Vet School Students Get a Taste of the Life Aquatic

By Mark Hoerrner

The University of Georgia Veterinary program has long been regarded as one of the most comprehensive veterinary education programs in the world, and it’s about to get even better. A new agreement establishing a pathology program for vet residents at the Georgia Aquarium will extend the educational and research capabilities of the university into areas not previously available.

The pathology focus of the Veterinary Services & Conservation Medicine Program was chosen because the field of aquatic medicine is still relatively young and there are few veterinary schools in the country with such programs in place.

"We are confident that each day will bring a new discovery: a new species, new diseases, new treatments and new phenomena," said Dr. Howard Krum, chief of veterinary medicine for the Georgia Aquarium, in announcing the program. "By learning what makes fish sick, we can learn how to make them better. These findings can then be used to enhance the quality of life throughout the waters of the world."

The university’s program, set in a 5,800-square-foot facility, will rely heavily on technology, incorporating cutting-edge diagnostic imaging resources. Residents will have access to ultrasounds, a mobile gas- and water-borne anesthesia system, a complete surgical suite, and computerized records management. The aquarium’s live collection will give students exposure to more than 100,000 animals representing 500 different species including rare and endangered animals such as the Loggerhead Turtle, the Robust Redhorse Sucker, and the only Whale Sharks on exhibit outside Asia.

Two residents will work on a rotation basis between the university and the aquarium, focusing on research and preventative medicine. Each resident will spend three years in the program, which will lead to their earning board certification in veterinary pathology. The first residents will start in July 2006.

"When we first started thinking about the aquarium," said Bernie Marcus, the benefactor who donated more than $200 million to create the Georgia Aquarium, "we knew education and research were key principles. There is a void that exists today in research and aquatic veterinary medicine."

The state-of-the-art vet school clinic is expected to cost $5 million for construction and outfitting. The funds for the clinic will be raised jointly by UGA and the aquarium.