Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine

12/21/2024

🎓🌟 Class of 2024 Spotlight: Tori Leighann Hinds 🌟🎓

Introducing our Valedictorian, Tori Leighann Hinds, from Cookeville, Tennessee! Tori graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Health Science and a minor in Chemistry. Her next step is just around the corner as she begins her journey at LMU’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) this spring, with plans to open her own mixed-animal veterinary clinic in the future.

Tori’s passion for veterinary medicine has been a lifelong calling. “I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian since before we were asked, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ in elementary school. Growing up in a small town with limited veterinary resources has driven me to pursue this path so I can provide services to areas that need it most.”

Her hard work and dedication are reflected not only in her academic success but also in her campus involvement. Tori has served as vice president of the Pre-Vet Club, Resident Assistant for McClelland Hall, and chair of the Lincoln Advisory Board Collaborations Committee.

“Being recognized as Valedictorian means the world to me. It’s a testament to the hard work I’ve put into my education and how much I’ve grown during my time at LMU,” Tori shared.

🐾💙

12/19/2024

LMU-CVM students got the special opportunity to participate in a "Wildlife & Zoo Medicine" darting lab at the DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center (DVTC). This lab is designed to get students comfortable working with non-domesticated animals, practicing responsible wildlife care, and handling remote drug delivery systems.

To read the full story, visit: https://www.lmunet.edu/news/2024/12/cvmwildlifedartlab

12/16/2024

Congratulations to our LMU-CVM Master's and Undergraduate students who graduated this past weekend!🎓

We are incredibly proud of our new alumni and can't wait to see what they do next!

12/16/2024

We are saddened about the recent barn fire at WVU's Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Barn fires can be devastating, and our thoughts are with WVU as they work through this loss and provide safe housing for their animals.

UPDATE:

We appreciate the support of our community, including donations we have received. The farm’s hay, grain, bedding and immediate needs are being met, and we ask that individuals hold off on any physical donations at this time.

This evening a team of WVU students assisted in setting up the Multipurpose Building, which temporarily house the horses.

In the coming days, we will assess the situation to determine any needs we may have moving forward. We appreciate all of the wonderful outpouring of support and kind words of our community. Thank you!
__________________________
Earlier this afternoon, fire broke out in one of our older barns at the Equine Center located at our JW Ruby Research, Education, and Outreach Center in Reedsville. Our staff and animals are safe/there were no injuries. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

We want to thank our first responders and our staff for their swift action, and we are grateful everyone, including the animals, are safe.

The building is expected to be a total loss, including some equipment. If someone is interested in helping the farm, you can reach out to Lauren Seiler at 304-293-5692 or gifts can be made online here: https://give.wvu.edu/give/430713/ #!/donation/checkout?designation=184689

12/13/2024

Happy National Horse Day from LMU-CVM! ✨🐴

Our horses at the DVTC somehow look even more majestic against the snowy mountains of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park!

12/11/2024

Sinead "Cas" Cummins, DVM Class of 2027, has been preparing for a career in veterinary medicine by researching the complexity of copepods in the Imaging and Analysis Center (IAC) at Lincoln Memorial University.

Copepods are aquatic organisms so small that they can fit inside a drop of water. Cas observes these copepods and their importance to the health of the environment in collaboration with the LMU-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine and under the supervision of Dr. Stan Kunigelis. Through a One Health approach, this research area could improve the prosthetics of human ankle joints.

Cas has developed impressive microsurgery and instrument-handling skills because of the research conducted at the IAC. Cas can successfully cut off an individual leg of a copepod, prepare specimens for electron microscopy, and take images using electron microscopes. Additionally, Cas has presented this research on copepods at the Appalachian Regional Microscopy Conference and won Best Biology Poster.

We are so proud of the contribution Cas is making to veterinary medicine research!

12/09/2024

Today (12/9) we celebrate International Day of Veterinary Medicine! To all veterinary professionals, we thank and honor you for your contribution to making veterinary medicine better every day!

12/06/2024

Drs. Anderson, Carney, and Tolson recently attended the Florida Access to Veterinary Care Policy Leadership Summit sponsored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Access to veterinary care is a growing concern across the country. The Lincoln Memorial University-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine is highly engaged in and committed to developing innovative solutions from the educational sector and removing barriers to veterinary care.

