Global Engagement Launches Summer Online Series

Friday, June 12, 2020

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screenshot of Zoom meeting participants
A total of 48 participants joined in the first session of the seven-week, online series, “Global Perspectives in Veterinary Medicine.”

With study abroad plans cancelled in light of university travel restrictions this summer, the Purdue Veterinary Medicine Office of Global Engagement has launched an online series, “Global Perspectives in Veterinary Medicine.” Tailored to students, the series aims to provide a better understanding of veterinary medicine’s impact throughout the world and give participants a comprehensive view of the various career paths available to veterinary professionals by way of a virtual trip around the world.

“The recent interruptions caused by COVID-19 has limited our ability to travel, but it has not limited our aptitude to connect with one another. Overall, these sessions are designed for participants to place their career in a larger global framework,” said Director of Global Engagement Will Smith. “In these times, it is more important than ever that we work toward developing globally conscious veterinary professionals that are ready to collaborate, exchange, and engage with the world around them.”

screenshot of Hein and Kim speaking with participant thumbnail images along the top
Participants took a virtual trip to South Africa where they heard from Hein and Kim Schoeman, directors and lead conservationists of the Umkhondo Big-5 Wildlife Park.

Consisting of live interviews, presentations, and discussions on a variety of veterinary medicine related topics, the series, hosted on Zoom, allows participants to view their profession through the various lenses of those in the field. PVM students who participate in five of the seven sessions are eligible for completion of the Global Veterinary Medicine Certificate Program.

The seven-week series kicked-off yesterday, June 11, with a stop in South Africa to hear from Kim and Hein Schoeman, directors and lead conservationists of the Umkhondo Big-5 Wildlife Park, who led a discussion about wildlife conservation and medicine. Although students are not able to travel to South Africa this year, the Umkhondo Wildlife Program has found a way for students to learn about wildlife medicine and conservation from the comforts of home. They have developed a VetX Online Program that can be completed at an individual’s own pace, consisting of 20 modules each with summary quizzes to assess understanding of the subject. Upon completion, the student will receive a certificate and the option to join the project in person. Click here to learn more about Umkhondo VetX Online. Click here to watch a video on this student program.

The series continues next week in Australia with Dr. Phillip Moses, specialist small animal surgeon and founding director of Veterinary Specialist Services, for a presentation on the welfare of brachycephalic dogs. Click here to sign up for this session. Click here to view the full series schedule.


Writer(s): Allison Carey | pvmnews@purdue.edu


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