‘Vet for a Day’ will teach high schoolers about careers in veterinary medicine
PHILADELPHIA (August 1, 2022) – Aiming to encourage students to explore careers in the rewarding and dynamic field of veterinary medicine, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the National Geographic television show “Critter Fixers” are teaming up to offer hands-on demonstrations to Philadelphia and Newark high schoolers.
Dr. Vernard Hodges and Dr. Terrence Ferguson of “Critter Fixers,” along with volunteer veterinarians attending the AVMA’s annual convention in Philadelphia, will host high school students on Monday August 1 from the Walter B. Saul High School, an agricultural public school in Philadelphia with an operating farm, as well as students from Newark, NJ.
“There are few things more rewarding than introducing students to the veterinary field and helping them prepare to become veterinarians and veterinary technicians,” said Dr. Jose Arce, President of the AVMA. “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to meet some great veterinarians and understand what our profession is all about. We’re so grateful to Drs. Hodges and Ferguson and all of our volunteers for sharing their experience and expertise with the students, and to our sponsors, Banfield Pet Hospital and the Zoetis Foundation.”
The event will be held from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Saul High School, 7100 Henry Ave. in Philadelphia. After a brief orientation session, the students will be broken up into two groups – one to study and practice suturing on a pad (not any live animals) under the supervision of veterinarians, and the other to visit the dairy farm to learn about milking cows and performing mastitis tests on fresh cow milk. Students also will learn about the differences between practicing veterinary medicine on large animals compared with companion animals. In addition, the students will have access to small companion animals at the school such as guinea pigs and rabbits, as well as limited access to the larger animals on the farm, including dairy cows, sheep and goats.
For more information on the clinic or other media opportunities at the AVMA Convention, to schedule interviews, and to register as a press attendee, please contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA senior media relations specialist, at (847) 732-6194 (cell) or msanfilippo
avma [dot] org (msanfilippo[at]avma[dot]org).
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.