A First: Tuskegee and Auburn Veterinary Programs Host the Student American Veterinary Medical Association 2008 Symposium
by Anissa L. Riley
(TUSKEGEE,AL) -- “SAVMA Symposium 2008: Two Schools-One Dream” is the theme for the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) 2008 Symposium, scheduled March 19-23, 2008. The 2008 SAVMA Symposium Committee and the entire veterinary medical student bodies of Tuskegee and Auburn Universities are extremely thrilled to be given this opportunity to host SAVMA Symposium 2008 in the state of Alabama.
“We are looking forward to the chance to have a historic symposium and bring students together from around the world for a record breaking attendance. This is the first time the SAVMA Symposium has been hosted by two schools so participants are in for a treat! To date, we have registered approximately 1,000 students,” said Ashtri Bonaparte, a member of Tuskegee’s Class of 2009 and Senior AVMA Delegate/SAVMA Symposium Co-Chair. Both the Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine (TUSVM) and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine (AUCVM) will host various lectures and events at each campus during the four day symposium.
Participants will have an array of educational and scientific programs, and special events including wet laboratories and day trips to choose from ranging from clinical to non-clinical subject matters. Some of the special events include “A Taste of Alabama” on Thursday, March 20 at 6:00 pm at Tuskegee University’s Kellogg Conference Center; the Second Annual Diversity Forum on Friday, March 21 at 2:00 pm at Auburn University’s Hotel and Conference Center, featuring guest speaker Dr. Debbye Turner, Miss America 1990 and CBS’ The Early Show Correspondent; and “The Night Stars Fell on Alabama” on Saturday, March 22 at 7:00 pm at Auburn University’s Student Activities Center featuring keynote speaker Dr. Robert M. Miller.
Participants will have numerous wet laboratories to attend. Tuskegee University’s School of Veterinary Medicine Wet Laboratories include: Canine Bandaging, Small Animal Internal Medicine Clinical Assessment, Small Animal Surgery, Abdominal Ultrasound, Laboratory Animal Medicine: Techniques with Rats and Mice, Liver Biopsy, Exotic Necropsy, and Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training. Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Wet Laboratories include: Orthopedic Exam, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Small Animal Regional Anesthesia, Equine Embryo Flushing, Equine Endoscopy, Equine Semen Collection, Raptor Handling, Alligator Anatomy, Comparative Dentistry, Equine Dentistry, and Neurological Exam.
“It is a pleasure to welcome veterinary medical students from around the world to historic Tuskegee University for this truly historic event -- the 2008 Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) Symposium. This event, March 19-23, 2008, marks a first in history and the SAVMA Symposium Committees at TUSVM and AUCVM are to be truly commended for working diligently to plan this symposium. Again, welcome to Tuskegee and to ‘Sweet Home Alabama. Also, visit us online at www.onemedicine.tuskegee.edu/ and www.tuskegee.edu/” said Dr. Tsegaye Habtemariam, Dean of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health.
Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine (TUSVM) has a rich legacy and a unique diversity that only it can claim in the whole wide world. The College (CVMNAH) is composed of the School of Veterinary Medicine (Animal Health) and the School of Nursing and Allied Health (Human Health) which makes it a unique College that links animal health and human health under one umbrella to promote the One Medicine ~ One Health framework. TUSVM historically was founded in 1944 and established in 1945 and graduated its first class of fully qualified veterinarians in 1949. Since then, it has graduated more than 70% of the African-American (AA) veterinarians in the USA and remains to be the only institution that trains 50% – 60% of AA in the USA. Also, TUSVM is the only veterinary medical school located on a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) campus.
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine was established in 1892 and is the oldest college of veterinary medicine in the South and the nation’s seventh oldest. It has presented 5,665 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees and it has alumni in all 50 states. More than 31,000 cases a year are treated through its teaching hospitals. For information on the 2008 SAVMA Symposium’s lectures, events, and wetlabs, visit www.savmasymposium2008.com.