Government Relations Externship Program Webinar!

Applications are now open for the 2025 AVMA Government Relations Externship Program!

Please join us for an informational webinar hosted by the AVMA Government Relations Department. The webinar outlines the application process for AVMA’s 2025 governmental relations externships and will help you understand what it’s like to live in Washington, D.C. as an extern. 

A calendar invitation and Zoom link will be sent out to all registrants. Additionally, the webinar will be recorded if you are not able to attend live

Register Here!

Photography

"Early Morning Quarry" submitted by Katrina Star Pope, University of Tennessee

Student Experience

Submitted by Tiffany Galen, Colorado State University 

Under the expert guidance of skilled veterinarians, we are able to observe and actively participate in hundreds of dogs and cat neuter surgeries a week. These hands-on opportunities will allow me to observe their surgical techniques. The emphasis on animal welfare and the significance of spaying and neutering in controlling animal populations were reinforced throughout the experience, leaving a lasting impact on my commitment to responsible veterinary practices.

Moreover, the community outreach component is very engaging. Helping with local communities and providing veterinary care to pets in underserved areas was incredibly rewarding. Not only did I have the chance to apply my veterinary knowledge, but I also learned the importance of effective communication and how much work is put in by the organization to the community. The team frequently hosts education seminars for the kids in the village to build the foundational humane animal treatment habits. During the village spay and neuter trips, the entire community was involved. Kids and adults of all ages were brought together to participate. These experiences taught me how veterinarians can play a crucial role in fostering stronger bonds between communities and their animals, leading to healthier and happier pets.

Global Vet Experience Panama City stands out as a comprehensive and well-rounded program, intertwining surgical experience with community outreach initiatives. The exposure to diverse surgical cases and the opportunity to contribute to community welfare truly sets this program apart. Participating in an international spay and neuter externship in Panama City is a transformative experience that helps vet students become more well-rounded veterinarians by broadening their perspective, building essential skills, and fostering empathy towards both animals and communities.

SAVMA Chapter Award

As we close out our last submissions from 59:1 congratulations to Iowa State University (back to back winners!) and University of illinois for having the most submissions to The Vet Gazette!

Education Opportunity

"CSU’s DVM program is excited to announce that we’ve created a research-based Spanish for the Veterinary Professional graduate certificate program that is now available for learners external to CSU, both DVM students and DVMs, through an online offering! We were recently featured in an article about its importance for accessible veterinary care."

The program is designed to help future and current DVMs better connect with Spanish-speaking clientele and build meaningful client relationships. These courses teach and use language that is intended to be applicable in veterinary scenarios, for both companion animal and livestock. In fact, some of the vocabulary exploration gets to be participant-interest driven.

The first course in a series of five in the Spanish for Veterinarian Professionals graduate certificate program is being offered this Fall Semester (Aug. 19 - Dec. 8, 2024). You can access registration information here. 

There is a Spanish proficiency test that is required to enroll in these courses. This is free for learners external to CSU and can be found here. Quick instructions for this are below:

1. After reading relevant instructions, click on check box next to “I have read the above instructions.” 
2. Enter your name, email, and enter 688-743-343 as the required “student id number.” 
3. Select “Spanish for Veterinarians” as the language you are testing. 
4. Click the box next to “payment consent” – Please note, there will be NO charge for your placement exam. Charges only occur for CSU students.

Course instructors will be notified when you have taken the placement exam and will reach out with your results and next steps for registration.  

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Paula Izquierdo-Garcia at paula.izquierdo_garcia@colostate.edu. If you would like a copy of the syllabus of the first course in the fall, please contact Allyce Lobdell at allyce.lobdell@colostate.edu.