Oregon State University (OSU) will honor Dr. Kris Otteman, OHS Shelter Medicine Director, this month with a special award that recognizes OSU alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions and communities.
Dr. Otteman, classes of 1982 and 1986, will be named alumni fellow of the College of Veterinary Medicine by the OSU Alumni Association. After operating her own veterinary practice and co-founding Banfield, The Pet Hospital, she came to OHS in 2007 to oversee a new shelter medicine program and launch a teaching program for veterinary students.
The teaching partnership between OSU and OHS became the nation’s first shelter-based veterinary medicine residency and internship program. Last year, 75 veterinary students completed courses at OHS under the guidance of a full-time OSU faculty member assigned to the program.
Since the OHS Holman Medical Center began operating, more than 90,000 shelter animals have benefited from surgeries performed by the 24-person medical team. The state-of-the art hospital is equipped with three surgical suites, a radiological unit, a pharmacy, a laboratory and recovery rooms for cats and dogs. The standard of care is straightforward: OHS wants every shelter pet to receive the same quality of care as a pet owner would want for their own pet.
As part of the OSU Alumni Fellows Celebration On October 28, Dr. Otteman will present, “Innovations in Veterinary Education and the Impact on Animal Welfare” to students and faculty at noon in Magruder 102. On October 29, Dr. Otteman will enjoy a pre-game meal with OSU President Ed Ray and other Alumni Fellows and distinguished guests. Introduction of Alumni Fellows will take place on Reser Field at half-time of the homecoming game between Washington State & Oregon State.
Dr. Otteman and five other alumni will also be honored at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center during a program that begins at 6 pm on Oct. 28. Tickets are $40 for OSUAA members, $45 for nonmembers and $15 for students.
For more information on the awards event, visit osualum.com/homecoming or call, toll-free, 877-OSTATER (877-678-2837).
