives for veterinarians, student veterinarians and
agricultural producers.
back cover Veterinary Dr. Lissemore, Associate Dean, Academic,
History in Canada completed his term at the end of September
2018 and Dr. Conlon, Associate Dean, Students,
completed his term in December 2018.
The important role of research and
veterinary medicine in surveillance. back cover Coming Events
The Crest l 3
OF NOTE
Photo credit: Michelle Oblak
VETERINARY NORTH AMERICA FIRST: 3-D
PRINTED IMPLANT REPLACES DOG’S SKULL
In spring 2018, OVC veterinary surgical oncologist Dr. Michelle Oblak led a successful
reconstructive skull surgery, implanting a custom 3-D printed skull plate in a dog.
When Patches, an eight-year-old dachshund, presented to Dr. Galina Hayes at Cornell
University’s College of Veterinary Medicine with a large cancerous growth on her
skull, Hayes contacted Oblak for her advice on the difficult case. Oblak, along with
partners at Sheridan College and Western University’s ADEISS, imaged and built a
3-D model of the dog’s skull, along with a personalized skull plate, which resulted in
a faster, safer and improved life-saving surgery. The story garnered media attention
around the world, with most notable coverage in The New York Times, CNN, BBC, CBS
Evening News, TIME, People, The Canadian Press, The Globe and Mail and more.
OVC PET TRUST WALK IN THE
PARK GALA RAISES $5 MILLION
Animal lovers and philanthropists announced a record-break-
ing $4,944,680 million in donations at the fourth OVC Pet Trust
Walk in the Park Gala on October 1, 2018. During the event, a
gift of more than $4 million was announced from the estate of
the late Catherine Bergeron. A subsequent donation brought
the total to $5 million. The event attracted 250 people to Dan-
iels Spectrum in Toronto. Funds raised will be used to support
companion animal emergency medicine and critical care
Photo credit: Ryan Emberley
through the expansion of the Intensive Care Unit at OVC. The
Gala was co-chaired by long-time health care philanthropist
Emmanuelle Gattuso and OVC Pet Trust board member, Roly
Browning Watt. The evening was emceed by Paul Sun-Hyung
Lee, star of the Canadian comedy television series Kim’s
Convenience.
EQUINE FOUNDATION OF CANADA SUPPORTS
HANDS-ON CLINICAL SKILLS AT OVC
Thanks to the Equine Foundation of Canada (EFC) a NEW horse model is helping to
enhance OVC’s learner-centred approach to teaching. The detailed model, produced
by Canada’s Veterinary Simulator Industries, allows students within OVC’s Doctor of
Photo credit: Karen Mantel
Veterinary Medicine program to practice clinical and technical skills at their own pace.
The advanced model includes an anatomically correct reproductive tract with ovaries
and a uterus, plus the spleen, kidneys and digestive tract, so students can palpate for
a variety of conditions — building both confidence and competencies before working
with a live mare. The latex organs can be inflated to mimic certain reproductive chal-
lenges and colic, the leading cause of premature death in horses.
4 l The Crest
Photo credit: istockphoto.com/ Daniela Jovanovska-Hristovska
FAMOUS PIG
INSPIRES DONATIONS
TO EXPAND OVC
DIAGNOSTIC
SERVICES
Esther the Wonder Pig, a 650-pound
social media phenomenon, had
fallen mysteriously ill and needed OVC PROFESSOR NAMED TO 2018 ‘HIGHLY CITED
advanced imaging to arrive at an
accurate diagnosis. Steve Jenkins and
RESEARCHERS’ LIST
Derek Walter launched a campaign OVC professor Dr. Stephen LeBlanc, OVC DVM 1997 and DVSc 2001, is one of three
to equip OVC with a CT scanner large University of Guelph professors named to the prestigious Clarivate Analytics list of
enough to accommodate her. With “Highly Cited Researchers” for 2018. The list, published annually, includes researchers
11,000 donors from 57 countries, their ranking in the top one per cent by citations for field and publication year. In addition
Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary to teaching veterinary and agriculture students and providing clinical farm service,
raised $650,000 in a few months. Now, LeBlanc studies transition dairy cow metabolic and reproductive health and manage-
Esther has her diagnosis and OVC is ment, including field validation of precision technologies.
the first veterinary hospital in Canada
to offer this type of advanced diag-
nostic service to large animals. Dr. OVC PET TRUST
Stephanie Nykamp, OVC’s associate
dean, clinical programs, says the new
CAMPAIGN
machine will fill a gap in large animal REACHES
health care not only at OVC but also $9-MILLION GOAL
Photo credit: Jane Dawkins
across Canada. “This new piece of
An extensive upgrade to the OVC Com-
Illustration supplied by the OVC Health Sciences Centre
equipment will enable us to scan a
horse in a standing position, reducing panion Animal Hospital will allow OVC
the risks and recovery associated to remain at the cutting-edge of vet-
with anesthesia and placement on a erinary medical care, training and dis-
table,” says Nykamp. covery. Funds raised by OVC Pet Trust’s
Friends Together for Longer campaign
will create new advanced surgery and
anesthesia facilities. A new gift from
Photo credit: Noelle O’Brien, Trina Koster Photography
the estate of the late Mona Campbell
completed the $9-million project this
year and will create a new endoscopy
unit in honour of past OVC dean, Dr.
Elizabeth Stone. The new facilities are
expected to open in 2019.
Photo credit: istockphoto.com/ wundervisuals
NEW SCHOLARSHIPS NAMED TO
HONOUR PAST ASSOCIATE DEAN
ACADEMIC AND ASSOCIATE DEAN,
STUDENTS
In recognition of Drs. Peter Conlon’s and Kerry Lissemore’s
remarkable contributions to the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
and to the student veterinarians whose lives and careers have
been shaped by their service to education, OVC has launched a ADVOCACY FOR MENTAL HEALTH
scholarship fund in each of their names. If you would like to join
us in honouring their legacies you can do so by making a donation
& RESILIENCY IN AGRICULTURE
online. To honour Dr. Peter Conlon visit http://uofg.convio.net/ OVC professor Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton shared her expertise on farming and mental
Conlon. To honour Dr. Kerry Lissemore visit http://uofg.convio.net/ health as a witness for a House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and
Lissemore. Donations can also be made by mail: Ontario Veterinary Agri-Food study of farmer mental health. Jones-Bitton studies the epidemiology of
College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, N1G 2W1. For more mental health and resilience in the agricultural and veterinary sectors. In a survey
information, contact Amy Tremaine, Alumni Advancement Man- looking at the health of Canadian famers, she found multiple mental health concerns
ager at 519-824-4120 ext. 56679. including high levels of stress, burnout and anxiety and low levels of resilience.
The Crest l 5
ANALYZING
ANTIMICROBIALS
Illustration: istockphoto.com/ CSA-Archive
Creating a NEW network of knowledge
6 l The Crest
the science
behind
N
ew research at the completed. Any deviation from
Ontario Veterinary
College is tackling
this will be recorded, ensuring
transparency throughout the systematic
reviews &
one of the biggest process, a critical piece of the
health challenges systematic review method,
of the 20th cen- notes Sargeant.
tury, the prudent and effective
use of antimicrobials, and
“This is the international
standard for systematic reviews, network
employing systematic reviews
and network meta-analysis to
search for answers to which
so it is very transparent,” she
adds. “For each question, we
then do a network meta-anal-
meta-analysis
treatment and management ysis.” Imagine sifting through all the existing studies
practices are most effective. Once reviewers enter data available to answer a specific question and
The study, conducted with from relevant studies, the com- synthesizing it to identify what has been dis-
support from The Pew Charita- puter program literally draws a covered to date. That’s the essence of system-
ble Trusts, a non-profit research network using direct compari- atic reviews.
and public policy organization in sons from the studies and then An important part of evidence-based
the U.S., is focused on two areas: estimates indirect comparisons medicine, systematic reviews have been used
the efficacy of antibiotics used between them. for more than two decades in human health-
to prevent diseases in four live- “For example, there is more care and are making important inroads into
stock groups and the efficacy than one antibiotic choice to veterinary medicine.
of non-antibiotic management prevent specific infections. In a Systematic reviews are a type of literature
practices used to try to prevent standard meta-analysis, we ask review that uses a structured series of steps
these diseases. does antibiotic A work or does to critically appraise and synthesize research
This isn’t just a litera- antibiotic B work? In a network studies. They are designed to answer a specific
ture review, notes principal meta-analysis we look at rela- clinical or policy question and to provide a
researcher Dr. Jan Sargeant, a tive efficacy.” transparent and comprehensive summary
professor and epidemiologist in “If one study compares of current evidence relevant to a research
the Ontario Veterinary College’s antibiotic A to antibiotic B and question. Systematic reviews of clinical trials
Department of Population Med- another compares antibiotic are vital to the practice of evidence-based
icine, it’s a very detailed study A to antibiotic C, the network medicine. Key to the success of systematic
using network meta-analysis. can compare B to C based on reviews in veterinary medicine has been the
“This study fits beautifully the information it has,” says implementation of clearly defined reporting
into my interests in evidence Sargeant. guidelines for clinical trials in animal health,
synthesis, bringing together sci- Ultimately, veterinarians animal production, welfare and food safety.
entific information from a range want to know which treatment Systematic reviews are an important tool
of research sources to inform and which management prac- to help veterinarians and animal health pro-
decisions on policies or clinical tice works the best, she notes. fessionals understand the vast volume of sci-
practice,” says Sargeant, “but it Ideally this leads to more effec- entific research available. For decision mak-
also taps into the broader OVC tive treatment decisions, as well
ers, they provide a transparent, comprehensive
expertise and interest in prudent as more prudent antibiotic use.
summary of current knowledge to incorporate
scientific evidence into the decision-making
antimicrobial use and reducing This is the next wave of
process. They can also help recognize gaps in
antimicrobial resistance.” where systematic reviews and
knowledge and provide insight when identi-
The first step in this work, evidence synthesis is going, she
fying questions that will need to be answered
creating protocols to describe adds. with future research.
the methods for each study, was Once the eight system- Using meta-analysis or network
completed in the summer and atic reviews and network meta-analysis, researchers can combine
early fall of 2018. These eight meta-analyses are complete, results from multiple studies identified in a
time-stamped protocols, posted Sargeant will bring together a systematic review, looking for all the possible
publically on a systematic small group of epidemiologists answers to a specific question. At OVC, recent
review website (www.syreaf. and animal industry experts in work in this area includes identifying and
org), outline exactly what the early 2019 to discuss next steps. analyzing studies that evaluate the efficacy
systematic review will involve: This will help to direct resources of antibiotics for a particular health issue and
the rationale, objectives, and and identify research gaps. using network meta-analysis, evaluate the
methods, including eligibility “We want to really drill comparative efficacy of different antibiotic
criteria and study designs. They down to identify where there are treatments.
outline information sources, gaps and how we, as an agri-
search strategy, selection and cultural community, who want Jan Sargeant has advanced reporting guidelines for
data collection process, as to prudently use antibiotics, observational (www.strobevet-statement.org) and clinical
well as outcomes, prioritization direct our research needs going studies (www.REFLECT-statement.org) with animals, both
and how data synthesis will be forward,” she adds. developed in collaboration with Annette O’Connor, Iowa
State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
The Crest l 7
Continuous improvement key to student and curricular development 8 l The Crest
Celebrating almost a quarter century of leadership
A
roadmap is key to any journey. It not only pinpoints has been a steady guide to continuous improvement in cur-
the destination, it provides direction and highlights ricular development.
important steps along the way. When the ultimate He was on the ground floor of OVC’s adoption of
goal is competent, confident student veterinarians, a map is the DVM 2000 curriculum introduced in the early 2000s.
key to defining success. Since that time, the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Over their respective terms, Dr. Peter Conlon, Associate program has benefitted from steady refinements to ensure
Dean, Students, and Dr. Kerry Lissemore, Associate Dean, students receive a competency-based skill set and assure
Photo credit: Noelle O’Brien, Trina Koster Photography
Academic, have been integral guides in navigating the route continual accreditation success for the college. Phased in
to curricular and student success at the Ontario Veterinary over four years, the new approach included outcome-based
College (OVC) over the past 25 years. Both completed their assessments, particularly evident over the last 10 years as
terms in 2018. structured clinical exams were incorporated into each year of
At the helm in Student Affairs since 1995, first as Assis- the program.
tant Dean then later as Associate Dean, Conlon spearheaded This focus on continuous improvement, along with
a number of initiatives to enhance student confidence, advances in the admissions process for DVM applicants,
wellbeing and success. an enhanced approach to all aspects of primary healthcare,
Lissemore, who became Assistant Dean, Academic in wellness, experiential learning and psychomotor skills, are
2003, before moving to the Associate Dean position in 2007, important touchpoints over Conlon’s and Lissemore’s tenures.
The Crest l 9
Start with a destination changer, exposing students to work life in a general
practice and managing appointments focused on
The road to success begins with a set destination. Define wellness, nutrition, client communications and the
the expectation of the confident, competent veterinar- importance of the relationship between veterinary teams,
ian upon graduation from OVC and work backwards pets and clients.
to determine not only what students will need to learn “The philosophy of experiential learning in the Hill’s
each year, but the skills, knowledge and attributes they PHC is to provide structured feedback in the moment as
will need when admitted into the four-year veterinary much as possible, with students taking responsibility for
program. the appointments and building their confidence through
A move to Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) in 2009 a very supportive environment,” says Conlon.
from a panel style interview marked a significant change Every student veterinarian spends time at the Hill’s
in the admissions process at OVC. A growing body of PHC within each year of the program, culminating with
literature from medical schools in the 2000s indicated a three-week mandatory rotation in fourth-year. “This
the MMI approach for admissions was valuable as a pre- is where we ask students to integrate medicine, surgery,
dictor of future characteristics of accepted students and nutrition, communications, and other knowledge, skills,
prompted the change, says Conlon. and attributes to provide the best patient and client care
The MMI incorporate scenarios structured to draw possible,” says Conlon, who served as the Director of
on the DVM applicants’ ability to think on their feet, the Hill’s PHC since 2011. Central to this is the entire
communicate opinions and ideas, critically appraise veterinary practice and faculty team who create the
information and demonstrate advanced understanding of supportive learning environment.
issues facing the profession. During the MMI each May, “These curricular pieces help achieve much more
200 candidates independently interpret scenarios for 16 than confidence for our students,” Conlon says. “If you
paired assessors who evaluate the candidates based on a feel confident to make decisions, to think through issues,
scoring rubric. to talk to clients and apply strong hands-on experiential
As veterinary medicine becomes more complex, skills, all of that goes to self-assurance and a stronger
so do the scenarios. “We ask them about veterinary sense of mental wellbeing.”
Practice, practice, practice
medicine and client scenarios, but over the years we’ve
expanded these to ask them to think through more soci-
ety-wide situations,” says Conlon.
Practicing key technical and clinical psychomotor skills,
“It’s been an important evolution of admissions.
particularly in surgery and anesthesia, is key to building
When we compare the MMI results to characteristics
student confidence and another example of how the cur-
that we measure in first year Art of Veterinary Medicine
riculum was strengthened under Dean Stone’s tenure.
communications labs, we have found a strong and direct
“This is a piece we’ve really worked on developing
correlation of the MMI’s predictive value in choosing
through the Clinical Medicine courses and surgical
communication and problem-solving skills.”
exercises within each year of the DVM program,” says
It’s also a valuable engagement opportunity with
Lissemore.
alumni and students. Last year the number of assessors
Beginning in first year, students are introduced to
rivaled the number of candidates, with 60 alumni, 95
surgical skills, instrument handling and suture patterns,
student veterinarians and 23 faculty interviewing through
along with gowning and draping skills through a variety
the week for a total of more than 800 volunteer hours.
of lab-based exercises. Students progressively build
A lot of alumni come back each year, says Elizabeth
their technical skills, beginning with low-fidelity foam
Lowenger, Manager, Student Affairs, who recruits each
and rubber models, then moving to more sophisticated
assessor. Some participate in a few sessions, others are
high-fidelity models to learn and refine advanced skills
involved for one or more full days of interviews. The
such as intubation before progressing through the four-
mix of alumni from veterinary practices and industry
year program to live animals. Surgery and anesthesia
provides a variety of expertise and perspectives to the
training in third year provides students additional
selection process.
hands-on opportunities while servicing humane society
and animal shelter spay needs.
