American Veterinary Medical History Society 2006 meeting minutes

American Veterinary Medical History Society
Annual Business Meeting
Monday, July 17, 2006
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel – Regency Room II
Honolulu , Hawaii

1. Call to Order

Past President Leo L. Lemonds introduced himself, called the AVMHS business meeting to order at 8:45 am, and presided over the session in the absence of President David J. Williams and late arrival of President-Elect Gary Vroegindewey. The order of business followed the protocol specified in the Bylaws (Article 9, Section 2).

2. Roll Call

The Secretary/Treasurer routed an attendance roster. A total of 7 members were present.

3. President's Address

Since President David Williams was unable to come to Hawaii , Dr. Leo Lemonds read his prepared address:

“Dear Friends and Colleagues:

I would ask that you please stand for a moment of silence to honor and remember our dear friend and colleague, Dr. J. Fred Smithcors, whose contributions to this Society are legendary.

Thank you.

I would like to thank Col. Gary Vroegindewey, President-elect, and Ms. Susanne Whitaker, Secretary/Treasurer, for their outstanding work in organizing this meeting of the American Veterinary Medical History Society. I regret that I am unable to join you. I also wish to thank Dr. Leo Lemonds for stepping in and chairing this business meeting on short notice.

Dr. Phyllis Larsen and Susanne Whitaker prepared the Society's exhibit for this meeting. This year's theme focuses on 15 years of winners of the Smithcors Student Veterinary History Essay Contest. The Society is grateful for this effort and for those who have generously volunteered their time to man the booth.

This has been a bittersweet year for the Society. I worked with Fred on Veterinary Heritage for ten years. In that time I came to know him as a very humble and caring person. Like many of you, I will miss him greatly.

After several years as Chair of the J. Fred Smithcors Veterinary History Essay Contest Committee, Dr. Sidney Ewing turned the Chair over to Dr. Diana Davis. The Society is deeply indebted to Dr. Ewing for his service and we look forward to the future with Dr. Davis as Chair of this vital activity. With assistance and advice from Dr. Ewing, and others, and Dr. Davis' enthusiasm, the transition went smoothly. Dr. Wolfgang Jöchle agreed to replace Dr. Smithcors as a reader and judge, and will continue in this capacity next year.

Two issues of Veterinary Heritage were produced and distributed to the Society's membership. It was decided to not send the May issue to those who had not paid their 2004-2005 dues, but copies will be sent once the dues are paid. Serious consideration needs to be given to the future of our publication. Every effort must be made to reduce the cost of Veterinary Heritage in its present format, and for this I will need help. We also need to consider how we are going to proceed without Dr. Smithcors as Editor. I would personally feel more comfortable resuming my role as Managing Editor and let someone else be responsible for the acquisition and editing of papers for publication.

The Society's website was recently updated with the assistance of Kate Anderson, a clinical librarian at the University of Missouri with training in web page design, and Susanne Whitaker. Special thanks are extended to Trenton Boyd for his efforts in this regard. Dr. Robert McClure resigned as co-webmaster during the past year. The Society is grateful for his years of service.

Membership remained at approximately the same as the previous year, which is half of what it was in 1992. This is an obvious concern. It is imperative that we grow the Society.

The Society is again indebted to Ms. Susanne Whitaker for all of the work she does for all of us as Secretary/Treasurer.

On a personal note I express my thanks to Dr. Phyllis Larsen for her wise counsel this year. Whenever I had a question about procedure, or precedent….and I had many….she was always a telephone call away.

I wish you all the best and urge you to fully support Col. Gary Vroegindewey as he assumes the Presidency of the Society.”

David J. Williams
President
American Veterinary Medical History Society

4. Presentation of Minutes

The minutes of the 2005 AVMHS meeting held in Minneapolis , Minnesota were presented and copies were available in the room for review. It was moved by Dr. Al Moore and seconded by Dr. Howard Erickson that the minutes be approved. The motion carried.

•  Rules and Procedures

No changes to rules and procedures were suggested.

•  Nominations for Honorary Membership

No nominations were presented at this meeting.

