Developing leaders in dairy veterinary practice

Volume 7 Number 3 March 14 - April 10 2011

Associate Professor Peter Mansell, Dr Mick Blake, Animal Performance Manager, Dairy Australia, Paul Ford, CEO, Gardiner Foundation, Project Supervisor Michael Pyman with Drs Gemma Chuck, Rebecca Dickinson and Lauren Clyne.
Associate Professor Peter Mansell, Dr Mick Blake, Animal Performance Manager, Dairy Australia, Paul Ford, CEO, Gardiner Foundation, Project Supervisor Michael Pyman with Drs Gemma Chuck, Rebecca Dickinson and Lauren Clyne.

The Faculty of Veterinary Science’s rural dairy veterinary training program will see graduate vets develop specialist skills to work in Victoria’s dairy industry. By Zoe Nikakis.

The Faculty is collaborating with the Gardiner Foundation, Dairy Australia and three veterinary practice partners to provide practical, advanced dairy training for three graduate veterinarians at established dairy practices.

Each resident undertakes a combination of research activities and graduate training in cow health, and graduates with a Masters degree.

As well as working in local veterinary practices, the dairy residents conduct farm-based clinical research in the field, develop their clinical and extension skills, and teach veterinary students the latest techniques in dairy practice.

Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science Professor Ken Hinchcliff said the gradual decline in the number of experienced dairy veterinarians in local practices made the timing of this new program crucial, as it addressed the shortage in the short term, as well as developing leaders in dairy veterinary practice in the long term.

Professor Hinchcliff said the program continued the University’s strong tradition of conducting advanced dairy veterinary training.

“This initiative is based on the ‘Maffra Model’ of training, developed at the University more than 30 years ago,” he says.

“The Faculty is committed to the diary industry, not just via our world-class training of graduate veterinarians, but also by ensuring our programs develop leaders in the profession who conduct practical research which enhances knowledge and improves animal health.”

Dr Lauren Clyne is undertaking her dairy residency in Maffra. She says she applied for the position because she was ready for a new challenge and wanted to take the next step in her professional development.

“I have always loved learning, so taking a position which included the Masters degree while continuing clinical practice was ideal,” she says.

“I also find teaching veterinary students very satisfying, and juggling the demands of clinical practice, research, studying and teaching is certainly a challenge!”

Dr Clyne is researching heifer mastitis in 20 dairy herds, which, she says, presented several challenges, namely the amount of data gathering required.