Beyond the classroom and laboratory, MSU CVM students pursue
learning opportunities across the globe, combining foreign travel and cultural
immersion with veterinary training, gained experience, and outreach.
Thanks to generous alumni and friends who support international travel funds, in 2019, CVM students traveled to Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, and Kenya. The purpose of each student’s trip varied. Many students visited isolated areas to provide basic veterinary care and owner education while being exposed to how local veterinarians approach veterinary care, herd management, and wildlife and large animal health. Collaborations with educational institutions and communities facing difficult conditions exposed students to the importance of idea sharing and working together on large scale issues that affect the entire globe.
Thanks to generous alumni and friends who support international travel funds, in 2019, CVM students traveled to Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, and Kenya. The purpose of each student’s trip varied. Many students visited isolated areas to provide basic veterinary care and owner education while being exposed to how local veterinarians approach veterinary care, herd management, and wildlife and large animal health. Collaborations with educational institutions and communities facing difficult conditions exposed students to the importance of idea sharing and working together on large scale issues that affect the entire globe.
Support for student trips is
available through a competitive application process. To be considered to
receive travel support, students must be enrolled at MSU CVM in the
professional program. Students are
required to submit an application, and they must meet any guidelines set forth
for each specific fund. Currently, the CVM offers students support from five
travel funds including:
This fund was established by Mrs. Diane
Eggert in memory of Paul Eggert. The award is given to a full-time student
enrolled in the professional program in the CVM who has demonstrated academic
achievement, maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA. The student must be of good moral
character. Preference is given to a student pursuing an experience related to
animal agriculture or global food safety and security.
·
International Veterinary Humanitarian Endowed
Fund
This fund is endowed by a gift
from Dr. John and Carolyn Thomson.
The award is given to a student
with a demonstrated interest in humanitarian work in underdeveloped countries.
·
Dr. Paul Farmer Memorial and Nutramax
Laboratories Student Travel Support Fund
This fund was established by Nutramax
Laboratories and Dr. Todd Henderson in memory of Dr. Paul Farmer. The award is
available to a full-time CVM student in good academic standing who has
demonstrated leadership ability and a desire to improve the quality of life for
others. The recipient must be an active member of Christian Veterinary
Fellowship.
·
Pegasus Partners Fund
This fund is endowed by many generous “Pegasus Partners”
who fulfilled a gift of $10,000 toward the Pegasus Partners Endowment which can
be used to provide critical support for various supplemental activities that
complement, enhance or expand the mission of the CVM, including scholarships or
travel for students and faculty.
·
Rural Practice Externship Travel Grant
This fund was established by a gift from an anonymous donor.
The award is available to students participating in experiences with rural
practice or public practice located outside of the state of Mississippi.
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| “I enjoyed learning about new species that I have never worked with before, and I experienced how to be resourceful and think outside of the box,” Peter N. McGinn |
Here’s what CVM students say about their international experience:
“I improved my ultrasound skills and my clinical mind. We
had to treat animals with limited supplies and resources. I could not be
happier with my experience, and I’m grateful that donors support this
experience. I feel that international veterinary work, public health, and
agriculture should be experienced by every veterinarian at some point,” says Peter
N. McGinn who traveled to Peru.
“I enjoyed learning about new species that I have never
worked with before, and I experienced how to be resourceful and think outside
of the box,” says Kiley Walker who traveled to Belize.
“I was taught by amazing veterinarians, and I saw
firsthand that having compassion for a hurting animal knows no cultural
boundaries. A trip like this gives you a greater appreciation for your country,
for the education available, and for the people who entrust their animals to
you. It will give you renewed resolve and vigor to work hard to become the best
veterinarian you can possibly become to be able to serve your clients,” says
Lea Burns who traveled to Haiti.
