Contrary to the misinformed opinions against the proposal, veterinary students would never practice medicine without supervision and surgery would never be performed by a first year student as they lack the training. Currently Virginia has regulations that do not permit a second year student from doing a simple physical exam that involves taking a temperature or listening to the heart of a patient, even under supervision. As a result, Virginia is graduating veterinarians with significantly less clinical experience than other states and this is a disservice to Virginia's animal population.If you want to receive the best quality medicine in this state, then it is better for your pet to see a veterinarian who has listened to more hearts and examined more animals before graduating. Teaching hospitals are places where students become trained professionals, but the law as it currently stands impedes progress. Please support this change.