The 1996 Merck AgVet Award for creativity in teaching went to David Hird, professor of medicine and epidemiology at UC Davis and director of the School of Veterinary Medicine's Office of International Programs, for his program in international veterinary medicine. The program, which includes new seminars and field studies courses and sponsored cooperative research programs, promises to improve understanding of animal health and production issues as it fosters and sustains relationships between UC Davis professional students and their colleagues from other nations.