Reception honors visiting Japanese DVM and veterinary technology students

The delegation of Japanese veterinary visitors from Kitasato and Rakuno Gakuen universities display their commemorative certificates, accompanied by Purdue Veterinary Medicine staff members at a farewell reception in the mural hallway connecting Lynn Hall and the new Brunner Purdue Veterinary Hospital Complex. (Purdue University photo/Ashley Jensen)

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s partnership with two veterinary schools in Japan was the basis for a celebratory reception at the end of last week, as the college honored visiting students from Kitasato University and Rakuno Gakuen University. The eight member delegation included four DVM students and a faculty member from Kitasato University and two veterinary nursing students and a faculty member from Rakuno Gakuen University. The reception on Friday morning, August 14, served as an informal farewell and included a brief recognition program when each of the Japanese visitors received a commemorative certificate.

The international exchange relationship between Purdue and the two Japanese universities involves longstanding connections. The relationship between Purdue and Kitasato dates back 35 years, while Purdue and Rakuno have worked together since 2016. The Japanese students come for two weeks each August. In return, the Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine welcomes a faculty member from Purdue every spring, and Rakuno Gakuen University hosts a group of PVM students every June.

A surgical team is pictured in a medical room. All four featured people are wearing scrubs and personal protective equipment. — A key purpose of the exchange program between PVM and Kitasato and Rakuno universities is to enable the Japanese students to see firsthand the work performed by PVM clinicians and veterinary technicians and technologists in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. (Purdue University photo/Ashley Jensen)

Addison Sheldon, director of PVM’s Global Engagement Office, said the primary purpose of the Japanese students’ annual visit to Purdue is to spend time in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital observing the work done by PVM clinicians and veterinary technicians and technologists. “The program is designed to give them an overview of how veterinary medicine is practiced in the United States,” Sheldon explained. The visitors also participated in a variety of other activities, including visiting the Indiana State Fair and the Fort Wayne Zoo.

“These exchange programs enrich the learning environment in Lynn Hall and help provide students with impactful global engagement opportunities that prepare them to be globally conscious veterinary professionals who can understand and act on global health issues,” Sheldon said. He also expressed appreciation for all of the PVM faculty, staff, and students who made the international guests feel warmly welcomed.