Rowan University's Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine and Virtua Health College Research Center reaches 50% completion

Rowan University in New Jersey hosted a ceremonial beam signing to commemorate the halfway point of construction of the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine and the Virtua Health College Research Center. In attendance at the September 9, 2024 ceremony were leaders from Rowan University and their partners from Virtua Health, along with state and local officials, students, and members of the Garden State community. Attendees took turns signing the final beam to be added to the facility’s framework in celebration of what will soon be New Jersey’s first veterinary school when it opens its doors to the first students in fall 2025, pending accreditation approval.

Attendees sign the final beam to be raised in the facility's framework

“We’re signing this beam today and, in 11 short months, we will have our first DVM class. That’s really extraordinary,” Matthew Edson, founding dean of the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, said in a 

 “When they get here, we have phenomenal plans for a really innovative curriculum.

“One of the things we want to do is make sure that, when they start here, they learn to be a doctor with hands-on experience from Day One. Our teaching hospital is going to be a phenomenal resource for the community. We don’t have a lot of access here in South Jersey for emergency care, for specialty care.”

Rowan University broke ground on the veterinary school in April 2023

 The 7 ft beam completes the frame of Rowan’s $176 million addition, an addition that will be the largest academic facility across the University’s 8 campuses. The 162,000-square-foot, 4-story facility will stand on Rowan’s west campus, just a mile down the road from the school’s main campus in Glassboro, New Jersey.

The facility will be split between the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine and the Virtua Health College Research Center. The veterinary school will contain state-of-the-art veterinary classrooms, a teaching hospital that will offer clinical services for the community, and educational and diagnostic laboratories, while the Virtua Health College Research Center will include its own open, modular laboratories, collaboration spaces, and support facilities.

Ali A. Houshmand, president of Rowan Univeristy, addresses attendees of the ceremony

The Virtua Health College of Medicine and Life Sciences is an academic partnership between Virtua Health and Rowan University that was established in 2021. At the beam signing event, Ali A. Houshmand, president, Rowan University, thanked Virtua Health, along with the school’s other partners that have contributed to the construction thus far.

In late 2021, the New Jersey Legislature approved $75 million towards construction of the veterinary school’s primary facility. Virtua Health made an $85 million philanthropic investment in 2022, and Rowan University committed $125 million towards the partnership which looks to advance medical, nursing, and health care education.

The school is named for Gerald B. Shreiber, a businessman, animal welfare advocate, and New Jersey native, who gifted the school $30 million in 2023 to fund the development of the new school and support future veterinary scholarships.

A projection of the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine 

As a result of the partnerships, Rowan will soon be one of 2 universities in the United States of offer 3 medical degrees: Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), and soon, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). The university will offer accelerated pathway programs, like DVM/Master of Business Administration (MBA), internship and residency programs, and continuing education (CE) opportunities.

In May 2024, Matthew Edson, founding dean, Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, joined 

 Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, on an episode of 

 The 2 discussed what the opening of Rowan University’s Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine would do for the veterinary care industry.

Halfway there: Beam signing marks milestone for Shreiber veterinary school, Virtua Health. 

. September 9, 2024. Accessed September 10, 2024. 

https://today.rowan.edu/news/2024/09/svm-virtua-hc-beam-signing.html

Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine. Rowan University. Accessed September 10, 2024. 

Coppock K. The new Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine breaks ground. 

. April 28, 2023. Accessed September 11, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/the-new-shreiber-school-of-veterinary-medicine-breaks-ground

Introducing the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine. 

. April 28, 2023. Accessed September 10, 2024. 

https://today.rowan.edu/news/2023/04/shreiber-school.html

McCafferty C. The future of veterinary education. dvm360. May 8, 2024. Accessed September 10, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/the-future-of-veterinary-education

Articles

Rowan University held a beam signing ceremony as construction of New Jersey’s first veterinary school reaches the halfway point

Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine celebrates 50% completion

New veterinary hospitals and clinics are important for improving the quality and accessibility of pet healthcare. These facilities provide essential services, advance treatment options, and help make veterinary care more accessible to animal companions and their owners. As a result, pets face better health outcomes. Additionally, new veterinary practices may bring innovative technologies and specialized expertise, which can improve the overall standard of care in the community.

Here are 3 recent veterinary practices opening soon:

East Wind Animal Hospital (Willow Grove, Pennsylvania)

East Wind Animal Hospital in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Genova and East Wind Animal Hospital)

Earlier this week, East Wind Animal Hospital hosted the grand opening of their new animal hospital located at 1 Fitzwatertown Rd, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. The independently owned clinic will be led by Kristy Stevko, VMD. Stevko and the team will begin taking calls, scheduling appointments, and seeing patients on September 13, 2024, according to the hospital.

