AVMA and ‘Critter Fixers’ team up to help high school students learn about careers in veterinary medicine
(DENVER, Colorado) July 13, 2023 – Denver-area high school students interested in careers in veterinary medicine will have a chance to learn first-hand from experts: Dr. Terrence Ferguson and Dr. Vernard Hodges of National Geographic’s ‘Critter Fixers’ program and veterinarians attending the American Veterinary Medical Association’s annual Convention.
“Vet for a Day” will take place Monday July 17 from 9am-1pm MT in the lobby of the Colorado Convention Center, where the AVMA will hold its annual Convention this year. At least 30 high school students from the Denver area and about 30 volunteer veterinarians and staff are expected to participate in this year’s event.
“At the AVMA, we love to help students learn about our wonderful profession, and the annual ‘Vet for a Day’ event gives us the opportunity to partner with the great ‘Critter Fixer’ team and to give back to our host city by encouraging high schoolers who are thinking about rewarding careers in the animal sciences,” said Dr. Lori Teller, AVMA President.
“We are so grateful to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the Zoetis Foundation and PetSmart Veterinary Services for their support of this fun, exciting and inspiring event,” said Dr. Teller.
The volunteer veterinarians will offer the students hands-on demonstrations of suturing, ultrasounds, and CPR, on molds and other simulated equipment (please note that no actual animals are involved in the Vet for a Day event).
“As a partner to both AVMA and the Critter Fixers, Hill’s is excited to support the ‘Vet for a Day’ event during the AVMA Convention,” said Dr. Karen Shenoy, US Chief Veterinary Officer of Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “It is through collaborative efforts like this, that we can help create a more diverse veterinary profession and ensure it’s a profession that is inclusive and welcoming to all future veterinarians – we’re proud to support this important initiative.”
“To help build a diverse and inclusive veterinary community, it is vital that we expand exposure to veterinary career pathways and intentionally engage with young, aspiring veterinarians,” said Jeannette Ferran Astorga, President of the Zoetis Foundation. “Through our grant-making, we are proud to support the ‘Vet for a Day’ program as a founding sponsor and look forward to seeing the initiative continue to inspire and grow the next generation of veterinarians during the AVMA Annual Convention.”
“PetSmart Veterinary Services is proud to participate in the ‘Vet for A Day’ event at the AVMA this year,” said John Bork, Senior Vice President of PetSmart Veterinary Services. “Drs. Hodges and Ferguson are helping to shape the next generation of veterinarians, and we are honored to be a part of that vital mission.”
About the AVMA
Serving more than 100,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members' unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.
About the “Critter Fixers”
The Critter Fixers believe that if children are introduced to the veterinary profession early on, they will be more likely to pursue that career path. Dr. Ferguson and Dr. Hodges created ‘Vet for a Day’ to give future veterinarians an immersive look into the world of veterinary medicine. The ‘Vet for a Day’ program packs a ton of pertinent information into a fun-filled, informative day.
About Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Founded 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to science-led pet nutrition, Hill's Pet Nutrition is on a mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's is dedicated to pioneering research for dogs and cats using a scientific understanding of their specific needs. As a leading veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health. Hill's Prescription Diet therapeutic nutrition plus our everyday wellness product line, Hill's Science Diet, are sold at vet clinics and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about our products and nutritional philosophy, visit HillsPet.com. Veterinary professionals can visit HillsVet.com for more information.
About PetSmart Veterinary Services
PetSmart Veterinary Services is committed to enabling independent ownership for veterinarians across the country. With hundreds of available hospitals inside bustling PetSmart retail locations, our ownership solution is unique, and provides entrepreneurial veterinarians the launchpad to realize their dreams of practice ownership.
About the Zoetis Foundation
The Zoetis Foundation supports communities and the people who care for animals, with a specific focus on advancing opportunities for veterinarians and farmers around the world. The Foundation’s grantmaking and strategic efforts provide access to education and mental wellness resources, expand veterinary debt relief, support diversity and inclusion efforts, and enable thriving livelihoods by funding programs that help veterinary practices and farmers adopt sustainable business practices. To learn more about the Foundation, please visit: www.zoetisfoundation.org.