The University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) has received a generous $1-million donation from Hill's Pet Nutrition, Canada. This substantial contribution will establish a new nutrition-focused professorship, making nutrition education an integral part of the formal curriculum and supporting the position for a decade.
The critical role of nutrition in health and recovery has transitioned from the human realm to include our four-legged family members. Just as the human world grapples with an overabundance of calories, fat, and sugar, our pets too are facing a similar challenge. This is evident in vet clinics where the healthy body weight chart for pets now focuses on preventing overweight conditions rather than underweight ones.
Recognizing the importance of nutrition in maintaining the health of our pets and the need for informed guidance, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Canada, a longtime supporter of the University of Calgary, has donated $1 million to the Vet Med program.
"At Hill's Pet Nutrition, we firmly believe that the right nutrition is vital to pets living long, healthy lives," said Tanya Van Der Pryt, DVM, associate professional veterinary affairs manager for Hill's Pet Nutrition Canada. "When it comes to selecting the best nutrition for an individual pet, veterinarians are the best source of information. We are delighted to partner with the University of Calgary to support future veterinarians with the education on animal nutrition they will need to advocate for the animals in their care."
"This impactful gift allows UCVM to put nutrition at the forefront of veterinary education in Alberta. We are thankful for our longstanding partnership with Hill's and know we will do great things together," says Sarah Parker, UCVM director of development.
The university welcomes Dr. Glenna Mauldin as the new associate professor (teaching) in Small Animal Oncology and Nutrition, who will hold the prestigious Hill's Pet Nutrition Professorship in Animal Nutrition. Dr. Mauldin brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience from esteemed institutions such as The Animal Medical Center, Louisiana State University, Western Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre, and PetCure Oncology.
Dr. Mauldin says, "I am proud to lead the nutrition curriculum at UCVM, imparting the latest knowledge of nutrition in veterinary prevention and recovery to the next generation of veterinarians."
The Hill's Pet Nutrition Professorship in Animal Nutrition will enhance the core Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at UCVM by refining the animal nutritional curriculum, creating post-DVM training opportunities in animal nutrition, and fostering connections with Albertan practitioners. It will also develop research projects that advance animal clinical nutritional knowledge, placing UCVM at the forefront of animal nutritional education. Plans are already in motion as well to hire a second faculty member with expertise in nutrition to help support the program.
With the contribution from Hill's Pet Nutrition, Canada, and the expertise of individuals like Dr. Mauldin, our pet companions are set to benefit from healthier, happier lives.
