Long-time JAVMA Editor Janis Audin dies

Schaumburg, Ill.

-- JAVMA Editor-in-Chief Janis H. Audin died April 22 following a three-year battle with a long-term illness.

Audin, 58, had served as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) editor-in-chief and director of the publications division for the past 14 years.

Courtesy AVMA

Janis H. Aldin

She was appointed editor-in-chief emeritus on March 22, not only to recognize her accomplishments, but also as a pathway that would enable her to continue contributing to the publications division and the AVMA scientific journals, according to the AVMA.

"Dr. Janis Audin's heroic battle ended last evening at about 9 p.m. with family by her side," says Dr. Ron DeHaven, CEO of the AVMA. "Her contributions to the journals, to the AVMA, and the profession were profound, and we will be forever grateful. Even though we will all miss Janis tremendously, let's celebrate and honor her life and realize how fortunate we were to have known her and worked with her. Between the professional journals, which she lived for, and the many lives she has touched and influenced, Janis Audin's legacy will live on at AVMA."

Audin continued working from AVMA headquarters as late as mid-February. When no longer able to come into the office, she went on medical leave but continued to provide direction to the publications division and leadership input to the association from home.

Audin joined the AVMA staff in 1989 as an assistant editor and became editor in 1994. Throughout her career with AVMA, she focused on broadening the global reach of JAVMA while upholding the highest standards for veterinary publishing, according to the association.

She also is remembered for the many veterinarians, editors, copy editors, designers and writers of the association's scientific journals whom she mentored.

Private memorial services are being planned.

In lieu of flowers, Audin asked that memorial donations be sent to the America Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) and designated for Animal Health Studies. Donations can be made online or sent to AVMF, Suite 100, 1931 N. Meacham Road, Schaumburg, Ill. 60173.

Associate Editor Kurt J. Matushek has been appointed as interim division director and interim editor-in-chief.