NC State Unleashes Groundbreaking Program to Mold the Next Generation of Vet Professors!"
NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is launching a trailblazing initiative, the Veterinary Academic Leaders Program, aimed at molding the future of veterinary education. In an era marked by critical veterinary shortages, this program is set to equip 10 hospital residents with the skills necessary for a flourishing career in academic veterinary medicine.
The college has recently selected a pioneering group of 10 first-year residents to be part of this revolutionary VAL program. This move comes at a crucial time, as national veterinarian shortages heighten the need for more academic professionals in the field.
Dr. Kate Meurs, dean of the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, highlights a concerning trend: only about 6% of U.S. veterinarians are involved in academic practice. As veterinary colleges globally struggle to fill academic roles crucial for education and research advancement, this program is a timely intervention. Dr. Joshua Stern, associate dean for research and graduate studies, is at the helm of this innovative program.
"Our VAL fellows will undergo a comprehensive three-year program, working closely with esteemed academic veterinarians to build a skill set designed for success in academia and clinician science," Stern explains. "NC State is committed to nurturing a new generation of veterinary academicians who will become global leaders and educators."
The surge in veterinary medicine program offerings by nearly a dozen colleges and universities underscores the pressing need for academic leaders. With 33 veterinary colleges in the U.S. actively seeking faculty, Stern questions, "Who will spearhead these expansions and train future veterinarians?" NC State's VAL fellowship program aspires to be the answer.
The inaugural VAL fellows are a diverse and talented group of NC State Veterinary Hospital residents, each specializing in different fields, from Small Animal Internal Medicine to Zoological Medicine. Among them is Siena Mitman, a Tufts University alumna with a passion for blending veterinary medicine with global health research and advocacy. She's excited about the opportunity to thrive in an academic environment, supported by this program.
The Veterinary Academic Leaders program encompasses a multifaceted approach: monthly dinner meetings with expert speakers, research training with substantial funding, and membership in the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine’s Academy of Educators. This initiative represents a significant investment by NC State in shaping a community of veterinary academic leaders.
Mitman also looks forward to the unique networking and learning opportunities this program offers, alongside the nine other fellows. "The prospect of building connections with peers from various medical specialties, and learning from faculty dedicated to this program, is truly exhilarating," she shares.
NC State's bold move signifies a monumental step in securing the future of veterinary education, fostering a community dedicated to academic excellence and innovation in veterinary medicine.
