Forging Community Connection

Penn Vet Shelter Medicine and Community Engagement programming connects animal sciences, veterinary medicine, and the Philadelphia area. In addition to faculty- and staff-driven programs, the outreach programs offer opportunities for our students to engage with the community in collaboration with Penn’s Netter Center for Community Partnerships.

During their Shelter Medicine clinical rotation, Penn Vet students work with seventh- and eighth-grade students at Andrew Hamilton School, a University-Assisted School. Under faculty and staff guidance, our students create and deliver small group, interactive lessons to the younger students. The lessons encourage exploration of animal and veterinary sciences, as well as aspects of One Health and animal welfare.

Another community education program is Penn’s Educational Pipeline Program. In the spring, first- and second-year veterinary student coordinators deliver lessons to high school students on Penn Vet’s campus. The lessons facilitate interest in science and veterinary medicine, enabled students to explore animal sciences as a career path, and increase their knowledge about animals and animal welfare.

Finally, a capstone experience is offered as part of Penn Vet’s first-year curriculum. Students learn about best practices in community work and teaching and then deliver lessons to community schools.

Exposing veterinary students to community engagement offers them vital experience and enhances their communication skills, all while expanding their perspectives of the communities they may someday serve and strengthening their ability to connect with clients and communities.