UPCOMING TUSKEGEE’S VETERINARY MEDICAL SYMPOSIUM FOCUSES ON EMERGENCY CRITICAL CARE

by Anissa L. Riley      

Tuskegee, AL - "Emergency Critical Care" is the theme for the Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine (TUSVM) 43rd Annual Veterinary Medical Symposium, scheduled for March 26-29, 2008 at the Tuskegee University Kellogg Conference Center and School of Veterinary Medicine Complex.
This has already been a very busy and exciting new year with TUSVM hosting back to back symposiums. On March 19-22, veterinary medical students from Tuskegee University partnered with Auburn University’s veterinary students to host the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) 2008 Symposium for veterinary medical students from around the world.
“Now, it is time to welcome Tuskegee’s own home as well as other friends and supporters of TUSVM to what is anticipated to be another outstanding veterinary medical symposium. The nation is continuing to face some uncertain times and this year’s symposium includes topics that are both timely and of paramount importance,” said Dr. Tsegaye Habtemariam, Dean of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health.
Dean Habtemariam emphasized how this year’s symposium has a great deal of relevance to the possible emergency situations those in the veterinary medical profession can face in these uncertain times. Participants will have the opportunity to hear and attend a variety of lectures and wet laboratories centered on this year’s theme of ‘Emergency Critical Care.’ Topics include but are not limited to Respiratory Emergency, Metabolic Emergency, Small Animal Emergency, Equine Emergency, Caprine Critical Care, Biosecurity and the Caprine Producer, Wildlife Medicine Emergency, Crisis Prevention, Dramatization of a Malpractice Suit, and an Emergency Round Table on Diversity Crisis in the Veterinary Profession.
Wet laboratories are also being offered for participants, in ultrasound, wildlife medicine, and bandaging and suturing techniques. Seating is limited for the wet laboratories; however, the wet laboratories are being repeated throughout the Symposium to allow for more participation.
On-site registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. The symposium kicks off with several sessions at the Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine (TUSVM) including the Ultrasound lecture/wet laboratory, Small Animal Dentistry, Business Management, Dermatology, and Wildlife Medicine lecture/wet laboratory. Following these sessions is a session for students entitled, “Job Seeking Skills Workshop: An Interactive CV/Resume Writing and Networking,” sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. Hill’s is also providing lunch for attendees of Wednesday’s sessions.
At 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, an alumni welcome picnic, sponsored by the Tuskegee Veterinary Medical Alumni Association (TVMAA) and TUSVM, will be held at the veterinary school’s Patterson Hall atrium and lawn for all TUSVM alumni, non-alumni, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, spouses, faculty, staff, and students.
The annual Christian Veterinary Fellowship breakfast, sponsored by TUSVM alumnus Dr. Hector Anderson (‘71), will jump start Thursday’s activities. Then several scientific sessions will take place in the areas of small animal medicine, pathology, veterinary public health, wound care, and diagnostics.
The Symposium’s opening session on Thursday features the T. S. Williams Lecturer Dr. Willie Reed. Dr. Reed is not only a member of TUSVM’s Class of 1978, but he is also the Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. The annual T.S. Williams lecturer is named in honor of the late retired dean and dean emeritus of TUSVM.
Following the T. S. Williams Lecture Opening Session, Dean Habtemariam, will present the State-of-the-School Report at the State-of-the-School Luncheon in the Kellogg Conference Center’s Ballroom.
Thursday-Friday, the symposium will continue with several education and scientific sessions covering topics in the previously mentioned categories as well as in human-animal; relationships, large animal medicine, international veterinary medicine, and laboratory animal medicine.
As a special treat, the Annual Alumni Banquet on Saturday night will feature the Reverend Chike Akua and a presentation on “The African Origin of Writing and Mathematics.” We will also honor reunion classes of 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, and 2003. TUSVM alumnus Dr. Terence Adams (‘83) is serving as toastmaster and will give reflections covering 25 years from the Class of 1983.
“The 43rd Symposium will have something of benefit for everyone in attendance. The committee, under the leadership of Chairman Dr. Ruby Perry with advice from Dr. Edward T. Braye (Class of 1952) and Co-chairs Darlene Adams and Starr Miller, has been working very hard for several months as well as meeting weekly to plan a very memorable and beneficial event for all,” said Dean Habtemariam.
Not only will participants have the opportunity to renew and make new acquaintances while enjoying the various educational and social components of the symposium, but spouses will also have various activities to entertain them as well. .
TUSVM welcomes all veterinarians to this year’s symposium. Again this year, the School is extending complimentary registration to all veterinary medical students and faculty at Auburn University. Participants can earn the following continuing education (C.E.) hours of credit: 20 C.E. for full registration (Wednesday-Saturday), 6 C.E. hours for one-day registration (Thursday or Friday), or 3 C.E. hours for 1/2 day registration (Saturday).
Once again, TUSVM looks forward to welcoming home its alumni and their families, as well as new friends and supporters to this year’s annual Symposium. Also, you may keep in touch with what is happening here throughout the year by visiting the College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health. online at www.onemedicine.tuskegee.edu/ and www.tuskegee.edu/.
For registration information, contact: Mrs. Carrie King at Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, Phone: 334-727-8470; FAX: 334-727-8177; E-mail: cking@tuskegee.edu.