‘Vet for a Day’ at Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta veterinary staff recently gave more than 35 children an exclusive look at how they care for the zoo's diverse collection of animals. This behind-the-scenes access came as part of the "Vet for a Day" program created by Drs. Terrence Ferguson and Vernard Hodges. These stars of the hit TV show "Critter Fixers: Country Vets" have been working to introduce young people from diverse backgrounds to veterinary medicine early in their lives.

Dr. Vernard Hodges talks to participants during the "Vet for a Day" event held at Zoo Atlanta during the AVMA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Wellbeing Summit this November.

The November 9 event at Zoo Atlanta was held in conjunction with the AVMA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Wellbeing Summit to underscore the Association's commitment to making veterinary medicine a more diverse and accessible profession. More than 120 people attended the "Vet for a Day" event.

Attendees spent the first part of the day hearing about the veterinary profession from Drs. Ferguson and Hodges and from Zoo Atlanta's Dr. Sam Rivera, vice president of animal health, and Dr. Kate Leach, associate veterinarian. Next, the kids learned about parasites, anatomy, and how to perform CPR on dog models.

Dr. Kate Leach, associate veterinarian at Zoo Atlanta, talks to students about the anatomy of various species.

For the second part of the day, attendees cycled through stations throughout the park, toured the new Rollins Animal Health Center, and examined the hooves of goats in the petting area. Meanwhile, educators and AVMA representatives spoke with parents about career paths in veterinary medicine and requirements for veterinary college admission.

Several members of the AVMA Board of Directors volunteered for "Vet for a Day," teaching kids in some of the hands-on activities such as tying sutures. Dr. Michael Lent, who joined the Board in June as the District 9 representative, said he was grateful to give back to a profession that's given him and his family so much over the last 33 years.

Event participants learn how do a behavioral assessment of Mumbles, a white rhinoceros.

"Diversity is one of the most important strengths of our country, and it's important that every child with a dream of becoming a veterinarian has the opportunity to shadow a veterinarian, be mentored, and be encouraged to pursue that dream," Dr. Lent said. "Drs. Hodges and Ferguson and the Critter Fixer team have found a unique way to do that, even for students that may not have a veterinarian in their community or one that looks like them."

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