School of Veterinary Medicine
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Veterinary Medicine
Mission, Vision and Values
The School of Veterinary Medicine of the Universidad Ana G. Méndez has the purpose of contributing to excellence in the practice of veterinary medicine in Puerto Rico and the rest of the world, through the training of a professional veterinarian with the tools necessary to evaluate, diagnose and treat animals. Our goal is to continue laying the foundations of the importance of animal care, disease prevention, research, and community education. We will promote the practice of veterinary medicine under strict quality standards and advocate the importance of the global One Health concept.
Advancing animal and human health on the island through exceptional patient care is at the center of our mission. Delivering excellent care will attract the referral base that will help us to effectively teach students the art and science and medicine in the veterinary field. Patient care and service to veterinarians is the backbone which will allow us the environment and resources to provide an exceptional teaching program. The completion of the Small and Large Animal Teaching Hospitals construction projects, and the investment in new hospital equipment and materials, will add to our ability to deliver exceptional primary patient care as well as referral services for practicing veterinarians on the island.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The UAGM promotes through various activities and programs for students the importance of a diverse student body. Examples to promote diversity and inclusion include community activities at public and private schools (middle and high school students), students that participate in pre-veterinary associations, summer camps, and program’s admission requirements.
Admitted students at SVM will be provided with opportunities to develop abilities to interact with individuals of diverse background, cultural diversity, promote a professional, ethical, humanistic, and supportive environment (activities that promote interaction with diverse communities), enforce anti- discriminatory rules.
Open House
About the Program
The Universidad Ana G. Méndez is recognized as an institution focused on academic excellence, research and service, with social responsibility and local and global projection. The Gurabo Campus is an accredited campus of the Universidad Ana G. Méndez, committed to academic excellence, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, internationalization and the socio-humanist development of a diverse population. The Gurabo campus resources support the post-secondary, undergraduate, graduate and continuing education academic offer, through various modalities, framed in the highest quality standards.
The School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) facilities include: an animal house, multipurpose laboratory, hands-on laboratory, anatomy and pathology laboratory, diagnostic imaging laboratory, research area, clinical pathology laboratory, small animal surgery laboratory, large animal facilities with large animal recovery/ induction surgery suites, a Veterinary Teaching Hospitals (VTH), small and large animal isolation with multiple student services areas and administrative offices. The school will share spaces with the existing university campus location, to integrate student services, additional research laboratories, library, and amphitheaters for lectures.
Shaiana Negrón-Pagán, DVM
Dean, UAGM School of Veterinary Medicine
snegronp@uagm.edu
Danny Liswaniso, DVM, PhD
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
dliswaniso@uagm.edu
Alberto Fernández, DVM, Dipl. DACVECC
Associate Dean of Students Affairs / Director, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Pedro De Pedro, DVM, MSc, Dipl. ACVIM
Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs
pdepedro@uagm.edu
Doris M. Castellanos, MBA, MHA, CIP
Assistant Dean of Research and Graduate Programs
docastellanos@uagm.edu
Brenda M. Norat Serrano
Administrative Assistant
bmnorat@uagm.edu
787-743-7979, x 4063
Ilianex Oquendo Pérez
Coordinator of Integrated Academic Services
ioquendo@uagm.edu
787-743-7979, x 3681
Carina I. Gobaira Muñiz
Admissions Recruitment Advisor
cgobaira@uagm.edu
787-743-7979, x 3497
Juan Cotto Gonzalez
Bursar Advisor
jucotto@uagm.edu
787-743-7979, x 3599
Eugenio Quiñones Cancel
Associate Registrar
euquinones@uagm.edu
787-743-7979, x 6833
Edwin Lloret
Enrollment Officer
edlloret@uagm.edu
787-743-7979, x 3604
José Caraballo
Financial Aid Advisor
joscaraballo@uagm.edu
787-743-7979, x 3729
“In compliance with the AVMA COE, UAGM will include the current status granted by AVMA-COE in December 15, 2023, and notified the UAGM on January 11, 2023 using verbatim the text below:
AVMA granted UAGM Gurabo Campus, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program a Letter of Reasonable Assurance – This is a status awarded to developing colleges in the US and Canada. This recognition allows the College to pursue its plan for the veterinary program, and to admit students. Reasonable Assurance is not a pre-accreditation action, by the Council, and does not confer accreditation of any kind on a developing college.
