Message from the Associate Dean for Veterinary Medical Center Operations

–Joshua Stern

Dr. Mark Stetter has been named the SVM’s new dean, effective October 18. Dr. Stetter comes to his new position with extensive and varied experience, and distinguished accomplishments, both in veterinary medicine and leadership. His areas of research and treatment expertise are diverse within his primary emphasis on wildlife and zoo animals.

 

He earned both his BS (biochemistry) and DVM degrees from the University of Illinois. He interned at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and served as a resident in zoological medicine at The Wildlife Conservation Society. From 1997-2012, Dr. Stetter served as director of animal operations, director of animal health, and clinical veterinarian at Walt Disney World. Following his time at Disney, he served as dean at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University for the past nine years.

 

His significant contributions at CSU have been numerous and transformative. He helped drive the creation of a new medical education program in partnership with the University of Colorado School of Medicine; worked with the provost’s office to create a university-wide One Health Initiative; established a new DVM education program with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks; and helped launch numerous diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. In addition, he was instrumental in the college raising over $370 million for new buildings, student scholarships, endowed positions, and research programs. That experience will serve the hospital well as we raise funds to build the Veterinary Medical Center.

 

Dean Stetter plans to spend much of his initial time on campus building relationships and growing his knowledge of SVM, including meeting with faculty and staff of the VMTH.

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

Amanda Dang, an animal health technician in the Neurology/Neurosurgery Service, was recognized for exemplifying our cultural beliefs of Value People and One Team, which contributed to the key result of Outstanding Patient Care.

“Amanda jumped in to help when the ICU had a major staff shortage. This not only shows what a versatile technician Amanda is, but how much of a team player she is.”

Amanda’s favorite animal is her black Labrador retriever, Walter, and her favorite season is fall.

Tina Souza, an animal health technician with the Anesthesia Service, was recognized for exemplifying our cultural beliefs of Value People and One Team, which contributed to the key result of Excellent Patient Care.

“Tina has come in early several days this week to work with a particularly critical patient who was scheduled before her start time. Due to the nature of the case, it was best to have the same person work with the patient all week. Tina always goes out of her way to provide exceptional patient care, and this is just one of those examples.”

 

Thank you, Amanda and Tina, for your hard work and dedication to the VMTH.

 

In addition, Jody Deal and Sarah Sanders also received awards for recognizing their colleagues’ hard work.

 

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.

“Realize Our Vision”

Over the years, the VMTH has served the community in many ways. Our team has ensured that the hospital remain open for the community 24/7 through any circumstance, and our philanthropic funds have helped hundreds of animals in need. But it’s our service to the community during wildfires where we shine the brightest. Our teams come together as one, and everyone rises to the “all hands on deck” scenarios. Since 2015, the hospital has treated hundreds of animals in-house, our Veterinary Emergency Response Team has taken care of thousands in the field, and the Wildlife Disaster Network was formed. Just recently, VERT deployed to the Dixie Fire and the Caldor Fire, and WDN has treated several animals. As we have every year, the hospital stands ready to care for any animals that may be referred back to campus. Earlier this month, the state recognized how well we respond to fires and allocated $3 million a year for the school to form the California Veterinary Emergency Team to support and train a network of government agencies, individuals, and organizations to aid domestic animals and livestock during emergencies. This is a testament to all the VMTH faculty and staff members who spent countless hours since 2015 caring for burned and injured animals from many fires. With our guidance, this program will help many more animals throughout the state going forward.

 

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.