UACES Facebook From anesthesia to zoo medicine, 4-Hers get insight to veterinary careers
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From anesthesia to zoo medicine, 4-Hers get insight to veterinary careers

By Mary Alice Cole
U of A System Division of Agriculture
July 22, 2016

Fast Facts:

  • 55 4-H members take part in 4-H Veterinary Science Camp
  • Camp workshops taught by veterinarians, animal experts 

(477 words)

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Fifty-five 4-H members from around Arkansas attained insights into veterinary work from anesthesia to zoo animal care, thanks to a three-day Veterinary Science Camp. 

Camp participants gathered at Arkansas Tech on Jun 27-29 to learn firsthand from veterinarians about different careers in the veterinary science work field along with their daily duties. This year’s veterinary instructors included:

  • Jason Cater (University of Arkansas at Monticello)
  • Dustan Clark (University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture)
  • Terry Conger (USDA-APHIS)
  • Terry Dew (Azzore Veterinary Specialists)
  • Brandon Doss (Arkansas State Veterinarian)
  • Dale Kaufman (Town and Country Veterinary Clinic)
  • Sarah Kline (Little Rock Zoo)
  • Kabel Robbins (Butterball)
  • Kelly Ross (Green Oaks Equine Veterinary Services)
  • Lauren Thomas (Wedington Animal Hospital)
  • Heidi Ward (University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture) 

The campers had the opportunity to work hands-on with seven veterinarians. Campers rotated through a series of workshops that was taught by veterinarians, veterinary technicians, 4-H agents and others who work in the animal science field, such as Mark Russell, assistant professor-equine, for the Division of Agriculture. 

Kline provided insights about zoo medicine, while Russell taught proper horse-handling techniques. Campers also had the opportunity to tour the Tyson Foods hatchery in Russellville. 

"The veterinary science camp provided me with an opportunity to see what careers are available in the veterinary field in Arkansas, said Autumn Gregg, a camp participant from Washington County. "I would recommend this camp to anyone interested in any type of career in the veterinary medicine industry." 

According to Heidi Ward, the Arkansas 4-H Veterinary Science Program Coordinator, the campers learned proper handling of small and large animals as well as microscope usage, suture techniques, anesthesia and gowning for surgery and biosecurity and toured Azzore Veterinary Specialists where they interacted with Terry Dew as he performed advanced diagnostics and orthopedic surgeries on cat and dogs. 

This was the second year for the camp. Much of the curriculum was changed from last year, Ward said. 

“Based on the feedback from last year’s camp, the students wanted to learn more about small animal medicine, which is why we chose surgery rotations,” she said. “We also included alternate veterinary careers such as zoo medicine, food animal industry medicine, service dog training and animal chiropractic.” 

For more information about the 4-H veterinary program, contact your county extension office or visit www.uaex.uada.edu/4HVetScience.

 

Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.

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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu

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