Recently, 24 Davis High School students interested in veterinary medicine participated in Vet-for-a-Day, an outreach effort hosted by the school. This was the second in a two-part program put on this year by faculty and staff to engage younger students on the potential career options available in veterinary medicine.  

In the fall, students enrolled in a veterinary science course at the high school travelled to the veterinary campus to learn about the myriad potential careers possible with a veterinary degree. They also took a tour of the school.

“Early exposure to the profession, along with direct mentorship, have proven to be the most powerful drivers for a career choice in veterinary medicine,” said Karl Jandrey, associate dean for Admissions and Student Programs. “We hope to inspire these up and coming students to consider a career in this great profession while they experience daily skills and knowledge we apply to solve patient problems.”

More recently, the students returned to campus and participated in a parasitology presentation and hands-on learning lab in the school’s Multi-Purpose Teaching laboratory. Assisted by Drs. Lauren Camp and Danielle Carrade Holt, along with Julie Burges and Tim Samartino, the students partnered at the dual-headed microscopes to learn about and identify different parasites. After lunch at Scrubs - a hit with the students - the group moved on to a clinical skills lab organized by Drs. Amy Kapatkin and Lane Johnson, with technical support by Candice Aguilar and Robin Niemi. Students practiced on dog mannequins how to give injections, draw blood, and suture wounds.

“Drawing blood was easy, stitching up the ‘skin’ was the hardest, and observing the surgeries was incredible,” commented one student.  Overall, the group felt the day was a great experience.

“I’m going to make it to vet school. I can do this.” – Davis High School Student