 readers! We are thrilled to announce that some of the 

 team will be heading to ACVIM Forum this week to provide you with conference coverage, interviews, and more. Be sure to check in on dvm360.com throughout the ACVIM Forum to see our 

As we prepare to head to Minnesota, here is what else you can find this week on dvm360.com:

SKT Telecom shared the news that it officially launched ‘X Caliber’, the company's AI-based veterinary x-ray image diagnosis assistance service in Australia, which is one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world.

 at the previous Fetch Nashville conference, Elizabeth Chosa, DVM, shared that the veterinary profession has good and bad days and it is important to remember there is a balance between them.

, host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomes Josh Sanabria, DVM, to discuss taking pride in yourself and workplace to kick off pride month.

Trupanion announced that its Veterinary Appreciation Day Awards generated thousands of nominations and almost 45,000 publics votes to decide its 2024 Veterinarian of the Year and Veterinary Professional of the Year.

The Maryland Zoo disclosed that 2 trumpeter swans (

) were born at the zoo. The hatchlings, called cygents, emerged after spending over a month of incubation in their next within the zoo

Articles

Here is a sneak peek at this week’s headlines 

Sneak peek: The dvm360 team heads to the ACVIM Forum, and other veterinary news

SK Telecom (SKT), a Korean-based technology company, has officially launched its artificial intelligence (AI) powered veterinary X-ray image diagnosis assistance service, X Caliber, in Australia. According to a company release,

 the X Caliber uses AI to analyze X-ray images of dogs and cats within 15 seconds, approximately. The X Caliber also uses cloud to store and retrieve data, which eliminates the need to install a separate server in the veterinary hospital. Veterinarians can then examine the results of the AI-based image diagnosis on a mobile device or computer at anytime. The x-ray system can also be easily upgraded and managed, according to SKT.

The X Caliber was first developed in 2022 and presented to veterinarians during the 2022 Seoul Veterinary Conference.

“With AI technologies being developed and applied to the medical sector at a rapid pace, the commercialization of SKT’s X Caliber is expected to serve as an important turning point for the advancement of veterinary medicine,” said Lee Young-won, professor at Chungnam National University College of Veterinary Medicine in a press release.

The sensitivity of X Caliber stands at 86-94%

94% for detection of 16 different abnormal patterns from abdominal X-ray images of dogs

88% for detection of 10 different abnormal patterns from chest X-ray images of dogs

86% for detection of 7 different abnormalities from musculoskeletal X-ray images of dogs

With the latest launch in Australia, the X Caliber can be used by more than 100 veterinary clinics across the country. This is a necessary achievement for Australia because of the country’s high volume of pet ownership. According to Animal Medicines Australia,

 there is an estimated 28.7 million pets in Australia as of 2023 and it has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world. Approximately 69% of households in Australia own pets, with dogs being the most common at 48%, followed by cats at 33%.

SKT is currently actively providing beta service to veterinary clinics in North America, Europe, and Asia to further expand X Caliber's presence in the global market.

SKT launches AI-powered veterinary diagnostic assistance service X Caliber in Australia. News release. SK Telecom. May 28, 2024. Accessed June 3, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skt-launches-ai-powered-veterinary-diagnostic-assistance-service-x-caliber-in-australia-302157305.html

SKT launches AI-based veterinary x-ray image diagnosis assistance service ‘X Caliber’. News release. SK Telecom. September 26, 2022. Accessed June 3, 2024. https://www.sktelecom.com/en/press/press_detail.do?idx=1544

Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people. Animal Medicines Australia. 2022. Accessed June 3, 2024. https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AMAU008-Pet-Ownership22-Report_v1.6_WEB.pdf

SK Telecom’s veterinary x-ray image diagnosis assistance service, X Caliber, provides advanced diagnostic capabilities

New x-ray powered by artificial intelligence launched in Australia

Findlaytor provides tips to successfully integrate relief veterinarians into clinics

Interview with Dr Andrew Findlaytor

For relief veterinary professionals, it can be tricky learning a new clinic and understanding policies, creating estimates, and dealing with regular clients who may not be comfortable with a new veterinarian. On the clinic side, although helpful, bringing in a relief veterinarian can mean training them to work a day in your clinic to the best of their abilities. With all the moving parts of relief work, how can it be made easier for all parties? 