7. Introduction of Guests.

No guests were present for introduction.

8. Officer's Reports

•  Treasurer's Report

Mrs. Whitaker presented the 2005-2006 Treasurer's report composed of an income and expense sheet as well as a fund balance summary. Also presented were a separate income and expense sheet for the XXXVI International Congress and list of projected expenses for 2006-2007. Descriptions of significant financial activities during the past year included a successful XXXVI International Congress in July 2006, payment of WAHVM dues for 2005 and 2006, $2,500 award from Merck & Company for the essay contest, proposed use of accumulated interest ($2,645.62) from the Shomer Estate donation for general purposes, preparation of the 2004 IRS return, status of membership dues, and overall financial considerations. As of June 30, 2006, the Society had total assets of $23,483.46 which included $18,046.43 for the Shomer certificate and $2,568.26 for the Merck certificate. Due to the notification date, 2006 essay contest prizes will be paid in 2006-2007.

Dr. Lemonds acknowledged a written communication received from Dr. Charles (Mac) Larsen who serves on the Finance Committee regarding the Treasurer's report and use of the Shomer interest. It included the following motion:

To receive, with great appreciation, the Treasurer's Report to the Annual Meeting, and refer it to the Finance Committee for discussion and recommendations to the Board of Directors no later than mid-September of 2006.

The motion was seconded by Dr. Moore and passed.

There was some discussion about utilizing electronic publishing as a means of reducing expenses for Veterinary Heritage . Dr. Moore suggested electronic submission of articles. Dr. Erickson indicated that he likes hard copy, but supports electronic only distribution if it would reduce costs. This might be an issue for older members but would likely be more readily accepted by younger ones. Dr. Lemonds cited the high cost of keyboarding as a need for reviewing costs. For example, he has a local printer in Nebraska with good prices.

President-elect Vroegindewey mentioned that if it is not Web-based, VH has a reduced market even though it is accessible in print in libraries. He further felt the Society should consider optimizing the Web which is so frequently used these days for information even though not everyone is directly connected. Dr. Moore further felt that we might transition by doing both—providing print and electronic as a bridge for distribution and achieving some cost savings for printing. Dr. Erickson suggested a check box if a member wanted a printed copy.

Dr. Moore felt that gifts could be solicited with a contribution line on the dues form. [Secretary' note: A line for donations currently exists on the membership renewal form.]

In light of the Society's current financial status, Dr. Vroegindewey made a motion to use the interest from the Shomer fund for general expenses. Dr. Moore seconded and the motion passed.

•  Secretary's Report

Mrs. Whitaker presented the 2005-2006 Secretary' report, including 2005-2006 membership of:

Paid Members U.S. 75
Canada 2
International 2
Total Paid Members/Couples 79
8 New first time members
13 2004/2006 members did not renew for the current year.
There have been 42 renewals for 2006/2007 as of July 10, 2006.

Life Members 2
Honorary Members 2
Gratis Members 4

TOTAL MEMBERS 87

Libraries – Gratis

U.S. 31
Canada 4
International 0

Libraries – Paid 5

TOTAL LIBRARIES 40

A reminder dues notice was sent in October, 2005. For the 13 individuals who did not renew for 2005-2006, a questionnaire was included with the 2006-2007 renewal form. In order to retain members, its purpose was to find out why lapsed members did not renew and determine ways in which the Society could change to better meet member's needs and expectations.

Mrs. Beller informed us of the death of her husband, Dr. Jerome Beller, 13636 Northwich Terrace, Midlothian , VA in November, 2005.

In 2005-2006, one member (Dr. Diana Davis) converted her individual membership to a life membership. An additional life membership beginning in 2006-2007 was received from Dr. R. Gary Roop.

For the first time, the March 2006 issue of Interim News & Comment was sent electronically to 55 of the 82 members who have e-mail accounts. The remaining members received the newsletter by surface mail. We hope to send more newsletters and other communications to members by email to increase efficiency and reduce mailing costs.

