Professor Han Sehyeon of the Department of Companion Animal Industry at Honam University is posing in front of the Raptor Center under U.C. Davis. Provided by Honam University
Honam University announced on July 31 that its Department of Companion Animal Industry recently discussed practical cooperation measures for veterinary technician education, research, and raptor medical training with the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis).
This consultation took place during a face-to-face meeting at the UC Davis campus in California, where Professor Han Sehyun from Honam University's Department of Companion Animal Industry, who was officially invited by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, met with education and clinical staff.
The host, Professor Kate Hopper, is the Director of the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist, recognized as a global authority in critical care. Harmony Lindberg, a veterinary technician and veterinary medical administration expert, participated as the chief clinical operations manager. Maia Gerdin, a graduate student and ambassador at the School of Veterinary Medicine, also took part, introducing educational content, practical training, and operating procedures for surgical rooms.
Professor Han and the university representatives focused their discussions on the detailed system for veterinary technicians in the United States, qualification acquisition procedures, and hospital-based practical training programs. American experts evaluated that Korea's national veterinary technician licensing system is entering a stabilization phase, and emphasized the importance of standardized practical training, field-oriented education, and clinically integrated training systems.
They also explained the division of roles between veterinarians and veterinary technicians, the system of accountable nursing, and the strengthening of professional domains. In addition, they shared ways in which Korea's veterinary technician system could further develop to focus on continuity of care and patient safety.
Professor Han also visited the Center for Raptor Care under UC Davis, receiving advice on how to apply raptor rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation to undergraduate education. This center is the largest raptor medical and rehabilitation facility in North America and serves as a key institution for special animal medical education.
Both sides held working-level discussions on online special lectures by UC Davis veterinarians and veterinary technicians, as well as practical training advisory programs through visits to Honam University. They also discussed expanding mid- to long-term cooperation, including local field trips and practical training for Honam University students, joint research, and co-development of educational curricula.
The UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital is a world-class animal medical institution employing over 250 veterinarians (including interns, residents, specialists, and professors) and 350 specialized veterinary technicians across various fields. The School of Veterinary Medicine has repeatedly ranked first in the world in the veterinary science category of the QS World University Rankings.
Department Chair Lee Moonyoung stated, "Cooperation with the world's top veterinary school marks a turning point in securing a global educational foundation encompassing both companion and special animals. We will continue to expand cooperation to provide students with an internationally competitive environment."
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