Hands-on learning in “By breaking technical skills down into smaller
primary healthcare tasks, students can practice a procedure or process mul-
Photo credit: Noelle O’Brien, Trina Koster Photography
tiple times until they are comfortable, increasing their
An enhanced primary healthcare component initiated competence and confidence,” he notes. “Students learn
in 2010 marked a pivotal moment in OVC’s curriculum. the proper techniques under faculty supervision and have
Most visible with the opening of the Hill’s Pet Nutrition the opportunity to practice them on their own and at
Primary Healthcare Centre (Hill’s PHC), developed as their own pace.”
part the OVC Masterplan under the vision and leadership The enhanced focus on psychomotor skills is the
of past OVC dean Dr. Elizabeth Stone, this new focus impetus for the new enhanced clinical skills facility due
brought with it increased opportunities for experiential to be completed in 2019. Here students will have access
learning. to a dedicated clinical skills space, a library of clinical
The enhanced approach to companion animal models, new communications teaching labs and flexible
primary healthcare through the Hill’s PHC was a game teaching space.
10Learn more
l The Crestabout the NEW scholarships named in honour of Drs. Peter Conlon’s and Kerry Lissemore’s contributions to OVC on page 5.Wellbeing in all its forms
Wellbeing encompasses every Wellbeing topics are incorpo-
aspect of veterinary care — includ- rated in the curriculum, starting
ing the patient, the client and the with a focus on wellbeing during
caregivers — and has become a Orientation Week, continued with
significant discussion point within the first-year Art of Veterinary
the veterinary profession. Medicine and an elective resil-
“At OVC, we are really trying iency rotation in fourth year. All
to encourage a culture change components are complemented by
towards wellbeing,” says Conlon. important co-curricular aspects
Growing research looking such as Wellness Wednesday talks
at veterinary mental health, as and an OVC Peer Helper program,
well as the veterinary profession’s which was started by Conlon in
advancing interest to talk about 1995.
their experiences, has been a driv- This focus extends to the stu-
ing force behind this important dents’ personal support network.
Photo credit: Noelle O’Brien, Trina Koster Photography
conversation at OVC. “It’s all about connections,
“We are an evidence-based communications and a network
and evidence-driven community; of support right from day one,”
the evidence was clear there was says Conlon. For this reason, he
a need for wellbeing initiatives in has been an advocate over the
our curriculum,” he notes. years in fostering opportunities
For Conlon, his own mental for friends, family members and
health challenges as a student and mentors to have a chance to inter-
in practice underpins his passion act with the college and develop
for this area. “At that time, it an understanding of what life is
wasn’t easy to find resources and like as a student veterinarian. This
they weren’t tailored to student includes the annual Family and
veterinarians,” he recalls. “It is a Friends Day and Professional Wel-
privilege to be in a position where
I can try to make a difference and
come Ceremony (initiated by Con-
lon in 1997 and 2004, respectively) Continual assessment critical
I think it gives me more insight
into our students’ struggles, having
during the students’ first year, and
the White Coat Ceremony in third
for continuous improvement
been there myself.” year. Successful navigation sometimes means correcting your
course. Formal student assessments are critical to assure
students achieve the competencies required at each phase level
and provide the data needed to ensure continuous curricular
improvement.
But they are only one part of assessment. Regular surveys
of in-course DVM students, one and five-year-out graduates
and their employers are also vital.
In-course student surveys at the start and end of each
academic year consistently show increases in confidence in
performance, preparedness, planning, analysis, conducting
veterinary activities and professionalism.“We have student
assessment data, student-employer-graduate data and student
confidence data to complete formal outcome-based evalu-
ations,” says Lissemore. “You have to look at the data from
multiple aspects to see if there is alignment. This is part of our
continuous improvement, to determine student successes and
their challenges.”
Photo credit: Noelle O’Brien, Trina Koster Photography
Veterinary college accreditation requirements are always
changing. It is critical to stay informed to ensure the curricu-
lum and facilities are on the mark.
“You have to balance needs with available budget and
resources and recognize where opportunities are available,”
Lissemore says. “Veterinary medicine is constantly changing
as are the issues it encompasses. Our students need to be able
to address these areas and the curriculum must continually
evolve to include them.”
Successful curricular design is an evolution not a revolu-
tion, building on existing strengths in order to navigate to new
and uncharted destinations.
The Crest l 11UNDERSTANDING THE BOTTOM LINE
Teaching the business side of vet med
E
quipping students with tools negotiation skills, job seeking strategies and
to understand financial well- self-employment.
being is an important piece in “Many graduates will eventually
the overall approach to well- operate small businesses so it’s important to
ness in the Ontario Veterinary cover these areas and set the stage,” he notes.
College’s Doctor of Veterinary Tait also tackles more in-depth finan-
Medicine (DVM) curriculum. cial and planning topics, focusing on three
The more than 45 hours of lectures areas: income protection, income manage-
OVC Clinical Studies professor John Tait ment and investing for the future, all part of
delivers to DVM students is structured financial wellbeing, he notes.
around confidence-building strategies for Business management has been a part
both business and personal financial and of the AVM course since it was introduced
debt management. almost 20 years ago. He regularly reassesses
“Part of financial wellbeing is knowing course content, hosting focus groups annu-
how to protect your current and future ally with graduates, who are one year out of
income, planning for the future while learn- the DVM program and have taken a variety
ing how to live off early career income levels of career paths
and manage debt right out of the gate,” says During the sessions, Tait leaves the
the 1986 OVC DVM graduate. floor open so that new graduates can share
In the first year of OVC’s Art of Veter- what stressors they’ve encountered since
inary Medicine (AVM) course, Tait focuses graduation.
on primary business areas — finance and The answers depend on what is
tax tips, early debt management strategies, trending in the industry. Common financial
how to manage a budget and how to best issues include managing debt, becoming
utilize credit. a practice owner, consolidation in the
With third-year DVM students, he workplace, balancing a budget, determining
focuses teaching around business issues in net worth, as well as choosing insurance
the profession. He begins with an overview and investment products, says Tait, but also John Tait brings a
on economics and the veterinary industry include how customer service has changed wealth of experience
and examines the operational portfolios of and the abundance of social media. and expertise to his
the veterinary practice before turning the “Other areas of business that consis- teaching, with a Doctor of
course more personal with a presentation tently affect young grads include the chal- Veterinary Medicine from
including personal financial issues. lenges of establishing oneself as a leader and the Ontario Veterinary
Tait breaks it down further from there, inner conflict in the workplace,” he notes. College, an MBA in Health
Illustration: istockphoto.com/DrAfter123
delving into practice finance, individual He uses their real-world feedback to Services Management
compensation models and, while far off, continuously improve the course and help from McMaster
succession planning. He spends time on students develop business and finance skills University, as well as
marketing, including how to develop both they will need throughout their career a Master of Science in
a personal and business brand, as well as to market themselves and manage their Finance, combined with a
Certification in Financial
human resources skills, customer service, bottom line.
planning from the
legal issues, business ethics, contracts,
University of Toronto.
12 l The CrestTHEN
CLASS OF 1922
& NOWCLASS OF 2022
ALMOST A CENTURY
FIRST CLASS The OVC Class of 2022 is the 156th class to enter the Ontario Veterinary
While OVC 1922 was the 60th class to enter the veterinary program College (OVC) and 99th cohort of students to graduate from the Guelph
at the Ontario Veterinary College, they were notably the last group of location. As OVC is a founding college of the University of Guelph (U of G),
students to graduate from OVC’s location in Toronto, ON. The college this group of student veterinarians will also be the 57th class to graduate
relocated to Guelph in late 1922. from the veterinary program since the U of G was established in 1964.
Prior to that point OVC was part of the University of Toronto (U of T) and
students received their degree from U of T.
CLASS SIZE IN 1922
18 — The number of students who graduated as the OVC class of 1922.
While the veterinary program at OVC was a four-year program, as it is
CLASS SIZE IN 2022
today, only 14 students entered as freshman in 1918. Previous classes
120 — The number of students in the OVC class of 2022. To help encourage
were much larger. The small class size is thought to be due to World
dialogue and collaborative thinking, students are placed into practice
War I as well as the introduction of the automobile, which resulted in
groups — which they will be members of throughout the four-year program.
a decline in demand for veterinary services. Many students took time
Each group includes a mix of international and domestic students, students
off from school or had to repeat years. Only 12 of the freshman that
with experience in different species (equine, bovine, exotic, companion, etc.)
entered in 1918 graduated as part of the class of 1922.
and strengths in various first-year course topics to encourage peer-to-peer
mentoring. Each practice group also has two Phase 2 (second year) student
mentors, to help guide them through the year.
THE PATH TO VETERINARY SCHOOL FOR THE CLASS OF 1922
The major admission requirement for applicants to the OVC in this period THE PATH TO VETERINARY SCHOOL FOR THE CLASS OF 2022
was a diploma from a College, Normal or High School. As a number of Today, requirements for applying to OVC include completing a minimum
individuals came from rural areas and might not have had access to a high of two years of a full-time university undergraduate degree. Prerequi-
school and perhaps learned from home, they were required to write and site courses include: cell biology; biochemistry; genetics; statistics; two
pass an entrance examination a month before the year commenced at the biological sciences; and two humanities and/or social sciences. Applicants
OVC. Students were tested on: reading, spelling, comprehension, writing must have experience with veterinarians and animals. The highest level of
from dictation, letter writing, arithmetic and Canadian or American history. education held by OVC 2022 class members: 67-bachelor degrees, 19-two
plus years of a full-time university undergraduate degree, 13-masters
degree and one-professional degree.
