Winter and Holiday Health

The winter months come with their own special health challenges. From delicious food everywhere you look to harsh weather conditions to the stress of creating a perfect holiday, the season can be challenging. Experts from University of Pennsylvania's health schools, are available to comment on winter- and holiday-related issues, including fitness and nutrition, mental health, oral health, food safety, and pet health.

Cynthia Otto

Associate Professor of Critical Care, Department of Clinical Studies.
School of Veterinary Medicine.
Director, Penn Vet Working Dog Center.
University of Pennsylvania.

Cynthia Otto, DVM, PhD, is Associate Professor of Critical Care in Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine, and Director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. Dr. Otto began monitoring the health and behavior of working dogs following the 9/11 attacks and later established the Penn Vet Working Dog Center to serve as a national research and development center for detection dogs.



Ashley Berke | 215-898-1475 | berke@vet.upenn.edu


Joan Gluch

Associate Dean for Academic Policies, Division Chief and Professor of Clinical Community Oral Health.
School of Dental Medicine.
University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Joan Gluch serves as course director for four academically based service-learning community health courses in the predoctoral program at Penn Dental Medicine, and participates in the PennSmiles education, screening, sealant and dental treatment program as well as the Oral Health Outreach Program for individuals with HIV disease. Dr. Gluch directs the Community Health Honors programs, and also serves as program faculty for the interprofessional education program, Bridging the Gaps.



Beth Adams | 215-573-8224 | adamsnb@pobox.upenn.edu


Liz Arbittier

Staff Veterinarian in Equine Feld Service at the School of Veterinary Medicine's New Bolton Center.
School of Veterinary Medicine.
University of Pennsylvania.

Skilled in all facets of general equine practice, Dr. Arbittier focuses on equine sports medicine, with a special interest in pre-purchase examinations. Dr. Arbittier has worked on Olympic/International show jumpers, show hunters, event horses, pleasure horses, and upper-level western performance horses. She especially enjoys keeping the aging sport horse sound and happy. Dr. Arbittier is certified in veterinary acupuncture from the CHI Institute in Florida. Dr. Arbittier is one of four veterinarians who make up New Bolton Center’s Equine Field Service team.



Ashley Berke | 215-898-1475 | berke@vet.upenn.edu


Sherrill Davison

Associate Professor of Avian Medicine and Pathology, Laboratory Director, Laboratory of Avian Medicine and Pathology, New Bolton Center, and agriculture spokesperson.
School of Veterinary Medicine.
University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Davison’s areas of expertise include the Veterinary Feed Directive, avian medicine and pathology and epidemiology of infectious diseases of poultry.



Ashley Berke | 215-898-1475 | berke@vet.upenn.edu


Bridgette Brawner

Assistant Professor of Nursing.
School of Nursing.
University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Brawner is an expert in child and adolescent mental health. Her research has looked at the behavior of girls in urban settings, focusing specifically on their commitment and ties to their community, as well as the decision-making behind both risky and protective behaviors.



Ed Federico | 215-746-3562 | efed@nursing.upenn.edu


Kenneth Drobatz

Professor of Critical Care.
School of Veterinary Medicine.
University of Pennsylvania.

As chief of the emergency service at Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital, Dr. Drobatz is an expert in emergency medicine for companion animals. Ryan Hospital is the only institution in the country recognized as both as Level I Facility and a verified Veterinary Trauma Center.



Ashley Berke | 215-898-1475 | berke@vet.upenn.edu