CVM students visit the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia
By Lindy Young, 541-737-8055
| Allison Miller, Jeni Gallagher and Liz James |
CORVALLIS, Ore. – “Trying to save the world from infectious disease” was the theme of the conference attended by three OSU veterinary students in January. Liz James ’09, Jeni Gallagher ’10 and Allison Miller ’10 flew to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Ga. to find out more about the facility and the role of veterinarians in public health. What they found went far beyond their expectations.
At the welcoming reception the attendees sampled a tasty variety of food. Simulating an actual disease outbreak on the following day, one-third of the students had symptoms of E-coli. A lab was set up to test all the food that had been eaten and the students isolated the culprit. It was the spinach in the stuffed mushroom caps!
During the lecture part of the visit, Allison learned that a mere 2.5 percent of veterinarians serve in public health roles. Their wide range of responsibilities covers zoonotic diseases, vaccinations and parasite control. Functioning with the combination of CDC, FDA, USDA and APHIS agencies, they monitor safe food supply, are responsible for laboratory animals and biomedical research, and monitor environmental health. They even regulate drug and cosmetic sales.
Jeni learned that a career as a veterinary commissioned officer aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort could take her around the world. This ship, staffed with veterinary and medical personnel as well as medical supplies, is sent to troubled places where medical and veterinary help is needed. Field service veterinarians also vaccinate and examine animals arriving in this country from overseas. Liz investigated a career at CDC where veterinary and medical students are assigned to a doctor or sent to specialist centers. All three agreed that once they had some practical experience in veterinary practice, they would be better prepared for a career in public health.
About the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine:
The primary mission of the college is to serve the people of Oregon and various livestock and companion animal industries by furthering the understanding of animal medical practices and procedures. Through research, clinical practice and extension, the college provides Oregon's future veterinarians with one of the most comprehensive educations available.
