Inside VMTH

Updates & Announcements

Noteworthy Around the VMTH

VMTH Staff Forums

Thank you to everyone who completed the survey — we received 140 responses! Your feedback is guiding improvements to our hospital communication strategy. We’ve responded to individual queries and will share key action items soon.

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.

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

🖥️ CT & MRI Availability – July

Diagnostic Imaging is transitioning cross-sectional modalities into the new All Species Imaging (ASI) Suites, which may temporarily limit CT and MRI slots during July. The team is working to open additional slots and will do their best to accommodate urgent cases.

Clinicians: please help set expectations with clients and rDVMs. Thank you for your understanding during this upgrade period.

🔬 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.

🏆 VMTH Staff Excellence Award:

🏆 Celebrate our staff! Wednesday, July 23 at 4:00 PM, 

📍1030 Valley Hall This annual event recognizes outstanding contributions from VMTH team members.

Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations!

House Officer Roundtable – July 23:

Join Drs. Mison, LeJeune, Burkitt, and Dale Brown for an open discussion with house officers.

🗓️ Wednesday, July 23, ⏰ 8–9 AM, 📍Valley 1030, Bagels and coffee included!

This is a relaxed space for house officers to share feedback, ask questions, and help shape the clinical training environment and experience. Faculty: Please release house officers to attend if service/clinic schedules allow.

🌐 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. 

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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.

August 2025 In-House Technician CE 

Overview Of Diabetes Mellitus And DKA With Dr. Hulsebosch

August 14^th  7am to 8am in 1043 Valley Hall or via Zoom

Male Breeding Soundness Exams In Livestock Species With Dr. McNabb

August 27^th 7am to 8am 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

• State of the VMTH Update, presented on 8/20/24.
• VMTH Prospectus 2024-25: highlights key hospital achievements, caseload statistics, personnel breakdowns, clinical trials, and upcoming facilities.
• VMTH Quarterly Communications & Marketing Report (2025 Q2): Enjoy these quarterly highlights of marketing/communications initiatives at the VMTH. For questions or ideas, please contact Rob Warren at rjwarren@ucdavis.edu.
• SVM Quarterly Communications Report (2025 Q1): See how our school is making waves across the media and SVM campus with the latest highlights. 

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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2024 – 25 Chief House Officers

Dr. Emmy Hirsch and Dr. Elise Lenske as our 2024-2025 Chief House Officers

Additional Resources
House Officer resources on Canvas

• House Officer Wellness Services (Contact Information for House Office Counselor: Dale Brown, LCSW).
• Contact House Officer Affairs co-directors: Dr. Jamie Burkitt and Dr. Amandine Lejeune.
• Contact House Officer Affairs chief house officers: Dr. Emmy Hirsch and Dr. Elise Lenske.
• Contact House Officer Affairs coordinator: Audra Johnson.

Pharmacy/Central Services

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.

• Faculty/Staff Wellness Resources
• House Officer Wellness Service
• Student Wellness Resources

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