Please submit your news to:

Mrs. Anissa Riley,

Office of External Affairs,School of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University

Tuskegee, AL 36088, (334)724-4509, FAX: (334)727-8177, Email: riley@tuskegee.edu

Veterinary Medical Symposium Highlights Efforts in Haiti and Other Global Veterinary Education Issues

by Anissa L. Riley

 

TUSKEGEE, Ala. (March 12, 2010) — With the massive earthquake that struck Haiti and shattered lives in January, this year’s veterinary medical symposium focus on “Advancing Global Veterinary Medical Education into the Next Century” is both timely and of paramount importance. The Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine (TUSVM) is hosting its 45th Annual Veterinary Medical Symposium on March 24-27 at the Tuskegee University Kellogg Conference Center and School of Veterinary Medicine Complex.

“Noted public health and animal health speakers, veterinarians, and veterinary medical students will come together to discuss and learn about the global implications of veterinary medical education in a number of areas,” said Dr. Tsegaye Habtemariam, dean of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health. “This year’s symposium has several objectives for participants. The foci cover a broad spectrum of veterinary medical education issues from a local, national, and international perspective. This is so relevant, especially now, in these very serious and troubling economic times for our nation as well as globally.”

Among the many global perspectives to be highlighted at this year’s symposium is “Veterinary Missions in Haiti.” A “Haiti” panel discussion will convene on Friday, March 26 at 11:30 a.m., headed by TUSVM alumni Dr. Lloyd Jarmon, Dr. Kelly Crowdis, Dr. Brianna Skinner-Harris and Dr. Irving McConnell. It will focus on the efforts of these and other individuals having either worked directly in Haiti or with some veterinary medical relief efforts for Haiti.

This forum will also provide the opportunity for discussions on future efforts to assist with veterinary medicine in Haiti. Other symposium presentations highlighting some global issues as they relate to disaster preparedness include “Environment Hazards and Public Health Issues Associated with Emergency/Disaster Response;” “Veterinary Regulatory Support in Safeguarding Americans through International Outreach and Programs;“ “Federal Resources and Capabilities for Veterinary Emergency and Disaster Response;” “Alabama Emergency Response Assistance;“ “Community Preparedness and Shelter in Place for Veterinary Disaster Response;“ “Training and Operations for Post-Disaster Animal Shelters;“ and “Recovery from a Food Emergency after a Disaster.“

The symposium committee is headed by Dr. Ruby Perry, professor of radiology and associate dean for academic affairs in the college, and an alumnus.

“Participants can expect to hear and attend a variety of lectures and wet laboratories to include topics related to neurology, small animal medicine, pathology, animal behavior, laboratory animal medicine, large animal medicine, anatomy, veterinary public health, international veterinary medicine, practice management, legal issues, research funding, and financial myths,“ Perry said.

The culminating event on Friday, March 26 is the annual banquet. The reunion classes of 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, and 2005 will be honored.

TUSVM welcomes all veterinarians to this year’s symposium. The School is extending complimentary registration to all veterinary medical students and faculty at Auburn University. Participants can earn up to 20 total continuing education units.

For more symposium information and to register, visit

http://www.onemedicine.tuskegee.edu/Symposium45/home.htm.

For registration questions, contact Carrie King at 334-727-8470 or cking@tuskegee.edu