Professor Vanessa Barrs (far left) led the BVM graduates in reciting the Veterinarian’s Oath.

Dual accreditation highlights excellence of veterinary programme

By : Michael Gibb, Julian Ng

This exceptional feat establishes the BVM as the sole programme in Asia accredited by both regulatory bodies, underscoring its commitment to excellence, high standards, and delivering a world-class veterinary education.

The path to accreditation was admittedly challenging, but the unwavering dedication of the faculty, staff, and students propelled the project forward. Perseverance and commitment to achieving excellence culminated in this remarkable accomplishment.

Mr Lester Garson Huang (middle), President Freddy Boey (right) and Professor Vanessa Barrs announced that CityU’s BVM programme is the first dual accredited veterinary programme in Asia. Mr Lester Garson Huang, Chairman of the CityU Council, expressed his pride in the programme’s achievements. “Dual international accreditation is a testament to the high standards and quality of our veterinary programme. It attests to our commitment to providing students with a world-class education and ensuring they are well-prepared to meet global standards,” he says.

Dual accreditation solidifies JCC’s position as the leading veterinary school in Asia and positions CityU as a centre of excellence in veterinary medicine. The pioneering focus on the One Health concept recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

CityU has been promoting this integrated approach to health in collaboration with Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in the US since 2009.

President Freddy Boey of CityU emphasised the positive impact of accreditation on local and regional communities. “Our newly trained veterinarians can now venture into the world and pursue their careers, serving as ambassadors for the entire University. This recognition makes CityU an appealing destination for talented students and faculty seeking exceptional veterinary education opportunities,” he says.

This dual accreditation also positions JCC and CityU as key players in transforming Hong Kong into an international hub for training and research in One Health. Professor Vanessa Barrs, Dean of JCC, highlighted alignment with societal needs. “The BVM closely aligns with the needs of society, training expert healthcare professionals who will advance animal health and welfare. With the increasing emergence of zoonotic diseases, such as COVID-19, the BVM equips future veterinarians with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address global health challenges,” she said.

The accreditation process involved a rigorous evaluation of various factors, including the institution’s organisation, financial resources, physical facilities, equipment, academic staff, student admissions procedures, and curriculum compliance with local and international requirements. The successful accreditation validates the programme’s ability to produce competent veterinary professionals upon graduation.

This significant achievement has garnered praise from Professor Lorin Warnick, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. He commended CityU on reaching international accreditation standards and expressed excitement about the graduates’ future impact on society.

The first cohort of BVM students celebrated their graduation in October 2023. All 11 BVM graduates of this pioneering cohort have completed registration with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSB) and obtained their licenses to practice as veterinary surgeons.

Dr Gabrielle Ho, a BVM graduate, spoke highly of JCC and CityU for providing diverse experiences, including working in small animal clinics, studying large animal cases, visiting food processing factories, and treating aquatic animals. The close faculty-to-student ratio fostered a supportive learning environment that allowed for strong relationships with teachers.

The success of the first cohort with dual accreditations and their completion of professional education marks a significant milestone for CityU’s veterinary programme. It exemplifies our commitment to delivering high-quality education and producing competent veterinarians who are prepared to tackle the evolving challenges in the field of veterinary medicine.

CityU’s commitment to veterinary expertise continues to grow with the establishment of the CityU Farm, a centre of dairy excellence, and the upcoming Jockey Club One Health Tower, which will provide state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities for JCC. These developments solidify CityU’s position as a leading institution in veterinary medicine and further support its mission to address global health challenges through the principles of One Health.

With the approval of the VSB, all 11 graduates are registered as veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong.