Inside VMTH

Welcome to the “Inside VMTH” Site

Updates & Announcements  |  Hospital Staffing  |  House Officers  |  Pharmacy/Central Services  |  Wellness Resources  |  Comments & Suggestions  |  Contact VMTH Leadership  

Updates & Announcements

Noteworthy Around the VMTH

VMTH Updated Organizational Chart

The updated VMTH organizational chart is now available. It reflects current leadership roles and reporting structures to better support hospital operations.

VMC org chart
Click on image for a larger, downloadable pdf.
 
CVMO Office Update

👋 Welcome SA ECC Specialty Interns!

Please join us in welcoming our new SA ECC Specialty Interns, who began training on July 1st. They bring diverse international experiences and strong academic backgrounds:

  • Dr. Jeanne Bleuet 🇫🇷 – DVM, National Veterinary School of Toulouse; Rotating Internship at University of Montreal; ECC Internship at University of Georgia
  • Dr. Lucia Calvo 🇪🇸 – DVM, Cordoba University; Internship in Ireland; Emergency Surgeon in the UK
  • Dr. Corine Lavigne 🇨🇦 – DVM, University of Montreal; Rotating Internship at University of Florida (Go Gators!)
  • Dr. Olivia Taubenfeld 🇺🇸 – DVM, UC Davis; Rotating Internship at Atlantic Coast NY Veterinary Specialist
  • Dr. Demi Wang 🇹🇼 – DVM, Kansas State; Rotating Internship in Denver; continuing into her 2nd year at UC Davis

🔬 Parasitology Service Update

Please be advised that the Parasitology position is vacant as of July 7. During this interim period, all parasitology samples will be sent to reference laboratories for analysis. Thank you for your understanding and continued collaboration. We will keep the community updated as we work to restore in-house parasitology services.

House Officer Update

Over the past several weeks we have welcomed our new class of House Officers across all services. For reference, we have now compiled a roster of 2025 Incoming House Officers. The purpose of sharing this roster is to ensure our new colleagues feel welcomed and to give all of us the opportunity to get to know them better (their backgrounds, training, and the expertise they bring to the VMTH).

School Safety & Security

Message from the Dean: Please review the Dean’s update on SVM and VMTH safety measures and next steps

Highlights include coordinated work with UCDPD, phased improvements to access control, and continued incident reporting expectations.
Reminder: Do not prop open locked doors and remain vigilant with hospital access for everyone’s safety.

Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications SOP outlines how urgent hospital-wide alerts are sent during critical incidents (e.g., active threat, fire, hazardous agent(s), severe weather, major outage).

Who sends: CVMO, Hospital Administrator, Clinical Operations Administrator, SA/LA Directors or Assistant Directors.

How sent: TEAMS (VMC channel), email (clinicians, staff, residents (house officers), students), VMACS text, and VMACS banner.

Format: [Timestamp – Location – Brief description – Action].

Example: [8/8 11:00 AM] Incident in VM2 (2nd floor). Law Enforcement Activity. Please avoid the area until further notice.

IDC Protocol Update – Ward 8

The biosecurity team has updated the IDC protocol for the Small Animal Hospital. Ward 8 is now designated for patients with bacterial infections resistant to critically important antimicrobials (e.g., carbapenem-resistant E. coli, vancomycin- or linezolid-resistant gram-positive bacteria). This includes inpatients and day cases. See Appendix 7 for full details. Instructions for entering this isolation ward are posted in the anteroom. Questions: Contact Dr. Steve Epstein

AGFA Order Change:

To accommodate the new All Species Imaging (ASI) equipment, AGFA procedure orders are now entered by typing the modality (CT, MR, DX, US, RF), followed by SA or LA clinic, then the procedure. Examples: CT SA skull with contrast / DX LA abdomen. 

Some room names in AGFA have also changed. Please double-check when ordering.; see the guide (attached) for details. Contact Jason Peters with any questions.

Healthy Cats Needed for VMTH Study:

Dr. Larsen’s team is seeking 50 healthy cats for a vitamin B1 study. Requirement: one blood draw. See attached flyer for eligibility and contact details.

