News Releases, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

News from the College of Veterinary Medicine University of Illinois 3225 Vet. Med. Basic Sciences Bldg. 2001 S. Lincoln Ave. Urbana, IL 61802

February 18, 2009 Release on

Contact:

Chris Beuoy 217/244-1562 beuoy@illinois.edu

Curriculum, Primary Care Service Debut at April 4 Veterinary Open House

URBANA - On Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. more than 300 veterinary students at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine will host the annual Open House, a behind-the-scenes look at the state's only veterinary college.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Free parking will be provided at the College, located at 2001 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana.

Highlights of the 2009 Open House include:

A New Approach to Veterinary Education: Attend sessions with an admissions counselor to find out how to become a veterinarian. You'll learn about the "Illinois Integrated Veterinary Professional Curriculum," a radically revised approach to veterinary education that University of Illinois is implementing to emphasize clinical knowledge and skills throughout the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program.
• New Primary Care Service at Veterinary Hospital: Meet Dr. Kandi Norrell, who will be your neighborhood veterinarian located in a world-class veterinary hospital. Beginning in May 2009, Dr. Norrell will provide "primary care"--similar to your family general practitioner--for area dogs and cats, allowing pet owners to develop an ongoing partnership for their companion animal's year-round care at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
• Hands-on Exhibits and Learning: Visit more than 50 fun and educational exhibits and demonstrations for all ages. The focus is on the art and science of veterinary medicine and animal-related areas, including demonstrations of dogs on the rehab program's underwater treadmill; obedience and police dog demonstrations; our Wildlife Medical Clinic birds of prey; and exhibits from area breed rescue clubs. For a list of exhibits and directions, see vetmed.illinois.edu/openhouse/.

While most people associate veterinary medicine with routine health care for dogs and cats, the profession offers a whole world of career options, all with one focus: improving life for people. Activities of the veterinary medical profession benefit every person in the state, either directly--by providing care to companion animals and livestock--or indirectly--through work in medical research, public health, food safety, disease surveillance, environmental health promotion, and many other areas.