Fall 2024
Message from Dean Mark Stetter
At commencement this spring I shared the story of one of our graduates, Adrian Santoyo, a first-generation college student from a farm working family in the Central Valley. With the support of his parents and through his own perseverance, he achieved his dream and is now back home practicing as Dr. Adrian Santoyo.
UC Davis is often referenced as one of the top veterinary programs in the world. To obtain and maintain that recognition, we must continue to lead with progressive, innovative, and impactful initiatives. We must constantly consider the biggest obstacles to excellence in animal health care while responding to societal needs.
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A lack of diversity in all its forms negatively impacts veterinary medicine and our society. The school has looked critically at this problem to explore solutions and our role in improving the situation. Whether it be increased opportunities for underrepresented undergraduates (read the cover feature here), new K-12 outreach programs for kids, changes to our admissions process or partnering with national organizations, we are making a difference.
In short, we’re helping to make a lot more dreams like Dr. Santoyo’s come true.
This year, a record high 58% of our new DVM class are first-generation college students, with a 29% increase in Underrepresented in Medicine (UIM) students (Hispanic/Latino, African American, and American Indian/Alaska Native).
There’s more about the incoming Class of 2028 that I think you’ll enjoy reading here. People like you are helping to make those dreams come true.
Our 75th anniversary was an incredible celebration, capped by our spring gala. It was a chance to review our history and honor the individuals who have helped make veterinary medicine what it is today, and to look to the future.
Because of you, as part of our 75th anniversary, we also raised $850,000 in scholarship funds. Our total scholarship endowments have now reached $120 million. Those funds, combined with keeping tuition increases low and our return-to-aid program, means we are able to keep a veterinary degree affordable for our students no matter their financial background.
As we look forward, our top priority is continuing to increase our service to California—with new treatments and scientific breakthroughs, expanded programs, and yes, serving more ambitious students no matter their means or family backgrounds. Thanks for being a part of this journey into our next 75 years.
Mark D. Stetter, DVM, Dipl ACZM
Dean
Feature Stories
Departments
Click on the department name to read all the stories.
News Bites
CVET to the rescue in Park wildfire; Zabi the cat gets a second chance; UCD expands services in So CA; Updates on Avian flu & Nox.
Discoveries
Jaw joint implants for cats & dogs; Diet improves memory in mice; Vaccine to prevent feline FIP; Updated guidelines for spay/neutering.
Clinical Updates
Advancing Large Animal Care Stories: Standing equine surgeries, establishing the first health baseline in mini pigs, collaborative care saves a mare, alternative seizure treatments for a llama.
School Notes
Honors & Awards; Advanced Vet Surgery Center opens; Treating a white tiger & python; Honoring Pint; Equine Teaching Innovations award; Celebrating class of 2024, and more!
Nicole Gonzales, Class of 2025
Equine Medicine Club | President Fracture Program Club | President Student American Veterinary
As a first-generation student, I have learned that it matters not where you come from, but what you do with the support you have been given.
I am humbled by the generosity of benefactors who invested in my future and that of other students. Their financial support has allowed me to contribute to groundbreaking orthopedic research and publish research articles, while also investing in my education to become an equine veterinarian. The opportunity to follow all my passions would not be possible without their help. I thank all who have invested in us. The future of veterinary medicine would not be possible without you!”
Scholarships invest in the world’s brightest veterinary students like Nicole, who will lead the way in caring for animals, people and the environment.
Please consider supporting scholarships by making a gift today