WEST SENECA, N.Y. — As seen on TV, National Geographic's Critter Fixers will be at the SPCA Serving Erie County on August 9. The SPCA's "Vet for a Day" program inspires students to consider a career path in veterinary medicine through interactive teaching stations.
80 students have been selected to participate, learning about CPR, wildlife, and radiology at seven veterinary teaching stations. Dr. Vernard L. Hodges and Dr. Terrence Ferguson will lead the day-long program starting at 9:30 a.m.
"We are invested in our community, not just caring for our neighbor's pets but providing resources and education for those in need and inspiring the younger generation," said Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson.
They emphasize the need for diverse representation in the veterinary field, as both doctors make up roughly 2% of Black veterinarians in the United States, according to 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
"Representation really matters to us because growing up, we never saw a Black veterinarian, and unfortunately, not much has changed," the pair added. Their teaching program gives kids an inside look at what a veterinary job requires," he continued.
Both doctors have been seen on Critter Fixers: Country Vets, a television show that features different wildlife species the doctors care for at Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital- owned and operated by Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson.
To learn more about the program and how to apply for future events, click here.