“We’re beyond excited to officially open the doors of East Wind Animal Hospital to the Willow Grove community! Starting today, our independently owned clinic, led by [Stevko], is here to care for your furry family members with warmth, compassion, and expert veterinary care” read an East Wind Animal Hospital Facebook post.

The hospital will offer many services, including preventative care, internal medicine, diagnostics, surgery, and dental care.

 Moreover, the new practice will also provide clients with customized breed preventative care plans. These plans will be specifically created to help patients have a happier and healthier life.

 Additionally, the team will offer urgent care services with an online check-in, giving clients the option of waiting at home until it is their turn. Non-critical hospitalization will also be available for pets needing prolonged care and monitoring.

CityVet in Chandler, Arizona. (Photo courtesy of CityVet)

Also opening its doors soon is a CityVet clinic located at 3165 S Alma School Rd Suite 23 Chandler, Arizona. This CityVet location will begin welcoming patients on September 16, 2024, and will be led by Desirée Jordan, DVM. The clinic marks CityVet’s first opening in Arizona, according to an organizational release.

 The new location will provide preventative treatments, diagnostics, surgical procedures, dental treatments, and advanced surgical options, as well as grooming services.

“We are incredibly excited to expand CityVet’s reach with our first clinic in Arizona, but what excites us even more is the opportunity to partner with Dr Jordan. Her dedication to veterinary care, focus on client education, and natural leadership make her an ideal choice to lead our first clinic in Arizona,” David Boguslawski, CityVet president and CEO, said in the release.

"What I hear most from my clients is appreciation for the time I take to thoroughly explain their pet's health. For me, it's important that every pet owner leaves with a clear understanding of what's going on with their pet and how we can work together to keep them healthy,” said Jordan, in the release.

"I want every visit to be a positive experience where they feel more informed and empowered to advocate for their pets. I also expect that same culture of thoroughness and clear communication to carry through every aspect of our clinic."

Arista Advanced Pet Care (Atlanta, Georgia)

Rendering of Arista Advanced Pet Care in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo courtesy of  Arista Advanced Pet Care and Business Wire)

Arista Advanced Pet Care recently announced the upcoming opening of their first hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025. Jennifer Welser, DVM, DACVO, president of Arista, will be leading the new practice. The hospital will provide a large array of specialty referral services and 24/7 emergency care, according to a news release.

For their new location, Arista will implement a shared ownership model by partnering with veterinary owners. This model was originally implemented by CityVet, according to the release.

 "The success we've seen with CityVet’s model underscores the importance of giving veterinarians ownership in their practices. We are thrilled to extend this model to the specialty medicine sector with Arista, bringing the same commitment to innovation and the highest standards of care," Andy Anderson, DVM, DACVS, executive chairman of Affinity Veterinary Partners, parent company of CityVet and Arista, said in a news release.

"Our mission at Arista Advanced Pet Care is to evolve the delivery of specialty care and empower our veterinary teams with a greater degree of autonomy," expressed Jennifer Welser, president of Arista Advanced Pet Care, in the release.

 "We are adapting a proven model that offers veterinary professionals a real opportunity to influence the success and direction of their practice - a change that is truly needed in the specialty field. We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative movement in veterinary medicine."

East Wind Animal Hospital Facebook page. We’re excited to announce that our new website is live! September 8, 2024. Accessed September 11, 2024. 

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0WdBzkT17dPGoLLyQkLaB8bXxgJ2C5FV5NDd53LXZNmKdUyAEh1KhiGZHLAVcsSAcl&id=61559949303946

East Wind Animal Hospital Facebook page. Today’s the Day! September 9, 2024. Accessed September 11, 2024. 

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid035ScSkHjpuoa76FJcYS3fo2AJ2qfLfgXpT7gxVApmMCHhangaRfZMKH3SvN7grdfEl&id=61559949303946

Everything for pets. East Wind Animal Hospital. Accessed September 11, 2024. 

CityVet, a leading network of veterinarian-owned practices, will officially open its doors in Chandler, AZ on September 16th. News release. CityVet. September 10, 2024. Accessed September 11, 2024, [email]

Arista Advanced Pet Care announces opening of first hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. News release. Arista Advanced Pet Care. September 3, 2024. Accessed September 11, 2024. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240903349798/en/Arista-Advanced-Pet-Care-Announces-Opening-of-First-Hospital-in-Atlanta-Georgia

Take a look at these 3 veterinary centers newly opened or coming soon

Clinic center: New veterinary practices opening across the US

The Veterinary Cooperative (TVC), a group purchasing organization for independent practices, recently announced a new partnership with Fear Free, a company working to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) for pets during veterinary visits.

