Theilen Tribute Symposium


The Theilen Tribute Symposium honors the visionary, "One Medicine," career of Gordon H. Theilen, DVM, ACVIM (oncology) upon the occasion of his 80th birthday. Theilen is considered one of veterinary oncology's most prolific and internationally appreciated forefathers. Theilen contributed diverse pivotal research in cancer virology, initiated the first veterinary clinical oncology service, contributed the world's first reference textbooks, Veterinary Cancer Medicine, and mentored many who became leaders in their respective fields, touching millions of lives worldwide.

Theilen based his research and teaching career at the University of California, Davis where he was influential in the growth of the veterinary and medical facilities. His research work and visionary philosophy attracted top comparative oncology and research scientists for both the medical school and the veterinary school. As Professor Emeritus at UC Davis, Theilen remains active in the American Kennel Club, leads his champion Brittanys in field trials, and is responsible for advancing Brittany Spaniel genomics research at UC Davis. The Tribute Symposium, is being held May 30-June 1, 2008 in Valley Hall, the first "green" building at the University of California, Davis Campus.

Internationally known researchers and clinicians will assemble at UC Davis to review, share information, and to collaborate during the Scientific Program titled, "50 Years of Cancer Research: How Close Are We to Cure?" Speakers will review significant and breakthrough research, discuss cancer genomics, and therapies for the future. The Theilen Tribute Symposium creates a unique opportunity for many leading researchers and clinicians to hear and collaborate with one another. The Keynote Speaker is Max Essex, DVM, Ph.D., Harvard School of Public Health, reveals his research path, "From Feline Leukemia Virus to AIDS in Africa." Niels Pederson, DVM,Ph.D. will host the Tribute Dinner.

We thank our sponsors who made the TTS possible. We thank the devoted staff at www.cancer-therapy.org for creating the opportunity for the world to read the thoughtful manuscripts and we thank www.CliniciansBrief.com for including selected TTS abstracts in their Capsule series for their June and July, 2008 issues

The Theilen Tribute Symposium pulls various bio scientists together under the One Medicine philosophy. The wrap up collaborative session will generate a forward looking statement on cancer, which will be independent of the UC Davis faculty. This "Think Thank" exchange, and the vast research work that flourishes, may ultimately help to move the field a bit faster and farther to arrest cancer's fatal agenda.

Alice Villalobos, DVM,
Organizing Chair, Theilen Tribute Symposium
Animal Oncology Consultation Service and
Pawspice, Woodland Hills, Hermosa Beach, CA
dralicev@aol.com

Richard Vulliet, DVM, Ph.D.
UC Davis Faculty Chair, Theilen Tribute Symposium
Cytotherapeutics and Stem Cell Research, UC Davis
prvulliet@ucdavis.edu