The ability for a veterinary student to practice skills outside of school is essential to providing them with a well rounded education. Do to our recent advances in welfare laws regarding our animal usage, we are only allowed limited practice in skills that are necessary for making  us effective veterinarians (this inlcudes everything from placing IV and urinary catheters to performing spay and neuter procedures). Likewise, an academic setting is very strict - the ability to learn from private practitioners who are experienced in working with all kinds of patients and clients allows us to develop our critical thinking and problem solving skills. Fourth year is extremely busy, making this the only opportunity for us to gain these expereinces outside of school is hurtful to our education, our future employers, and our future clients and patients.

Allowing us to work with private practioners throughout our veterinary school years will help us become more experienced, better  educated, well rounded, and effective veterinarians. These skills will will benefit the VA veterinary community as a whole and help our profession maintain the trust and respect of our clientele. Changing this law will not only benefit veterinary students, but the entire state of VA.