Together, the organizations intend to support the mental wellbeing of veterinary professionals and provide low-stress care to patients. In the partnership, TVC members will gain access to, and benefit from, Fear Free’s certification programs, training, and associated educational materials, enabling them to provide clients with more positive veterinary experiences.

“Our alliance with Fear Free couldn’t be more timely,” Kim London, director of strategic partnerships at TVC, said in a news release.

 “With the growing demand for low-stress handling techniques and the rising concern for the mental health of veterinary professionals, Fear Free provides our members with the resources they need to meet these challenges head-on. This collaboration will not only elevate the level of care our members provide, but also support their teams in fostering a healthier, more fulfilling work environment.”

Fear Free equips veterinary professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to treat patients during visits in a way that does not inflict FAS. In recent years, pet owners have been more conscious of the FAS that their pets may experience during veterinary visits.

Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practices are required to enroll in the official Fear Free certification program, ensuring that all team members acquire their individual certifications, incorporate mandatory standards into their care, before undergoing official Fear Free assessments. The result is more positive veterinary experiences for animals and their owners.

“The benefits of Fear Free extend beyond the immediate wellbeing of pets,” Marty Becker, DVM, founder of Fear Free, said.

 “By creating a calmer environment, veterinary teams experience less stress and greater job satisfaction. We’re excited to work with TVC to bring these benefits to independent practices, helping them thrive both clinically and financially.”

The partnership comes as the veterinary industry faces new challenges with burnout and mental wellbeing. A 2020 study found 26.2% of surveyed Canadian veterinarians had suicidal thoughts during the previous 12 months, a number significantly higher than the general Canadian population.

 According to another study, female and male veterinarians were 3.5 and 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide, respectively, when compared to the general population.

, a company focused on veterinary staffing, retention, and workplace engagement, in a combined effort to address the relevant issues of staffing shortages and burnout within the industry. TVC members acquired access to Hound’s full suite of services as part of the agreement.

Since Becker founded Fear Free in 2016, the program has grown worldwide, most recently expanding to the Oceanic region, with 

the first Veterinary Practice in Australia becoming Fear Free certified

, Becker attributed the worldwide acceptance of Fear Free to the very reason anyone enters the veterinary field in the first place: They want to help animals.

“When animals want to come to a veterinary practice, and pet parents want to take them there, it makes [the] practice so much less stressful,” Becker wrote. “Plus, as a veterinary health care professional, you get to practice like you always dreamed of: I love animals, and they love me back.”

The Veterinary Cooperative (TVC) Forms Strategic Alliance With Fear Free to Address Growing Demand for Low-Stress Veterinary Care and Mental Health Support in Practices. News release. The Veterinary Cooperative. August 28, 2024. Accessed August 28, 2024. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240828957946/en/The-Veterinary-Cooperative-TVC-Forms-Strategic-Alliance-With-Fear-Free-to-Address-Growing-Demand-for-Low-Stress-Veterinary-Care-and-Mental-Health-Support-in-Practices

Perret JL, Best CO, Coe JB, Greer AL, Khosa DK, Jones-Bitton A. Prevalence of mental health outcomes among Canadian veterinarians. 

. 2020;256(3):365-375. doi:10.2460/javma.256.3.365

Witte TK, Spitzer EG, Edwards N, Fowler KA, Nett RJ. Suicides and deaths of undetermined intent among veterinary professionals from 2003 through 2014. 

. 2019;255(5):595-608. doi:10.2460/javma.255.5.595

Littrell A. New partnership aims to address veterinary burnout. dvm360. August 26, 2024. Accessed August 28, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-partnership-aims-to-address-veterinary-burnout

The Veterinary Cooperative announced a strategic alliance with Fear Free to promote low-stress veterinary care and mental health support for veterinary professionals

New partnership supports veterinary mental wellbeing 

Dalan Animal Health, Inc., the company responsible for 

 in 2023, has announced positive findings regarding the efficacy of their new, innovative bacterial vaccine. The experimental vaccine has the potential to significantly reduce the threat of deformed wing virus (DWV) variant B in honey bee populations. The study showed DWV-B quantities to be reduced in vaccinated colonies, with an average reduction of 83%.

DWV-B is one of 3 major variants of deformed wing virus, alongside DWV-A and DWV-C, the latter of which is less common. DWV-B is becoming rapidly more prevalent worldwide, overtaking DWV-A in many regions.

