Defending No. 26 Dr. Susan Tornquist, dean of the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, released this statement after U.S. News and World Report ranked the college last among 26 schools: “As the U.S. veterinary school with the smallest class size and a relatively new small animal hospital—opened in 2005—it is difficult for some to appreciate the areas of excellence that Oregon State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine possess. “Our students receive excellent hands-on training and personal attention from faculty that result in excellent medical and surgical skills when they graduate. This is enhanced by the large numbers of surgeries each student performs during their three-week required rotation at the Animal Medical Learning Center at the Oregon Humane Society. “Our seniors have always scored significantly higher than the national average on the national veterinary board exam (NAVLE) and many years have an ultimate 100 percent pass rate. They are very competitive in obtaining internships and residencies with often a third of the graduating class entering advanced training. “Our research program is rapidly growing and very successful with receiving funding and national attention with publications in top journals. Our clinical programs are also growing rapidly with signature programs in cardiology, oncology and small animal rehabilitation. “We had record numbers of applicants to our program in this admission cycle, and that reflects that applicants recognize the importance of excellent clinical training.” The University of California, Davis, leapfrogged Cornell University to earn the top spot on U.S. News and World Report’s rankings of the nation’s veterinary schools. The list, released today as part of the magazine’s “2016 Best Graduate Schools Rankings,” were based on peer assessment surveys sent to administrators and faculty members at accredited schools of veterinary medicine. More than 500 DVM students and 170 graduate students are enrolled in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. The school has an annual research budget of $74 million and operates numerous facilities, including the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in Davis and satellite clinics in San Diego and Tulare, Calif. The dean, Michael Lairmore, DVM, Ph.D., credited others for the national honor. “The school’s cadre of faculty, staff, students and alumni are advancing health through their research endeavors, clinical patient care, educational pursuits, outreach and public service locally and globally,” Dr. Lairmore said. “This national recognition and No. 1 ranking is a testament to the school’s community, its irrepressible dedication and energy, and high standards for excellence in leading veterinary medicine and advancing societal needs.” The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, which represents dozens of member institutions at home and abroad, stated that it “neither endorses nor acknowledges third-party ranking systems.” “Colleges of veterinary medicine are accredited by the Council on Education,” said spokesman Jeffrey S. Douglas, MS. “We assert that as accredited institutions, the colleges of veterinary medicine all provide high-quality education to students.” Cornell, which was ranked No. 1 on the 2012 list, slipped to No. 2. Repeating in a tie for third were Colorado State University and North Carolina State University. Kansas State University jumped five spots, to No. 14, and Iowa State University moved up from No. 17 to No. 13. Two institutions—Tuskegee University and Western University of Health Sciences—were not ranked because they did not provide enough statistical data, the magazine reported. The two newest veterinary schools, Lincoln Memorial and Midwestern universities, also were absent. The complete list: 1. University of California, Davis 2. Cornell University 3. (tie) Colorado State University, North Carolina State University 5. (tie) Ohio State University, University of Wisconsin 7. (tie) University of Pennsylvania, Texas A&M University 9. University of Minnesota 10. (tie) University of Georgia, Tufts University 12. Michigan State University 13. Iowa State University 14. (tie) Auburn University, University of Florida, Kansas State University, Purdue University, Washington State University 19. (tie) University of Illinois, Virginia-Maryland 21. (tie) Louisiana State University, University of Tennessee 23. University of Missouri 24. Oklahoma State University 25. Mississippi State University 26. Oregon State University
