Strictly speaking, the floors of a veterinary facility would surely be the very last ones you’d want to eat off, given any kind of a choice. But you might rethink that after seeing the 80,000 sq. foot new University of Calgary veterinary college facility at the northwest edge of the city. I had the privilege of touring it recently and its pristine hallways, shining ductwork and mirror-like floors are a sight to behold.
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Alberta’s first veterinary college is now functioning and its first group of 30 students are working their way through the four-year program. A partnership with the veterinary community allows students to work with animals and in working vet practices almost from day one of the program.
Roy Lewis, a Westlock veterinarian who also writes a column for the Producer, is one of the participating vets. He wrote about the program recently, and you can read that by clicking here.
At the Spy Hill campus in Calgary, it appears little expense was spared in equipment and communications. Alberta is apparently serious about addressing the shortage of rural veterinarians and willing to pay for it. The program’s focus on livestock animals and wildlife proves it further.
When Alberta first announced its plan to open Canada’s fifth veterinary college, there was some worry particularly on the part of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon about reduced Alberta funding or loss of faculty.
However, Alberta continues to fund the same 20 spots at WCVM that is has in the past. As for faculty, communications director Leanne Niblock said they are still filling positions.
You can read more about the UCVM here.
I’ve also attached two photos of the facility, taken earlier this month.