During an interview at Fetch Nashville, Andrew Findlaytor, DVM, gives one of his top tips clinics can use to help set their relief veterinarian for a great day in their clinic. 

Below is a partial transcript of the video.

One [tip] I always recommend hospitals to give me a designated technician buddy, set one technician up for the day and let them know they're gonna be working side by side with me. That helps because now I'm not spending time trying to figure out how to build an estimate or finding out where things are. Another great thing is that gives me a window or access into how your practice operates. I can now ask my technician buddy, 'hey, who's the best at drawing blood?' Or if we have a fractious cat, who's our kitty whisperer for the day? All of that just makes my day so much easier.

Videos

Andrew Findlaytor, DVM, shares a tip for veterinary clinics who want to utilize relief veterinarians at their clinic

The technician buddy system

Leaders within the veterinary and pet industry are essential for ensuring the smooth functioning of their practices or businesses. Their forward-thinking approach drives expansion, fosters innovation, and advocates for sustainability in the field, consequently influencing the well-being of countless animals and their owners.

Various veterinary organizations recently announced new promotions and appointments. The following individuals are among those making career advancements:

Sun Kim, DVM, MS, DACVB, PhD, Dave and Cheryl Duffield professor, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine

The Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is taking steps to further the understanding of animal behavior and enhance the well-being of both pets and their owners. The institute recently welcomed Sun Kim, DVM, MS, DACVB, PhD as the newly appointed Dave and Cheryl Duffield Professor. With Kim onboard, the institute’s core team is now fully assembled and actively progressing or launching various research and educational initiatives.

Previously a clinical professor at Chungbuk National University (CBNU) in South Korea, Kim’s background consists of a DVM degree from CBNU; a residency at the University of California, Davis; a PhD in clinical veterinary medicine from Seoul National University; and board certification as a behaviorist.

In her role as the leader of the Duffield Institute, Kim intends to utilize her diverse skillset across clinical practice, research endeavors, and educational initiatives. Alongside her ongoing research aimed at mitigating stress in animals, she aims to delve into cognitive dysfunction syndrome, a type of canine dementia, and the human-animal bond. “By teaching, I can multiply my impact to more patients,” Kim said in a news release. “And I came to Cornell because of the opportunities to collaborate on research and partner with other clinicians to advance our work together.”

Krista Bailey, MS, director of curriculum development at Ready, Vet, Go

Ready, Vet, Go, a 6-month veterinary mentorship program that focuses on the numerous non-clinical facets of the veterinary profession, has recently hired its first director of curriculum development, Krista Bailey, MS. “Our newly appointed director of curriculum development, Krista Bailey, has refreshed our learning modules and created an even more robust mentee experience—one that’s accessible to a variety of learning styles to better support a broader range of new grads,” said Dani Rabwin, DVM, founder and CEO of Ready, Vet, Go, in a news release.

“As a college professor for the past two decades, I have mentored many biology and pre-allied health students over the years,” Bailey said in the release. “I have learned that the support they need is a combination of technical instruction, learning skills, and mostly cheerleading. They want and need to learn confidence in their skills and knowledge so they can move from classroom to application. I am so excited to be a part of Ready, Vet, Go to support the veterinary profession by providing exactly what is needed right when it is needed most.”

Ready, Vet, Go’s initiative comprises monthly thematic modules, a wide array of downloadable resources, and various community features that facilitate mentee engagement with mentors and peers. It encompasses live monthly workshops on veterinary success, intimate "pack" gatherings, and access to the Ready, Vet, Go Community forum.

Melanie King, executive field representative, American Kennel Club

The American Kennel Club (AKC), a non-profit organization renowned as the largest registry for purebred dogs globally and an advocate for canines, appointed Melanie King as an executive field representative based in the Mid-Atlantic area.

“Melanie has longtime experience with Irish Wolfhounds and Whippets. She is a successful breeder-owner-handler and AKC Breeder of Merit in English springer spaniels, and her Springers have won National Specialties. She was also the 1994 Westminster Kennel Club Best Junior Handler. She has managed large kennels and brings a wealth of hands-on dog expertise to the position. All of this will be valuable assets as an executive field representative,” said Sandy D’Andrea, field director of conformation at AKC, in a news release. “The American Kennel Club is proud to welcome her to the staff.”

