Swine Vet, the Newest Diplomate in the ACVPM

August 26, 2005 — 

Dr. Karen Lehe, swine veterinarian in West Lafayette, IN can now add Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM) to her resume. Only 14 applicants passed the test this year, and Karen was the only practitioner. She is now recognized as an expert in food safety, public health, public health administration and zoonoses.

She had the following to say about her experience going through this process, "preparing for the exam provided me with an opportunity to improve my epidemiology skills and broaden my understanding of food safety and environmental health. I also had to dig deeper to understand some of the political issues facing U.S. agriculture. Interaction with other candidates, none of whom are in private practice, really challenged my thinking on some issues as well. Getting to this point has been challenging and rewarding and I'm excited about my future involvement with the college." She went on to say, "... none of it would have been possible without the support I received from my husband and family."

As described on the ACVPM web site, veterinary preventive medicine is an integral component of veterinary medicine and is a recognized field of veterinary medical specialization. The specialty of veterinary preventive medicine is concerned with improving animal and human health through:

• Surveillance, recognition, prevention, control and management of diseases of livestock, poultry, wildlife, zoo and companion animals.
• Prevention and control of zoonotic diseases and foodborne illnesses.
• Reduction of bites, injuries and other environmental and occupational human health hazards related to animals.
• Maintenance of the safety and wholesomeness of foods.
• Promotion of humane animal care and the use of animals in animal-facilitated therapy.

Dr. Paul Sundberg, VP, Science and Technology at the National Pork Board (also an ACVPM Diplomate), said of her accomplishment, "Karen's work to become a Diplomate in the College is the most recent example of AASV members looking forward to fulfilling the needs of the future industry. I'd be happy to talk with other AASV members that share a similar vision and that might be interested in board certification in ACVPM." If interested, Dr. Sundberg can be reached at (515) 223-2764 or Paul.Sundberg@porkboard.org.