Wear Your Hospital-Issued Name Badge

Please wear your hospital-issued name badge at all times while in the VMTH. With new house officers joining us, wearing your hospital-issued name badge helps clients, colleagues, and others know your name, role, and that you are part of the hospital community.  This can also help maintain a safe, secure environment for everyone.

Please contact your service manager and/or Anissa Nachman if you don't have a name badge.

Large Animal Hospital Digest

UC Davis Large Animal Hospital New Imaging Center Open House & CE
  • Saturday, Sept 6, 2025
  • 9:45 am – 1:30 pm (PDT)
  • Up to 2 hrs CE credit (sessions by Drs. Aleman, Judy, and Spriet)
  • Register here

LAH Leadership Coverage

Dr. McNabb is on leave from 8/4–9/8. Dr. Julie Dechant will serve as Acting LAH Director. Please reach out to Dr. Dechant or VMTHLeadership@ucdavis.edu for needs.

Large Animal OR Attire & Hand Hygiene Policy

The latest Large Animal Clinic Digest is now available. Check your inbox (also attached) for updates on clinical services, operations, and facilities.\
A new handout for owners is in development that will outline aftercare options, including cremation fees.

🌐 Telemedicine Page: 

Our Telemedicine webpage is live. Please review the content and share with clients as appropriate. Special thanks to Dr. Dear for leading the expansion of this important service.

ASI Facility & Imaging Updates:

Progress continues at the All Species Imaging (ASI):

  • Small Animal MRI: Transition projected for early August (pending fire inspection and training).
  • Large Animal CT: Expected to begin patient intake late July.
  • Nuclear Medicine: Equipment install scheduled for July 21.
  • PET/CT: Training begins July 28.• Most furniture installed; spaces cleaned, stocked, and nearly ready.

The Diagnostic Imaging team has been working hard to accommodate urgent CT and MRI needs during this transition to the All-Species Imaging (ASI) Suites. They’ve been able to squeeze in cases wherever possible and greatly appreciate your grace and collaboration as we manage this temporary constraint. 

Reminders & Holidays

Labor Day – Monday, Sept 1

The University will be closed in observance of the holiday. Please plan accordingly for clinical coverage and scheduling.

 

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Career Opportunity in Davis


 

Career Opportunities in San Diego

These positions are excellent opportunities for individuals passionate about advancing veterinary medicine. Please help us spread the word! For more details or to apply, click the links provided or contact Dr. Mison (mmison@ucdavis.edu) or Martin Durham (mwdurham@ucdavis.edu):

Veterinary Medical Director– UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center (Southern California):
Lead the development and strategic growth of a state-of-the-art specialty referral hospital in Southern California. This role focuses on strategic planning, clinical program management, and team building in collaboration with UC Davis leadership.

Veterinary Internist (VETERINARIAN 4)- Responsible for the development, management and oversight of the Internal Medicine Service. Responsible for the diagnosis and management of small animal patients presented or referred. In addition, to assist in the teaching and professional training and development of veterinary student externs and house officers.

Veterinary Medical Oncologist (VETERINARIAN 4) - Responsible for the development, management and oversight of the medical oncology service. Responsible for the diagnosis and management of small animal cancer patients presented or referred. Additionally, to assist in the teaching and professional training and development of veterinary student externs and house officers.

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Continuing Education

On-Demand Staff CE Library

Access a full year of curated CE, including webinars, articles, and podcasts. Many are RACE-approved and free for staff. Visit our staff Canvas site to explore the growing on-demand CE library. For assistance with accessing any of our free CE accounts, contact jpnugent@ucdavis.edu.

September 2025 In-House Technician CE 

Technician CE — The session scheduled for this week has been cancelled. It will be rescheduled, and we’ll share the new date once confirmed.