FRESHMAN YEAR: CLASS OF 1922 PHASE ONE (FIRST YEAR): CLASS OF 2022
In the first year of veterinary college the class of 1922 studied anatomy, In the first year of veterinary college, the class of 2022 will study veterinary
embryology, histology, botany, pharmacy, veterinary economics, physics, anatomy, embryology, genetics, histology, physiology, biochemistry, pathol-
minor surgery (including veterinary dentistry and principles of horse- ogy, communications , teamwork and resiliency, physical exams, animal
shoeing), zoology, chemistry, sporadic diseases of the horse, parasitology, handling, herd health, epidemiology and public health. The program now
materia medica (pharmacology) and military drills. includes a focus on the development of psychomotor skills, primary health
care, wellness care and nutrition.
The Crest l 13BOOTS ON THE GROUND:
VETERINARY MEDICINE & SURVEILLANCE
In its broadest definition, surveillance means to scrutinize found significant evidence of the parasite in sheep and
or observe closely. In veterinary medicine, surveillance goat herds across Ontario, and a definite connection of
is a fundamental, first line of defense when it comes to the parasite to farm cats. Cats can pick up the pathogen
protecting animal and human health. from infected rodents or birds and pass along the oocysts
Researchers at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Vet- or parasite’s eggs in their feces. Goats and sheep can then
erinary College (OVC), play a leading role in the collection accidentally ingest the parasite eggs through contami-
and translation of surveillance data. From the field to the nated feed, water or soil. If the animals are pregnant, this
clinic to the laboratory, veterinary scientists are keeping parasite can infect the fetuses causing fetal death and
their boots to the ground to create new knowledge, expand abortion.
our understanding of disease, safeguard animal and human Why the concern with this zoonotic pathogen? “It is
health and ensure food safety and security in Canada. very much a One Health issue that can impact domestic
livestock, wildlife and humans,” says Menzies.
Any warm-blooded organism can be infected by
PROTECTING ANIMAL AND Toxoplasma, including marine and land-based mammals,
HUMAN HEALTH as well as avian species, says Shapiro. “In humans, it has
OVC researchers are monitoring a zoonotic parasite that traditionally been a concern for pregnant women as infec-
can cause disease in sheep and goats and is also a risk to tion may cause miscarriage and severe birth defects in
humans. infants. Adults may also be at risk: infection in those with
Toxoplasmosis, caused by a microscopic parasite compromised immune systems may result in severe brain
called Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the most common infections; infection in healthy adults also has been linked
causes of abortion in Ontario sheep and goats, impacting to mental health disease.”
Photo credit: istockphoto.com/ LukaTDB
the health of the herd, says OVC professor Paula Menzies. While the parasite can be passed to humans through
Along with researchers Karen Shapiro and Shannon Mead- undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk from infected
ows, she is exploring the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep or goats, thoroughly cooking meat to the correct
provincial goat and sheep herds to identify risk factors for temperature and pasteurizing milk kills the pathogen.
exposure to the parasite and lower levels of infection. “It’s a multifactorial, difficult parasite and it’s very
From data gathered in a 2010-2012 study, researchers clever,” says Menzies.
14 l The Crest“The OVC study supports a
critical need to develop a safe and combat the disease. absent from the province’s it,” he notes.
effective vaccine to protect sheep It is believed horses dairy herds, underscor- It is also the spot
and goats from infection and, by pick up the bacteria from ing the value of ongoing where antibiotics often
extension, protect people,” says the environment by acci- surveillance for emerging need to be used. “If you’re
Menzies. “We generally recommend dentally eating infected diseases. This type of going to try to eliminate or
sheep and goat farmers don’t have flies or insects, or eating research bolsters OVC’s reduce antibiotic use you
cats or if they must in order to hay, grass or water contam- relationship with veterinary need to pay attention to
manage rodent infestations, make inated with these insects. practitioners, engaging the nursery where you may
sure they are spayed to reduce the While researchers them in surveillance activ- end up with big disease
number of kittens on-farm which know the main players ities and providing updated problems.”
are more likely to pass along the in bacteria transmission, information they can share
parasite. Unfortunately, despite the routes to infection with clients.
attempting to reduce risk through are complex and not well INVESTIGATING
these practices, infection with the understood. ANTIMICROBIAL
parasite is still common in rural In a secondary study, MONITORING RESISTANCE
Ontario and based on our research, U of G researchers are DISEASE AND A recent OVC baseline
toxoplasmosis in sheep and goats collecting flies and snails
from rivers and ponds near
FOOD SECURITY surveillance study iden-
remains a risk.” Surveillance is vital to track tified the most common
Ontario horse farms to try
the development of disease virulence genes and antimi-
to identify which types may
and protect our food sup- crobial resistance patterns
be infected and learn more
EXPLORING DISEASE about how the bacteria is
plies.
“Sometimes we look at
among avian pathogenic
Escherichia coli (APEC)
OCCURRENCE spread.
diseases that aren’t neces- isolates. APEC causes
A landmark study is investigating sarily dramatic; they are not colibacillosis, an important
how Lyme disease occurs in dogs as
they age. The goal of this multi-year KEEPING TABS causing a lot of mortality
or disease outbreak by
poultry disease worldwide,
that can cause higher
study is to gain insight from data ON EMERGING themselves, but they are than normal mortality in a
that may help researchers better
manage the disease. Researchers
DISEASE in the background in swine flock, secondary infection
Endemic in large parts of herds, stirring up trouble,” and reduced returns for
are recruiting 300 dogs from across the U.S., Salmonella dublin says OVC professor Robert producers.
