Family Program Series Introduces Kids to Variety in the Veterinary Profession
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Dr. Christina Wilson demonstrates ways to keep cats safe during fall season fun at her presentation held on October 5.
Dr. Tiffany Lyle observes as PVM Family Program Series participants use microscopes to look at slides of muscle, brain, skin, and liver tissue.
The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine hosted four sessions as part of the Family Program Series this academic year featuring presentations by various PVM faculty members. The Family Program Series is designed for families with young children who are interested in learning more about the veterinary profession.
Dr. Paulo Gomes instructs an attendee at his presentation, “My Dog Has a Dermatologist,” held on November 2.
The presentations are all open to the public. The sessions are geared toward children in grades K-4, but older children are welcome to attend as well. As an example, “Breaking through Barriers in the Brain” was the title of a session presented March 1 by Dr. Tiffany Lyle, assistant professor of veterinary anatomic pathology, who made an entrance wearing her white lab coat and stethoscope. She later removed the stethoscope, to show that not all veterinarians use stethoscopes but still get to work with animals and make a difference in the world of veterinary science. About 50 attendees participated in several engaging pathology-related activities including: a snowflake demonstration that illustrated how no two diseases are exactly the same; a cheese demonstration that helped children think outside the box as they examined the physical properties of a disease; a “brain dissection” performed with a tangerine; and hands-on learning with microscope slides of muscles, parts of the brain, skin, and liver. At the end of the program, attendees were given a free book and veterinary trading cards to take home.
The other sessions offered during the 2017-2018 academic year were: “Keeping Your Pet Safe during Fall Season Fun!” presented by Dr. Christina Wilson, clinical associate professor of toxicology, on October 5; “My Dog Has a Dermatologist!” presented by Dr. Paulo Gomes, clinical assistant professor of dermatology, on November 2; and “Animals Have Nurses Too” presented by Dr. Bianca Zenor, director of the Veterinary Technology Program, on April 5.
Dr. Bianca Zenor overlooks two future veterinary radiologists as they prepare to do an inspection on a “crocodile” (model!).
Writer(s): Helen Thimlar, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu
