A Global Veterinary Education Program for North American Veterinary Students: A Description of Purdue University Best Practices

Abstract

Worldwide growth in global mobility has transformed the way we communicate, trade, and approach global issues. The rise of global migration and distribution comes with a higher probability of transmitted disease, human–wildlife conflict, and food safety issues. No longer viewed as isolated incidents, the occurrence of global health threats in one part of the globe is now a concern throughout the world. Our society needs globally conscious veterinarians who are dedicated to affecting world change through the improvement of animal and human health; veterinarians who are prepared to collaborate, exchange, and engage with the world around them. Higher education institutions for veterinary medicine have the responsibility to prepare their students to become agents of change within society and rewrite the narrative on global health. This article highlights the intentional approach that Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine took to address the need for more globally conscious veterinarians. The article provides examples of administrative structures, funding sources, global engagement opportunities, methods to increase student awareness of opportunities, and student support. Finally, we describe the impact of this approach in increasing student participation in global engagement.