New facility helps students become rural community veterinarians
Published
June 3, 2011
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University of Guelph veterinary students will gain hands-on experience in treating farm animals in a new state-of-the-art facility opened today at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC).
Supported by a $2.3-million investment from the Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), the Large Animal Clinical Skills Building is helping prepare Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students for careers in rural veterinary practice.
"OMAFRA has made a tremendous investment in protecting the health of our animal agriculture industry and in Ontario's rural communities," said Elizabeth Stone, OVC dean. "Student veterinarians will develop critical experience with farm animals in a safe learning environment."
Carol Mitchell, minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, added: "Our government is proud to support the next generation of veterinarians and animal health experts. This new clinic will contribute to strong, growing livestock and agricultural industries, and support our rural communities."
The 8,300-square-foot facility will provide a bright and flexible space for OVC's large animal learning labs, allowing students and faculty to use modern technology and animal-handling equipment.
Healthy animals will be kept separate from hospitalized patients, ensuring that OVC meets requirements for accreditation by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the standards of the Canadian Council on Animal Care.
Stone said OMAFRA's investment in the clinical skills building is one of many ways that the ministry supports learning through the Veterinary Clinical Education Program. The program funds student veterinarian externships, post-DVM training and graduate programs in the OVC Health Sciences Centre, and stipends for veterinarians enrolled in the master of public health program, and partially funds some faculty and staff salaries.
"This support from OMAFRA is vital to our ability to provide high-quality veterinary clinical education and for protecting and advancing the health of animals, people and the environment, Stone said.
The Large Animal Clinical Skills Building is located next to Barn 37, U of G's historic dairy barn. A separate renovation project funded by OVC and donations has improved the barnyard and added 19 box stalls for horses. OVC and the Ontario Agricultural College both use this facility, which is the last functioning barn on the U of G campus.
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