The Letter of Reasonable Assurance is the first step in the process of obtaining the AVMA COE accreditation. At this time, the program is authorized by AVMA COE to admit the first class. If a college granted Reasonable Assurance is making adequate progress in complying with the Standards, Provisional Accreditation may be granted to that college on the date that letters of acceptance (admission) are mailed to members of the initial class. Colleges with a status of Reasonable Assurance or Provisional Accreditation are required to submit reports at six-month intervals to monitor the program’s progress in complying with the Standards according to colleges-accredited-Dec-23.pdf (avma.org). Students who graduate under the Provisional Accreditation status are eligible to sit for the North America Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to practice in the American territory.”
Education
Curriculum
The School of Veterinary Medicine, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum is comprised of a 4-year course of study with the final year dedicated to applied learning through clinical core and elective rotations and externships.
The first year is devoted to the building of strong basic sciences foundation courses such as basic principles of anatomy, physiology, research, cellular structure, and molecular science virology, bacteriology, and mycology along with skills in physical examination, clinical reasoning, and ethics and business management.
The second year focuses on core courses that deal with normal physiological principles in health and disease and integrates materials from year 1. Courses include pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, nutrition, and principles of surgery, internal medicine, anesthesia, and diagnostic imaging, as well as clinical pathology. During this year, students will have the opportunity to rotate in the VTH as part of their introduction to clinical training.
Third year courses enhance clinical skills training and professional development while expanding on experiential learning and integration of the content into principles of clinical practice. These courses include veterinary dentistry, SA internal medicine and surgery, LA internal medicine, theriogenology, LA surgery, farm animal medicine and Licensing Examination course. During this year, students will have the opportunity to rotate in the VTH.
Fourth year students will enroll in their clinical rotations to put into practice the veterinary concepts and skills acquired during the pre-clinical years.
Electives - The curriculum provides a variety of content and supplemental topics not taught in the core curriculum. These incorporate applied and experiential learning, allowing students to develop areas of their professional interest.
Courses
- Click here to view he Curriculum PDF, effective August 2024.
Clinical Year
The clinical year program will consist of 48 weeks rotations, with a total of 48 credits, encompassing 12 rotations of 2 weeks duration each semester. Students will take a 2-week mid-rotation break to have the opportunity to participate in clinical externships. The VTH will serve as the main resource for pre-clinical and clinical rotation experiences. Students will be exposed to diverse clinical scenarios, such as wellness examinations and emergencies to enhance their communication skills through student-client interactions in exam rooms with post-interaction evaluations by SVM specialty teaching faculty. Students will also experience patient handling and history taking, as well as participating in the clinician’s approach to the patients’ individual case, during the diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and discharge instructions to the owners, with the support of experience clinical faculty.
Currently, UAGM SVM has established communication with AVMA accredited Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospitals in the United States which have expressed interest in hosting UAGM SVM senior students for their clinical rotations. Furthermore, UAGM SVM has secured partnerships with clinical specialty centers. These efforts will guarantee our students the necessary exposure to a diverse case load, inclusive of normal and diseased animals from various domestic and exotic species as either clinical patients or teaching animals.
The UAGM SVM Graduate Program is designed to provide students in the DVM program the opportunity to pursue a graduate degree. Our graduate program takes a holistic approach at preparing DVM students with additional knowledge and critical thinking skills to advance and make an impact in the veterinary medicine profession. The graduate program supports students to successfully complete both degrees in a timely and integrated manner. Presently, the graduate program at the SVM provides students the opportunity to enroll in one of two dual degree programs. Additionally, the graduate program intends to propose new graduate programs for all students. Faculty from all academic departments will supervise each student’s graduate education.
