I would like to provide comment on my support of the change to 18VAC150-20-130 and also provide explanation and clarification to some of those who oppose the rule. First, my name is Laura Janovsky and I am a second year veterinary student. I have a BS in biology, have worked as a veterinary assistant and nurse for a number of years as well as working in environmental policy prior to coming to veterinary school. I have a worked on the flip side of policy changes such as this one, reading public comments, coding them and responding to them.  I am in much support for this change not solely because I am a veterinary student, but because I believe that there is a huge opportunity that students in the state of Virginia are missing out on. To give some insight into veterinary medicine and the application process, there are currently 28 veterinary schools in the United States, and of those, there is only one for all of Virginia and Maryland. The application process is highly competitive, requiring a high GPA and minimum number of shadow/work/volunteer hours under a veterinarian to even be a competitive candidate. Like me, many who have applied have been working in a veterinary practice for some time or have decided to make a career change to veterinary medicine.

                One of the most challenging aspects of being a veterinary student is being able to get hands on experience, especially experience where students can be supervised by a veterinarian. We have been equipped with knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and a numerous other courses by the end of the first year and have a good grasp on how the animal body works. The problem is that no matter how many hours we put into the program, there is no way to get that experience other than doing labs that the vet school offers, participating in clubs, or waiting until fourth year. The VA-MD veterinary program is excellent and provides as many opportunities as it can to get students hands-on experience. The problem is that we also are taking 20+ credit hours every semester and there are not enough hours in the day, or resources, to get all the students hands-on experience that will make them confident and prepared as they go into fourth year. Many students rely on outside opportunities, often as summer employment at veterinary hospitals to get hands on experience.  Allowing students to get more practical training will make them better, more competent veterinarians upon graduation.

For those that argue that they do not want their pets being the “lab animals” for vet students, please consider who is currently working at your pets vet hospital and what their credentials are.  High school students who can barely operate a vehicle can poke your pet with needles, take samples and even medicate them as long as they are currently employed and getting paid by that veterinary establishment. Vet students can do the same, yes, as long as they are employed by a veterinary hospital. The difference is that, if for instance a vet student would like to shadow at a practice for a few weeks to get some additional experience (while not necessarily being employed by that practice), he/she cannot legally receive practical hands-on training. I personally would feel way more confident having a veterinary student help out with my pet than a high school student or other person that may be employed by a veterinary practice, but has not had any training or knowledge related to veterinary medicine.

I urge you to consider deleting the requirement for a student to be in their final year to get practical hands-on experience. I think that in addition to the comments I made above, it hurts Virginia to have these requirements and can make other states more appealing for veterinary students. This translates to vet students seeking opportunities elsewhere and potentially practicing in another state upon graduation. I know I certainly have plans to get experience outside of Virginia this summer. Thank you for considering my comment .