Dr. Erickson asked about reminder notices beyond the first and second. Dr. Lemonds indicated that the Society might want to review its policy of sending free copies to libraries. While the Society absorbs the cost, this practice enables wide distribution of the publication.

•  Past President's Report

There was no report from Dr. Raffaele Roncalli who was not present.

•  Incoming President's Report.

There was no report from Dr. Gary Vroegindewey who was present.

•  Committee Reports

Dr. Lemonds read each of the following reports submitted by committee chairs who were not present.

a) Webmaster's Report

C. Trenton Boyd, Webmaster, contributed the following report:

“There were some challenges in keeping the website updated during the past year, but the problems have been eliminated and everything should be on track for next year.

Kate Anderson, a clinical librarian, and now working part time at the Veterinary Medical Library, has had web page design training. She has most graciously agreed to help with the AVMHS website. The advantage is that she can make changes and we can then ask the College's IT Department to post her revisions to the web page on the server. Prior to this, it was necessary to make an appointment with the IT Department to discuss changes we wanted to make to the webpage. They would then do the work at their convenience, since it was being done gratis.

Susanne Whitaker, Kate Anderson and I are in agreement that the website needs to be totally revamped. The three of us had planned to meet at the Medical Library Association annual meeting in May to discuss design changes to the website. However, a medical emergency in Susanne's family prevented her from attending the meeting. Still we are hopeful that we can communicate with each other during the upcoming months to discuss ways to enhance the appearance and information on the website.

AVMHS members are encouraged to submit ideas for the website. Also, if someone else would like to take over the website, I am more than happy to relinquish control.

Dr. Robert C. McClure resigned as co-webmaster during the past year. I would like to suggest that Kate Anderson's name be added to the site as a contact person regarding the web content.”

•  Smithcors Student Essay Competition Committee Report

Prof. Diana K. Davis, Chair, submitted the following report. Drs. Raffeale Roncalli, Debbie Ladry, Wolfgang Jöchle served as members and judges.

“The Smithcors Veterinary History Student Essay Contest Committee consisted, for 2005-2006, of Susanne Whitaker, Phyllis Larsen and Diana Davis, chair. The Committee solicited essays from students at all the veterinary colleges in North America this year with letters sent to Deans, Librarians, and students. Students received a personal e-mail message about the contest as well. The e-mail notification was coordinated by SCAVMA president Zenny Ng at Cornell. Posters were also sent to all schools to be placed in high visibility locations. A new series of web pages was created by Diana Davis specifically for the contest and may be viewed at: www.utexas.edu/depts/grg/davis/AVMHS/AVMHSEssay.htm .

We received 12 essays this year, most of very good quality. Our judges were Debbie Ladry, Raffaele Roncalli, and Wolfgang Jöchle. The judges did an excellent and timely job (even in the face of personal difficulties). They should all be commended. Results were in by 29 June 2006 and the winners identified by 30 June 2006.

The first place essay this year was: "Cats are not Small Dogs: The Emergence of Feline Medicine" by Amy Lynn at Cornell.

The second place essay was "The Age of Veterinary Specialization" by David Gardiner at Cornell.

The third place essay was "From 1946 to the Present - NASA's Contribution to the Veterinary Medical Sciences" by M. Bourgeois at the University of Florida .

The committee looks forward to next year's competition and hopes to increase the number of submissions. The competition deadline for next year has been moved up by a month. Any suggestions for how to do so are most welcome!”

c. Liaison to World Association for the History of Veterinary Medicine (WAHVM) Report

Prof. Susan D. Jones, WAHVM Liaison, contributed the following report:

“The XXXVII International Congress of the World Association for the History of Veterinary Medicine will be held September 22-24, 2006, in Leon , Spain . Just as we held our AVMHS meeting during the World Congress last year, the Spanish National Congress on Veterinary History will also take place simultaneously. The officers of the WAHVM and the Veterinary Faculty at Leon cordially invite all AVMHS members to attend. Our liaison to the WAHVM, Dr. Susan Jones, will be presenting a paper and representing the AVMHS at the Congress. She has also been invited to present a lecture to the Veterinary Faculty of University of Austria in Vienna prior to the Spanish meeting. Dr. Jones invites AVMHS officers and members to send her information that she will use to report on the AVMHS' activities at the Congress. Her email address is: jone0996@umn.edu .”

