International Vet Exchange Program (IVEP) - Colorado State University -
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Colorado State University
Colorado State University (CSU) is a global research university which was established in 1870 as Colorado Agricultural College. Similarly, Hokkaido University, established in 1876 as the Sapporo Agricultural College, resembles closely the chronology of CSU. In addition, Fort Collins where CSU is located is famous for its local craft beer, another common trait with Sapporo city known for its Sapporo beer.
Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CSU-CVMBS) is currently ranked in 13th place on the global QS ranking of veterinary medicine programs and is also ranked as one of the top 3 veterinary schools in the United States along with UC Davis and Cornell University. Furthermore, basic science research is also a strong point of CSU-CVMBS. Notable achievement was established especially in the fields of radiation biology/radiation therapy, environmental toxicology and infectious diseases. An MOU was signed between CSU and Hokkaido University in March 2017 as a beginning of collaborative effort between the two universities. Since the kick off symposium in July 2017 held in Sapporo, faculty and students have begun fruitful interaction.
In this program, five to six selected 2nd or 3rd year undergraduate students are sent to CSU-CVMBS for about one week every year. Students will have the opportunity to visit the CSU veterinary teaching hospital, diagnostic center and animal shelter and have contact with CSU veterinary students. Through this, students can understand the difference in veterinary education between Japan and United States. Finally, the aim of this program is to foster our students into becoming highly competent human resources, capable of joining global advanced veterinary care in consideration world standards in the future.
This program is supported by the Gen Kato Fund established by Dr. Gen Kato, Hokudai University graduate in 1956, who is the director of Daktari Animal Hospital Tokyo Medical Center. He eagerly supports young veterinary students to bud as veterinarians who can assume the pillars of the future in veterinary medicine of Japan.