Featured Practice

Name:  Lori Civello,  Glendale Animal Hospital

Year Degree Received: 1988

Years at Current Location:  15

Specialty/Type of Practice: General/Small Animal

What are the biggest challenges/rewards of your practice?

The biggest challenge in practice is having the time to learn and the money to implement new techniques, modalities, and treatments in order to always be able to offer our patients the best possible care.

The greatest reward is the satisfaction I get from all the rescue work that my practice does, and being privileged enough to have started our own animal rescue (Safe Harbor Rescue). I feel it is important to give back to this profession and the animal world with the skills that God (and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine) gave me.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a DVM student at Illinois?

The many road trips with SCAVMA and OTS Grand Council were always memorable, though fuzzy (if you know what I mean!).  Freshman anatomy was an important bonding time for our class and we became very close and cohesive, especially when we would raid Jumer's happy hour on Fridays after four hours of cadaver work. Boy did we smell good

What lessons did you take from your DVM education and how have they applied to your practice?

Nearly everything I learned in school has been replaced with new information and technology. Just in the course of four years as veterinary student, I realized how quickly our knowledge evolves and can never stop. That[s half the fun of this profession, that there is always something new to learn

Were you involved in any student clubs or organizations?

We did not have nearly as many clubs as they do today, just the standard ones: SCAVMA, OTS, wildlife ward (which was very small and volunteer organized). My favorite was when Sam Quiaoit had aerobics classes for us in the Basic Sciences Building shell space over lunch.  Lots of fun!

Are you currently involved with the University of Illinois? Do you have afavorite fund to support?

I work with the Chicago Veterinary Medical Aassociation as scholarship chair and foundation president. I also proudly contribute annually to the Class of 1988 Endowment Fund.

Name:  Rosemary J. LoGiudice, DVM, CCRT, CVA; Integrative Pet Care, Chicago & Lombard, IL (Companion Animals);
Animal Rehabilitation & Therapy (Equine Acupuncture and Complementary Medicine), Bartlett, IL

Year Degree Received: 1981 - DVM; 1977 – BS, Agricultural Science

Years at Current Location: 2 months

Specialty/Type of Practice: Physical Rehabilitation and Complementary Veterinary Medicine, including acupuncture

What are the biggest challenges/rewards of your practice?
Having spent the vast majority of my professional career in equine and mixed practice as well as involvement in organized veterinary medicine (including employment at the AVMA), deciding to pursue my passion for sports medicine by becoming certified in Canine Rehabilitation (through CRI – founded by another ‘81 Illini, Dr. Janet (Barrus) Van Dyke) and then achieving my Certified Veterinary Acupuncture designation just this year were challenging endeavors. It was challenging to learn these new techniques and associated vocabularies and realizing I really did need to remember all those parts and pieces from first year anatomy! The reward is having additional tools to be able to work with my colleagues to help provide the highest quality rehabilitative and “prehabilitative” and complementary care to our patients. I never tire of trying to improve an animal’s quality of life.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a DVM student at Illinois?
Saturday morning junior year “Vaccination Clinics” with Dr. Small supervising – that speaks for itself! Visiting nursing homes in C-U as part of the OTS Pet Visitation Program. Attending several SAVMA Symposia with classmates and veterinary school colleagues – an invaluable education in networking and the importance of attending veterinary conferences. Hosting OTS Grand Council – priceless.

What lessons did you take away from your DVM education and how have they applied to your practice?
Learn all that the veterinary profession has to offer and don’t be afraid to take advantage of any opportunities that may come your way. My University of Illinois DVM education gave me the tools to learn how to learn. Every day I look for ways to continue to learn so I can be the best veterinarian I can possibly be and so I can do the best for my patients, my clients, my colleagues and my profession.

Were you involved in any student clubs or organizations?  Which ones?
I was very active in OTS, including having the honor of serving as President (“Most Worthy Master”). I also was one of the students who established at the U of IL CVM one of the first Student Chapters of the AAEP in the country. Of course I was involved in SCAVMA. After all, Dr. Small wouldn’t hear of us NOT being involved in SCAVMA, period!

Are you currently involved with the University of Illinois? Do you have a favorite fund to support?
I have been involved in the U of IL CVM Alumni Association, currently serving as President. I have been involved as a Mentor and enjoy sharing with the students, whenever possible, my passion and enthusiasm for our veterinary profession. I support OTS-Theta Club, the Deans Club and the Companion Animal Memorial Fund.

Name: Samuel M. Ristich, DVM, Indian Prairie Animal Hospital

Location: Aurora, Ill.

Year Degree Received: 1984

Years at Current Location: 19

Specialities/Type of Practice: Companion and exotic animal medicine and surgery; private zoo medicine

What are the biggest challenges / rewards of your practice?  As a progressive clinic, we strive to stay on the cutting edge of animal medicine, taking advantage of the most up-to-date technology and continuing education.  Our mission of maintaining the highest quality of care for our patients starts the minute the doors open each business day.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a DVM student at Illinois? Given the opportunity to be Open House Chairman was truly an honor.  Though the task of running this "all-welcome" event at the school was daunting, I learned the value of informing the public about the importance of veterinary medicine and the intricacies that go into caring for our diverse animal kingdom.

What lessons did you take away from your DVM education and how have they applied to your practice?  Early on in my education I learned to make the best use of the resources available to me.  Whether it comes from me, a colleague or from my education, I feel confident in providing the best available information to my clients.

Were you involved in any student clubs or organizations?  Which ones? I had the unique privilege of being Class President, Open House Chairman, and Hill's Food Student Representative.

Are you currently involved with the University of Illinois?  Do you have a favorite fund to support?  I am a member of the President's Council and regularly attend University of Illinois football and basketball games.  I support the University of Illinois Companion Animal Memorial Fund.