The Veterinary Council of India (VCI) has directed the Government Veterinary College in Hassan not to admit students for the academic year 2013-14, citing lack of infrastructure and adequate staff members. The VCI, which awards recognition to veterinary colleges in the country, has said the college cannot admit students until it fulfils all mandatory requirements.... more »

Kansas State University’s Master of Agribusiness (MAB) distance degree program is now offering an MAB tailored to individuals working in the animal health industry. The Master of Agribusiness combines an M.B.A. and an M.S. in agricultural economics with a focus on professionals working in the animal health and agribusiness industries. Applications are now being accepted... more »

For the fifth year, Zoetis and the  are teaming up to award scholarships to bovine veterinary students. Applications now are being accepted for the 2013 AABP Foundation-Zoetis Veterinary Student Scholarships. The AABP Foundation-Zoetis Veterinary Student Scholarships are funded through a partnership with veterinarians, animal health suppliers and dealers. Scholarships are awarded to bovine veterinary students... more »

Ratio of income to debt for new vets ‘ominous’

A report by the NY Times has revealed stark increases in student debt in the last decade, with median borrowing of $63 000 per year according to the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.

This figure has not been met by increasing wages. Starting salaries have in fact fallen by 13% to an average of $45,575, with a lower total population of pets and rising medical costs resulting in too many vets and not enough jobs.

Unfortunately there are no simple solutions: vet schools need to make it obvious that new vets will face higher debt.

Vets agree that the current situation is simply unsustainable, thousands of students paying for more expensive training to do worse paid jobs just simply doesn’t add up.

For the full story visit the NY Times.

University of Surrey appoints architects to build new school of veterinary medicine

The University of Surrey has appointed leading architecture firm Devereux Architects to create a master plan for its new School of Veterinary Medicine.

The new school is one of the largest and most prestigious future development sites at the university. The building will sit within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and comprises three complimentary and inter-related buildings, totaling approximately 9000m2 – an Academic Building, Veterinary Skills Centre and a Veterinary Pathology Facility.

Visit MRCVS for the full story.

Guide by vetmed students on getting and excelling at work experience

Work experience is crucial, now more than ever as there are fewer jobs and an increasing number of applicants. Work experience shows employers you know what you’re doing in practice as well as in theory, and demonstrates a willingness to go out of your way to learn more.

But work experience doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. Sometimes finding it can be tricky, and you’re often looking during holidays (for example, Christmas!) when everyone else is.

So how do you do it, and once you find some how do you make the most of the experience? Enter the big, shiny work experience bible for vet students.

The Online Veterinary Anatomy Museum (OVAM) launched on November 20

OVAM offers free access to detailed, annotated diagrams, specimens and radiographic images. Podcasts and dissection videos will follow soon.

Throughout development OVAM made use of veterinary student curators to help build and shape the site. The benefits of a free digital museum for students are obvious, and as the museum grows it’ll become an integral, community driven learning aid.

Take a digital stroll through OVAM today!

BVA voices concerns over long term effect of new vet school

The BVA has responded with caution and concern to the news of the University of Surrey’s veterinary school announcement, which will open from 2014.

The BVA claims too many veterinary schools will lead to more veterinary graduates than there are positions, leading to highly trained, debt-addled vet students unable to find employment.

Peter Jones, BVA president, commented:
“The end result could be an oversupply of highly qualified veterinary surgeons. New graduates are already reporting difficulties in finding their first jobs with some saying that it takes 6 to 9 months.”

A new world-class School of Veterinary Medicine will be launched at the University of Surrey in 2014

The new School will embrace the ‘One Health – One Medicine’ philosophy and will include the development of a unique research-led veterinary medicine degree programme with an emphasis on research, veterinary pathology and livestock medicine.

Currently there are only seven Schools of Veterinary Medicine in the country, and the development of the eighth school will be the first of its kind in South East England.

Professor John Fazakerley, Director of The Pirbright Institute, said: “This is good news for the UK veterinary research community. The Pirbright Institute currently works in close collaboration with the University of Surrey on research that benefits animal health and welfare; we very much look forward to building on this established and growing association as the new school of veterinary medicine is launched. There is an important place for trained veterinarians in scientific research and we are delighted that the University has decided to emphasise these areas in particular.”

Throughout the next twelve month period the University will be involved with the recruiting of new academic staff, attracting the first cohort of students, and beginning building works in preparation for the first cohort of students in 2014.

For more information visit the University of Surrey.

Nottingham University teams up with The Association of Veterinary Students (AVS) to support vet trainee welfare in the UK

Working alongside a wide range of charities, veterinary organisations and School staff, the Nottingham AVS Welfare Day held on Wednesday 24 October, has been organised to raise awareness of the huge support network in place throughout the five year course.

Junior AVS Rep for Nottingham, William Bayton, explained: “Veterinary medicine can be a very stressful profession. The long-hours, busy schedule and difficult decisions can all build up to really impact the individual, which is why stress and depression is so common among vets.

“The same can be said for vet students; sometimes it feels like your whole life is a combination of exams and lectures, which is why it is crucial that the students here are aware of the huge support network in place to get them through any issues.

Student Support Officer Jane Ackling commented: “The veterinary course itself also includes modules designed to prepare students for life after graduation, from financial management to striking a work-life balance, while students also have access to workshops on managing stress, anxiety and perfectionism.

For more information on last year’s Welfare Day visit AVS.