To our alumni of the School of Veterinary Medicine, 

Like all of the world, COVID-19 has forced the School of Veterinary Medicine to adjust our operations as we join collective efforts to protect the health of our communities. I'll share more on that below. But first, I want to say that I know that the COVID-19 pandemic is also affecting you, and that many of you are on the front lines in responding and adapting to this challenging situation. Whether you're part of response operations across the country or world (thank you!), having to adapt your clinical practice or other professional work in the face of this pandemic, or trying to find calm and balance amidst change and uncertainty, please know that whatever you may be experiencing you have our concern and support.

Here at UW-Madison and the School of Veterinary Medicine, on-campus staffing has been reduced sharply, with most employees telecommuting. On-site research has been limited to essential research only (including several SVM scientists leading efforts to understand and thwart the virus). UW Veterinary Care has scaled back operations to serve life-threatening emergencies and urgent rechecks. The hospital also had to close temporarily in mid-March when an SVM employee was diagnosed with COVID-19.

For our students, instruction has shifted online for the remainder of the semester, externships have been canceled, and clinical rotations are being taught virtually. We are planning for our Class of 2021's entrance into this "virtual clinic" until we can safely bring students back to campus. Sadly, in-person spring commencement ceremonies and the school's annual celebratory events have been canceled, though we're currently developing creative, virtual alternatives. To follow more updates about the university's response to COVID-19, visit covid19.wisc.edu.

Throughout this unprecedented situation, the school's faculty, staff and students have demonstrated creativity, flexibility, commitment and compassion to ensure that we all help one another, that students make it successfully through the semester, and we have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements. We remain focused on continuing to provide outstanding education to our professional veterinary medical and graduate students to support their success and leadership in all that they do. 

As you personally navigate these stressful times, I along with my colleagues here at the SVM hope that you and your families are safe and well. If we might be able to help in any way, please be in touch. 

Kristi V. Thorson

Associate Dean for Advancement and Administration

P.S. We would like to hear about your involvement in COVID-19 response operations or ways your clinical practice or other work has been affected by the pandemic. If you're comfortable sharing your experience for future coverage of COVID-19 in SVM publications, please send an email to [email protected].