Purdue programs help youth learn about veterinary medicine careers

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Several programs for families with elementary through high school students interested in learning more about the veterinary medical profession are being offered by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

The PVM Family Program Series begins Thursday (Oct. 3) with a session focused on the topic of chickens. All presentations are free, but registration is required due to limited seating. Contact Adrianne Fisch, fischa@purdue.edu to register.

All sessions will be from 6-7 p.m. in Lynn Hall of Veterinary Medicine, Room 1136. Presentations will include:

* Oct. 3. "Chickens Gone Wild! The Secret Life of Poultry," with Dr. Pat Wakenell, a veterinarian who specializes in poultry. Wakenell, associate professor of avian diagnostics in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology, is the avian diagnostic pathologist with the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab.

* Nov. 7. "What Does a Horse Veterinarian Do?," with Dr. Amanda Farr, a veterinarian who works in PVM's Equine Community Practice.

* Dec. 5. "Laboratory Animal Medicine: Improving the Lives of all Creatures Great and Small," with Dr. Tracy Vemulapalli, a veterinarian and expert on safety and care of laboratory animals.

* Jan. 9. "Pet Emergencies," with Dr. Paula Johnson, a veterinarian who works in the PVM Animal Emergency Service.

* Feb. 6. "Snakes Alive!," with Dr. Steve Thompson, a veterinarian in the PVM Pet Wellness Clinic, who will discuss his work with snakes.

* March 6. "Veterinary Technology – Animal Nursing," with instructional technologist Maggie Lump, who will talk about being a nurse for animals.

For more information on the PVM Family Program Series, visit http://vet.purdue.edu/engagement/p12/family-program-series.php  

Writer: Greg McClure, 765-496-9711, gmcclure@purdue.edu 

Sources: Sandra San Miguel, associate dean for engagement, College of Veterinary Medicine, 765-494-8052, amass@purdue.edu