Franklin Cardiology Fellowship created in honor of dog, cardiology resident
The owners of a dog treated at the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital have made a gift to honor their beloved dog, Franklin, and the cardiology resident who assisted in his treatment.
The Franklin Cardiology Fellowship was created in memory of Franklin Seth-Douglas, a rescued English foxhound who suffered from heart failure due to a defective mitral valve. UF veterinary cardiologists, including Dr. Ashley Jones, a third year cardiology resident, helped extend Franklin’s life and ensure his excellent quality of life, according to Franklin’s owners, Dr. Monisha Seth and Dr. Anthony Douglas.
The fellowship will extend the cardiology residency program at the UF Small Animal Hospital to include an extra year of fellowship research.
“Franklin was our sweet boy and we created the fellowship in his honor,” Seth said. “Our hope is that his legacy will inspire future research and education in veterinary cardiology.”
Gifts to the Franklin Cardiology Fellowship will enrich the cardiology residency program and will make possible new advances in the diagnosis and treatment of veterinary cardiac disease.
There are currently now over 30 university and private practice residency programs in existence, said Dr. Amara Estrada, chief of the hospital’s cardiology service.
“All are excellent in their clinical training programs, but virtually all trainees finishing these programs enter into private practice instead of academia,” Estrada said. “This has created a great void and need for academic veterinary cardiologists that is not likely to change unless the training programs adapt and shift their training focus in response.”
However, this is a difficult task when most of the funding for these programs is generated by clinical income, she added.
“This is why Anthony and Monisha’s special gift and creation of the Franklin cardiology fellowship is so valuable,” Estrada said.