DVM/MPH
Curriculum
The DVM/MPH dual degree program is designed for students who would like to pursue a Master’s in Public Health in addition to the Doctor in Veterinary Medicine degree. DVM students will be able to validate at least 15 credits from the DVM program to offset core courses within the MPH degree requirements. Students enrolled in the DVM/MPH program will have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of current issues in global health, health promotion, disease prevention and surveillance, as it relates to animal health and its impact on human health. Students who enroll in this dual dree program will be required to successfully complete a Master level research project on a topic relevant to veterinary Public Health. UAGM MPH program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is planning to seek accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health.
DVM/MSc Environmental Sciences
Curriculum
The DVM/MSc dual degree is designed for students who would like to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Sciences with a focus on Environmental Management or Environmental Analysis. DVM students will be able to validate at least 15 credits from the DVM program to offset electives courses from the MSc degree requirement. Students who enroll in this dual dree program will be required to successfully complete a Master level research project on a topic relevant to environmental and veterinary science. UAGM MSc in Environmental Sciences program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
MSc in One Health
Curriculum
Departments
Biomedical Sciences
The Department of Biomedical Sciences is an academic department that focuses on the study of biological systems and processes as they relate to veterinary health and disease. It typically includes faculty and researchers with expertise
Clinical Sciences - Small Animal Clinical Sciences
The Small Animal Clinical Sciences focuses on the study of the health and well-being of small animals, typically including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small mammals. It comprises of faculty and researchers with expertise in areas such as animal behavior, medicine, nutrition, pharmacology, infectious diseases, and surgery.
Clinical Sciences- Large Animal Clinical Sciences
The Large Animal Sciences focuses on the study of the health and well-being of large animals, typically including horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and other livestock species. It typically includes faculty and researchers with expertise in areas such as animal behavior, nutrition, epidemiology, infectious diseases, and surgery. The department advances our understanding of the biology and care of large animals, and to develop new approaches to improve their health and welfare.
Admissions
• For August 2024, complete the application process and document submission through the School of Veterinary Medicine Admissions portal.
• Complete and apply through VMCAS (for August 2025)
• Bachelor’s degree in related areas to the program, from an accredited institution
Required**:
- Two semesters of General Biology (6 credits)
- One semester of General Microbiology and laboratory (4 credits)
- One semester of Genetics (3 credits)
- General Chemistry and laboratory (4 credits)
- General Organic Chemistry and laboratory (4 credits)
- One semester of Biochemistry (3 credits)
- One semester of General Physics (3 credits)
- One semester of any of the following: Pre-calculus, Calculus, Statistics (3 credits)
- Two semesters of English (6 credits)
- One semester of Humanities or Social Sciences (3 credits)
- Recommended
- One semester of Animal Nutrition (3 credits)
• A minimum letter grade of C is required in all the required courses.**
• A minimum GPA of 3.00
• Submit CasPer test scores
- All applicants are required to complete Casper as part of their application for the 2023/24 admissions cycle. To complete these assessments visit AcuityInsights.app to create an account and register to complete the following assessments:
Casper: 90-110 minute online, open-response situational judgment test (*Duet is not required to apply to our program).
• Provide proof of English competency if English is not your first language
- TOEFL or IELTS
TOEFL:
- Universidad Ana G. Méndez- Gurabo Campus
- DI Code: D667
- Location: Gurabo, Puerto Rico
• Have completed the equivalent of a minimum of 300 hours of veterinary professional experience
- Hands-on experience and/or related areas research experience
• Submit evidence of Immunization against rabies
• Submit 3 letters of recommendation
- One must be written by a veterinarian; the rest could be written by professors and/or researchers.
- Remember, the professors, veterinarians or other professionals must submit the letters of recommendation to
vetmedadmin@uagm.edu by the time you submit your application.
• Submit an official transcript
• Submit a $100.00 nonrefundable application fee.
• Once the application is received and evaluated, the student will be a candidate for a personal interview with the Admissions Committee.
*Exceptions or substitutions could be possible case by case basis at the admissions committee member discretion.
Students interested in applying in August 2024, for the UAGM SVM DVM, must complete the application process and document submission through the School of Veterinary Medicine Admissions portal.
