A longtime tradition marking the start of the new academic year for the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine continued this year when the college held the annual Stethoscope Event. The program August 30 in the Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom featured dinner, remarks by event sponsors, and the presentation of complimentary stethoscopes to first year veterinary students and veterinary nursing students in the VN Class of 2025.
“This Stethoscope-themed Celebration has become an important, time-honored tradition for our College,” Dean Willie Reed said as he began the evening event, which officially welcomes new veterinary nursing and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students into the college. He then introduced representatives of the sponsors — Patterson Veterinary, the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association, and the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.
After dinner was served, each of the sponsor representatives had the opportunity to share words of wisdom with the students. “We greatly appreciate our partnerships with the IVMA, PVAA, and Patterson Veterinary, and their support of our students,” Dean Reed said upon returning to the podium.
“In many ways, tonight’s event is a picture of the teamwork that is so vital to the success of the veterinary medical profession,” Dean Reed continued. “As you progress through your education here, I hope you feel like you really are part of a team, working and learning together with your fellow students, and witnessing the teamwork modeled by our faculty and staff as well as our partner organizations.”
Noting that Purdue Veterinary Medicine is one of only four veterinary colleges in the United States with both a DVM program and a veterinary nursing program, Dean Reed said, “We do indeed educate the entire veterinary team, including veterinary nurses, veterinarians, interns and residents. You will gain a lot of hands-on experience as part of your coursework and your rotations in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. And you will have the opportunity to start using your stethoscopes right away!”
At that point, Dean Reed invited Dr. Chad Brown, director of the Veterinary Nursing Program, to the stage to help with the presentation of stethoscopes to the veterinary nursing students. The students were called forward individually to receive their stethoscopes and have their photo taken with Dean Reed. Then, Dr. Jim Weisman, assistant dean for clinical education, called the names of each of the DVM students, who came forward to accept their stethoscopes and join Dean Reed for a photo.
After all the stethoscopes had been presented, Dean Reed returned to the podium and congratulated the students. “Now students, look at all of you with your shiny new stethoscopes,” Dean Reed said. “Doesn’t that help you feel like your dreams are beginning to come true?” Dean Reed then offered his own words of advice. “ Enjoy this moment and make the most of the opportunities you will have here at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine during the coming months and years. I am confident that you will forge life-long friendships that will enrich your career in veterinary medicine for years to come.”
Following the program, the students stepped outside for group photos and lots of candid photo ops.
