Penn Veterinary Medicine | University of Pennsylvania

Penn Veterinary Medicine, with more than 6,000 graduates, is internationally recognized as a leader in agriculture, public health, biomedical research and veterinary medical education.

Established in 1884, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) is one of the leading teaching, research and clinical veterinary institutions in the world. Founded on the recommendation of Penn's School of Medicine, it is the only veterinary school to be developed in association with a medical school. It is one of only three private veterinary schools in the nation; the other schools originated as part of land-grant institutions.

Penn Vet alumni can easily be recognized by the degree that follows their names. Penn awards its graduates the degree of Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD). Since the first class of 10 men graduated in 1887, more than 6,000 veterinarians have graduated from Penn Vet. In 2008, 85 women and 20 men earned the VMD degree. Penn Vet also considers the hundreds of residents, interns, post-doctorates and fellows who have trained alongside VMDs as alumni.

Today, Penn Vet alumni are working across the country and around the world to improve the health and welfare of animals and humans.

Why Use the Term "Penn Vet" ...?

Thoughts from Dean Joan Hendricks

I was informed, recently, that for many alumni the term Penn Vet—or more specifically, the casual shortening of the word "veterinarian" to "vet"—is grating and unwelcome.  These alumni remember very clearly having the value of the full word—clearly pronounced—instilled in them.  It was seen as a mark of the pride we have in our profession to enunciate every syllable.  Since I was a student when the decision to formally "brand" the University of Pennsylvania as "Penn" was made—after much debate—I fully understand the impact such a change can have.

The overarching goal of using the term Penn Vet is to provide a memorable, easy to pronounce means of identifying our school—and of identifying it as part of the University of Pennsylvania. We want any mention of outstanding achievements — by students, faculty, staff, alumni—or the school as a whole—to be identifiably from our institution.  In a word, we want to be "branded."  

You will see—on our Web pages, on our buildings and in our communications— that we are using the unifying logo that carries the distinctive mark of Penn. Indeed, the publicity attendant on the Penn Vet World Awards has only helped further increase our impact.

I hope this clarifies our intent, and that you will continue to be proud alumni of Penn Vet (which IS the School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania!).