2019 Boiler Vet Camps Fascinate Participants

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s 12th annual Junior Boiler Vet Camp and 10th annual Senior Boiler Vet Camp wrapped up last week with the end of the Senior Camp. These unique summer camps run for two weeks every June and teach junior high and high school students what it takes to work in the field of veterinary medicine.

The program’s first week is dedicated to rising 8th and 9th graders participating in the Junior Camp, which involves learning about a variety of veterinary-related topics through sessions such as “Cud It Out”, “Fish Need Doctors Too”, and “Equine Treadmill and Bronchoscopy”, as well as opportunities to interact with many different species of animals. One junior camper from Kentucky said the chickens were his favorite part, while another said it was interesting to learn that cows had four stomach chambers.

During the second week, the Senior Camp, for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, focuses on subjects like surgery and anesthesia, as well as on learning what goes into a strong veterinary school application. A big part of the Senior Boiler Vet Camp happens on day one, when campers are placed in groups, and each group receives their camp dog to care for throughout the week. They also have the opportunity to observe and identify blood cells, learn to administer a canine physical exam, and much more. This year, six of the campers adopted the camp dogs that they bonded with during the week!

Boiler Vet Camp is a highly selective program, only accepting about 20% of applicants each year. When asked about getting into Boiler Vet Camp, one of the campers shared how shocked and excited she was when she found out she had been accepted, while others nodded in agreement. They said they found the summer camp to be a great opportunity for exposure to what professionals in the field of veterinary medicine really do.

Writer(s): Maya Sanaba, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week we offer a very special “Paws Up” to Dr. Kathy Salisbury as she nears retirement as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and concludes a remarkable career during which she gave more than 40 years of dedicated and steadfast service to the veterinary profession, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Purdue University.

Petula the Papillon: from Heartache to Healing and Beyond

Our series of articles about animals and their owners who’ve found help and healing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital continues as we share the story of Petula, the Papillon. Ann Bruno will never forget the moment her Papillon puppy, Petula, jumped out of the bath and landed wrong. In an instant, her young agility partner could not put weight on her leg. Ann’s heart sank. Petula was more than a beloved companion. She was already in training for agility competitions, and Ann was determined to do everything she could to get her back on track.

2025 Purdue Veterinary Conference to Feature Top-Level Continuing Education and Events

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is set to host the 2025 Purdue Veterinary Conference September 16–20, and registration is open! The annual event held on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus brings together veterinary professionals, educators, students, and industry partners for a week of continuing education complete with opportunities for practical learning, collaboration and networking.

In Memory: Dr. Jennifer Anderson-Schmeltz (PU DVM 2009)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a member of the Purdue DVM Class of 2009, Dr. Jennifer Anderson-Schmeltz, of Mishawaka, Indiana, who died June 13 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 42.