News
Transition Ceremony Marks Next Phase in Student Education
04/20/11
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts—Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) opened its sixth Transition Ceremony with words of encouragement from its faculty and administration on Thursday, April 14. Presided by Mark D. Freeman, DVM, assistant professor of small animal surgery, the ceremony marks the next phase in student education at RUSVM as the students enter into their clinical studies and transition to the United States. The ceremony honored the Class of 2012 and conveyed the importance of professionalism and the academic training the students received while completing their didactic training.
“There are several ceremonies you will be a part of during your academic career, it was just 2.25 years ago that each of you walked across this very stage to receive your white coats which symbolized the beginning of your education—and by the way, if you still have that coat it is time for a new one before you start clinics,” said David J. DeYoung, DVM, dean of RUSVM. “During today’s ceremony you will receive an instrument packet which will fit nicely into the pocket of those white coats. The packet will be useful in your clinical studies…in a year, you will be a part of another ceremony, your graduation, which will mark the beginning of your veterinary career.”
Gilbert Burns, DVM, PhD, dean for faculty and academic programs, and faculty members from each of the respective sections shared insights into the students’ time while in St. Kitts and provided wisdom about the upcoming clinical semesters. Representing the Pathobiology Section, Hamish Mohammed, DVM, assistant professor of epidemiology and public health, praised the students for their hard work and encouraged them to look ahead into the next phase of their lives.
“Take the time to care enough, help an animal or person and appreciate those who believe in you. Strive to be something awesome,” said Mohammed.
Susan Fitzharris-Beths, DVM, assistant professor of small animal medicine, represented the Clinical Sciences Section and explained to the students that it is okay to be a bit nervous as they move forward in the learning process, and that mistakes do happen—learning from those mistakes is key. “Remember it is never too late to ask a question,” said Fitzharis-Beths.
The students will complete their clinical studies at one of twenty-two Ross affiliated AVMA-accredited US veterinary schools. The ceremony reinforces their educational preparation for the upcoming semesters.
“You have shown tenacity and determination to be able to learn anatomy, while undergoing homesickness and frequent electricity outages. On the up side, you were able to entertain family and friends…enjoying the sun and sand,” said Gilda Rawlins, DVM, instructor of diagnostic imaging, representing the Structure and Function Section.
Students receive an instrument set, engraved with their initials for use throughout their clinical semesters during the ceremony presentation of the seventh semester class. The students will begin clinics in September. Freeman, who presided over the ceremony, provided the welcome and presented the class to the audience prior to his closing remarks. “You’ve worked long hours and long days, now go study for your finals as you have a long week and a long career ahead of you,” said Freeman.
Prior to the presentation of the seventh semester class, class representatives, Sara Bledsoe and Frank Swartzel, honored Dean David J. DeYoung, who is retiring, with a photo of the campus community on the day the School received notification of American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education accreditation of the program. The students thanked DeYoung for his service to the students, faculty and the entire University and for his leadership in achieving AVMA accreditation. The University received notice of the accreditation status in March.
About Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Ross University is a provider of medical and veterinary education, offering Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree programs. Founded in 1982 and located in St. Kitts, West Indies, the School of Veterinary Medicine is accredited by the St. Christopher & Nevis Accreditation Board and the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education to offer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program (AVMA COE, 1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 847-925-8070). The School of Veterinary Medicine is affiliated with 22 AVMA-accredited U.S. veterinary schools where students complete their clinical year. The University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital is the only facility outside the U.S. and Canada accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.
Ross University’s administrative offices are located in North Brunswick, NJ. For more information about Ross University, visit www.RossU.edu.
