Ross University adds Fear Free Certification to its curriculum

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Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (Ross Vet) has added Fear Free certification requirements to its curriculum, making it the first international AVMA-Accredited University to adopt Fear Free.

“Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine has always strived to develop a deep understanding of veterinary science and a passion for keeping our patients’ wellbeing front and center,” Sean Callanan, MVB, CertVR, MRCVS, PhD, FRCPath, DiplECVP, FRCPATH, dean of Ross Vet, expressed in an organizational release.¹

“Fear Free’s rigorous standards and empathetic approach to animal handling and care is a natural fit for our curriculum and will help the next generation of veterinary professionals reach a deeper understanding and level of care for animals than ever before,” he continued.

Starting in the summer of 2022, Fear Free companion animal and equine certifications will be included in the curriculum for all Ross Vet students. There will be an avian certification offered as an elective for individuals in the avian medicine program.

According to the release, Ross Vet students will have exclusive access to over 60 hours of additional RACE-approved CE, supplemental resources, a listing in the Fear Free directory, marketing assets, and more.¹ Along with the students, Fear Free certifications will be a requirement for Ross Vet’s clinical staff and faculty.

"Veterinarians of my generation were taught and remember the harsh physical restraint we utilized to immobilize animals. It was designed to protect people with little regard for the animal’s emotional well-being. Most of these animals were terrified and felt they were going to be harmed or even killed,” said Marty Becker, DVM, founder of Fear Free, in the organizational release.¹

“Now Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine students will learn Fear Free techniques, which still achieve positional compliance to take X-rays, vaccinate, place a catheter, or examine a wound but are designed to protect the animal’s emotional as well as physical state,” he stated.

Reference

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Adds Fear Free Certification to Curriculum. News release. April 5, 2022. Accessed April 6, 2022. https://www.prweb.com/releases/2022/4/prweb18597931.htm