“Imagine,” I say to you as we approach the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, “a world where animal health and human health intertwine seamlessly.” This is Penn Vet. It is not just a veterinary school. It is a pioneer in veterinary medicine.
Founded in 1884, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine is also known as Penn Vet. It holds a unique distinction. It’s the only veterinary school in the US. It originated directly from a university’s school of medicine. This close tie with human medicine shapes its approach.
Penn Vet has two campuses. One is in Philadelphia. The other is in Kennett Square. Here, students gain hands-on experience. They work with companion animals at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital. They also treat large animals at the New Bolton Center.
Penn Vet’s impact extends far beyond its campuses. It has been a trailblazer in infectious disease research. The school also excels in germ cell biology and animal transgenesis. Its contributions to comparative oncology and medical genetics are noteworthy. Penn Vet integrates research into every aspect of its veterinary education.
Since 1935, Penn Vet has offered advanced courses in veterinary pathology. These courses lead to master’s and doctoral degrees. This is done in conjunction with Penn Med.
Over 7,000 veterinarians have graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The school awards the Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris degree. It is abbreviated as VMD. It also offers a VMD-PhD program.
Some notable alumni include Ralph L. Brinster. He was the first veterinarian to win the National Medal of Science. Augustus Nathaniel Lushington was the first African American veterinarian. David Wolfgang served as the State Veterinarian of Pennsylvania. Evan L. Stubbs detected the first case of avian influenza in the United States.
Recently, Penn Vet has addressed student workload concerns. Changes include modifying clinical student responsibilities. They also limit clinic duty hours before and after on-call shifts. Rest time is ensured after on-call shifts.
In December 2023, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives considered withholding funding. This was due to concerns over antisemitism on campus.
Penn Vet faces challenges. These reflect broader issues in veterinary education. Yet, it remains a leading institution. It is dedicated to advancing animal and human health. Its contributions shape the future of veterinary medicine.