Students from the United States and Canada Participate in White Coat Ceremony
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – September 4, 2019 – Students beginning their education at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) were inspired by an alumnus who demonstrates the wide range of opportunities that can be achieved with a career in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Tres Clarke returned to his alma mater to speak at the White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2022. The ceremony was held at the RUSVM campus on September 2, 2019. This tradition welcomes students as they begin their veterinary education, demonstrating a commitment to professionalism as future veterinarians and affirming their commitment to academic excellence.
Dr. Clarke graduated from RUSVM in 2008 and has dedicated his career to serving exotic animals. For example, he has performed cataract surgery on an adult bull African elephant and rehabilitated a young male dolphin injured after a hurricane, allowing it to return to the wild.
“I was always enthralled with exotic animals as a kid. I filled my childhood with boa constrictors, iguanas, bearded dragons, chinchillas and guinea pigs,” said Dr. Clarke, DVM, DACZM, senior staff veterinarian and director of rescue at SeaWorld San Diego. “I tell future vet students that if vet medicine is truly your passion, be persistent and dogged in it, and go for it. Take in the lessons from your life experiences and from different vet practices. Let them mold you on how you want -- and sometimes don’t want -- to practice vet medicine.”
Dr. Sean Callanan, dean of RUSVM, shared the significance of presenting the white coats to the students. The coats are a symbol of support and a commitment to professionalism and ethical values in their journey to becoming veterinarians.
“Veterinary medicine is one of the most highly respected professions, primarily because people believe veterinarians are honest, demonstrate the highest integrity and moral behavior, and are caring, compassionate providers. With more than 5,000 Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine graduates practicing in almost every U.S. state and many other countries, it is an honor to welcome our newest class of future veterinarians,” said Sean Callanan, Ph.D., MVB, MRCVS CertVR, DipECVP, FRCPath.
RUSVM’s curriculum aims to develop tomorrow’s veterinarians by using first-rate, modern technology to enhance clinical skills training. RUSVM and its parent company, Adtalem Global Education, are committed to providing workforce solutions, partnering with highly respected hospitals and partners like Banfield Pet Hospital, VCA, Inc., National Veterinary Associates and Compassion First to connect veterinarians with the places where their skills are in demand.
Media Contact:
Elizabeth Story
elizabeth.story@adtalem.com
(815) 545-4242