Canada to take part in the 10-year has seldom appeared in Friendship. Surveillance data col-
study to identify and increase Ontario. This changed about Recent research at lected though the Ontario
understanding of the risk factors three years ago when it OVC looked at 50 nurs- Animal Health Network
associated with the disease. This cropped up in samples ery barns. Researchers suggest that, in Ontario,
includes examining age at diagnosis, coming through the Uni- focused on the prevalence colibacillosis is one of the
clinical signs and response to treat- versity of Guelph’s Animal of specific clinical signs, most common diseases in
ment over time. The study will also Health Laboratory (AHL). such as coughing, lame- broiler chickens of any age.
explore other areas of pet health and Concerned researchers ness, diarrhea, ear necrosis Researchers asked
welfare and will monitor this group began investigating. and hernias to explore poultry veterinarians across
of dogs and their families for years. While salmonella whether the presence the province to provide
typically causes diarrhea, S. of certain pathogens is samples collected during
dublin is atypical, man- related to the clinical signs, necropsies from broiler and
UNDERSTANDING ifesting as a respiratory increased medication use, broiler breeder chickens
DISEASE SPREAD illness in calves. A zoonotic or reduced production. with clinical signs consis-
Researchers are learning more pathogen, it also poses a Findings indicated tent with systemic forms of
about Potomac Horse Fever through risk to people. that producers were often colibacillosis.
an Ontario Animal Health Network In 2016 and 2017, OVC unaware diseases were The team tested the
funded surveillance study. Caused by researchers asked Ontario cycling in the barn at low E. coli isolates from the
the bacterium Neorickettsia risticii, veterinarians who had beef levels. “A producer may samples searching for
the disease can lead to a multitude and dairy producers with know there is a cough and genes previously identified
of health issues in horses, includ- calf mortalities to send production values may as being associated with
ing fever, poor appetite, diarrhea, these calves for necropsy show growth is not as good virulence. They also tested
laminitis and sometimes abortion. at the AHL, specifically as expected, but they may each isolate to determine
Although treatable once diagnosed, looking for S. dublin. not realize there is actual if any were resistant to
not a great deal is known about how Researchers also disease,” notes Friendship. certain antimicrobials.
horses contract the bacteria or the surveyed 300 dairy farm Concentrating on the The study provides
hot spots for the infection in Ontario. bulk tank milk samples for nursery is key. Once piglets a benchmark to measure
Researchers are testing blood, antibodies to S. dublin. The are weaned, they lose their changes in APEC’s antimi-
serum and feces samples provided disease mostly shows up in passive protection and crobial susceptibility and
by veterinary practitioners across calves before they join the need to start producing virulence gene patterns,
the province to try to identify bacte- milking herd. As expected, active immunity. This is as well as critical informa-
ria isolates from different regions. researchers didn’t find where they are the most tion to veterinarians and
They aim to map out disease preva- much evidence of S. dublin vulnerable. farmers for the treatment
lence to better inform veterinarians in bulk tank samples. “If you’re going to have and prevention of colibacil-
and horse owners and help them The study confirmed disease, the nursery is losis in broilers and broiler
S. dublin was virtually where you’re going to see breeders.
The Crest l 15solutions to assist in their conser-
vation.
It also provided valuable
experience when she applied to
the DVSc Zoological Medicine and
Pathology joint program with The
Toronto Zoo and OVC in 2009. Falling
in love with the powerful aspects
of pathology and the investigation
of disease in populations, Stasiak
recalls, “For me it always came
back to conservation and popula-
tion management and what can we
do to preserve our native wildlife.”
Stasiak’s interest in wildlife
conservation has led her to Cana-
da’s North, working closely with the
Indigenous community and hunters
to focus on the health of caribou
populations in the Northwest Terri-
tories. She travelled to Kentucky to
manage emergent disease issues
such as the potential spread of rac-
coon strain rabies into the state and
a viral hemorrhagic disease in deer,
spread by biting flies or midges.
Throughout, Stasiak has
AWESOME
learned the value strong relation-
ships bring to her work. In Canada’s
North “not only were we protect-
ing the health of the caribou, our
CAREERS
findings were helping to protect the
health of the Indigenous culture
and the people’s way of life.”
Now in Saskatchewan since
May 2018, Stasiak is once again
A passion for wildlife and a love of the outdoors... contributing to wildlife health in
Canada. Her current focus: chronic
A passion for wildlife and love of the Post-graduation she continued to wasting disease, a neurological
outdoors has always been a part of Iga network with wildlife health profession- disease affecting the deer family,
Stasiak’s life. als while supplementing her degree with introduced to the province almost
Her studies and experiences have stints in emergency and locum work and 20 years ago.
taken this 2007 graduate from the Ontario externships in wildlife and equine medi- While the disease has not yet
Veterinary College’s (OVC) Doctor of Veteri- cine. appeared in boreal forest caribou,
nary Medicine (DVM) program to the United A two-week program in marine animal there are concerns it may spread
States and Mexico, back to OVC for a DVSc medicine included lessons on sea turtle to this population. “There are a lot
and to Canada’s North before she landed necropsies, experience that proved invalu- of priorities across the province
in her current job with the Saskatchewan able when she met wildlife conservation- and varied stakeholders, with farm
government. With each step, she expanded ist Alonso Aguirre at a Wildlife Disease land to the south, intact wilder-
her skill set and further embraced her Association Conference. Aguirre was trying ness to the north and a very strong
passion for wildlife conservation. to figure out the cause of mortality in the Indigenous population,” she notes.
