#United States #Veterinary Medicine #Royal Canin #College Station #Texas A&M

Royal Canin's Strategic Investment in Veterinary Education

Royal Canin, a premier name in pet health nutrition and part of Mars, Incorporated, has made a significant $500,000 investment in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. This substantial contribution is aimed at establishing the Royal Canin Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Endowed Chair, ensuring the advancement of veterinary education for years to come.

The newly created endowed chair will be instrumental in fortifying the curriculum of the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M. By supporting the continuity of faculty positions, this endowment aims to directly impact veterinary coursework as well as nutritional programming. Such investments are vital in enriching the educational landscape for future veterinarians and ultimately improving pet health.

Dr. Todd East, the director of veterinary affairs for Royal Canin North America, expressed pride in the company's role in shaping the future of small animal medicine. He highlighted the significance of this investment, noting that it enables students to witness firsthand how nutrition plays a crucial role in disease management in veterinary practice. This endowed chair hence promises to make a lasting impact on the profession and the countless animal patients who will benefit from enhanced nutritional care.

Enhancing Curriculum and Clinical Experience

The funding will allow Texas A&M University to expand its nutritional programming while improving curriculum development and student involvement in clinical services. More than 130,000 patients annually are supported by the Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Service at the university's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. This service not only provides nutritional support but also serves as a valuable resource for veterinarians who seek advanced nutritional advice for their patients.

Dr. Katie Tolbert has been appointed as the inaugural recipient of the Royal Canin Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Endowed Chair. With extensive expertise, Dr. Tolbert is set to lead initiatives within the university's Gastrointestinal Laboratory, where her research targets both acute and chronic gastrointestinal diseases in pets. She has already made a mark on the field with over 100 peer-reviewed publications, and her work continues to influence veterinary education and practice.

Bridging Research and Practice

Dr. Tolbert highlighted how this endowment will facilitate better integration of research findings into clinical practice. She aims to build upon Royal Canin’s legacy of translating complex nutritional science into practical knowledge for veterinary professionals. This endeavor will focus on developing innovative training modules, clinical tools backed by evidence, and actionable guidelines that empower veterinary practitioners to make informed nutritional recommendations.

Royal Canin's longstanding commitment to veterinary education is reflected in this initiative, as the company consistently seeks to elevate the knowledge and skills of veterinary professionals across different levels. Dr. Tolbert delivers over 50 continuing education presentations globally each year, underscoring the organization's focus on promoting science-driven nutrition practices.

About Royal Canin and Texas A&M University

Founded in 1968 by Dr. Jean Cathary, Royal Canin has long been a leader in pet nutrition, adhering to the principle of providing health through tailored nutrition. With ongoing research and collaboration with pet professionals, the company places the nutritional requirements of pets at the forefront of its innovation efforts.

On the other hand, the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences has been a beacon of veterinary education and research since 1916. Having graduated more than 9,230 veterinarians, the institution is committed to enhancing animal and human health through comprehensive training programs.

In conclusion, Royal Canin's investment marks a promising step toward enriching veterinary education and improving nutritional practices in veterinary medicine, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for pets. For more information about Royal Canin and its mission, visit Royal Canin.