Calgary's newest learning facility is buzzing with veterinary medicine students in its classrooms and labs. The Veterinary Learning Commons (VLC), officially opened on Sept. 15 at the Spy Hill campus, was built with a $68.5-million capital investment from the Government of Alberta to address the province's shortage of livestock and rural veterinarians.
The VLC, a state-of-the-art hub for learning, collaboration and student wellness, features flexible active classrooms, gathering spaces and wellness areas that reflect University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine's commitment to student-centred education and hands-on training.
It will also allow UCVM to double its annual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) enrolment from 50 to 100 students, making it Alberta's largest veterinary program.
"This crucial provincial investment into the expansion of our veterinary education facilities is already making an impact, helping UCalgary meet the growing demand for more veterinary professionals," says UCalgary President and Vice-Chancellor Ed McCauley.
"With the building complete and open to students, we're proud to be training twice as many new veterinarians each year professionals who will ensure the welfare of domestic animals, along with Alberta's animal production industry and public health."
Photo Credit: PRiley Brandt, University of Calgary
Responding to Alberta's veterinary workforce needs
The VLC not only increases capacity, it also enhances operational efficiencies by centralizing administrative functions and co-locating classroom and clinical spaces for students.
This ensures future graduates are better prepared to serve the province's animals, food systems and public-health needs.
"With the opening of this new space, we celebrate a milestone for veterinary education and for Alberta," says Hon. Myles McDougall, minister of advanced education.
"Veterinarians play a crucial role in the province, and we're excited to see expanded opportunities for aspiring veterinarians to train and practice right here at home."
Shortage of veterinarians at a 'crisis point'
The VLC is more than just a facility it represents a tangible step toward ensuring Alberta has the veterinary expertise it needs.
"Alberta has a crisis-point shortage of veterinary professionals, particularly in rural communities but also urban centres," says UCVM Dean Renate Weller, PhD, DVM.
"We are addressing this shortage directly with this class and building expansion, as well as updating curriculum and mental health approaches, all with the intention to potentially target and treat attrition rates."
Veterinary Learning Commons: more than a building
"The opening of the VLC marks an exciting milestone for veterinary medicine," says Dr. Lindsey Kurach, DVM, president of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association.
"Thanks to the Government of Alberta's support, this facility opens the door to expanded training opportunities for the next generation of veterinarians here at home in Alberta," Kurach says. "We're proud to be a partner in this work and to help grow the profession for the future."
Collaboration at the heart of success
Support from organizations including the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association has been instrumental to UCVM's growth. In addition to capital support from the province, philanthropic contributions such as the gift of W.A. Ranches by Jack Anderson and Wynne Chisholm provide students with unique and valuable learning opportunities. These efforts exemplify how deep community partnerships help grow UCVM's impact locally and beyond.
By combining educational excellence, research innovation and collaborative partnerships, the UCVM is preparing the next generation of veterinarians to meet Alberta's needs today and into the future.
Founded in 2005, UCalgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is Canada's newest veterinary school and has quickly earned recognition as a leader in research and education. Ranked among the top three vet-med schools in Canada and 34th globally, the faculty partners with private practices and organizations across the province to provide students with hands-on, workplace-based learning experiences that translate directly into real-world skills.
