What Not To Miss at the 2019 CVM Open House

Springtime means Open House time at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine. It’s the one day a year where the general public can get behind-the-scenes looks at the world-leading veterinary medicine and research conducted every day on our campus.

As always, there’s a little something for everyone at this year’s event (9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 30; rain or shine) from general animal lovers to serious budding veterinarians. Here’s just a glimpse of what you can experience when you walk through our doors.

Life-saving medicine: Get a first-hand look at our innovative medical work in action. Live surgical demonstrations are broadcasted in South Theater, North Theater and the Upper Walkway at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. At our Simulation Lab, or SimLab, you can practice surgical procedures just like our students, through using state-of-the-art (and super-lifelike) models. SimLab critical care demos will be at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. An extensive tour of the Terry Center, our hospital, showcases the large range of our services, from cardiology and internal medicine to radiology and oncology (the hospital will be open throughout the day for self-guided tours with numerous department stops along the way).

Animal encounters: When can you see an animal during Open House? Anytime. Mares and foals are viewable all day, with physical exam demonstrations every 30 minutes, from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at the Outside Corral. You can see wildlife native to North Carolina, including turtles, lizards and — for the brave — snakes, with our Wildlife, Avian, Aquatic and Zoological Medicine Club in Room D236, Closeby, in Room D232, you can meet our Turtle Rescue Team. Dog demonstrations will also be held all day on the hearth.

Eureka!: We also save lives through discovery. All day in our Research Building, meet the scientists behind our amazing biomedical and veterinary research. Visitors can look at cardiac stem cells, learn how to use biomaterial mechanical properties to grow cells, see a 3D bioprinter and see how we measure electrical signals in tissue. In the Firestone Hall of Discovery, you can even take part in a mini clinical trial and learn how your pet can make a lasting difference in veterinary medicine.

For future vets: Start out at the ever-popular Teddy Bear Clinic in Green Commons, where our own soon-to-be veterinarians will stitch up your stuffed animal’s wounds. In the Anatomy Lab, first-year CVM students showcase fascinating animal skeletons and models. At the NC State Veterinary MRI, check out one of the country’s few animal MRI units. You can get started on the path to becoming a veterinary student in Blue Commons, where staff can discuss the DVM admission process, undergraduate opportunities and what it takes to be a competitive applicant.

One-of-a-kind experiences: Want to milk a cow? You can all day outside the large animal hospital. Then head out back at the Milking Parlor to learn more about how ice cream, milk, cheese and yogurt begins. At the Gait Analysis Lab, our researchers evaluate movement and pain response in animals — and you can see your own steps in action. With horseshoe and horsemanship demonstrations to purebred show cats and learning how to brush your pet’s teeth, the CVM Open House is immersive and eye-opening — and, well, fun.

For more information on the 2019 CVM Open House, including a full schedule of events and parking information, go here.