Addressing the shortage of veterinary specialists in the U.S. is the main goal of a new university partnership program.
Launched by the national network of specialty and emergency pet hospitals, BluePearl, the BluePearl University Partnership Program will start with the Colorado Statue University (CSU). By immersing BluePearl specialists as hybrid faculty members in select colleges across the country, the program aims to help address the shortage of veterinary specialists in the U.S.
The program will have hybrid faculty members on the clinic floor to train fourth year students, interns, and residents in the partner university.
“It’s no secret that our industry is looking at a future where we do not have enough veterinary specialists and professionals, which is a serious concern for pet owners across the country,” says Lenore Bacek, DVM, MS, DACVECC, vice president of Clinical Affairs at BluePearl.
BluePearl Ophthalmologist, Trevor Arnold, DVM, MS, DACVO, will join CSU’s Veterinary Health System, while also maintaining his role as a clinician with BluePearl. Dr. Arnold will spend three quarters of his time with BluePearl’s Lafayette, Colo. hospital and one quarter with CSU.
“CSU is excited to partner with BluePearl in this unique and innovative approach to help train the next generation of veterinarians,” says Sheila McMullan, senior associate dean, Colorado State University (CSU) Veterinary Health System. “The veterinary industry is changing rapidly, and we must adjust to those changes to make the veterinary teaching hospital model sustainable. This program is a prime example of such innovation.”
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