March 04, 2025

Training the Next Generation of Veterinarians in Community Cat Care, Featuring Dr. Nellie Goetz, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine

26 minutes

"Cats are an incredible way to help new graduates with their surgical training. You never know what you're going to find, and that hands-on experience is invaluable.”

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and The Community Cat Clinic.

How can we ensure the next generation of veterinarians is equipped to handle the unique challenges of community cats? In this episode, Stacy LeBaron welcomes Dr. Nellie Goetz, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, to discuss her innovative approach to veterinary education and the vital role of high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) training.

Dr. Goetz shares insights from her week-long elective course that immerses students in hands-on community cat care, teaching everything from surgery techniques to navigating legal and ethical considerations. With support from local organizations and shelters, students gain real-world experience treating up to 50 cats per day. The course not only strengthens surgical skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of public health, TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), and the complex relationship between communities and outdoor cats.

Tune in to learn how this groundbreaking program is shaping the future of veterinary medicine, why community cat care should be a core part of veterinary training, and how local clinics can get involved in expanding spay/neuter access.

Press Play Now For:

How veterinary students are trained in high-volume spay/neuter technique
The importance of community cat care in veterinary education
How to balance shelter medicine with private practice veterinary work
The role of community partnerships in expanding spay/neuter access
Why MASH-style spay/neuter clinics could help solve the capacity crisis
Strategies for integrating TNR services into private veterinary practices
How veterinarians can get involved in hands-on community cat programs

Resources & Links:

University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine: http://vetmed.arizona.edu
Contact Dr. Nellie Goetz: [email protected]
Humane Society of Arizona: http://hssaz.org
Pima County Animal Care: http://webcms.pima.gov
Merck Animal Health: http://merck-animal-health.com

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies602)
The Community Cat Clinic (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/catclinicga)

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By The Community Cats Podcast