A local Hong Kong veterinarian will attend a prestigious programme in the US, thanks to a three-year scholarship provided by the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM), through a collaboration between CityU and Cornell University.

Dr May Tse Pui-ying, who previously worked as a Veterinary Officer (Residues Control) in the government’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), will use the scholarship, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, to enrol in a residency programme in veterinary anatomic pathology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study at Cornell University and learn from some of the world’s most celebrated veterinary scientists and pathologists,” said Dr Tse.

SVM has provided a series of education initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills of local veterinarians.

The objective of the scholarship is to nurture outstanding veterinary pathologists, develop an international network and provide world-class training through the residency programme.

Professor Way Kuo, University President, expressed his support for SVM. “Our School of Veterinary Medicine pursues excellence in professional education and research in veterinary and life sciences. The work is helping to enhance Hong Kong's international standing by establishing veterinary education and research,” he said.

CityU will continue to create knowledge in veterinary medicine and science by exploring more education opportunities, he added.

Professor Michael Reichel, Acting Dean of SVM, said that Hong Kong currently lacks qualified veterinary pathologists and that the new scholarship will help deserving veterinarians get the necessary qualifications and experience. SVM hopes to send more local veterinarians for additional residencies in various subjects, such as critical care medicine, surgery, internal medicine and dermatology.

Scholarship recipients will engage in veterinary diagnostic work, teach undergraduates, and participate in SVM research projects at the conclusion of the residency programme.

Professor Reichel added that SVM was recruiting high-calibre faculty in partnership with Cornell colleagues in order to strengthen the research and teaching team, which will advance SVM’s development into a world-class hub for veterinary education, training, and research in Asia. The SVM will also promote strategic themes such as detecting and preventing zoonotic diseases, improving food safety, and promoting aquaculture and animal welfare.

Through this programme, Dr Tse said she hoped to advance her knowledge and diagnostic skills, track diseases, identify research topics, sharpen her teaching skills and contribute to the development of SVM upon her return to CityU after she completes the residency programme

Dr Tse’s scholarship covers tuition, living expenses and medical insurance. The scholarship also provides her with an opportunity to work in positions assigned by CityU for five years after obtaining full certification from the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

All scholarship applicants are selected after a thorough screening and review by both SVM and Cornell University.

Cornell University has rich experience and a long history in providing veterinary pathology training programmes in the US.

The Residency Programme in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology consists of an intense three-year course of study designed to prepare veterinarians for certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

This training schedule is supplemented by lectures, tutorials, research projects and rotation through specialty service laboratories and clinical services at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals.

 

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