12 Aspiring Veterinarians Receive an Introduction to Specialty Medicine at our 2nd Annual Summer Program

In July, CUVS held its second annual Summer Program for students interested in learning more about veterinary specialty medicine. A group of twelve high school and early college students from Connecticut and New York spent a good portion of each day here with us, learning, observing and getting a deeper look into the world of veterinary specialty medicine.

For two weeks, these aspiring veterinarians and technicians attended lectures presented by our specialists, our technicians and one of our referring general practitioners. They shadowed the doctors and technicians on clinics in Emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Ophthalmology and Surgery, and they experienced some hands-on "in the field" time with our distinguished specialists. Additionally, many staff members brought their own animals in for the students to practice basic hands-on techniques!

We hope that the photos below will give our readers a sense of the students' time here!

Dr. Nolan Zeide from Bulls Head Animal Hospital in Stamford, CT delivers a lecture on veterinary general practice. 

The kids enjoying Dr. Nolan's dog and co-presenter, Vader

First day surgery clinics experience with Zoe, Matthew & Lindsay

Watching a patient's surgery prep

Observing in the ECC

Kayla and Brittany with a patient following diagnostic testing

Learning from criticalist, Dr. Alex Rousseau

Taking Cricket's pulse

Kayla examines Cricket.

Matthew checking Cricket's heartbeat

The students attended a hands-on bandaging lab and practiced on each other

Their handiwork

They're pros!

Checking on a patient in recovery

Preparing to observe surgery with extern Tricia

Getting ready to listen to her heartbeat

Trying it out on themselves too!

GIANT cake and parent ceremony to celebrate the completion of their two weeks

We were fortunate enough to also get the perspective of one of the students after the two weeks were over. Matthew Katz, 16 described his experience at CUVS:

"When I learned about the Cornell University Veterinary Specialists summer camp, I thought it would be a good experience. It would help me get into a college and I might learn a few things along the way. However, I was way wrong. Participating in this program was the best decision I ever made. 
 The first day I was there, I was told I would be watching a surgery. “WHAT?!” I exclaimed. Seeing Atlas (the dog) limp into surgery, whimpering with each step, I knew that helping animals is what I want to do for the rest of my life. 
 This program gave the opportunity to experience pet care first hand. I want to thank all of the doctors and technicians for being so welcoming and answering all of my questions.  Because of this program I know how I want to spend the rest of my life.  And not many 15 year olds can say that."

Thank you to Matthew, and to all the students who participated in our program. Thank you also to our specialists and techs and Dr. Zeide for making the experience informative, helpful and memorable for our students!