Dairy Health Management Certificate Program

Overview and Introduction

The concept of the DHMCP was pioneered at the University of Guelph in 1990 as means for dairy practitioners to gain advanced knowledge in dairy production medicine in a short time frame that was consistent with the demands of practice. The program was overwhelmingly successful and has since been emulated at several other universities. We are presently offering a new and updated version of the program.

The current group started in October 2002 and includes 36 dairy veterinarians from Ontario, Quebec, New York, Manitoba, BC, and Vermont.

Mission and Objectives

The Dairy Health Management Certificate Program at the University of Guelph provides intensive, science-based education to enable progressive dairy veterinarians to gain knowledge, skills, and attitudes to enhance the health, profitability, and sustainability of dairy farms. Graduates of the program will:

• Have solid knowledge of current information on dairy cattle health and performance
• Be able to evaluate health management strategies in a financial context
• Apply knowledge in medicine and economics to identify and solve herd problems
• Apply epidemiologic principles and critical appraisal of information to practice evidence based medicine
• Be seen as thoughtful and ethical leaders in the dairy industry and veterinary profession

Target audience

Veterinarians involved in dairy practice in large or small herds who:

• Want to gain a deeper understanding of health management
• Want to gain or re-gain enthusiasm for dairy practice
• Want to be on the leading edge of practice into the future
• Want the knowledge, skills and confidence to advise progressive diary producers
• Enjoy thought-provoking discussions with colleagues, experts and researchers in dairy production medicine

Format

The program is taught by leading experts in their fields from across North America, including faculty in the Dairy Production Medicine group at the University of Guelph (Ken Leslie, David Kelton, Kerry Lissemore, Todd Duffield and Stephen LeBlanc). Each intensive module lasts two to three days and is delivered in seminar format in state of the art classroom facilities at the University of Guelph. Extensive use will be made of real-world case studies and small group discussions. Abundant handouts and reference material provide a health management library for on-going reference at home. Additionally, assignments allow application of the concepts and skills in your own herds.

We are very pleased to include a web-based home study module on financial analysis. "Dairy Decision Making in a Financial Context" delivered by Dr. John Fetrow of the University of Minnesota.

Tuition and Registration

Tuition for the program is $7200 CDN which includes all seminars, materials, coffee breaks, lunches and local farm visits. The program filled to maximum capacity by the enrolment deadline in April 2002.

Travel and Accommodation

Guelph is 100 km (60 miles) west of Toronto. 45 minutes from Pearson International and Hamilton airports and is within driving distance of Quebec, New York, Michigan and northern Ohio. There are several moderately priced hotels within walking distance of the campus.

Comments from Previous Participants in the Guelph Dairy Health Management Certificate Program:

"The DHMCP is a definite asset for anyone seriously involved in diary practice. Opens lots of opportunities for new and interesting thought and work. Introduces you to many top-notch people with whom to form a lifetime network. Definitely worth the investment"
- Dr. Frank Schenkels, Shubenacadie, NB

"The DHMCP gave me a great opportunity to exchange ideas with leaders in dairy production medicine and to create a strong network of contacts with dairy practitioners and researchers across North America. Moreover, the cases and real life study herds were very practical and gave me the chance to apply many epidemiological and production medicine principles"
- Dr. Luc Descoteaux, University of Montreal, QC

"The course provides a great group dynamic that allows you to interact with and work with other colleagues and thought leaders on real life dairy issues and challenges. The course enables you to critically evaluate your own shortcomings in a non-threatening environment, and provides you with the ammunition to excel in dairy practice"
- Dr. Sjoert Zuidhof, Pharmacia Animal Health, AB