Kansas State University

MANHATTAN — A mutual interest in improving animal health and veterinary education is helping the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine bring new global partners together in China. The college's U.S.-China Center for Animal Health partnered with the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association and Zoetis, a global animal health company, to host an International Symposium of Veterinary Education in Qingdao, China, in late October.

The symposium was attended by senior executives of the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, China Scholarship Council and Zoetis, as well as deans from more than 25 Chinese, American and European veterinary colleges. The meeting provided insights into the education systems of China, the U.S. and Europe, invited discussions of the directions and strategies to improve China's veterinary education, and unveiled the achievements made so far in the U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, which has been led by the U.S.-China Center for Animal Health since its launch in 2012. The symposium also gave an opportunity for the American Veterinary Medical Association to present how it regulates the veterinary profession in the U.S. and how regulation impacts veterinary education.

"The comparison between the U.S. and China will help Chinese senior administrators learn how to improve veterinary education and meet the increased demand for advanced animal health care in China," said Ralph Richardson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. "From our perspective, we have learned about the challenges and opportunities facing our international colleagues."

"According to our experience in China, we understand that veterinary education is an important piece of China's animal care," said Michelle Haven, senior vice president of Zoetis. "We are more than willing to give full assistance to help boost the quality of veterinary education by taking advantage of our resources and expertise in the area."

The U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Program is co-sponsored by the China Scholarship Council, Zoetis, Kansas State University the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association and Banfield Pet Hospital. So far, 12 students from China have been admitted to Kansas State University for pre-veterinary studies, and six of those students are now in the first or second year of their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programs. Four students are at Kansas State University and two are at the University of Minnesota. Another six students are at Kansas State for pre-veterinary studies.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Zoetis, Kansas State University and the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association to pave the way for future cooperation. Thus far, Zoetis has provided more than $260,000 as the phase I funding to the U.S.-China Center for Animal Health to support the U.S.-China Joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program for Chinese students. Based on the memorandum of understanding, Zoetis will continue to support the program with a phase II funding of $600,000 in 2014.