91快色

U91快色鈥檚 newest learning facility is buzzing with veterinary medicine students in its classrooms and labs. The Veterinary Learning Commons (VLC), officially opened on Sept. 15 at the Spy Hill campus, was built with a $68.5-million capital investment from the Government of Alberta to address the province鈥檚 shortage of livestock and rural veterinarians. 

The VLC, a state-of-the-art hub for learning, collaboration and student wellness, features flexible active classrooms, gathering spaces and wellness areas that reflect 91快色 commitment to student-centred education and hands-on training. 

It will also allow UCVM to double its annual (DVM) enrolment from 50 to 100 students, making it Alberta鈥檚 largest veterinary program.

鈥淭his crucial provincial investment into the expansion of our veterinary education facilities is already making an impact, helping U91快色 meet the growing demand for more veterinary professionals,鈥� says U91快色 President and Vice-Chancellor Ed McCauley.

鈥淲ith the building complete and open to students, we鈥檙e proud to be training twice as many new veterinarians each year 鈥� professionals who will ensure the welfare of domestic animals, along with Alberta鈥檚 animal production industry and public health.鈥� 

Responding to Alberta鈥檚 veterinary workforce needs

The VLC not only increases capacity, it also enhances operational efficiencies by centralizing administrative functions and co-locating classroom and clinical spaces for students. 

This ensures future graduates are better prepared to serve the province鈥檚 animals, food systems and public-health needs.

鈥淲ith the opening of this new space, we celebrate a milestone for veterinary education and for Alberta,鈥� says Hon. Myles McDougall, minister of advanced education. 

鈥淰eterinarians play a crucial role in the province, and we鈥檙e excited to see expanded opportunities for aspiring veterinarians to train and practice right here at home.鈥�

Shortage of veterinarians at a 'crisis point'

The VLC is more than just a facility 鈥� it represents a tangible step toward ensuring Alberta has the veterinary expertise it needs.

"Alberta has a crisis-point shortage of veterinary professionals, particularly in rural communities but also urban centres,鈥� says UCVM Dean Renate Weller, PhD, DVM. 

鈥淲e are addressing this shortage directly with this class and building expansion, as well as updating curriculum and mental health approaches, all with the intention to potentially target and treat attrition rates."

Veterinary Learning Commons: more than a building

鈥淭he opening of the VLC marks an exciting milestone for veterinary medicine,鈥� says Dr. Lindsey Kurach, DVM, president of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association.

鈥淭hanks to the Government of Alberta鈥檚 support, this facility opens the door to expanded training opportunities for the next generation of veterinarians here at home in Alberta,鈥� Kurach says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to be a partner in this work and to help grow the profession for the future.鈥�

Collaboration at the heart of success

Support from organizations including the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association has been instrumental to UCVM鈥檚 growth. In addition to capital support from the province, philanthropic contributions such as the gift of W.A. Ranches by Jack Anderson and Wynne Chisholm provide students with unique and valuable learning opportunities. These efforts exemplify how deep community partnerships help grow UCVM鈥檚 impact locally and beyond. 

By combining educational excellence, research innovation and collaborative partnerships, the UCVM is preparing the next generation of veterinarians to meet Alberta鈥檚 needs 鈥� today and into the future.