 The disease, as the name implies, causes deformed wings in adult honey bees, which prevents them from leaving the hive to forage.

 mites, which feed on the fat bodies of adult honey bees, as well as pupae. Currently, there are no direct treatments or preventives for DWV. Instead, the primary method of reduction is vector control using acaracides.

“I’ve seen firsthand the losses the DWV virus can cause and how increasingly widespread this population is for US beekeepers,” Tim Ferris, owner of Extract and Box, a Pennsylvania beekeeping business, said in a news release.

 “Managing mite populations has become our primary focus, but seeing a potentially effective treatment on a vaccine [I have] already used for [American foul brood (AFB)] is extremely promising.”

The study tested the efficacy of vaccinating queen honey bees using killed 

 bacterin, which is the causative agent of AFB.

 Tests included 400 honey bee colonies, half with vaccinated queens, and the other half with unvaccinated queens. Researchers measured quantities of DWV-B immediately before vaccination, and again 4 months later.

Although the colonies recorded identical levels of DWV-B prior to vaccination, levels were significantly reduced 4 months later.

 This indicates that reduction in virus load lasts from 4 months to an entire season. There was no difference in mite quantities between the groups.

“To our knowledge, this is the first use of activating the immune system using a dead bacterium to provide protection against a virus in an invertebrate,” Annette Kleiser, PhD, CEO and cofounder of Dalan Animal Health, said.

 “These results open exciting new possibilities for combating viral threats in honey bee populations, which have few methods for control available.”

 at the 2024 American Veterinary Medical Association Convention in Austin, Texas, Kaitlyn Krebs, DVM, MBA, DABVP, spoke about topics that veterinarians should be aware of regarding honey bees.

“…There’s so many other things that, as a veterinarian, we can advise people on, or that affect honey bees,” Krebs said.

 mites, the number 1 killer of honey bees. We don’t require veterinary intervention for those. But, as a veterinarian, I get asked from beekeepers about 

DWV is recorded in more than 90% of honey bee colonies worldwide. DWV is also transmissible to wild bee populations, including bumblebees.

 The study by Dalan Animal Health is currently awaiting peer review. The company plans to continue their research in this area, noting that the current data does not constitute an efficacy claim for DWV-B for Dalan’s existing P. larvae product.

 Their goal is to obtain a claim extension for DWV protection from the USDA and CFIA for the existing 

Company Behind the First Honeybee Vaccine Offers Hope for Beekeepers Against a Deadly Viral Pathogen. News release. Dalan Animal Health. September 10, 2024. Accessed September 10, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-research-from-the-company-behind-the-first-honeybee-vaccine-offers-hope-for-beekeepers-against-a-deadly-viral-pathogen-302243458.html

Weinberg I., Floyd A., Reid N., Swift N. Reduction of Deformed Wing Virus-B levels in Colonies of the Honey bee 

 after Queen Vaccination with inactivated 

. bioRxiv. Preprint posted online July 3, 2024. 

https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.07.01.601551

Paxton R., Schäfer M., Nazzi F., et al. Epidemiology of a major honey bee pathogen, deformed wing virus: potential worldwide replacement of genotype A by genotype B. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.04.013

. June 23, 2024. Accessed September 10, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/common-diseases-in-bees

An experimental vaccine that protects against Deformed Wing Virus-B has showed promise in studies

Vaccine in development against deadly honeybee pathogen

A bipartisan bill—the People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act—that would expand the use of tax-advantaged health care spending accounts to include veterinary care expenses has been introduced in Congress. The legislation seeks to amend Internal Revenue Code Section 213(d), and would increase animal health eligibility in programs that include Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

According to Congresswomen Deborah Ross (D-NC) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY), who both introduced the bipartisan bill, the PAW Act would allow pet owners to have up to $1,000 in veterinary care expenses or purchase an animal health insurance plan paid using their HSAs or FSAs.

 “Pets are more than just animals–they’re beloved members of families who bring joy, comfort, and even health benefits into our lives,” said Ross in a news release. “However, rising veterinary costs often make it challenging for families and veterans to provide care for their pets or service animals. As a dog owner, I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan PAW Act, which will include veterinary care and pet insurance as eligible expenses under HSAs and FSAs to help ensure every animal lover can afford care for their pets. I’m grateful for the partnership of Congresswoman Tenney and will keep working to see this bill signed into law.”

The legislation would also provide for limitless veterinary care expenses for service animals that assist individuals with mental and physical disabilities by ensuring the Internal Revenue Service continues to rely on an updated definition of “service animal” for health care spending accounts.

