PVM A2RC Program Draws Participants from a Dozen Universities

June 8, 2018

A2RC Teaching Assistant Edris Grate (left) helps program participants Asia Phillips and Aaron Lewis as they examine a cat. For Edris, serving as an A2RC volunteer is particularly meaningful since he attended the program as a student before being admitted to PVM’s Class of 2021.

A total of 20 students from the U.S. and Puerto Rico spent two weeks at the end of last month participating in Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s annual Access to Animal-Related Careers (A²RC) Program. The annual learning experience gives second- and third-year pre-veterinary students who are underrepresented in veterinary medicine a glimpse into the life of a first-year Purdue DVM student. The 2018 class of A²RC scholars included students from Prairie View A&M University in Texas, Bowling Green State University in Ohio, North Carolina A&T State University, Norfolk State University, Lincoln University – Missouri, the University of Puerto Rico – Piedras Campus; the University of Kentucky, the University of Florida, Tuskegee University, Alabama A&M University, Texas Southern University, and Fayetteville State University, as well as Purdue University.

A2RC participants pictured with Dr. Michael Hill

Dr. Michael Hill, PVM professor emeritus, helps Paula Lugo Loyola and Candace Moore as they gain hands-on experience examining a dog as part of their participation in the A2RC Program.

The highly interactive A²RC Program schedule included sessions that gave participants exposure to PVM’s applications & integrations (A&I) courses as well various veterinary specialty areas, such as radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging, cardiology, and emergency and critical care. The students also participated in visits to an animal shelter, swine farm, and dairy farm. Additionally they had interactive sessions involving food animal, companion animal, and pre-clinical studies. Hands-on experiences included the topics of Physical Exam and Diagnostics in the Horse; Small Mammals and Exotics; and Restraint, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics in Dogs. Other activities included the opportunity for the students to participate in mock interviews, attend the Iverson Bell Midwest Regional Diversity Summit, which was held at Purdue May 18-20, and visit Purdue cultural centers.

The A²RC Program concluded Friday, May 25, with a farewell reception in the Continuum Café hosted by the College in honor of the participants. Special thanks to faculty coordinators Dr. Michael Hill, PVM professor emeritus of swine production medicine, and Dr. Darryl Ragland, associate professor of food animal production medicine in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, once again, for their help in leading the program. A big thank you also is in order for the A²RC Program teaching assistants: Cecilia Silva (DVM Class of 2021), Chad Van Koot (DVM Class of 2020), Sofia Lopez-Valle (DVM Class of 2020), Ezequiel Montanez (DVM Class of 2020), Edris Grate (DVM Class of 2021), William Willis (DVM Class of 2020), and Jessica Linder (DVM Class of 2020).

A2RC participants gather with Dean Reed for a photo during the reception that was held in their honor in the Continuum Café at the conclusion of the two-week program, Friday, May 25.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Taco ’bout our amazing people!

With the conclusion of the summer season rapidly approaching, faculty and staff at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine were treated to a taco luncheon on Friday, August 14 in appreciation of their excellence and dedication throughout the year. Though the event couldn't take place in the Lynn Hall Courtyard as originally planned, the rainy weather that day did not dampen the celebration of the college's incredible faculty and staff.

Reception honors visiting Japanese DVM and veterinary technology students

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s partnership with two veterinary schools in Japan was the basis for a celebratory reception at the end of last week, as the college honored visiting students from Kitasato University and Rakuno Gakuen University. The eight member delegation included four DVM students and a faculty member from Kitasato University and two veterinary nursing students and a faculty member from Rakuno Gakuen University. The reception on Friday morning, August 14, served as an informal farewell and included a brief recognition program when each of the Japanese visitors received a commemorative certificate.

ADDL and CPB Department welcome new pathology residents and intern

A trio of veterinary graduates started their pathology residencies at Purdue Veterinary Medicine this summer while a fourth veterinarian began a pathology internship in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology. This newest class of students pursuing post-DVM training in pathology includes Purdue veterinary alumni and graduates of universities abroad.

PVM Team Shares Collaborative Approach at National Advancement Conference

When alumni and donors choose to invest their time, talents, and resources in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, they typically are not focusing on departments or organizational charts—they're thinking about the college they love. That simple idea was the foundation of a presentation delivered by Julia Wickard, executive director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association and constituent liaison, and April Shepherd, PVM’s senior director of development, at the Association of Veterinary Advancement Professionals (AVAP) Annual Meeting, which was held July 8-10, just prior to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Annual Convention in Anaheim, California.

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

This week we are happy to highlight Lanora Lannan, who is the client liaison for Small Animal Primary Care.

“Paws Up” for Dr. Michelle Tucker – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we are highlighting Dr. Michelle Tucker, who is an assistant professor of large animal surgery, for contributing to a rewarding learning environment here at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine and Purdue Football Share Bullish Outlook at Summer Event

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, recently attended the Purdue Football Coaches Celebration at McGraw’s Purdue Chop House in West Lafayette, where he connected with new Purdue Head Football Coach Barry Odom. The event, hosted by McGraw’s owner Todd McGraw, also featured an opportunity to meet “Odom,” the Purdue Beef Angus Bull that serves as the latest symbol of Boilermaker pride.

Recognition Ceremony Honors VCS Residents, Graduate Students, and Purdue Veterinary Hospital Interns

More than 100 faculty and staff of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (VCS) and the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital (PVH) gathered at Lafayette’s Thomas Duncan Hall on Thursday, June 26 for the 2025 Resident and Intern Recognition Ceremony. The historic venue was a wonderful place to host this annual event that honors and celebrates the accomplishments of the VCS and PVH residents, interns, and graduate students who are completing their programs this summer.