 September 22nd from 7am to 8am- Blood Gas Analysis And Interpretation Part 1 With Dr. Hopper

Join us live in person in 1043 Valley Hall or via Zoom

September 30th from 7am to 8am -Anesthetic Management of the Critical Equine Colic With Dr. Flynn

Join us live in person in 1043 Valley Hall or via Zoom

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Facilities/Construction

 

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Reminders

  • Patient Transport Reminder: Policy Reminder: All patients must use elevators when moving between floors — walking or carrying animals on stairs is not permitted. This helps prevent injuries and ensures safety for patients and staff.
  • Lab Updates: Moving forward, we will begin using the VMACS Bulletin to send updates regarding modified hours rather than via email.
  • Mobile Student Assessment App Now Live: After a successful pilot program with five clinical services, we are rolling out the mobile application for direct student assessments across the VMTH. This tool will enhance real-time evaluations and streamline feedback. See the attached email from Dr. Watson for details.
  • Cardiology consults are available Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM; urgent cases will be triaged. Bring consult forms to 103 VM2 and include contact info & patient weight. After-hours consults should go through the on-call cardiology resident. For questions on cardiology referrals, contact Dr. Ames (mkames@ucdavis.edu).
  • SA Ultrasound: Two additional midday time slots have been added. Oncology & Internal Medicine slots remain. Please remove patient info at least one hour before the appointment time if a slot will not be used.
  • Pet Loss Support Group: The Pet Loss Support Group is now being offered By Zoom on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM. Postcards with information are available at all receptions.
  • DOSS Consultation Requests: Services requesting an in-house consultation from the DOSS should follow these steps:
    • Submit a consult and text (530) 760-9295 to notify the DOSS of the request.
    • Include details such as sedation needs or time constraints for the patient.
    • The DOSS will contact the person listed on the consult to arrange a suitable time for the exam.
    • We’re happy to discuss patient-related questions, but please do not bring the patient to the service without prior notification.
  • Referrals to Orthopedic Surgery: To ensure efficient and accurate processing of internal referrals to Orthopedic Surgery, please note that all referrals must be submitted through the standard online referral process using the Orthopedic Surgery Referral Form located at [Surgery Referral Form]. For any questions or concerns regarding this process, please do not hesitate to reach out to smallanimalorthopedics@ucdavis.edu or contact Lori Kibbe, Orthopedic Surgery Service Coordinator, at lfkibbe@ucdavis.edu.

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VMTH Communications

Newsletters

VMTH Voice (internal) and VMTH Heartbeat (external to referring veterinarians) newsletters
VMTH Safety newsletter
SVM News & Events

VMTH Weekly Roundup Emails

Email Archive (BOX)

Hospital Staffing

  • Are you looking for a change in your career? Does working in a different VMTH service interest you? Stay up to date on all staff positions at the hospital on the university's job site. New jobs are posted almost every week, so check back often if you do not immediately find a position that interests you. Any questions, contact Harmony Lindberg.
     
  • Have you visited the VMTH Staff Training website recently?  Each month, there are new posts of continuing education courses, webinars, podcasts, and articles/blogs that cover a wide range of topics in large, small, and exotic animal medicine. Any questions, contact Jody Nugent-Deal. 
     
  • VMTH has seen increases in average length of service (75%) and total FTEs (25%) for veterinary technicians over the past 5 years.
     

House Officers

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2025 – 26 Chief House Officers

Dr. Emmy Hirsch
Dr. Genevieve Hughes
Dr. Jessica Kwan
Dr. Elise Lenske
Dr. Anett Szczepanek

Additional Resources
House Officer resources on Canvas

2025-26_House_Officers v2_0.pdf

Pharmacy/Central Services

Pharmacy Backorder Log
Last UpdatedDrug and DetailsCategory

8/1/25

Fluorescein Na Strips, BACK IN STOCK - New manufacturerMisc

7/31/25

Schirmer test strips - unavailable from Merck, in process of ordering from MWI, currently stocked out, expect resupply next weekMisc

7/31/25

Clavamox - all strengths of this brand on B/O.  Will order alternate manufacturers.Orals

7/31/25

Thyro-Tabs (Levothyroxine) 0.1mg tablets, B/O, out of stock - ETA 8/5/2025.  Can split 0.2mg tabs if needed during interim.Orals

7/31/25

Hetastarch -Is currently on backorder with no available alternative. There are 15 bags in stock across the hospital (including Omnicells), with some set to expire on August 31st. The expected release date is September 25th. For questions, please contact Dr. Epstein.Injectables

7/25/25

Hartman's - expect shipments to release end of next week.  Adequate supply. 