Previously, King collaborated with several esteemed professional handlers such as Glenn and Rebecca Lycan, Bruce and Gretchen Shultz, the Booths, and Robin Novak. With a background as both a breeder and owner handler, King holds the record for the “Top Specialty” winning English springer spaniel to date. She possesses comprehensive expertise across all facets of animal care, including work in veterinary clinics, and overseeing operations in boarding kennels and breeding establishments.

Glenn Murphy, executive chairman of Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc

Glenn Murphy, executive chairman of Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc. (Photo courtesy of Petco)

Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc, announced earlier this month that it was welcoming Glenn Murphy, CEO of Fis Holdings, as new executive chairman of the board of directors, effective immediately. In his capacity as executive chairman, Murphy will assist the Petco leadership team in ameliorating profitability and executing strategic initiatives to foster sustainable long-term expansion. He will actively participate in the board of directors' quest for a permanent chief executive officer.

"Glenn is a proven leader and innovator with a track record of success across multiple retail sectors over the past three decades," said Cameron Breitner, member of the Petco board of directors and senior advisor at CVC Capital Partners, in a news release. "His experience driving profitable growth through periods of transition will provide great value to Petco's leadership team and the board of directors during this important period for the company."

"Petco is a well-regarded brand in the high-growth pet category with a differentiated approach that I believe is positioned to create significant long-term shareholder value," said Murphy in the same release. "In evaluating the executive chairman role over the past several months, I have built conviction that there are many tangible opportunities to improve near-term operating and financial performance and deliver attractive long-term growth. I look forward to working closely with management and the board of directors toward these objectives."

Robert E. Devlin, DVM, MBA, director of veterinary sciences, Pet King Brands

Robert E. Devlin, DVM, MBA, director of veterinary sciences, Pet King Brands. (Photo courtesy of Pet King Brands)

Pet King Brands (PKB), a manufacturer of veterinarian-approved enzymatic pet health products in the United States, recently expressed their excitement of their appointment of Robert E. Devlin, DVM, MBA as director of veterinary sciences. Devlin brings deep understanding of the animal health market, coupled with experience in business development supported by a DVM degree and an MBA specialized in business administration.

"Since joining the team in 2020, Rob has provided integral insights into the animal health market," said Pamela K. Bosco, president and founder of Pet King Brands, in a news release by the company. "His knowledge of the veterinary industry will continue to foster the collaboration of emerging trends and advancements.”

Devlin’s role at PKB will involve analyzing customer needs and driving product development and marketing strategies through shared insight. Additionally, he will offer medical and professional mentoring and represent the company at scientific and industry events.

Hall O. Cornell’s Duffield Institute takes big steps forward to understand animal behavior. News release. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. April 22, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2024. 

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/about-us/news/cornells-duffield-institute-takes-big-steps-forward-understand-animal-behavior

Veterinary mentorship program hires new director of curriculum development, opens July cohort enrollment. News release. Ready Vet Go. May 2, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2024. 

https://readyvetgo.co/veterinary-mentorship-program-hires-new-director-of-curriculum-development-opens-july-cohort-enrollment/

Sample K. American Kennel Club hires Melanie King as executive field representative. News release. American Kennel Club. May 13, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2024. 

https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-hires-melanie-king-executive-field-representative/#:~:text=The%20American%20Kennel%20Club%20(AKC,on%20May%2020th%2C%202024

Petco Health + Wellness Company, Inc. announces appointment of Glenn Murphy as executive chairman of the Board of Directors. News release. Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. May 14, 2024. Accessed May 31, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petco-health--wellness-company-inc-announces-appointment-of-glenn-murphy-as-executive-chairman-of-the-board-of-directors-302145129.html

Pet King Brands appoints Robert E. Devlin as director of veterinary services. News release. Pet King Brands. May 22, 2024. Accessed May 31, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pet-king-brands-appoints-robert-e-devlin-as-director-of-veterinary-services-302152208.html

Check out the latest news in the veterinary industry with these 5 recent position promotions

Paws and profits: The latest educational and business appointments

Columnist Marc Rosenberg, VMD, at home in New Jersey.

The first dilemma Marc Rosenberg, VMD, set out to solve was how to get his new column idea into the 

 periodical. At the time, he was not new to the media scene. He hosted a PBS pet care show in the 1980s, 

, that aired in Philadelphia for 8 years. 

