The University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School, casually called Penn Vet, was founded in 1884. The school was created after a suggestion by the University's School of Medicine in an attempt to devote resources to the control and prevention of animal diseases. Since then, groundbreaking research has been conducted and shared between the two departments. Since 1887, the school has had 6,000 graduates that have become veterinarians. 440 of these students have gone on to complete a four-year graduate program offered by Penn Vet.
According to the University's website, Penn Vet seeks to create a diverse student body. The admissions staff will take into account socioeconomic, background, geographical origin, special interests and traits when considering applicants. Academic background is another factor in consideration, and transcripts are expected along with a student application. Students considering Penn Vet can call the counseling department and set up a meeting to visit campus. The graduate program requires two applications. The PhD. Program application and an additional Vet School application are both necessary. All applications need to be turned in to the University Admissions Department by November 1 for the following year.
There are multiple departments within the Penn Vet School. The Animal Biology program focuses on anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology and physiology. Two of this department's instructors are members of the "Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research." There are two location for the Clinical Studies Program, which focuses on veterinary practice. Anesthesia, critical care, cardiology, surgery and large animal medicine are among the subjects studied. Both campuses also include a Pathobiology Program. This program includes avian medicine and pathology, laboratory animal medicine, immunology, parasitology and toxicology.
The Mari Lowe Center for Comparative Oncology is the University's center for studying cancer in animals. The center is particularly interested in companion animals and pets. The Veterinary Center for Infectious Diseases researches animal diseases and diseases that can move from animal to human. The Goodman Center for Comparative Genetics focuses in the advancement of stem cell biology. The Center for Interaction of Animals and Society seeks to improve the relationship between people and animals. Two additional research facilities include the Center for Animal Health and Productivity and the Veterinary Clinical Investigation Center.