Radio talk show features veterinarian panel today

DAVIS, CALIF. - 11/29/06 - A panel of veterinarians will be featured on live radio at 9 a.m. CST/noon EST today from the University of California-Davis (UC-Davis). The two-hour call-in program on KQED's "Forum" with Michael Krasny is featured on National Public Radio.

Talks will begin by exploring veterinary medicine's evolving role in medical science and will continue with veterinary medicine's impact on human health research.

In the first hour, guests will assess DVM education and examine how veterinary science increasingly contributes to other research sectors. Discussions will explore how the nationwide shortage of veterinarians affects the profession. Panelists include Dr. Bennie Osburn, dean of UC's veterinary school, Dr. Andrew Maccabe, associate executive director with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, UC Davis veterinary student Jessica Reltz and California State Veterinarian Dr. Richard Breitmeyer.

The second hour of talks focus on how veterinary science advances human health research and examines the scientific and environmental connections between veterinary and human medicine. Panelists include Dr. Jerry Gillespie, director of the Western Institute for Food Safety at UC-Davis' veterinary school, Jesse Joad, MD, professor of pediatric medicine at UC Davis, Dr. Kent Lloyd, UC-Davis associate dean for Research and Graduate Education, Dr. Patricia Conrad, pathology, microbiology and immunology professor, Dr. Steve Barthold, director of the Center for Comparative Medicine and Dr. Walter Boyce, director of the UC-Davis Wildlife Health Center.