An esteemed group of dignitaries, academics and veterinary professionals gathered at the premises of Duggan Veterinary Supplies in Thurles, Co. Tipperary this week to announce the exploration of a potential collaboration between University of Limerick and Duggan Veterinary Supplies aimed at revolutionising veterinary education in Ireland. This strategic partnership seeks to leverage the academic excellence of the University of Limerick and the industry expertise of Duggan Veterinary Supplies to offer unparalleled educational opportunities and resources to aspiring veterinary professionals.
With the growing demand for skilled veterinarians and the rapid advancements in veterinary medicine, the collaboration between these two esteemed institutions is poised to address the educational needs of future veterinary practitioners. The initiative aims to provide students with access to cutting-edge technology, industry-relevant training, and hands-on experience, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern veterinary practice.
This follows hot on the footsteps of another similar exploration conversation between South East Technological University and Duggan Veterinary Supplies which took place last month.
In 2023, the HEA and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science issued a call for expressions of interest from higher education institutions to increase capacity in veterinary medicine.
After evaluating the applications, the University of Limerick, and South East Technological University were shortlisted to collaborate with the HEA on their respective proposals to establish Ireland’s second veterinary school, aiming to tackle the profession’s recruitment and retention challenges.
The University of Limerick proposes to implement a ‘hybrid distributed’ model for veterinary clinical education. This innovative approach will leverage a network of elite veterinary practice partners, regional placement hubs, established clinical skills labs and a state-of-the-art teaching veterinary hospital to be developed on the UL campus.
Duggan Veterinary Supplies, a market trailblazer with regards to educating veterinary professionals here in Ireland and abroad is equally enthusiastic about the potential partnership. “At Duggan Veterinary Supplies, we are dedicated to advancing veterinary care through high-quality products, services and education,” stated Donal Duggan, MD Duggan Veterinary Supplies. “Collaborating with the University of Limerick and Sout
h East Technological University allows us to contribute to the education and training of the next generation of veterinarians, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers.”
The proposed collaboration envisions a comprehensive program that includes guest lectures from industry experts, internships at leading veterinary practices, and access to the latest veterinary supplies and technologies at the purpose-built Duggan Veterinary Clinical Skills Lab in Thurles. This initiative will not only enhance the educational experience for students but also strengthen the connection between academia and the veterinary industry.
As discussions progress, both universities and Duggan Veterinary Supplies remain committed to their shared goal of advancing veterinary education and improving animal health care across Ireland. Further details about the collaborations and specific program offerings will be announced in the coming months.
