Program Overview

Introduction to the Wildlife and Conservation Medicine Program

The Wildlife and Conservation Medicine Signature Program at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is designed to provide a rich learning environment for students concerned with wildlife health and preservation, habitat and species diversity, conservation biology, ecological issues, and natural resources.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Teach the clinical skills required for the medical and surgical care and management of wildlife.
• Provide an understanding of the larger role veterinarians can play in conservation biology and develop an understanding and respect for the natural history of wild animals and the environmental conditions in which they live.
• Develop a philosophical commitment to teaching the public a similar understanding and respect and to sharing their sense of compassion for animals in the wild.

Program Goals

The goals of the signature program in Wildlife and Conservation Medicine are to:

• Educate and engage all veterinary students in the practice of wildlife medicine as well as the larger ethical and conservation issues that impact wildlife individuals and populations.
• Provide additional didactic and experiential learning opportunities for those veterinary students who wish to pursue more specific interests in wildlife and conservation medicine.
• Advance knowledge in the fields of wildlife and conservation medicine through high-quality student research activities with the goals of improving the well-being of wildlife as well as domestic animals and people.
• Provide mentorship for veterinary students who wish to pursue careers in wildlife and conservation medicine.
• Collaborate on wildlife-related issues with other Cummings School programs, including International Veterinary Medicine, the Center for Animals and Public Policy, and many outside institutions.

Program Structure

The program includes various components such as:

• Core Curriculum
• Selectives
• Electives
• Student Projects

Leadership Team

The Wildlife Conservation Medicine Leadership Team consists of:

• Faculty members:
  • Janetrix Hellen Amuguni
  • Maureen Murray
  • Felicia Nutter
  • Alison Robbins
  • Marieke Rosenbaum
  • Allen Rutberg
  • Adam South
  • Flo Tseng
  • Chris Whittier
• Staff:
  • Jennifer Keefe, Department Manager, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health
  • Whitney Stiehler, Wildlife Coordinator, Tufts Wildlife Clinic
  • Cassandra Holden, Program Assistant, Tufts Wildlife Clinic
  • Paula McCarthy, Technician, Tufts Wildlife Clinic
  • Christine Powers, Technician, Tufts Wildlife Clinic
  • Sharyn Shugrue, Administrative Assistant, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health
• Interns:
  • Michael Avery
  • Sarah Ashley Kramer

News and Achievements

Recent news and achievements include:

• Why Sometimes Wildfires Can Benefit the Environment
• MS in Conservation Medicine students learn about conservation mitigation for box turtles
• MCM Students Garner Prestigious Awards and Grants for their Work
• MCM Student Nazeeya Chowdhury Leads Human-Elephant Conflict Workshop in Bangladesh
• Tracey Glover Honored with Tufts Distinction Award for Her Work in the MCM Program
• Wildlife Cameras Provide an Unfiltered View of the Natural World

Conclusion

The Wildlife and Conservation Medicine Program at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University offers a comprehensive and engaging learning environment for students passionate about wildlife health, conservation, and preservation. With its rich curriculum, experienced leadership team, and commitment to advancing knowledge in the field, this program is an excellent choice for those seeking to make a positive impact on the world of wildlife and conservation medicine.