I have been working a University of California, Davis, group on fund raising for a spectacular cancer symposium at UC Davis. It is truly going to be one of a kind. Nothing like this has ever been presented in veterinary medicine in this country. Honoring an esteemed colleague on his 80th birthday is somewhat traditional in Europe but not so common in the U.S. The Theilen Tribute Symposium will be held May 30 and June 1 at Gladys Valley Hall on the UC Davis campus in honor of Gordon Theilen, the father of modern veterinary oncology. The occasion marks Dr. Theilen’s 80th birthday. Title of the symposium is “50 Years of Cancer Research: From Retroviruses to Cancer Genetics.” Important findings in comparative oncology reserach and genetics will be highlighted. Dr. Max Essex of the Harvard School of Public Health, the keynote speaker, will discuss AIDS in Africa. Dr. Theilen is a legend. He gave the world its first comprehensive veterinary oncology reference text, “Veterinary Cancer Medicine.” He also did research on cancer-causing viruses in horses, turkeys, cows, cats and primates and studied in Germany and England, often visiting other countries to help veterinarians there understand retroviruses. His students--interns, residents, fellows and post-docs--have spanned the world with their influence and leadership affecting many other related areas of veterinary medicine. Dr. Theilen has been very active in the American Kennel Club, breeding, training and showing his champion field trailer Brittanies. He has collected genetic samples from Brittanies all over the country during field trials over many years. Now this breed is the most highly understood breed in canine genetics. He was named to the Bird Dog Field Trialer's Hall of Fame in 2006, recognized in 2007 in the Brittany Hall of Fame and honored for his service as a consultant and Board Member for the AKC last year as well. For more information, go to www.TheilenTribute.com. Wishes for Dr. Theilen may be sent to Dr. Villalobos at dralicev@aol.com or to Dr. Richard Vulliet, UC Davis seminar faculty chair, at prvulliet@ucdavis.edu. Gifts in honor of Dr. Theilen, will be used to fund special scholarships to encourage comparative oncology research. <HOME>