7/25/25

Phylyte - expect shipments to release end of next week.  Adequate supply.Injectables

7/25/25

Clavamox 375mg tablet - unavailable from Zoetis, generic equivalent Clavacillin in stock, but more expensiveInjectables

7/18/25

Ophthavet - on backorder, current inventory expires 7/31.  iDrop Vet Gel/Plus are available in stockOphthalmics

7/18/25

Enrofloxacin 100mg/mL *Large Animal*, 100mL vials back in stock, but finishing old 250mL stock before reactivatingInjectables

7/11/25

Ceftiofur 100mg/mL (Excede for swine) on allocation, supplemental ValleyVet order came in Injectables

6/20/25

Aminocaproic Acid 250mg/mL inj - back in stockInjectables

6/20/25

iDrop Vet Gel - on backorder, iDrop Vet Plus and alternative eye lubricants in stockOphthalmics

6/20/25

Oxytetracycline 200mg/mL sporadic, unpredictable allocation shipments arriving.  Currently 11x100mL in stockInjectables

6/12/25

Tanovea, backordered due to manufacturer delay, no release dateInjectables

6/5/25

Phenobarbital 15mg tablet - usual mfr unavailable, alternates at least 2x as expensive, client costs increaseControlled Substances

6/5/25

Tranexemic acid - usual mfr unavailable/short supply, alternate more expensive and also in short supplyInjectables

5/29/25

Phenobarbital 60mg tablet - usual mfr unavailable, alternate 2x as expensive, client costs will increaseControlled Substances

5/23/25

Morphine Sulfate 8mg/mL carpujects - out of stock, replaced Omnicells with 4mg/mLControlled Substances

5/23/25

Phenobarbital 130mg/mL Injection - usual mfr unavailable, alternate 2.5x as expensive.Injectables

5/22/25

RenaPlus Gel, 5oz - Back in stockOrals

5/15/25

Penicillin G Procaine (PPG) 300 MU/mL, Out of Stock.  No resupply expected until July 2025.  Refer to communications from LA Leadership for altsInjectables

5/9/25

Travasol back in stock (12x2L) but reorders are allocated.  Alternates TrophAmine 10% on allocation, Clinisol 15% available to orderInjectables

5/9/25

Plasmalyte A 1000mL, adequate stock currently but supplier allocations continueInjectables
Central Services Backorder Log
BackordersRef #Status
4.5FR Tracheal tube Backorder no ETA / Temp sub DYND43045
Biopsy Needle 16 Gauge 3/8 to 1-7/838-8030-16Backorder no ETA / Temp on order 8881245164
2.7mm Cannula flexible bluntCV27-BIn stock CAVS omincell / Backorder no ETA
20cc Luer Slip syringe8881520673In stock / Temp sub BD 302831
BLOOD ADMINISTRATION Y-TYPE SET Backorder no ETA / Temp 12435-02
STOMACH TUBEJ0106MGReplaced with 8890760112.
Supply news  
When placing orders with a vendor, please ensure they include your name in the 'Attention To' field."
Blood Tube, Lavender Top Lot 406151 2 ml  (8881311149) is a bad batch. Check for crystallization and precipitation. If possible, do not use.  A new order has been placed. It should arrive Monday/Tuesday.
Sharps containers are now located inside Central Services.  
The FedEx drop-off and packaging shelf is located in-side room 1041, within the Receiving Dock area.
Supply Links

Wellness Resources

VMTH leadership places a tremendous amount of importance on the emotional and physical well-being of all faculty, staff, and students working and learning in the hospital. Your physical and emotional wellness is a top priority.

Beyond the many dedicated resources the university has established, VMTH leadership will continually seek opportunities to improve your surroundings with a goal of creating an environment that is the most conducive to an optimal acceptance and well-being for all. We will continue to push for and advance mental health and wellness initiatives throughout the VMTH and beyond.

Please utilize these resources should you need assistance, and see all hospital wellness resources available.

Comments & Suggestions

Your Voice Matters!

We welcome your comments, suggestions, and feedback to improve our hospital and services. Please share your thoughts with us by emailing us at VMTHLeadership@ucdavis.edu.

Want to Add Something?

If you would like to propose any additions to this page please reach out to us at VMTHLeadership@ucdavis.edu.

Contact VMTH Leadership

Contact VMTH Leadership at VMTHLeadership@ucdavis.edu
See full VMTH Leadership page