Students interested in applying for the UAGM SVM DVM, stating August 2025, must complete the application process and document submission through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). The UAGM SVM will consider admission of students to the Doctor in Veterinary Medicine every year in the fall semester. Students who wish to be admitted to the Doctor in Veterinary Medicine should go through the VMCAS application window (January- September), starting August 2025.
Click here to view the cost of attendance for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program.
Since UAGM is a Title IV Program participant, the SVM DVM eligible students will have access to federal financial aid. The Student Financing Advisor under the Associate Deanship of Student Affairs in collaboration with the Financial Aid Office, are the units responsible to provide orientation, support, and financial services to the SVM DVM students.
Students
Library services
The UAGM library information and learning resources will provide the SVM DVM program students, faculty and staff the adequate access to library services and support for: e-books, electronic journals, databases and veterinary collections retrieval, through individual orientation and workshops.
List of registered and recognized student clubs for DVM Program
- SCAVMA
- VBMA
- One Health Club
- ACVIM Student Club
- AABP Student Club
- AAV Student Club
- AAVP Student Club
- AAEP Student Club
- ASLAP Student Club
- SCAVSAB Club
- SCACVP Club
List of registered and recognized student clubs for Veterinary Technology Program
- NAVTA Student Club
Career planning is essential for student success in veterinary medicine. Planning for the future can be stressful and overwhelming, but the Student Affairs career and advising team will support the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Technology programs.
Events
- Admissions events
- Research Seminars
- Mental and Wellbeing events
- Student Club events
News
- Research News
- Student News
Research
At the UAGM, research together with teaching and community service are the pillars of our institution. Through research activities, creative work, and innovation, the SVM will train a new generation of veterinary medicine professionals. UAGM SVM recognizes that research is vital to the advancement of the veterinary profession and a valuable component of our students’ education.
The SVM is in the process of identifying and defining specific research focus areas. The SVM research strategy will be aligned with the UAGM institutional research priorities as defined by the UAGM Strategic Development Guides for 2021- 2024.The Research and Graduate Program will support the developed of a solid research strategy for creating and enabling a dynamic research learning environment as well as maximizing external resources and strategic research partnerships.
The process of defining the research strategy will be guided by the Research Committee, the Dean and research expertise of our faculty. Nevertheless, given our strategic location in the Caribbean, the SVM research strategy and priority areas will be centered around the One Health concept. One Health is a transdisciplinary approach concept used to understand the interconnectivity of humans, animals, and the environment in order to identify health challenges and achieve optimal health outcomes.
All UAGM SVM DVM students will be exposed to research exercises embedded in the DVM curriculum, including design, data review, analysis, and critical research reasoning. Students will have the opportunity to get familiar with and understand key elements for critical reasoning and analysis of research findings. As faculty include discussions on research advances in their disciplines, students will gain experience in analyzing new research findings starting in the first year and progressively build their knowledge about the role of research in veterinary medicine and science.
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Advancing animal and human health on the island through exceptional patient care is at the center of our mission. Delivering excellent care will attract the referral base that will help us to effectively teach students the art and science and medicine in the veterinary field. Patient care and service to veterinarians is the backbone which will allow us the environment and resources to provide an exceptional teaching program.
The Veterinary Teaching Hospital is designed to provide primary teaching clinical scenarios for students, following the best clinical practice standards under the supervision of their professors and the veterinary clinical staff for small and large animals. The hospital will serve the community as a general and referral practice. The facilities will include: reception areas for client and patient receiving, the hospital business office, Specialty Services treatment areas – that allow for specialist such as Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Surgery, Anesthesia, Cardiology, Neurology, Dentistry, Radiology, Theriogenology and Ambulatory, Primary Outpatient care (each area includes shared day holding, vet tech offices and rounds rooms), Emergency / ICU / Intermediate Care, Isolation, Pharmacy, small animal wards (including diet prep, food storage, housekeeping storage, and laundry), large animal holding and treatment areas, diagnostic imaging, clinical pathology, and paddocks.
Pathology and Diagnostic Laboratory
FAQ’s Veterinary
For August 2024, complete the application process and document submission through the School of Veterinary Medicine Admissions portal.
Please contact the Vice Chancellor and Associate for Quality of Life and Student Wellbeing office to clarify all questions.