BASSETERRE St.Kitts, January 25, 2011 — Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) opened its doors to the St. Kitts and Nevis community on Saturday, January 22. The Open House featured educational booths presented by faculty and students on topics related to veterinary medicine. More than 150 people attended the Open House, which is hosted annually by the students of the veterinary school.
“Our goal was to share our campus with the community and educate visitors about veterinary medicine,” said Nicole Trenholme, president of the RUSVM student government and responsible for organizing the Open House. “The Open House allowed visitors to have an opportunity to better understand and actually see what a veterinarian does first-hand, it gave them an inside look at what we do as students.”
From looking at dog blood cells through a microscope to understanding how anesthesia works in animals, participants were able to learn more about veterinary medicine. Students presented on topics that were relevant to having a pet as a part of your family—such as sharing information about household items toxic to animals. Items such as chocolate, chlorine bleach, and beer are a few of the items that can cause harm to an animal.
The RUSVM organized People for Animal Welfare on St. Kitts/Nevis organization was also in attendance, promoting their upcoming adoption day (to be held on Saturday, January 29) during which the group hopes to place foster dogs, cats, puppies and kittens into permanent, caring homes. The PAWS group, along with other booths, shared information on the University’s free spay clinic, where individuals can bring their female dog to the Ross University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) for spaying at no cost (For more information contact the VTH at 869-4663056).
Tours of the campus provided attendees an opportunity to see inside classrooms and laboratories as well as experience the overall layout of the grounds. During the tour, participants were able to view the anatomy laboratory where examples of animal organs and bones were on display. Groups from local church, non-profit organizations and schools used the day as a teaching tool for its participants.
“This year’s Open House was even more important, as the veterinary community is celebrating World Veterinary Year,” said David J. DeYoung, dean of RUSVM. “2011 marks the 250th anniversary of veterinary education and veterinary medicine. Veterinary schools from around the globe are preparing activities in support of raising awareness about veterinary medicine.”
In conjunction with the Open House, World Veterinary Year, and in keeping with the school’s mission of improving the well-being of animals through community service, teaching and research; RUSVM launched a local St. Kitts radio program in partnership with WINNFM (98.9 fm) that airs on the second Wednesday of each month at 9:15 a.m. The program, Animal Answers, was created to provide information to the community about animal welfare, basic animal health care, and the importance animals are to our society.
The Open House was also featured on the local St. Kitts television station ZIZ Evening News on January 20, 2011 prior to the event. Trenholme was interviewed on UpFront with Jason Davis, ZIZ news anchor, to promote the Open House and RUSVM’s support in the local community. UpFront gave viewers a glimpse into what to expect during the Open House. The University hopes to continue its promotion of veterinary awareness throughout the year both on radio and television, as well as to utilize online and print media.
