Veterinary professional students face a constant challenge in today's world to break out of the mold and advocate for humane alternatives in their curriculums.
The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association applauds students who want to make a difference and supports their efforts to make animal welfare and protection a priority in their schools.
Setting a Good Example
|
 |
|
Dr. Natalie Isaza, assistant professor of shelter medicine at University of Florida (center), and veterinary students with shelter animals at the school.©HSVMA |
Humane veterinary education took a big step forward this fall with the inception of a new surgery program at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.
Inspired by a similar program at the University of California, Davis and funded in part by HSVMA, this student surgery program helps animals at shelters in the Gainesville, Fla., area who need surgery.
Students perform vital procedures such as spays, neuters, mass removals and fracture repairs, and then return the animals to the shelters for adoption. These sterilized, healthy animals enjoy greater chances of being adopted and the students gain valuable medical skills and hands-on experience.
Making Progress with Humane Alternatives
At Morris County College in northern New Jersey, the HSVMA is supporting the implementation of venipuncture models instead of live animals in coursework. In addition, the organization is helping students there work with local shelters to place animals who have been used for teaching purposes.
HSVMA is also working with a veterinary technology school to help obtain an alternative to the cat, sheep and cow dissections that the program currently requires students perform.
Continued Support for Ethical Sources
Meanwhile, HSVMA has also been collaborating with, and providing financial support to, students at Colorado State University and the University of Georgia to develop body donation programs that will replace the need to purchase cadavers from biomedical supply dealers or shelters.
These programs provide "ethical source" cadavers, meaning they are the bodies of animals who died or who were humanely euthanized for medical reasons.
Contact The HSUS for more information on establishing a body donation program in your school.
