Donald G. Low/CVMA Clinical Veterinary Medical Academy
The Donald G. Low/CVMA Clinical Veterinary Medical Academy, co-sponsored by the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital (VMTH), was established to foster ongoing collaboration between California private practitioners and the school.
The Don Low Academy offers practitioners unique opportunities to learn in the clinical setting of the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, in other school programs, laboratories, and centers such as the Veterinary Medical Teaching and Research Center (VMTRC), and through interactions with faculty, residents, and students. The program is designed to address the professional development needs of California practitioners in ways not available through residencies or other programs.
The Academy emphasizes intellectual stimulation, discussion, and collaboration within a practitioner’s area of interest. For example, a scholar may deepen their general knowledge of ophthalmology through clinical experiences, rounds, and patient care. The program is not intended to develop proficiency in specific procedural skills—such as cataract surgery, endoscopy, or ultrasound—which are best addressed through residency training or continuing education programs.
The Don Low Academy is a 20-day program that can be completed consecutively in one month or spread out over the year, but must be finished within the program cycle (August–July). Candidates are placed in the services, centers, or laboratories they select during the application process (e.g., anesthesia, anatomic pathology, ophthalmology, integrative medicine), based on available caseload and faculty resources. Participation by each unit is voluntary and confirmed annually depending on capacity to accommodate an academic scholar. Available service areas are listed on the Academy’s website each year.
Applications are reviewed by a committee of CVMA representatives and VMTH faculty members. Academic scholars are selected competitively, with preference given to CVMA members. Applicants must be active CVMA members throughout the program, reside in California, and be at least five years post-graduation. When applicable, the SVVMA Charitable Foundation has partnered with UC Davis VMTH to guarantee a scholar position for SVVMA members.
Endowment earnings fund the Don Low Academy, providing support to participating units equivalent to the rate paid by veterinary students to offset additional costs and support educational programming. Scholars do not receive direct financial support, nor are they responsible for registration fees or tuition.
Upon completion, academic scholars are awarded up to 100 Continuing Education credits.