Thompson Rivers University Benefits from Equine Foundation of Canada

By Pat Crema, BC Director, Equine

It has taken almost a year since my initial tour of Thompson Rivers University’s Veterinary Technology facility for the equine simulator to arrive on campus.

The $50,000 donation provided by the EFC allowed not only the ordering of the life-sized horse model but led the way in obtaining more subsequent funding to a total of $120,000!! As a result, the university has purchased a second equine simulator and also a cow simulator for their students’ learning.

I met with the vet tech staff on March 2, 2023 in Kamloops BC and was given a thorough, “hands-on” orientation to the black “mare.” The equine simulator had been prepared to display the major signs of colic in the abdominal organs, a clinical condition that students would be able to actually see. Being able to add air and body fluids to the various structures enhanced the clinical versatility of the model, providing students with many scenarios that affect equine health.

Below is a thank you note from Thompson Rivers University.

Hi Pat,

Thank you once again for joining us for the unveiling of the equine mannequin and for lunch. We are so happy to have this technology for our students, and it truly would not have happened without the support of the Equine Foundation of Canada.

We look forward to reporting back on the impact these mannequins have in the program and on learning outcomes for large animal care. Pat, if there are any other details you need in the meantime for your upcoming board report please let us know.

Lastly, we will most definitely be keeping in touch as Thompson Rivers University forges forward in conversations around the pursuit of a Veterinary Medicine program. Have a wonderful Friday and thank you once again for your support!

Sincerely,

Geralyn Cormack Director of Development University Relations Thompson Rivers University

Heather Shannon, Veterinary Technology Program Chair, Greg Anderson, Dean of Science and a number of instructors led a lively discussion with me regarding the use of the models in their teaching and future plans for expansion of the program. They are also actively pursuing the establishment of a Veterinary Medicine program at TRU, the first in B.C. Informal discussions have been held with the provincial government’s Departments of Agriculture and Education. They foresee being able to share the resources and equipment of the technology program with a future medical one.

Following our discussion, photos were taken of the group in front of the equine simulator. The large ceremonial cardboard cheque for $50,000 took centre stage.