Dr. Roop mentioned a need to get more news from WAHVM.

d. Committee on Students Report

Dr. Lemonds summarized the following report submitted by Dr. Phyllis H. Larsen, Acting Chair.

“Background

At the Annual Meeting of the AVMHS at Minneapolis in July of 2005, the members asked for a committee to further more student interest in veterinary history.

Such a request has happened many times at annual meetings.  In 1990, Dr. John Mulder surveyed the colleges to learn how much they were doing to reach students with veterinary history.  In 2000 his survey was repeated by the Education Committee chaired by Dr. Charles Hendryx.  The most lasting effort to reach students has been the J. F. Smithcors Student Veterinary History Essay Contest.  It was established in 1991 with Dr. Robert Shomer as organizer of the contest with a prize winner in 1992. The contest was chaired for several years by Dr. Shomer, continued by Dr. Sidney Ewing through 2005, and is currently led by Dr. Diana Davis.

To further the annual meeting request in 2005, President David Williams appointed Dr. Phyllis Larsen as temporary chair of a student committee with the task of offering an additional structure that would reach more students.  After talking with a variety of people, she gives this report and proposes that the AVMHS approve this plan as a start toward a more effective relationship with modern students in veterinary colleges.

AVMHS Student Relations Plan

The AVMHS would have two bodies with the specific charge of working toward greater student interest in the changes that have occurred in the art and science of veterinary medicine over time, i.e. to foster student interest in veterinary history.  One would continue to be officially  named “The J.F. Smithcors Student Veterinary History Essay Contest” Committee (Student Essay Contest Committee, for short).  It would continue to organize the contest, judge the essays, award prizes, and use various means to make the contest better known and more rewarding.  It is not this report's purpose to describe how that committee would carry out its duties except to describe its relationship to a proposed new body, the American Veterinary Medical History Society's Student Connections Panel

AVMHS Student Connections Panel

Its responsibility would be to provide the AVMHS with multiple concrete ways to reach more students with veterinary history. Its membership would vary as needs, opportunities, and ideas appear.  At the outset, the following roles to be filled are suggested:

1.  A chairperson to facilitate communication among panel members and keep the Society informed of the Student Connections Panel's actions, needs, and ideas.

2. A common member to connect the Student History Essay Contest with the Student Connections Panel.

3. At least two student members, one of whom would gather news about history-related activities by students for dissemination by AVMHS.

4. A current faculty member to search the veterinary colleges for faculty members who use various ways to help students see changes in the profession over time, and who would be willing to mentor students interested in pursuing veterinary history including those considering entering the Student History Essay Contest.

5. A member to relate to state VMA historians and others with interest in state or local veterinary history, including museums in their states.

6. A member who will seek out history-aware individuals in specialty groups, species practice associations, or other organizations related to veterinary medicine.

7.  One or more panel members to find connections to students in othercountries.

Initial Volunteers for the Panel

1.  Dr. Diana Davis, current chair of the Student History Essay Committee would like to serve as the initial common member of it and the panel.  She  wants especially to see the panel create more student-oriented material to put online.

2. Tya Harris (TUS-07), who took part in the 2006 AVMHS Annual Meeting, is willing to serve as a student member on this panel.

3. Dr. Howard Erickson, who injects history into his physiology lectures at Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine, would be interested in being a panel member.

4. Dr. Phyllis Larsen would be willing to look for history-aware individuals in other organizations by plumbing directories, convention programs and professional journals.

5. Dr. Susan Jones, the AVMHS Representative on the Liaison Committee of WAHVM, is willing to serve as international eyes and ears.

If an AVMHA Student Connections Panel is approved, the incoming AVMHS President is encouraged to appoint these individuals to it, along with a chair to get it going before the 2006-2007 academic year takes off.”

