PROGRAMS AT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday November 12th, 2011 evening
“Genetics & Genomics of the Domestic Dog”
Presented by Mark Neff Ph.D
Director, Program for Canine Health and Performance; Associate Professor, Center
for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology; Head, Laboratory of
Neurogenetics and Canine Behavior. Dr. Neff received his Ph.D. in
Biological Sciences in yeast genetics from the University of Virginia
and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in canine genetics and genomics
at the University of California, Berkeley. Most recently, he
served as Associate Director of the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at
the University of California, Davis. Dr. Neff joined VARI as scientific
investigator and Director of the newly established Program for Canine
Health and Performance across both VARI and the Translational Genomics
Research Institute in 2009.
Van Andel Institute is committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and
future generations through disease research and science education.
Cancer research is our primary focus, but studies branch out into other
diseases such as osteoporosis, Parkinson disease, and diabetes. Our
researchers work to translate discoveries at the molecular level into
effective therapies for patients.
The domestication of the dog and the diversification of its breeds is an
epic experiment in biology. For centuries, breeders have selectively
bred for differences in size, shape, and behavior. Breed-defining
hallmark traits stem from alterations in the progenitor blueprint of the
wolf, and thus provide a rare context for teasing out the mechanisms
that have driven the evolution of mammalian form and function. Moreover,
the role of dogs in society has also created a chance to explore the
basis of complex disease. The dog naturally suffers the same disease
susceptibilities that we face, from multifactorial cancer risks to
complex psychiatric illnesses. Breed populations are ideal for applying
genetics and genomics to identify causal mutations. The clinical setting
of veterinary medicine represents a simplified path for translating
discoveries into evidence-based, personalized medicine, which is
expected to have reciprocal benefits for both canine and human patients.
Tuesday November 15th, 2011 Midday
“Holistic approach to the canine athlete”
Presented by SANDY ZIEMSKI , DVM, CVA, CAVCA
Canine Rehabilitation, Acupuncture & Chiropractic Care
Dr. Ziemski grew up in
Baltimore, Maryland. After graduation fromVirginia-Maryland Regional
College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990, she moved to California where
she practiced small animal medicine. After working in several day
practices as well as the Monterey Peninsula-Salinas Veterinary Emergency
Clinic, Dr. Ziemski opened her own practice in 1997. After 5 years of
practice ownership she decided to move back to the east coast where
nearly all of her immediate and extended family resides.
While in California Dr. Ziemski became certified in Acupuncture through the International
Veterinary Acupuncture Society, achieved second level Reiki, completed
the Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation course and completed a 200 hour
certification course in massage techniques at the Monterey Institute of
Touch. She also completed the certification course for Animal
Chiropractic at Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas in 2007.
Dr. Ziemski's special interest include working with the canine athlete
as she trains and competes with her own dogs in agility, Hunt Tests
rally and obedience. The skills and special techniques have been very
useful for treating sudden injuries as well as keeping the aging athlete
comfortable and able to continue to compete
Dr Ziemeski will offer canine adjustments both before and after her presentation.
Please contact Betsy Archer for information: edarcher@hughes.net
Microchipping available during the running National Championship