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IDEXX: Contributing to something bigger

The Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) in Amarillo welcomed a new assistant professor of epidemiology—Gizem Levent, DVM, PhD—to its faculty earlier this month. Before joining SVM, Levent served as a visiting scientist in 2014 at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Services, where she worked on alternatives to antibiotics to help reduce pathogen carriage in food animals. 

“I am very excited to start my new academic journey in such a diverse and rapidly growing community at the SVM at Texas Tech,” Levent said, in the release, “I am fully committed to contributing to the core values-based, friendly, and stimulating academic environment with the faculty, staff, and first-generation RaiderVets.”

In 2012, Levent received her veterinary medical degree from Ankara University, Turkey, and went on to complete her Doctor of Philosophy in biomedical sciences from Texas A&M, with an emphasis on epidemiology, in 2019. During her career, Levent explored epidemiology while keeping One Health in mind. She wanted to dive deeper and study the interaction between foodborne pathogens and food animals with a concentration on applied and molecular epidemiology.

“Dr Levent is such a wonderful person and scholar,” said Guy Loneragan, BVSc, PhD, dean of SVM, in the release, “She will strengthen our community, enrich our school, and she will expand the breadth of our research activities. She is a fantastic addition to Texas Tech in general and our School in particular. I am looking forward to working with Dr Levent on a number of One Health projects.”

Through her new position, Levent is excited to continue her research and help mentor the next future generation of veterinarians.

Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine Welcomes Epidemiologist to Faculty. News release. Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine. January 13, 2022. Accessed January 24, 2022. https://today.ttu.edu/posts/2022/01/Stories/Texas-Tech-School-of-Veterinary-Medicine-Welcomes-Epidemiologist-to-Faculty

Articles

The Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine faculty hires a former visiting USDA scientist to join its ranks. 

Texas Tech welcomes new assistant professor of epidemiology 

In an interview with dvm360®, Tasha McNerney, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia and Analgesia), emphasized how advocating for yourself financially as a veterinary technician can foster a sustainable, fulfilling career. 

View the video below for the entire discussion. The following is a partial transcript.

Tasha McNerney, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia and Analgesia):

 I think that it's time that we can, as a professional organization, as veterinary technicians that [we] take ownership of that and stop shying away from financial discussions. I think that is going to be a big component going forward. If we make this into a lifelong career, you have to be able to advocate for yourself financially. You have to be able to negotiate job opportunities when they come up. And you have to look at this not from just, 'What am I getting paid base per hour?' But also if you want to make this a long-lasting career, [you have to also consider], 'What are the benefits [going to] be?'

During an interview with dvm360®, Tasha McNerney, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia and Analgesia), broke down why it is important you ensure your career as a veterinary technician is both emotionally and financially rewarding. 

Why veterinary technicians should advocate for themselves financially 

® conference in San Diego, California, Mark Goldstein, DVM, outlined the 4 main careers he has had throughout his lifetime and shared which brought him the most happiness, success, and beyond. 

: I can summarize my careers [as] 4 distinct careers: an author, a zoo director, president of the Humane Society, and as a veterinarian. I can't extract one from the other. I think my family will tell you I was probably most challenged and happiest when I was a clinician at Angell Memorial [Hospital] for 10 years. But that also was at an age when you're in your 20s and 30s and life is just grand and the world is your oyster.

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During a recent interview with dvm360®, Dr Mark Goldstein highlighted careers he has held throughout his life and which of those have gave him the greatest sense of joy and fulfillment. 

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Happy Monday! As we begin to transition from January to February, dvm360® remains dedicated to concluding the month by providing the latest trending news in veterinary medicine. 

Here is what to expect this week on dvm360.com:

Lap of Love returns to at-home veterinary hospice care after limiting these services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Mark Goldstein, DVM, will discuss the careers he has held throughout his lifetime and which of those brought him the most joy and success. 

A passionate epidemiologist joins the faculty at Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine. 

Claire Fellman, PhD, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVCP, will explain the importance of managing feline diabetes to ensure the pet's quality of life. 

Tune back in here throughout the week for more coverage of the veterinary industry.

A sneak peek look at this week's highlights.

This week on dvm360: Lap of Love returns to at-home hospice care, plus more veterinary news

, Jason Wernli, president at ALLYDVM, shared some stress-free tips that make it easy for any practice to increase their forward bookings.  

I've visited dozens and dozens of animal hospitals, and I've interviewed and talked with lots of receptionists and managers. The issue [with resistance to forward booking] is more that practices have learned the wrong lessons because they've asked the wrong questions....When the right recommendation is made the right way, most people actually say yes, and they see it as a favor. 

During an interview with dvm360®, Jason Wernli, president at ALLYDVM, explained how to overcome internal resistance to forward booking to increase appointments and revenue. 

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®, Claire Fellman, PhD, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVCP, spoke about the different options available when it comes to which clinicians should restrict carbohydrates for diabetic cats. Each case needs to be considered individually, as lower carbs might not always be "better" for a particular patient.

Claire Fellman, PhD, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVCP:

 We know that carbohydrate restriction is an important part of management of diabetic cats, but I think the evidence is less clear in how aggressive you need to be in that...I think it's just important to recognize that there's not one right answer. If the cat won't eat a diabetic prescription diet, we do have alternatives."

Claire Fellman, PhD, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVCP, shares the pros and cons of low-carb vs "ultra" low-carb diets in cats with diabetes.