For three days the CH2M HILL Alumni Center and the LaSells Stewart Center hummed with activity March 4 – 6. The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) and OSU College of Veterinary Medicine joined to put on the conference offering a variety of topics for companion, equine and large animal veterinary practice. The goal was to provide meaningful continuing education to veterinarians, practice managers, technician, assistants, and staff. Veterinary vendors set up booths in the alumni center and presentations took place in LaSells.
OVMA President Dr. Keith Sides of Cinder Rock Veterinary Clinic in Redmond presented the President’s Award to Dean Cyril Clarke at the Oregon Veterinary Conference awards luncheon on March 5. The President’s Award is given at the discretion of the president to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the OVMA.
International Camelid Health Conference
In conjunction with the OVC, the bi-annual International Camelid Health Conference took place Thursday through Sunday in Magruder Hall. Camelid veterinarians and researchers from North America, Australia, Norway, England and Germany came to the conference as presenters or attendees.
The North West Camelid Foundation sponsored Herd Health Day at the Benton County Fairgrounds where CVM faculty spoke to enthusiastic camelid owners.
On Saturday evening, the North West Camelid Foundation held its 23rd annual banquet and stud service auction at the Wilsonville Holiday Inn. The top Northwest camelid herdsires mingled among the guests. A fund-raising auction of stud service, artwork and more raised funds for camelid research. North West Camelid Foundation has raised funding each year to support camelid research at Oregon State University. $490,000 has been donated over the years. The auction and banquet has been the major fundraising event. This year about $20,000 was raised in support of camelid research at OSU. Glen Pfefferkorn, longtime College supporter and Advisory Council member, won the bid for a metal artwork wall piece that he then donated to the College. Glen said, “Calvin DeJong is the artist of the llama and alpaca head; he’s a farmer in McMinnville.”
SCAVMA dinner an opportunity for mentorship
OVMA Executive Director Glenn Kolb talks with students prior to the dinner.
In conjunction with the Oregon Veterinary Conference (OVC), the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA) hosted its second annual OVC catered dinner on Saturday, March 5, at the Giustina Art Gallery of LaSells Stewart Center. It was a great turnout with 53 people in attendance. Many veterinarians were kind enough to sponsor student tickets, which helped allow the 30 students to attend. Guest speaker Dr. Helen Diggs, Associate Dean for Hospital Programs and Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, gave a poignant speech about her journey to becoming a veterinarian and told stories of the mentors that helped her along the way. This annual event is a great opportunity for OSU veterinary students to mingle and network with practicing Oregon veterinarians.
SCAVMA treasurer Mikki Shumaker added, “Thanks to all the veterinarian sponsors, SCAVMA, and Rita Wehrman, junior OVMA representative, for putting this all together.”
