Veterinary Medicine, VMD

The School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet), an integral part of a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary university, exists to better the health and welfare of animals and humans. The synergy generated by Penn Vet’s interaction with the University community and the biomedical establishment in the Delaware Valley creates unique challenges and opportunities to excel in teaching, research and service.

Offering the VMD, Penn Vet is committed to innovative educational programs to train veterinarians and biomedical scientists; pioneer research and the discovery of new knowledge in the basic and applied sciences; and maintaining a strong commitment to specialized veterinary medical care and service.

Curriculum

Our students benefit from Penn Vet’s commitment to making veterinary medicine more inclusive.  Their educational experience is also enriched through interactions with the vibrant, multifaceted biomedical establishment in and around both the University of Pennsylvania and the larger Philadelphia region, with its many facilities in healthcare, research, and technology.

The Core Curriculum

The Core Curriculum is the central component of a Penn Vet education.  Course requirements for the entire first and second years are based on this curriculum, as are the courses for the fall term of the third year. In the spring term of the third year, students move into the clinical aspect of the curriculum. In the fourth year, the Core Curriculum is combined with foundation clinical rotations.  All students must complete the entire Core Curriculum, while also satisfying clinical competency requirements for each class year.

The VMD Curriculum

Year 1
Fall
VBMS 6010
Histological Basis of Pathology
Developmental Biology
Cellular and Biochemical Foundation of Disease
Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Medicine I
VPTH 6150
Spring
Quarter 3
VBMS 6010
Introduction to the Neurosciences
Animal Physiology
Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Medicine II
VPTH 6150
Quarter 4
Introduction to the Neurosciences
Animal Physiology
Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Medicine III
Introduction to Radiology
Nutrition
Immunology
VPTH 6150
Year 2
Fall
General and Systemic Pathology
Parasitology
Microbiology
Surgical Principles
VMED 6180
Spring
Quarter 3
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Introduction to Poultry, Swine, and Dairy Medicine
Veterinary Medicine/Surgery I
Clinical Pathology
Clinical Orthopedics
VMED 6180
Quarter 4
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Principles of Epidemiology
Veterinary Public Health
Infectious & Metabolic Diseases
Veterinary Medicine/Surgery I
Clinical Pathology
Anesthesia
VMED 6180
Year 3
Fall
Quarter 1
Veterinary Medical Genetics
Clinical Reproduction
Veterinary Medicine/Surgery II
Veterinary Ethical Issues
Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Medicine V
Clinical Exercises
Electives
Quarter 2
Veterinary Medicine/Surgery III
Dermatology
Clinical Animal Behavior
Clinical Exercises
Emerging and Exotic Diseases
Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Medicine V
Electives
Spring
Quarter 3
Large Animal Block Electives - New Bolton Center
Quarter 4
Small Animal Block Electives
Year 4
Clinical Rotations

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2022 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.