Fifty-five high school students in Ohio got a closer look into the different career paths in veterinary medicine this past June. The week-long summer camp — the Buckeye Vet Prep Academy—is hosted through The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and hopes to prepare high school students for veterinary careers. “We want to expose more high school students and under-represented minorities to the veterinary medicine profession,” said April Pugh, director of admissions and recruitment, who started the program in 2013 with the help of Shayna Mohr, assistant director of admissions and recruitment. “This is a great way to showcase career options in the field.” The 55 students were chosen out of 154 applicants, Pugh said. They took part in discussions about careers in veterinary specializations including zoo and wildlife medicine, small and large animal internal medicine and veterinary public health, among other topics. They also completed a surgery lab, which included practicing basic suturing and bandaging procedures on teddy bears. In addition, the students participated in off-campus experiences around Ohio, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the Columbus Zoo, the Capital Area Humane Society and a trip to The Wilds conservation center and safari.
