The VPETT program is designed to emphasize the importance of recognizing the hard work and dedication of our team members in alignment with the hospital's five Cultural Pillars (Realize Our Vision, Value People, Pursue Excellence, One Team, and Trusted Dialogue). In this video created by the VPETT Committee, you can see some of the great prizes available and how easy it is to nominate your colleagues.

April 24-30 is Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, an annual opportunity to recognize medical laboratory professionals and pathologists and highlight the important role they play in diagnostics and patient care. Let’s celebrate our VMTH clinical and anatomic pathology laboratory professionals. Thank you for your dedication to our patients and clients.

The VMTH recently established the Access to Care Program, led by faculty clinicians Drs. Kristin Jankowski (chief), Jonathan Dear, Elizabeth Montgomery, and Karen Vernau. Through the program, the school aims to provide world-class veterinary care to dogs and cats of clients with limited resources or other barriers to care. For many years, UC Davis faculty, staff, and students have addressed the needs of underserved communities, shelters, and rescue groups through community-based initiatives to provide animal care. The Access to Care Program is structured to provide the framework for these programs, providing organizational leadership and connectivity. The program will begin by focusing on the Fracture Program for Rescue Animals, the Knights Landing One Health Center, the Orphan Kitten Project, treatment of small animals burned in wildfires, and Community Surgery services provided to rescues and shelters. Through this work, veterinary students develop cultural competencies, all while gaining additional hands-on training and learning compassionate care.

Large Animal Provides Care at 101^st Red Bluff Round-Up

Faculty, residents, staff, and students from the Large Animal Clinic recently served as the on-site veterinary team during the Redd Bluff Round-Up rodeo. The event is the largest 3-day rodeo in the world and is a major stop on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit. One example of the team’s work was to treat Hollywood, a 7-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding owned by 2017 PRCA Tie-Down Roping World Champion Marcos Costa and his wife Keyla. After a 24-hour drive from their home in Childress, Texas, Hollywood was lethargic and not eating. Along with the assistance of a local veterinary clinic, the team treated him for colic. While he was not well enough to compete at the rodeo, Hollywood made a great recovery and was eating well when the team checked on him the following day.

Please utilize the PerfectForm icon link available on every VMTH desktop (or through VIPER>VMTH>Forms>VPETT) to nominate your colleagues for recognition of an outstanding example of one of our five Cultural Pillars: Realize Our Vision, Value People, Pursue Excellence, One Team, Trusted Dialogue.

The Cultural Pillars Committee is pleased to announce the recipients of the VPETT Recognition Award for the month of April.

Summer Condie, an animal health technician in the Orthopedic Surgery Service, was recognized for exemplifying our cultural beliefs of Realize Our Vision and One Team, which contributed to the key results of Excellent Patient Care and Employee Engagement.

“Summer is great at being a team player and helping other departments when needed. Last week, Post Anesthesia Recovery was short staffed, and Summer was willing to help cover PAR for the anesthesia department until they had someone to take over.”

Jessica Robles-Diaz, an animal technician in the Neurology/Neurosurgery Service, was recognized for exemplifying our cultural beliefs of Realize Our Vision, Value People, Pursue Excellence, and One Team, which contributed to the key result of Excellent Patient Care, Student Teaching, and Employee Engagement.

“Jessica has gone above and beyond for the Neurology/Neurosurgery Service. She is constantly striving to learn more and improve as a technician. She is always very involved with the students and helps guide their success each day. She is excellent at communication and is such a joy to work with.”

Thank you, Summer and Jessica, for your hard work and dedication to the VMTH.

In addition, Michelle Solorio and Matt Mazza also received awards for recognizing their colleagues’ hard work.

“Trusted Dialogue”

When Leslie Michel noticed her 4-year-old male oranda goldfish, Trumpy, being lethargic, she knew it was because of his overgrown wen, the fluffy tissue on top of his head. Michel could not find a fish veterinarian near her home in the Bay Area but continued to search and found an article about a pet fish taken to UC Davis for a tumor removal. After reading the article, she knew the Companion Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery Service was the place for Trumpy. Drs. Esteban Soto, Hali Jungers, and Paula Rodriguez performed a physical examination on Trumpy and found his health to be within normal limits, apart from his overgrown wen. They agreed with Michel that it should be trimmed. Trumpy underwent successful surgery and recovered well. “It was so great the way our case was received,” said Michel about her experience with the exotics team. “The questions they asked were thorough and thoughtful. The entire process was so welcoming and comfortable.” Michel enjoyed her visit to UC Davis so much that she made wellness appointments for Trumpy’s five tankmates.

Florence Soares-Dabalos, MS, LMFT, the VMTH’s client support and wellness professional, offers a brief tip on managing stress through the current crisis. Please see full website of services that Florence offers.