12/06/2024

Happy Friday Fur-iends!🐾🎉

Meet Jack, the pet that inspired DVM Class of 2028 student, Mary Alice Truitt, to pursue veterinary medicine!

"Forming such a close bond with Jack, my first dog as an independent adult, while working and learning through his behavioral challenges reignited my passion for working with animals. As soon as it hit me, I couldn't see myself becoming anything but a veterinarian. Jack led me back to myself, and everything I do is for him."

12/06/2024

That end of the semester feeling!🤩🐾

12/02/2024

We are excited to announce that our Dean, Dr. Stacy Anderson, co-authored a paper published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) titled “Cross-sectional survey of rural and nonrural veterinarians indicates similarities in intent to stay or leave practice and differences in community attachment and satisfaction.”

Key takeaway points from survey data of over 2,000 veterinarians across the United States was that there is a perceived short- and long-term shortage of veterinarians and overall retention in the workforce is strong, but recruiting and training students to enter rural practice may be helpful in attracting veterinarians into rural practice.

Meeting the needs of Appalachia and beyond is part of the mission of LMU-CVM, and Dean Anderson strives to equip our graduates for rural or nonrural veterinary medicine anywhere.

Read the paper in JAVMA here: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/aop/javma.24.08.0513/javma.24.08.0513.xml

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from LMU-CVM!🍂🤍

11/27/2024

On Saturday, November 23rd, Lincoln Memorial University hosted the 134th Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science in Harrogate, TN.

DVM student, Ryann Lockwood, mentored by Dr. Ashutosh Verma, presented her research “Mammalian and non-mammalian reservoirs of leptospirosis in South-Central Appalachia” and earned 3rd place in the Health and Medical Sciences Graduate Poster category. Congratulations, Ryann, on this outstanding achievement! 🏆

11/25/2024

While most students are getting ready for Thanksgiving break, some of our DVM students are using their break to transport donations for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Alexandrea Humphreys, a DVM Class of 2027 student, even graciously donated a handmade blanket she has been making for the past year to a family displaced by Helene.

This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for our LMU-CVM students who give back to the needs of Appalachia and beyond. 🤍

11/22/2024

Meet Puss in Boots, today's Friday Fur-iend!🐱✨

Puss in Boots is the cat that inspired Class of 2025 DVM student, Alexa Lundy, to pursue veterinary medicine!

"Puss in Boots was the first animal I ever felt I made a true connection with. When I moved to a new town in middle school, Puss in Boots was the first friend I made. At a time when I felt so alone, Puss in Boots showed me what a true friend was. She sadly passed away a few years ago due to old age, but she will forever be in my heart as one of my greatest friends and my inspiration for doing what I do today."

11/19/2024

Xena, a Belgian Malinois, went missing this past weekend after falling off a 300-foot cliff onto a ledge 180 feet down. She was found by the Thomas Walker Fire Department rescue crew based in Ewing, VA. The rescue crew rappelled down the cliff to bring Xena to safety. Thankfully, she suffered no injuries and has since returned home. LMU-CVM employees Robert Brockman and Kyler Cheek are members of this rescue crew. We are proud of Robert, Kyler, and the entire rescue crew for bravely rescuing Xena!

To read more about Xena's story, visit WCYB or: https://wcyb.com/news/local/thomas-walker-fire-department-save-dog-after-180-feet-fall

11/19/2024

Our goal at LMU-CVM is for our graduates to be confident, competent, and career-ready. One way we achieve this is by having our Veterinary Medical Technology (VMT) students view a spay surgery to become familiarized with the operating room and the procedure to prepare for when they will actively be participating at a later date.

11/15/2024

It's Friday, which means it's time for another Fur-iend!🤩🐾

Meet Sadie, the dog that inspired DVM Class of 2026 student, Natalie Brush, to pursue veterinary medicine!

"Ever since being a kid, I had always wanted to be a veterinarian. It wasn’t until we got my very first dog, Sadie, that my goals became crystal clear. Shortly after we got her, I realized how important it was to be a voice for those without one. It was also incredible to see the impact she had on myself and my family without even trying. From there on out, it became my mission to become a veterinarian. When people talk about their heart dog, I know that feeling well. Sadie is my absolute heart dog and how lucky am I to relate. I strive to be the veterinarian that makes Miss Sadie proud❤️."