 "Our pets and service animals are cherished members of our families, and it's essential that owners have the ability to pay for quality care,” Tenney said in a news release. “The PAW Act offers greater flexibility to pet owners by allowing them to use HSAs and FSAs for pet care expenses. This legislation will help veterans, and all pet owners afford veterinary care for their beloved pets and service animals."

The bill was applauded by MetLife pet insurance provider, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) in news releases issued Tuesday by the offices of both Congresswomen.

“MetLife strongly supports the PAW Act, which helps pet parents address unexpected veterinary expenses resulting from a pet’s illness or accident. This bill is a critical step towards promoting the health and well-being of pets by helping pet parents access the care their pets need while protecting their financial wellness,” Brian Jorgensen, head of pet insurance, MetLife, said.

“The AVMA-endorsed People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act helps maintain animal and human health, promotes and emphasizes the health benefits of pet ownership, and allows more people to become pet owners. Ensuring veterinary care and pet health insurance are eligible expenses under Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts means more affordable care for pets, greater access to care for service animals, and an enhanced ability to detect and prevent zoonotic diseases. We thank Reps. Tenney and Ross for their leadership on this issue and urge Congress to promptly pass the PAW Act,” Sandra Faeh, DVM, president of the AVMA, said. 

“We salute Reps. Claudia Tenney and Deborah Ross for their leadership in introducing common-sense legislation to make veterinary care more affordable for millions of pet owners. Representatives Tenney and Ross are champions of the human-animal bond, recognizing that pets and service animals positively contribute to the health and wellbeing of American families” Steven Feldman, president of HABRI, said. 

Congresswomen Ross, Tenney introduce bipartisan legislation to support pet owners by making veterinary care more affordable. News release. Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02). September 10, 2024. Accessed September 10, 2024. 

https://ross.house.gov/2024/9/congresswomen-ross-tenney-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-pet-owners-by-making-veterinary-care-more-affordable

Congresswoman Tenney introduces legislation to support pet owners by making veterinary care more affordable. News release. Rep. Claudia Tenney (NC-02). September 10, 2024. Accessed September 10, 2024. 

https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenney-introduces-legislation-support-pet-owners-making

The bipartisan legislation amends the IRS code to allow animal care expenses to be eligible for use with health savings accounts

Federal bill aims to help make veterinary care more affordable for pet owners

Fetch Coastal is moving to our nation's capital in 2025.

Fetch Coastal is moving to National Harbor, Maryland

 has announced a change in location for our annual Fetch Coastal conference. In 2025, this Fetch dvm360 conference will heading to the Washington, DC, area on September 12-13, 2025, in National Harbor, Maryland. 

In relocating, Fetch Coastal will be leaving Atlantic City, New Jersey, following this year's event on October 14-16. "After many years of hosting our Fetch Coastal conference in the vibrant setting of Atlantic City, I am truly honored to witness and work towards exciting changes that await our learners in Washington, DC, in 2025," Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer for dvm360, said. "This transition not only signifies growth for our community of veterinary professionals but also underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the field. We look forward to embracing new opportunities and sharing knowledge in our nation's capital."

The Fetch Coastal conference offers more than 150 continuing education sessions, presented by more than 60 faculty speakers, as well as hands-on labs. These sessions are specifically designed to equip veterinary professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to tackle the most demanding issues in the industry. 

Additionally, this year's conference in Atlantic City will feature a block party and special Halloween experiences, while the location affords attendees the opportunity to visit the city's famous Boardwalk and casinos. An abundance of restaurants and retail shops are also available to visitors.

Fetch Coastal attendees can experience our final veterinary conference at the Jersey Shore by registering at 

. Attendees who register between September 10 and September 17 will receive a free, limited edition, farewell t-shirt from dvm360. 

 of dvm360's Atlantic City conference. Previously known as the 

 (ACVC), the event was renamed Fetch Coastal, joining a family of 4 other Fetch conferences held each year. The strategic decision to rebrand ACVC brought the Fetch core values of community, collaboration and connections to an event that has been a landmark in the region for about 35 years. 

"It has been a busy year for dvm360 and Fetch, planning our very first Fetch Nashville conference and now we are going to DC. It’s bittersweet to leave Atlantic City yet equally as exciting to take the Fetch educational experience to our nation's capital," John Hydrusko, vice president, sales, for MJH Life Sciences, the parent company of dvm360, said. "I couldn’t be more proud of our team for the work everyone does to enable us to continue grow our footprint and educational impact of the veterinary community."

The Fetch dvm360 conference will be leaving Atlantic City, New Jersey, following this year's event, October 14-16