Welcome DVM Class of 2020!

Yes, that is correct.  Invitations for the Class of 2020 were sent to candidates on Dec, 18th.  For me, as Chair of the Admissions Committee, it is like I have been holding my breath while swimming underwater the entire length of the pool.  I didn't know if I would touch the side of the pool before I ran out of air.  We implemented an enormous numbers of changes in process including a new database and software for reviewing the applications and a new mobile app for the reviewers to record interviewer scores and comments.  This week we had the postmortem  of this year's process.  It was a difficult task, but we came through.  I am most proud or the team effort that happened. 

Book Review: Corrupted by Lisa Scottoline

Corrupted is another book in the Rosato and DiNunzio Series which I have thoroughly enjoyed, but I loved this book.  It is a great trial drama!  It has a well plotted tale.  I enjoyed how the understanding of human behavior was woven in the drama with a long story arc.  The theme of justice and what it truly means is explored and a passionate manner.   I put aside chores and more pleasurable offerings in order to finish the book.  It has been a long time since a book has kept me so engaged.  Thank you for another wonderful book, Lisa Scottoline.  What a great way to start the year.

Only Maine, Wisconsin and North Dakota Remain

I have visited 47 states of the 50 United States.  I have yet to visit North Dakota, Wisconsin and Maine.  You can make your own map of states visited here.

I'm thinking Maine looks pretty enticing and am exploring a trip to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.  Any other enticements for North Dakota or Wisconsin?


Create Your Own Visited States Map

Today was Landing Day

 

Today was the first "landing day" for 2017.  Being a professor in a distributed model of clinical education means I don't spend time making up lectures.  I help to create experience for my students through partnerships with practicing veterinarians.  My students are placed "in situ" with these partners for a two week session.  Except for exam week every 8 weeks, I get a new set of students every two weeks all year long.  They are in transit on Sunday for a Monday morning start.  I call the start of each session "Landing Day."  Travel issues, hotel issues, and emergency health issues pop up.  I wait for the students or veterinarians to text or call or e-mail.  I have talked students to the entrance of the site on a cell phone.  I have fielded text questions about wardrobe.  I have had a students who were hit by a car as a pedestrian.  Life happens.  It is a totally different set of tasks than your typical professor requiring a close relationship between faculty and students.  You really get to know each other when you travel together.  Yes, everywhere they go I also go...Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Davis, Berkeley, Duarte, Loma Linda, San Diego and Denver.

The good life is built with good relationships.

In November 2015 Robert Waldinger presented a Ted Talk revealing the lessons from a 75 year study.  What do we need to know?

Good relationships keep us happier and healthier.  

They learned three big lessons about relationships.

1. The first is that social connections are really good for us, and that loneliness kills.
2. The quality of your relationships is the best predictor of a happy and healthy life.
3. Good relationships don't just protect our bodies, they protect our brains.

So "lean in" to your relationships.  Put your hard work there because:

The good life is built with good relationships.

Veterinary Nomad

January 3, 2016

Welcome 2016

2015 was an incredibly busy year with lots of travel.  I was concerned about posting too much about my whereabouts due to concerns for security.  I had an attempted break in at my home while traveling.  Now I have upgraded my home security system with ADT alarm system and cameras amongst other improvements.   I hope to be back on track with the Veterinary Nomad blog this year.  More books, more food and more travels planned for 2016.

Welcome 2015!

I was so excited to welcome in 2015 with my fellow fans of Pink Martini, Kim Holt and Spring Halland.  We love Pink Martini, but the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a fabulous place to hear them (or any other music.  We caught a glimpse of the Los Angeles Grand Park NYE Celebration and the giant projections onto the iconic City Hall building.  We enjoyed our champagne and tailgate picnic in the warm parking garage (yeah - 70 degrees while outside was closer to freezing). 

Happy 2015!

Pink Martini is such a delight and the special guests are always, well, special.  This performance included the Von Trapps.  Yes, they are the great grands of "those" Von Trapps, as in descendants of the ones in the Sound of Music.  I recommend you check out the Von Trapps and Pink Martini's album  "Dream a Little Dream" which is $8.99 for the MP3 on Amazon.com.  If you have Amazon Prime, my favorite track "Storm" streams free.  I get goose bumps thinking about that song.  Ari Shapiro showed up to sing the reply to China Forbes "And then your gone."  China and Ari sang a duet first performed by Barbara Streisand and Judy Garland.  A group of business men from Portland flew to LA to bring their unique Blue Brothers Japanese Portlandia style to the event.  They were hilarious.  Totally hilarious.  No, truly.  Hilarious!

If you have never heard of Pink Martini, it is challenging to explain the music they perform.  Of course I was listening to them while writing this.  Looking at the genres listed in iTunes you can find a single song listed with classical, jazz, Latin and lounge and then another would be classical, African and disco.  I think I finally have a was to explain them to the Pink Martini Newbie.  They a genre-blending multicultural musical integration.  Got it?  No. Well, go listen and see for yourself.