University of Georgia Launches Mobile Vet Clinic to Revolutionize Animal Care in Athens!
The University of Georgia (UGA) College of Veterinary Medicine is taking animal care to the next level with the launch of a mobile veterinary clinic, made possible by a generous $750,000 grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Set to begin operations soon, the mobile clinic will not only offer vital veterinary services to pets in Athens but will also provide UGA’s veterinary students with invaluable hands-on experience.
A Vision Inspired by Leading Programs
UGA’s mobile clinic is part of its shelter medicine program, and the idea was modeled after successful initiatives at other universities. Mississippi State University pioneered the use of mobile clinics for student surgical training, while Oregon State University partnered with the Oregon Humane Society to give students a dual experience in spay/neuter surgeries and shelter medicine.
Spencer Johnston, department head of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at UGA, emphasized the importance of this new resource. “We recognized that giving our students not just surgical experience but also shelter medicine experience would be incredibly beneficial,” he said. “Having our own mobile unit will allow us to serve the community while enhancing our students’ education.”
A Boost for Veterinary Student Training
The mobile clinic will offer UGA’s fourth-year veterinary students the chance to gain practical experience through clinical rotations. Dr. Staci Cannon, Clinical Assistant Professor of Shelter Medicine, will lead these rotations, ensuring students receive comprehensive training in both surgery and shelter medicine.
Cannon also works closely with the Athens Area Humane Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for rescued animals. Through this partnership, veterinary students will be exposed to the real-world challenges of providing veterinary care to shelter animals, enhancing their understanding of both the medical and social aspects of animal care.
“Being able to work with students in a real-world setting gives them the confidence and skills they need to succeed in their careers,” Cannon said. “With the mobile clinic, we’ll be able to expand the number of surgeries we perform and the number of students we can train.”
Expanding Care to Underserved Communities
Beyond student training, UGA’s mobile clinic will bring veterinary services to pets in the Athens area and surrounding communities that may otherwise lack access to care. The clinic will be fully stocked and maintained by the university, allowing it to be scheduled for various community outreach events, increasing the number of animals that can receive care.
Johnston sees this as a win-win situation for both students and the community. “This mobile clinic allows us to extend our reach far beyond campus. We’ll be able to help more animals and give our students real-world experience that will shape their careers.”
A Bright Future for Shelter Medicine
UGA’s mobile veterinary clinic represents the next step in advancing veterinary education and animal care. With the support of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the leadership of experts like Dr. Cannon, the initiative will not only train the next generation of veterinarians but also ensure that more animals receive the care they need.
As the Athens community continues to grow, UGA’s mobile clinic will play a critical role in supporting the local pet population and providing students with the skills they need to succeed in a competitive field.