She sees many opportunities for DVM Pacific Loggerhead sea turtle population Once again, she is working with
graduates in this important One Health along the Pacific coast of Baja California a variety of interested parties, to
Photo credit: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
area. “The threats facing our wildlife popu- in Mexico. educate them about the disease
lations are intensifying as we see expand- He needed a research assistant for and develop management actions
ing development, globalization and climate a month to do sea turtle necropsies. Says to limit the spread.
change. We need more veterinarians and Stasiak, “I was in the right place at the “As I have progressed in my
professionals in this field to try to mitigate right time and jumped at the chance.” career I’ve engaged more and more
some of those impacts and conserve our The game-changing opportunity on the human side, trying to create
wildlife.” helped her gain an understanding of issues relationships, bridge the divide and
For Stasiak it wasn’t until she was facing communities in more underde- sometimes work in very conflicting
immersed in OVC’s DVM program that she veloped areas. Stasiak worked with the areas. Ultimately it’s for the same
was exposed to the many pathways related local community to help them understand goal - to ensure we have healthy
to wildlife health available within the field potential impacts of fishing activities on wildlife and sustainable popula-
of veterinary medicine. the sea turtles and to form grass root tions for many generations.”
16 l The CrestTAKE PRECAUTIONS ON YOUR NEXT DESERT CAMEL RIDE
Camels have been implicated as a host for a severe zoonotic disease
Zoonotic disease, disease that travelled. This respiratory virus what increases the chances of MIDDLE EAST
can be transmitted between can cause a range of symptoms contracting the disease from
humans and animals, requires from minor fever and coughing camels. This led to the discovery RESPIRATORY
extra attention to understand to pneumonia to severe acute that cool, dry days with good SYNDROME
how it spreads. Middle East respiratory disease. Researchers visibility increase the likelihood CORONAVIRUS
respiratory syndrome corona- are focusing their attention on of contracting the disease from Family of common viruses
virus (MERS-CoV) is one of how to reduce spread due to camels directly. that affects humans and
those diseases – it can transfer the high frequency of severe Now that researchers have animals, that includes
between humans and drome- disease. a better understanding of the SARS.
dary, one-hump camels. About By comparison, MERS- disease and what meteorolog-
one-third of the human cases CoV in camels is mild and ical factors increase zoonotic
charted since 2012 have been typically lacks signs of infection. transmission, they are looking
fatal. At its worst, it causes camels to increase our ability to under-
University of Guelph PhD to have a runny nose for a few stand how and why MERS-CoV
candidate Dr. Emma Gardner, days, meaning the disease is is spreading.
in OVC’s Department of Popu- easily missed by camel owners “We want to create a
lation Medicine, is determining and health professionals. About mathematical model to explore
environmental factors that 90 per cent of adult camels how the infection is spreading
affect MERS-CoV transmission in the Middle East have had among camels,” says Gardner.
to help prevent the spread of MERS-CoV at some point, “For example, using this model,
this potentially fatal disease and allowing many opportunities for we could hypothetically vacci-
better inform at-risk individ- human contact with the virus. nate half the camel population
uals. Fortunately, the virus isn’t and then see how it would affect
Early results show that cool, highly contagious. virus spread.”
dry days with good visibility Humans must closely To do this, researchers will
promote the spread of the dis- interact with infected camels or be using MERS-CoV data in
ease from camels to humans. consume contaminated camel camels shared by colleagues in
“These results are similar to milk and meat products to con- Kenya to build more detailed
what is typically seen in respi- tract the disease. Furthermore, knowledge of factors affecting
ratory diseases except for the camels do not naturally spread the disease. This information
findings regarding good visibil- the virus to their milk and can then be put into the mathe- UTILIZING MATH
Photo credit: Emma Gardner (above), illustration: istoclphoto.com/ elenabs (right)
ity, but that could be explained meat, these must be physically matical model to begin map- MAPS TO
UNDERSTAND
by human behaviour,” says contaminated by the camel. ping out real-world scenarios. MERS-CoV
Gardner. “You’re more likely In fact, most transmission “This disease is of huge Using a One Health
to spend time and be close to so far has occurred between public health importance,” approach, researchers at
your camels when there is good humans in medical facilities says Gardner. “By working to OVC are creating a mathe-
matical model to map out
weather and visibility.” once one human contracts understand the human-camel real-world scenarios and
Human MERS-CoV cases the disease and seeks medical interface using a One Health test solutions to control
have been seen in 27 countries. assistance. approach, the idea that all indi- MERS-CoV. They use
So far, all zoonotic cases have Gardner and her advi- viduals and species contribute equations to simulate the
processes of a system,
occurred in the Middle East; sory committee modelled to health, we can help prevent in this case, MERS-CoV
cases elsewhere were caused daily weather measurements future MERS-CoV outbreaks by transmission between
by people who picked up the with new cases of disease in informing the public and policy camels; they manipulate
infection in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia to determine makers.” certain elements and
hold others constant to
better understand how
Collaborators on this project include supervisor Prof. Amy Greer, Dr. David Kelton, Dr. Sophie von Dobschuetz, Dr. Zvonimir Poljak, Dr. the disease spreads.
Maria Van Kerkhove, The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and The Directorate of Veterinary Services of Kenya. Funding for this
research is provided by NSERC, OVC Fellowship and a Canada Research Chairs grant.
The Crest l 17You can also read
