Farewell Ceremony for Kitasato Students Commemorates 25th Anniversary of Exchange Program

Friday, August 23, 2019

Kitasato students observe a procedure on an African Gray bird — Dr. Steve Thompson, clinical associate professor and director of Small Animal Primary Care in the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, prepares to perform a procedure on an African Gray bird as Kitasato University students, Kazuki Fujimoto and Yuri Bunya, look on and Purdue fourth-year DVM student Samantha Klutchko assists.

Kitasato students and veterinary medicine faculty and staff play water balloon toss outside in a park — Kitasato University students enjoy a game of water balloon toss with Dean Reed and PVM staff and faculty at a picnic organized by PVM’s Office of Global Engagement.

A group of fifth-year students from Kitasato University in Japan and an accompanying faculty member visited the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine for two weeks at the beginning of August. Each of the students chose a specific area of the hospital that they wanted to learn more about and spent time observing and learning for the duration of the externship. They also participated in a variety of special activities and events, including a picnic at Purdue’s Squirrel Park and a visit to the Indianapolis Zoo. On their last day, August 16, the College hosted a farewell ceremony where Dean Reed and representatives of Kitasato University spoke about the strength of the 25-year collaboration between the two institutions.

“This is a time that our college looks forward to each summer,” Dean Reed said. “This year is particularly special because we are celebrating an important milestone with the 25^th anniversary of this program.” Dean Reed added that he hoped the experience was both enjoyable and informative for the Kitasato University students. He also said he recently received a letter from the dean of the Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine expressing his appreciation for the program and his desire to keep it going for many more years.

Dean Reed stands beside Dr. Yamamoto-Samejim holding a commemorative plaque — Dr. Satomi Yamamoto-Samejim, Kitasato University faculty member, presented a commemorative plaque to Dean Willie Reed at the farewell ceremony in honor of the exchange program’s 25th anniversary.

One of the Kitasato veterinary students, Isamu Kimura, also spoke during the ceremony and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “Thank you to the faculty and staff for teaching us and taking us on visits to the zoo and the state fair!” said Isamu. The Kitasato University faculty member who accompanied the students, Dr. Satomi Yamamoto-Samejima, also made remarks and talked about her valuable experience meeting some of PVM’s researchers. She also presented Dean Reed with an etched glass plaque recognizing the 25^th anniversary of the exchange program as a token of her school’s appreciation.

Will Smith, PVM director of global engagement, then presented certificates to each of the Kitasato students as Dean Reed introduced them. Will noted that this program is one of several international externships and internships that the College has been involved with during the summer. “One of the main goals of our college is to develop globally-conscious veterinary professionals who are ready to engage and collaborate with the world around them,” Will said. “These exchanges play a crucial role in this endeavor and we truly appreciate everyone’s efforts in making this possible.”

Kitasato University students and their faculty advisor, Dr. Satomi Yamamoto-Samejima (far right) gather for a group photo with Dean Willie Reed at their farewell reception in Lynn 1192 on Friday, August 16.

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