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Ag Discovery students visit CVM,
learn about careers in vet med

Students from Ag Discovery prepare to swab a dog’s mouth when learning more about the importance of proper oral health care for pets.

A group of 20 teenagers learned about career opportunities in veterinary medicine and toured the UF Veterinary Hospitals and its diagnostic laboratories June 19 during the 12th consecutive Ag Discovery Program sponsored by Florida A & M University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The program provides exposure to various career fields in animal science and related areas, including a variety of industries, laboratories, and the UF College of Veterinary Medicine. Hands-on learning opportunities are provided in order to give the students greater familiarity with different animal species

At UF, the students received an overview and tour of the UF Veterinary Hospitals, including its diagnostic laboratories, and updates from UF veterinary faculty members about topics ranging from how to handle equine emergencies to pet dentistry and underwater rehabilitation now available to treat animals for a variety of conditions.

In addition, the students, who typically range in age from about 14-17, received information from CVM admissions director Jonathan Orsini about what it takes to get into veterinary school.

After being greeted by Dr. Pam Ginn, associate dean for students and instruction, the group heard Dr. Michael Schaer, professor emeritus, speak about career directions in veterinary medicine, followed by overviews by Drs. Jeff Abbott and Heather Wamsley and scientific research manager Nadia Clark about the clinical pathology, anatomical pathology and clinical microbiology laboratories at the UF Veterinary Hospitals.

Biological scientist Brett Rice gave a demonstration of horses running on a treadmill in the performance analysis laboratory and then after lunch, the group toured both the small and large animal hospitals.

Dr. Amy Stone spoke to the students about pet dental care and veterinary technician Wendy Davies talked about acupuncture and rehabilitation in the afternoon, with the final presentation being given by Dr. Sarah Reuss on equine emergencies and life as a large animal veterinarian.