The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine

A new report from the Farm Journal Foundation takes a look at the shortage of rural and food-systems veterinarians in Ohio — and what it will take to address it.

Built on stakeholder insights, these findings will guide the broader Protect OHIO initiative in identifying solutions and strengthening the future workforce.

Join the upcoming webinar on Monday, June 15, from 2-3 p.m., presented by the College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Farm Journal Foundation, to learn more and be part of what comes next.

Register here for the webinar or to receive the recording: go.osu.edu/FJFReportWebinar

This National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, we’re honoring the story behind a beloved tradition at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center’s Oncology Service. ❤️🐾

After their dog Tagato underwent cancer treatment, George and Tina Skestos were inspired to bring the bandana tradition they experienced at Colorado State University back to Ohio State. For 40 years, the Skestos family, longtime dog lovers and founders of Gigi’s nonprofit shelter, have helped provide red bandanas to celebrate pets completing cancer treatment.

Today, each bandana symbolizes courage, hope and the bond between patients, families and caregivers.

Read more about the impact of the bandana program: https://bit.ly/4whXGYn

Did your pet receive a red bandana from Ohio State? Share their name or photo in the comments. We’d love to celebrate them with you.

From white coats to hoods and the veterinary oath — Saturday marked an unforgettable milestone for the newest graduates of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. 🩺❤️

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 as they begin their journeys in service, compassion, and veterinary medicine!

With the final Protect OHIO Town Hall in Nelsonville on May 5, Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine wrapped up an important series of conversations across Ohio. From Wooster and Findlay to Wilmington and Nelsonville, we appreciate the communities that welcomed us and the opportunity to connect with nearly 150 people statewide to discuss strengthening veterinary medicine and safeguarding Ohio’s agricultural economy.

Thank you to the institutions that welcomed us to their campuses, and to the community members, veterinarians, farmers and students who joined us along the way. We valued the opportunity to tour campus farms and facilities that support hands-on learning and animal care, and to learn from the feedback and perspectives shared at each stop across Ohio.

While this town hall series has come to a close, the conversations and connections will continue as we advance Protect OHIO!

Learn more about Protect OHIO: https://bit.ly/4d9jrkr.

Ohio State MPH-VPH alumni are putting One Health into action across the globe. 🌍🐾

From improving dog welfare with USDA APHIS to protecting food safety in the U.S. Army and FDA, these Buckeyes are tackling real-world public health challenges.

Read their stories and see the impact in action: https://bit.ly/4tAbjAu

From protecting Ohio’s agricultural economy to advancing cancer treatments and global One Health initiatives, The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine is making an impact across every corner of animal and human health.

Our latest departmental highlights showcase how our faculty, students and alumni are leading in research, education and clinical care:

🔬 National funding is fueling biosecurity and disease preparedness efforts
🌍 Faculty are advancing global One Health leadership
🏥 Clinical trials are expanding treatment options
🎓 New faculty and award-winning researchers are shaping the future of veterinary medicine

Read more about the incredible work happening across our departments: https://bit.ly/4mPNt1d

Armando Hoet, PhD, DVM, DACVPM, professor of veterinary preventive medicine and director of the Veterinary Public Health Program, has been appointed as the American representative to the prestigious World Organisation for Animal Health ad hoc expert group charged with modernizing international recommendations on the Competencies of Day‑1 Veterinary Graduates and the Veterinary Education Core Curriculum.

Hoet was one of only five experts selected worldwide to serve on this group, which will be responsible for updating and strengthening the most widely used global standards for minimum veterinary education. These recommendations guide veterinary schools and national authorities in developing high‑quality veterinarians to strengthen veterinary services across the 180 WOAH Member Countries.

Meaningful conversation and collaboration were front and center at the Protect OHIO Town Hall in Wilmington on April 29! We are grateful to everyone who joined the conversation and shared their perspectives, including Sen. Kyle Koehler. Your engagement and thoughtful dialogue continue to inform and strengthen the Protect OHIO initiative.

We appreciate Wilmington College for welcoming Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine to campus. During our visit, we toured campus facilities, connected with the Veterinarians of Tomorrow Club and explored opportunities to grow collaboration in support of veterinary education and rural practice statewide.

The final stop of the Protect OHIO Town Hall series is nearly here! Join us in Nelsonville on May 5. Learn more and register at https://bit.ly/3PfAbi4.

Students from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine partnered with the Jack and Jill Foundation to host a “Vet for a Day” experience for children ages 3–11. Organized by the college’s Dr. J.H. Bias student group, the event was put on to provide hands-on exposure to veterinary medicine.

“Our event allowed kids to be a ‘Vet for a Day,’ teaching them how to perform a physical exam, bandage a wound, and explore animal anatomy,” one student shared. “They were very excited to learn more about the animals they see each day and have their questions answered.”

Beyond the fun, the program aimed to spark early interest in the veterinary field and create meaningful educational opportunities for the next generation. 🩺 🐾

Shan-Lu Liu, MD, PhD, Elected Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology and professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, has been named a 2026 Distinguished University Professor, the highest faculty honor at The Ohio State University. Senior leadership surprised Liu with the news of his selection during their meeting in April.

A leading virologist, Liu has transformed understanding of how viruses interact with their hosts and how the immune system responds. His contributions have shaped research on virus-host interactions, innate antiviral immunity and viral pathogenesis. Those findings directly informed U.S. Food and Drug Administration decisions on COVID-19 vaccine formulations.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Liu!