I am in full support of this petition. Currently, veterinary medical students are very restricted in obtaining hands-on experience. This type of experience is imperative for future veterinarians to be able to competantly treat patients based on our diagnoses. 

I understand many of the concerns that have been posted on here, having some fur babies of my own (a  spoiled-rotten horse and kitten). However, I would feel better overall taking my pet to a vet knowing that they received a greater amount of proper hands-on training under expereinced professionals during their time in vet school rather than on their own time after graduation. Due to the current restrictions, many students are just expected to learn all practical experience in one year, but have enough time to learn the necessary book knowledge in 4 years. This is grossly disproportionate. If you are truly concerned about receiveing quality care for your animals by experienced DVM's, you should support more opportunities for future DVM's to improve their skills and gain that practical experience. The DVM degree and title is only as good as the training that leads up to its completion.

As far as lack of supervision, it appears that the regulation in question never mentioned anything about supervision requirements in the first place, only education hours. Even so, fourth year students are under constant supervision during their training. I am under the impression that this will not change if third year or second year students are allowed to now partcipate in the hands-on training. Additionally, in our present curriculum, many classes are matched up specifically with our core courses so that we do not complete classes that are beyond our understanding of that core material. The same will probably apply to hands-on training if permitted. For example, I agree that a first year student would not have the medical understanding to monitor anesthesia during a surgery and would not likely be permitted to do so. However, having taken anatomy and physiology, they would understand the normal structures of the body and would thus have the knowledge to complete a physical exam. By allowing the student to have the legal ability to practice this, I can only see future benefits for all involved. 

I have read many comments regarding concerns about poor care and previous bad expereinces. Many of these situations could be prevented in the future by allowing earlier hands-on training in the curriculum and at veterinary clinics. Overall, although I do understand and respect the concerns that have been posted by others, I feel that this change will do much more long-term good than harm and is in the best interest of everyone.

Sincerely,

Sara Martucci