Heather Madden

University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine

Way before 1976, it was there. The unscratchable itch that says, do not accept things as they are. Trust what's in your heart. And treat every obstacle as a means to a better you. That spirit not only built a college, it has safeguarded Florida's food supply, made the needs of pets and owners top priority, and brought care for animals, people and the environment together. Today, we see it in the advancement of shelter medicine, in the treatment for animal glaucoma that's used to help people and the yoga sessions that help students decompress. With every challenge we accept and every norm we challenge, we broaden the horizon for future veterinarians and elevate veterinary medicine's place in the world. The UF College of Veterinary Medicine is Florida's only veterinary medical college. Our mission is the advancement of the health and welfare of animals, humans and the veterinary medical profession through world-class education, innovative research, and state-of-the-art clinical services. Following graduation of its first class in 1980, the college has built on the university's reputation for excellence. Today we claim approximately 3000 graduates of our professional degree program. Our veterinary medical alumni are active throughout the world, in areas ranging from in-depth scientific research to traditional small and large animal practice, zoological and aquatic medicine, public health, epidemiology and the military. We pride ourselves in our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. Approximately 800 individuals have completed either master of science or doctor of philosophy degrees in Veterinary Medical Sciences. These individuals are working in academia, in the biomedical sciences, in government and in industry to advance animal, human and environmental health. The College of Veterinary Medicine is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education.