What could be better than finishing your veterinary studies in a country known for its Instagram-worthy windmills and canals, cheese markets, museums rich with history, and miles and miles of cycling routes?
Starting in June 2022, School of Veterinary Medicine students seeking an international flair to their clinical year will get a chance to do so at a new affiliated clinical university—Utrecht University in The Netherlands. St. George’s University has signed an agreement with the university to allow fourth-year SVM students complete their clinical training at the prestigious university. Applications for placement at Utrecht will begin being accepted this August.
Utrecht University becomes the fourth school in Europe to be affiliated with SGU’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. The SVM’s list of clinical affiliates includes 32 universities across the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer our vet students the opportunity to spend their clinical year at Utrecht University,” said Dr. Neil Olson, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. “Students who attend their clinical year there will get the opportunity to see and practice veterinary medicine from a unique perspective, which they will then be able to apply throughout their careers—all while immersing themselves in a fascinating culture while abroad.”
SVM’s affiliated clinical programs provide students with an intensive 48-week curriculum where they get hands-on training in all facets of veterinary medicine before becoming eligible to receive their DVM degree. These valuable clinical skills are experienced alongside other veterinary students currently enrolled at the universities.
“A student’s clinical year is crucial to rounding out their educational experience,” according to Dr. Nicki Wise, SVM’s associate dean of clinical training. “What they learn during their clinical year allows them to receive their DVM degree, pass their licensing exams, help determine what field of vet medicine they wish to work in, and then be ready to jump right in—fully prepared—to their first job.”
Utrecht University’s clinical program is unique in several ways. Designed with an emphasis on individual attention/career counseling for each student, students can choose one of seven tracks that allow them to focus their clinical year on specific interests, such as small animal, equine, animal welfare, or research. In addition, Utrecht, like many European schools, emphasizes student wellness initiatives and support services, Dr. Wise noted.
“We are delighted to welcome students from St. George’s University to our facilities, and are confident that both these students and our own students and staff will benefit greatly from their time at Utrecht,” said Merel Langelaar, vice-dean of education of Utrecht University’s Department of Veterinary Medicine.
Students from any country are encouraged to attend since all rotations will use spoken and written English.
If you are considering your clinical year at Utrecht University and have questions, please contact Dr. Wise at LWise1@sgu.edu.
– Laurie Chartorynsky
