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Dr. Janis Audin dies

Longtime JAVMA head leaves legacy, official says

Published: April 23, 2009
By Jennifer Fiala
Dr. Janis Audin, longtime editor-in-chief and face of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), died Wednesday night after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 58.

Audin, a 1979 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, had been at the helm of JAVMA and director of AVMA's Publications Division since 1995, after spending a decade working as a staff editor. Last month, she was named editor-in-chief emeritus, a title of distinction issued by AVMA CEO Ron DeHaven. 

At the time, she stated: "This distinction is truly an honor, one I appreciate especially because it allows me to continue contributing to our staff effort to ensure the high quality and world class of the AVMA scientific journals. I've considered myself an editor-in-chief in transition ever since I stepped into the position in 1995. Initially we expanded the journal format from print only to AVMA Journals Online. Then we began repurposing journal content into features such as the AVMA Collections compilations, and recently we launched the AVMA Ed online learning courses. Remaining on as editor-in-chief emeritus will help me continue working on those transitions."

Audin, according to a JAVMA article announcing her death, worked until mid-February. When she was no longer able to come to the office, she offered assistance from home, providing direction to the Publications Division. 

In a message to AVMA staff, DeHaven wrote of Audin's death: "Her contributions to the journals, to AVMA, and to the profession were profound and we will be forever grateful. Even though we will all miss Janis tremendously, let's celebrate and honor her life and realize how fortunate we were to have her known her and worked with her. Between the professional journals which she lived for and the many lives she has touched and influenced, Janis Audin's legacy will live on at AVMA."

Private memorial services are in planning stages. In lieu of flowers, Audin had asked that memorial donations be made to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation and designated for animal health studies. 

JAVMA Associate Editor Kurt J. Matushek has assumed Audin's role on an interim basis as AVMA conducts a nationwide search for her successor. 

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Information and opinions expressed in letters to the editor are those of the author and are independent of the VIN News Service. Letters may be edited for style. We do not verify their content for accuracy.

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