International Veterinary Medicine Signature Program

The International Program at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine is one of Tufts’ five Signature Programs. We are recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in the field of international veterinary education, and in innovative approaches to supporting animal health in the developing world. Our full and part time faculty are joined by a large network of adjunct faculty based throughout the world and working in areas ranging from livestock health to wildlife conservation.

The International Program is a key component of the overall Tufts University international focus, working closely with multiple schools in sustainable livelihood support. Internationally, we work in partnership with a variety of organizations, including the African Union, the International Livestock Research Institute, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, Heifer Project International, Nepal’s National veterinary school, the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS) of Nepal's national Tribhuvan University, Nepal’s National Zoonoses Centre, the Africa Center for Holistic Management in Zimbabwe, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

Our strategic plan calls for research and service in two areas, community-based initiatives in sustainable livelihoods, and conservation medicine. With these foci, we can ensure that our faculty are strengthening their expertise and contributing to an expanding body of knowledge in two areas critical to the developing world.

Since its inception in 1982, the Tufts International Program has been a global leader in developing community-based initiatives in sustainable livelihoods. Currently we are participating in two community based livelihoods projects.

As a partner in the Tufts Center for Conservation Medicine, the International Program has taken on a second area of focus, conservation medicine and ecosystem health. Our faculty have joined with other faculty from Tufts University and partner institutions to explore conservation medicine challenges and develop locally based approaches to ecosystem health assessment/monitoring in the developing world.

The Tufts International Program offers a tiered educational program to fit the needs of all Tufts veterinary students. Our core course in International Veterinary Medicine is designed to introduce every student to global issues in the veterinary profession. The International Veterinary Medicine Signature Program is designed for students who wish to explore International Veterinary Medicine in more depth through elective courses, short seminars and mentorship for students carrying out summer international projects. The Tufts International Veterinary Medicine Certificate Program is a structured program designed for students who have chosen a career in International Veterinary Medicine. For those students who wish to pursue careers in International Veterinary Policy, we offer a unique DVM/MA dual degree program in collaboration with the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

This approach to education and field experience allows us to tailor our program to the career goals of individual students. With our emphasis on research, service and education, the Tufts International Program is making an impact in the world today, while educating for the future.