U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program celebrates historic milestone for veterinary graduates
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
The U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program at Kansas State University celebrates the graduation of the first Chinese students to earn their veterinary degree through the program. | Download this photo.
MANHATTAN — This year's commencement exercises for Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine featured a historic trio of graduates: the first Chinese students formally sponsored by their government to earn the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the U.S. since 1949.
A fourth student earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota. All four students were supported by the China Scholarship Council through a groundbreaking partnership with the U.S.-China Center for Animal Health at Kansas State University, which was originally signed in 2012.
"This will be an end of study of veterinary medicine in school, but a new start of a lifelong learning," said Jing Li, a 2017 College of Veterinary Medicine graduate. "The learning of veterinary medicine is not only about knowledge and skills, but also further understanding of this profession and what we as veterinarians can do for the well-being of animals and humans. I am grateful that the U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program has provided me a great opportunity to look at the grand view of veterinary medicine in both China and U.S."
"This is a momentous occasion for the U.S.-China Center for Animal Health," said Tammy Beckham, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. "The graduation of the first class of students from Kansas State University is truly an occasion to celebrate. The fabric of this center speaks to the globalization of veterinary medicine and our ability as partners to impact future generations of veterinarian professionals in the U.S. and China. U.S. and Chinese students who are graduating from this class and classes to come will have the opportunity to learn not only about veterinary medicine in our partner country, but will also have the opportunity to experience and learn about each other's culture. I have no doubt the students graduating as a part of this program will go on to collaborate and build relationships within the U.S. and China and forge a true One World, One Health, One Medicine approach."
On May 31 and June 1, the U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program celebrated the graduation of this historic group of students through its annual homecoming. The program has engaged a large group of institutions and sponsoring partners, including senior executives of the China Scholarship Council, Zoetis, Banfield Pet Hospital, the Consulate General of China in Chicago, Chinese Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, K-State Olathe, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Jinyu Baoling Bio-Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Shor-Line, as well as deans from partnering veterinary colleges in the U.S.
"The U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program and partnership have provided numerous benefits to both the College of Veterinary Medicine and to Kansas State University," said Ruth Dyer, senior vice provost at Kansas State University. "Internationalization is one of the common elements of the university's K-State 2025 visionary plan, and this program directly contributes to those efforts. Our international students bring new ideas, new perspectives and a wide variety of experiences to the university and enrich the educational environment for all of our students, faculty and staff."
"In October 2012, the China Scholarship Council and Kansas State University signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, filling the gap in our country's veterinary education and opening a new chapter in further collaboration of veterinary medicine between China and the United States," said Jinghui Liu, secretary-general of the China Scholarship Council. "During implementation of the program, we have received strong support from Kansas State University and other partnering universities in the United States, to whom I would like to express my sincere gratitude on behalf of the China Scholarship Council."
Ming Wang, vice president of the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association, also expressed gratitude for the program.
"Chinese modern veterinary education was originated from the West," Wang said. "In the early 20th century, several outstanding students were sent by the government to study in the United States and Europe for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After their return, they established veterinary schools in China. This U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program not only marks the second time of veterinary collaboration between the U.S. and China, but also opens a new era in the veterinary histories of both countries. The Chinese Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduates are like seeds that have been soaked in the nutrient — American veterinary education — and will blossom and fruit in the rich land of China."
The U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship Program is sponsored by Kansas State University, the China Scholarship Council, Zoetis/International Veterinary Collaboration for China, the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association and Banfield Pet Hospital. The U.S.-China Center for Animal Health initiated and has led the program through partnerships with the governments, universities and animal health industry in the U.S. and China since its establishment in 2012.
"The U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program advances veterinary education and promotes the development of the animal health industry in China," said Rimma Driscoll, vice president of Zoetis. "These four Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students will be the pioneers to bring the revolution to veterinary profession and education. Zoetis is so proud to be part of this program and will continue to support more Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students."
"Banfield Pet Hospital is proud to partner with the U.S.-China Center for Animal Health on the U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program and do our part to facilitate the sharing of best practices in veterinary medicine between the United States and China," said Daniel Aja, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Banfield. "These graduates will have the opportunity to positively influence the way veterinary medicine is practiced in their local communities back in China, magnifying this program's impact and making a better world for pets."
"The relationships these Chinese students have built over five years of working with U.S. veterinarians and veterinary students will open new lines of communication between animal health professionals in both countries," said Ralph Richardson, CEO and dean of K-State Olathe and former dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
The U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program consists of a one-year pre-veterinary program at Kansas State University, and then the four-year veterinary program at Kansas State University or its three partnering schools in the U.S.: University of Minnesota, Iowa State University and the University of California, Davis. The homecoming event included reports from 19 of the students who shared anecdotes and other memorable experiences as pre-veterinary students at Kansas State University and as veterinary students enrolled at the university or one of the partnering schools.
"The first year in this program is wonderful," said Hao Shi, a pre-veterinary student. "I met a lot of amazing veterinarians, excellent teachers and aspiring veterinary students. Living in their presence makes me a better person on my way to pursue my dream. I really appreciate the chance of being a part of the U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program."
One of the main goals of the U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program is to help universities in China become accredited at the same standards set forth by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
"The U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program provides a wonderful opportunity for the U.S. veterinary profession to grow our collaborative relationship with our Chinese veterinary colleagues," said Joe Kinnarney, immediate past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. "We may be separated by a body of water, but veterinary medicine in both of our countries faces the same challenges. If we are to collectively meet those challenges and continue to achieve great things on behalf of veterinary medicine, it is critically important for the association to continue working together with the U.S.-China Center for Animal Health at Kansas State University and its partners, particularly the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association."
Andrew Maccabe, CEO of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, praised the program for its overall impact on the future of veterinary medicine.
"Increased international engagement is a key goal for the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges," Maccabe said. "For several years, Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine has been a leader in this area. Health and disease problems are inherently global in nature, so promoting human and animal health needs to be addressed in a collaborative way with partners around the world. We appreciate China's shared interest in achieving excellence in veterinary medicine, and we appreciate the cultural and academic enrichment this exchange program offers."
Jishu Shi, director of U.S.-China Center for Animal Health, had praise for the new graduates at the conclusion of the May 31 event.
"This group of Chinese Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduates are the goodwill ambassadors of the U.S. and China," Shi said. "The successful completion of their studies in the U.S. is the realization of their first career dream. Our students have worked very hard in the last five years. I am confident that they will chase bigger and better dreams in China when they help the next generation students become better veterinarians."