Rosenberg, who was a veterinarian for over 50 years, reached out to 

 16 years ago with a proposal for a column in which he would discuss issues that veterinary clinics could face on any given day and how he would respond to them. After he waited patiently for a year to hear back from the 

 team at the time, his proposal was approved. 

“I spoke with colleagues and we always got together and everyone would say, ‘I had this client, you wouldn’t believe it,’ or ‘I’m having this issue with one of my coworkers.’ And you talk about these things, and I thought veterinarians probably would enjoy hearing about these dilemmas because that’s what they were and that’s what I titled it,” he explained. 

Since then, Rosenberg has shared his thoughts on real-life issues he has heard about from colleagues to help others within the veterinary profession maneuver situations they face, no matter how big or small. He changes names and locations and tweaks scenarios a little bit to ensure the privacy of those discussed, but the overall themes remain intact. He has covered topics including handling the COVID-19 pandemic, political discussions at work, gender isolation, firing clients, and so many more. 

Each dilemma crafted by Rosenberg has more than 1 solution, so there is rarely only 1 answer, and it is interesting for him to see the input of everyone in the clinic on the issues he presents. Rosenberg’s column has created a community that he has cherished and fostered a relationship with since the beginning. Although the pet owners and pets who enter veterinary clinics have been the same since he began his career, the ideology of the veterinarian and the staff at the clinic has changed, inspiring a few columns of 

“When I started half a century ago, the profession was almost dynamically the opposite. We always were caring for pets and we always were interacting with pet owners, but some of the topics I’m starting to address are the changing demographics within the profession, the changing values that society has conferred upon the profession, the changing status that the profession has within the community at large,” he explained. 

“I can tell you, 50 years ago when somebody met me and I was Dr Rosenberg, they said, ‘Hey, what kind of doctor are you?’ ‘I’m a veterinarian,’ [I’d respond,] and they said, ‘Oh.’ And now someone says, ‘Hey, what kind of doctor are you?’ ‘I’m a veterinarian.’ ‘Oh, really? Wow, it’s very hard to get into veterinary school. You must be so bright.’ That’s exactly the opposite from when I went to veterinary school,” he said. 

Rosenberg will continue to write his column and give back to the veterinary community through advice on the easiest and toughest topics within the veterinary clinic. He loves to sit with other professionals to discuss what is happening in their clinics or present a lecture on dilemmas to see how different attendees respond to each. Through 

, Rosenberg lets professionals know their issues are seen and heard and reminds them that they are not alone in what they are facing in their clinic. He encourages readers to always keep their professional hats on when they are at work and they will never get in trouble. 

When Rosenberg is not writing his column, he spends his retirement working on his “best super senior jump shot” for his basketball league. Although he does get injured, much like those in the dilemmas he shares with the veterinary community, he gets back up and tries again until he succeeds. The May installment of 

Marc Rosenberg, VMD, takes a deep dive into the creation of his column, The Dilemma, on its milestone anniversary

PROfile: Fifteen years’ worth of dilemmas

Elizabeth Chosa, DVM, explains the difference between belonging and fitting in

Belonging vs fitting in

Elizabeth Chosa, DVM, cofounder of Veterinary Hope Foundation, sat down with 

 for an interview at the Fetch conference in Nashville, Tennessee. She explained what belonging in your workplace can look like and provided practice managers with some tips on promoting a more inclusive work environment for everyone in the clinic.

 Belonging and fitting in are not the same thing at all. And it's actually pretty simple. True belonging is where you can show up and be your most authentic self and know that you are going to be accepted for exactly who you are. Fitting in is when you don't think you can be accepted for exactly who you are and you have to change yourself or deny certain parts of your truest self in order to try to be accepted into an environment where you don't naturally feel like you have that deep sense of belonging.

So practice managers, I think the most important thing is just to remember that we are all whole people. So look at your staff, not just as veterinarians or technicians or employees, but complicated people who have lots of different things happening in their lives behind the scenes. Who have different personalities, different needs, different strengths, different responsibilities at home and outside the workplace, and that all of those things affect us on a daily basis.

Elizabeth Chosa, DVM, explains the difference between belonging and fitting in and how practice managers can create a welcoming environment