Vetavision puts WCVM on public display

The diverse world of veterinary medicine and an expanded Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is on public display from October 1 to 4 during Vetavision, a four-day open house at the veterinary college on the University of Saskatchewan campus.

This year’s Vetavision offers a variety of educational displays, speakers, demonstrations and animals that will appeal to people of all ages, says Jasmine Dhillon, a fourth-year veterinary student and Vetavision’s co-ordinator.

Held every three years, the public exposition is entirely organized by veterinary students who are enrolled in the regional veterinary college’s four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. This is the 14th Vetavision since WCVM students hosted the very first event in 1970.

“Vetavision is the ideal chance for students to talk about the many different aspects of our profession with the public and how veterinarians play a part in everyone’s daily lives,” explains Dhillon. “Everybody knows that veterinarians provide health care for pets, horses and livestock. But many people are surprised to find out that veterinarians also play vital roles in food safety, public health and ecosystem health as well as animal and human health research.”

Visitors to this year’s Vetavision will also have the opportunity to see some of the WCVM’s expanded and renovated facilities. “The students’ last Vetavision took place at the height of construction. With most of our expansion now complete, some of the new space will now be used for Vetavision displays and demonstrations,” says WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes.

Since 2004, the veterinary college has added on to its Veterinary Teaching Hospital, diagnostics area and research laboratories. Renovations to its large and small animal clinics and lecture theatres, along with the addition of new technologies for medical imaging and research, have also helped to enhance the WCVM’s veterinary education, clinical and research programs.

For more details about Vetavision 2009, please visit www.vetavision.ca to view a list of displays, show schedule, admission fees and tour information.

The WCVM is a Canadian centre for veterinary education, expertise and research that’s located on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon, Sask. More than 400 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at the college that annually attracts more than $10 million in research funding from public and private sources.

Vetavision: Overview
• Dates: Thursday to Sunday, October 1-4, 2009
• Admission: $2 for preschool children, $5 for seniors and students, $10 for adults and $20 for families. Groups: $3 per student.
• Location: WCVM, University of Saskatchewan campus, Saskatoon, Sask.
• What is Vetavision? A four-day veterinary exposition that’s organized for the public by WCVM veterinary students.
• Who can come? Children, students and adults of all ages are welcome to visit the newly expanded and renovated veterinary college.
• What will we see? A wide range of displays, demonstrations and talks that showcase animal health care, research, veterinary careers and public health. Of course, you’ll also see plenty of animals — including many of the students’ pets!
• Where can I find more details? Visit www.vetavision.ca for a list of displays, maps, and a Vetavision brochure.
• What about student tours? Please call 306-966-5020 or email info@vetavision.ca to arrange a tour for your group. Admission is $3 per student for group tours.