LVMC CLIENT NEWSLETTER

Summer 2023

New Faces

welcome-concept

Don’t be surprised if a new face greets you and your companion animal on your next scheduled visit to the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital. Summer is the time when interns and residents in the small animal hospital complete their training programs and move onto their professional careers. These “House Officer” programs provide in-depth training in the various areas of veterinary specialty practice. “Our programs strive to prepare trainees for active careers in academia or specialty practice and for certification by the appropriate specialty college,” said Dr. Dan Grooms, the Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine.

Making Every Moment Count

AMR Antimicrobial resistance concept

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to society, human and animal health, and economic prosperity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibiotic-resistant bacteria causes at least 2.8 million infections and 35,000 deaths in the United States every year. Many more die from complications of an antibiotic-resistant infection. These drug-resistant “superbugs” can also harm the ecosystem and cost multibillions annually in medical costs and economic losses. The National Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Education (NIAMRRE) in the College of Veterinary Medicine is working to combat this growing public health threat. “Antimicrobial resistance is a global priority of the CDC,” said Dr. Paul Plummer, NIAMRRE executive director. “It touches each of us in our daily lives. This institute provides a great resource for the entire country as we work to build strong, collaborative research and educational programs to mitigate this risk.”

A Different Option

Maia Farber

Maia Farber grew up in Los Angeles and discovered a love for animals at an early age. After completing her undergraduate degree, Farber moved to Ames. But she didn’t immediately enroll in the DVM program in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Instead, Farber completed a one-year biomedical sciences master’s program during which time she fell in love with Iowa State and Ames. That additional year gave Farber the confidence to continue her dream of becoming a veterinarian, which she did this past spring, graduating with her DVM. The one-year biomedical sciences master’s program is designed to meet the demands of a wide range of career pathways and make students like Farber more competitive in the admissions process. Since its inception several years ago, almost 90 percent of the program’s graduates who apply to professional school are accepted.

This Issue's Healthful Hint

golden retriever veterinary exam

Our dedicated staff are committed to providing preventive and advanced veterinary specialty care to patients while educating future veterinarians and advancing animal and human health. But what should you do when it comes time to bring your companion animal to the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital? First you should know our specialty services take appointments from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital also provides emergency services 24 hours a day, but it is still best to call ahead to forewarn our clinicians you are bringing a patient in. Our number is 515-294-4900 and is staffed 24/7. Remember, you don’t need to have a referral from your veterinarian to make an appointment or to utilize our emergency services.