Dr. Moore felt that something needs to be done to encourage student appreciation for history and participation in the Society's activities. He made a motion to refer the report to the Board for action. It was seconded by Dr. Erickson. The motion passed.

e. AVMHS 2006 Booth Committee Report

Dr. Phyllis Larsen and Susanne Whitaker (coordinator) worked together on the 2006 booth as follows:

“This year's theme focused on 15 years of winners of the Smithcors Student Veterinary History Essay Contest.  Dr. Larsen sent inquiries to each of the past contest winners and received a number of replies with information about what they have been doing since graduation, including maintaining their interests in history and/or writing.  Many winners also sent photographs.   In addition, photos were obtained of the committee chairs and judges from David Williams and an informal photo of Dr. and Mrs. Smithcors was shared by Mrs. Smithcors.

An exhibit was prepared that includes copies of photos of committee chairs, judges and winners for which pictures or illustrations from their published essays were available.  These materials will be displayed on a professional 6' by 4' exhibit system on loan from the Cornell University Veterinary Library.  An "album" was also prepared with background information about the contest.  A separate page was allocated to each of the committee chairs, judges, and all winners.  This album can serve as a historical record for the essay contest after the booth exhibit.”

10. Amendment to the Constitution and Bylaws

No Bylaws changes were submitted for consideration.

11. Election of Officers and Directors

Dr. Lemonds served as chair of the Nominating Committee (that also consisted of Dr. Phyllis Larsen) and proposed the following slate of officers and board members for 2006-2007:

Officers

President---Dr. Gary Vroegendewey

President Elect---Dr. Zbigniew Wojcinski

Past President.---Prof. David Williams

Secretary/Treasurer---Susanne Whitaker

Board

One year

   Dr. Debbie Ladry

    Dr. Linda K. Schlater---replaces Dr. Wojcinski for 1 year term

Two Years

    Dr. Howard Erickson

    Dr. Gary Roop

WAHVM Liaison (4-year term)

Dr. Susan Jones

There were no nominations from the floor. Dr. Moore moved that the slate be approved by acclamation.

12. Unfinished Business

There was no Unfinished Business.

13. New Business

Dr. Phyllis Larsen contributed the following proposal for discussion and consideration:

“Some time ago Dr. Paul Pion, the President and co-founder of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), offered our society an opportunity to appear on VIN on a regular basis. His idea called for the AVMHS to provide short, timely bits of veterinary history for users of VIN to encounter as they look for up-to-date veterinary information for their own needs. I included the possibility of such exposure in the “News and Comment” column of the November 2004 issue of Veterinary Heritage. As far as I know, no examination of this opportunity has yet been undertaken by the AVMHS.

I suggest that AVMHS now see whether it can still take advantage of this free chance to reach veterinarians who might think that they have any interest in veterinary history. You can find greater detail at www.VIN.com .”

Dr. Moore thought this was an excellent idea if the facts can be compiled, but did not elaborate on how it might be accomplished. Dr. Erickson also felt that the historical facts would be well received. President Vroegindewey indicated that the VIN Web network has about 20,000 users with readily available content. Dr. Vroegindewey made a motion to pursue future collaboration with VIN. Dr. Moore seconded and the motion passed.

14. Adjournment

The business meeting was adjourned at 9:55am.

Respectfully submitted,

Susanne Whitaker
Secretary/Treasurer, AVMHS
August 11, 2006

2005– 2006 Officers and Committees

OFFICERS:

PRESIDENT
Prof. David J. Williams
School of Veterinary Medicine
Purdue University
G226 Lynn Hall
West Lafayette, IN 47907-1245
Ph. 765-494-1156 (Office)
Fax: 765-494-6197
Email: djw@vet.purdue.edu

PAST PRESIDENT
Dr. Raffaele A. Roncalli 
29 Louise Drive
Milltown, NJ 08850 
Ph: 732-940-4070 (Home)
Fax: 732-940-7881  
Email: r.ron@att.net

PRESIDENT – ELECT
Col. Gary Vroegindewey
DVM Director, DOD Veterinary Service Activity
5109 Leesburg Place
Skyline Building 6, Suite 686
Falls Church, VA 22041-3258
Ph: 703-681-3062 (Office)
Fax: 703-681-3059
Email: gary.vroegindewey@us.army.mil

