Penn Vet Receives Global Award for Excellence in Veterinary Orthopedic Medicine
Thursday, October 21, 2004
PHILADELPHIA -- Dr. Gail Smith,
professor of veterinary orthopedic surgery at the University of
Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, has been awarded the
prestigious Iams Saki Paatsama Award by the World Small Animal
Veterinary Association (WSAVA). The award is presented each year to
a clinical researcher for excellence in the field of canine and
feline orthopedic medicine and surgery. Dr. Smith received the award
at the annual WSAVA meeting in Rhodes, Greece on October 9, 2004.
This is the second time the award has been presented, and it is the
first time it has been awarded to an American.
Dr.
Smith serves as Chairman of the Department of Clinical Studies at
the School. He has applied engineering principles to the study of
veterinary orthopedic conditions of the knee, spine, and hip. His
most well known contribution is the discovery and development of a
new radiographic technique for the early diagnosis of canine hip
dysplasia. This arthritic condition afflicts more than 50% of dogs
within popular dog breeds, including Labrador retrievers, golden
retrievers, and German shepherd dogs. Knowing whether a dog will get
canine hip dysplasia later in life allows veterinarians to begin
early mitigating or preventive treatments and gives breeders the
option of not breeding it. The radiographic technique, called
PennHIP® (for University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement
Program) is used worldwide. Dr. Smith travels extensively to educate
and train veterinarians and dog owners on the advantages and
performance of this improved technology.
Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the world's premier veterinary schools. Founded in 1884, the School was built on the concept of Many Species, One Medicine™. The birthplace of veterinary specialties, the School serves a distinctly diverse array of animal patients, from pets to horses to farm animals at our two campuses. In Philadelphia, on Penn's campus, are the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital for companion animals, as well as classrooms, laboratories and the School's administrative offices. The large-animal facility, New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, Pa., encompasses hospital facilities for the care of horses and food animals as well as diagnostic laboratories serving the agriculture industry. The School has successfully integrated scholarship and scientific discovery with all aspects of veterinary medical education.
Visit us on-line at www.vet.upenn.edu