The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine offers the Visiting Practitioner Program to provide unique continuing education opportunities for practitioners. This program is designed to provide customized clinical experiences for practicing veterinarians by providing an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily activities of a large referral teaching hospital and diagnostic laboratory. As a participant in this program you will join a team of specialists, residents, interns, and students as they participate in outpatient receiving, diagnostic studies, in-depth case rounds, ward rounds, radiological procedures, surgery, as well as scheduled seminars and journal clubs.
The daily clinical activities of participants in the Visiting Practitioner Program are varied and determined primarily by the hosting faculty in each specialty service. A formal program with specific goals is developed for each participant while learning alongside our specialists. Opportunities for learning are enhanced by the outstanding faculty, the large and diverse clinical caseload, and the comprehensive facilities of the Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
Participants are encouraged to observe our faculty and students in all clinical activities, including patient exams, rounds, special procedures, and surgeries. Visitors do not have specific primary patient care responsibilities, direct client contact, or structured didactic learning experiences unless specific arrangements have been made to include these.
This program is ideal for:
- The practicing veterinarian who wants to learn more about a specialty area or just wants a more meaningful continuing education experience.
- Veterinarians who are anticipating a shift in the area of practice, such as a switch from a large animal to a small animal practice.
- Veterinarians who are preparing for a board certifying examination.
GUIDELINES
Insurance and Vaccinations
Because participants may be exposed to zoonotic diseases and injuries they are required to carry personal health insurance and provide proof of such prior to the beginning of the program. The University of Illinois including its faculty, staff, students, agents, and representatives are not responsible for illness or injuries encountered during the visitor program and do not provide payment for any necessary care. Proof of a rabies vaccination or a positive titer test is also required.
Liability and Legal Requirements
Visitors in the clinical areas of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital are required to complete an online hospital orientation and to sign an information security compliance form prior to beginning the program. Visitors to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory are required to sign a confidentiality agreement and read the Standard Operating Procedures for the applicable area(s).
All participants are also required to provide a certificate of insurance evidencing current coverage with limits of $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate for professional liability.
Compliance with Illinois law, state licensure requirements, and University liability insurance coverage may limit hands-on clinical practice experience. Those who have had contact with a farm or farm animals, other cloven-hoofed animals, birds, non-human primates, or small mammals (excluding cats and dogs) during recent international travel must also comply with the travel policy. Any recent international travel must be indicated on the application, and the appropriate restrictions will be applied.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Participants are expected to make their own arrangements for transportation and living accommodations. Campus parking permits will be provided for the duration of the program. Many motels and hotels are available in the Champaign-Urbana area. The Champaign County Convention and Visitors Bureau provides a complete listing of available accommodations. Longer term housing can be arranged for those participating in a program over two months in length.
Fees are based on the credentials of the individual providing the training
| LENGTH OF STAY | BOARD-CERTIFIED DVM | DVM | TECHNICIAN |
|---|---|---|---|
| One day experience | $200 per day | $150 per day | $100 per day |
| Two or more consecutive days, up to 20 days | $150 per day | $100 per day | $75 per day |
| 21 or more consecutive days | $100 per day | $50 per day | $50 per day |
Additional materials fees may also apply based on the unique nature of each educational experience.
International participants will be required to secure appropriate travel documentation based on his or her customized experience. College staff will assist in determining the applicable documentation if necessary.
All fees are required to be paid in US dollars in advance of the scheduled program and can be paid by check or credit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express). All fees are non-refundable except in the case of a verifiable medical condition. Fees cannot be waived or reduced.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Continuing education credit is awarded based on the amount of time spent within the program and is based on a rate of one-half unit of CE per each contact hour in the Visiting Practitioner Program.
APPLICATION
Individuals interested in visiting must submit a complete application. The Office of Public Engagement will facilitate the approval and scheduling process between the appropriate section and department. Application does not guarantee placement.
Visitor requests may not be accommodated if the proposed visit is scheduled to occur when a large number of veterinary students or visitors are anticipated in the service area. Visits may also need to be rescheduled if the proposed timeframe is to occur when faculty staffing is insufficient to meet the program’s needs. Approval of a visit is based on the understanding that section staffing is sufficient to support the visitor and that the visit will not negatively impact the learning environment of our students. All visits must ultimately be approved by the service head and department head.
Each application must include:
- Application
- A curriculum vitae or resume
- Proof of rabies vaccination or positive titer test
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of liability insurance
Application materials should be submitted to:
Office of Public Engagement
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Illinois
2001 S. Lincoln Ave., 3505 VMBSB
Urbana, IL 61802
Fax: 217-333-4628
ope@vetmed.illinois.edu