SECRETARY – TREASURER
Susanne K. Whitaker
23 Wedgewood Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850-1064
Ph: 607-253-3499 (Office)
Ph: 607-257-9248 (Home)
Fax: 607-253-3080
Email: skw2@cornell.edu

BOARD MEMBERS:
C. Trenton Boyd (term through 2006)
Veterinary Medical Library 
218 Veterinary Medicine
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211-5120
Ph: 573-882-2461 (Office)
Fax: 573-882-2950
Email: boydT@missouri.edu

Dr. Debbie T. Ladry (term through 2007)
1431 Rang Centre
Garthby GOY 1BO
Quebec, Canada
Ph: 418-458-1145
Email: lucdebbi@globetrotter.net

Dr. J. Alford (“Al”) Moore (term through 2006)
5534 Green Timbers
Humble, TX 77346-1948
Ph: 281-852-2395
Email: VETAL@aol.com

Dr. Zbigniew W. Wojcinski (term through 2007)
4782 Northgate Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Ph: 734-424-9601 (Home)
Ph: 734-424-9703 (Office)
Email: zwwojcinski@comcast.net

COMMITTEES:

COMMITTEE ON STUDENTS
Dr. Phyllis Hickney Larsen, Acting Chair

FINANCE COMMITTEE
Susanne Whitaker, Acting Chair
23 Wedgewood Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850-1064
Ph: 607-253-3499 (Day - Office)
Ph: 607-257-9248 (Evening – Home)
Fax: 607-253-3080
Email: skw2@cornell.edu

Members:
Dr. Charles (Mac) Larsen
Dr. (Brig. Gen.) Thomas Murnane
Prof. David J. Williams

NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Dr. Leo L. Lemonds

SMITHCORS ESSAY CONTEST
Dr. Diana K. Davis, Chair  
Department of Geography
1 University Station A3100
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
Ph: 512-232-1579
Fax: 512-471-5049
Email: geovet@mail.utexas.edu

Members:
Dr. Sebastian Heath
Dr. Raffaele A. Roncalli
Dr. J. F. Smithcors

VETERINARY HERITAGE
Prof. David J. Williams, Managing Editor
School of Veterinary Medicine
Purdue University
G226 Lynn Hall
West Lafayette, IN 47907-1245
Ph. 765-494-1156 (Office)
Fax: 765-494-6197
Email: djw@vet.purdue.edu

Members:
Dr. Susan Jones
Dr. Debbie T. Ladry, News & Comment Contributor
Dr. Phyllis Larsen
Dr. Phil Teigen

LIAISONS:

LIAISON TO WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR THE HISTORY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (WAHVM)
Dr. Susan Jones, Chair
EEB Department
100 Ecology Building
University of Minnesota
1987 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108
Ph: 612-624-9636
Fax: 612-624-6777
Email: jone0996@umn.edu

LIAISON TO EASTERN VETERINARY HISTORY SOCIETY (EVHS)
Dr. Phyllis Larsen
1675 Ellis Hollow Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
Ph: 607-539-6181 (Home & Fax)
Email: cml7@cornell.edu

SPECIAL PROJECTS:

MUSEUM PROJECT
Dr. Robert McClure
University of Missouri
101 Bingham Road
Columbia, MO 65203-3577
Ph and Fax: 573-449-4497
Email: mcclurer@missouri.edu

Mr. Trenton Boyd
Veterinary Medical Library 
218 Veterinary Medicine
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211-5120
Ph: 573-882-2461 (Office)
Fax: 573-882-2950
Email: boydT@missouri.edu

Dr. Harold Davis
Mountain West Animal Clinic
410 S. 450 West
Springville, UT 84663
Ph: 801-489-9676
Email: solovet@juno.com

WEBMASTER
C. Trenton Boyd
Veterinary Medical Library 
218 Veterinary Medicine
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211-5120
Ph: 573-882-2461 (Office)
Fax: 573-882-2950
Email: boydT@missouri.edu