Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Uses the SynDaver Surgical Canine–A Futuristic Model–for Training Veterinary Students

COLLEGE STATION, Texas-–The College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) at Texas A&M; University will soon be using the SynDaver Surgical Canine, as a component of its surgical training program.

SynDaver Labs

Students from the doctor of veterinary medicine program in the CVM will begin using the Surgical Canine during the 2017-18 school year. The SynDaver Surgical Canine was developed by SynDaver Labs in Tampa and offers students a realistic model for surgical training.

“Innovation is at the forefront of all we do in the CVM, and providing our faculty and students with this futuristic surgical model is just another way we are teaching with the latest technologies in surgery,” said Dr. Eleanor Green, the Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine at the CVM. “We are pleased to participate in the advancement of state-of-the-art surgical procedures in patient care, as we continue to train our veterinary students to go into the world and make a positive impact on veterinary medicine.”

“We are excited to bring this dynamic and innovative educational opportunity to the students at Texas A&M; University,” said Dr. Kenita Rogers, Executive Associate Dean at the CVM. “This is just another example of our outstanding faculty being open to new teaching methods and tools, ensuring that every veterinary student gets to build and hone their skills in a realistic but safe environment.”

The SynDaver Surgical Canine is made of water, fiber, and salt, just like a real animal. The SynDaver can breathe and bleed just like a real dog and has individual muscles, bones, and organs. Additionally, the synthetic canine can be operated on repeatedly without any risk to live animals. The USDA mandates every attempt is made to reduce, refine, or replace live animal use.

“We are excited to expand the types of surgical procedures in which our students can gain hands-on experience through the use of these models,” said Dr. Karen Cornell, Associate Dean for Professional Programs at the CVM. “SynDaver affords veterinary students the opportunity to refine their surgical skills and achieve competence in a variety of surgical procedures performed by practicing veterinarians in a low-risk and yet very realistic environment.”

With the SynDaver, there is no limit to the number of procedures that can be performed; all students will be able to practice skills as often as necessary without violating USDA regulations that apply to the use of live animals.

“The incorporation of SynDaver models into our curriculum will allow students multiple opportunities to strengthen their surgical skills prior to performing surgery on a living patient,” said Dr. Elizabeth Scallan, Assistant Clinical Professor at the CVM.  “Additionally, SynDaver models provide opportunities to practice surgeries that are not currently incorporated in the curriculum.”

Students also will be able to practice invasive procedures that would not be as practical to perform on a live animal. This broad scope of practice will help to prepare CVM veterinary students to become leaders in the veterinary medical profession.

Media Availability:

On Saturday, Apr. 29, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the founder of SynDaver Labs, Dr. Christopher Sakezles, is scheduled to be available for interviews at the CVM and NAVC’s Veterinary Innovation Summit at the Texas A&M; College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, in College Station, Texas. Members of the media interested in scheduling an interview or receiving a product demo are encouraged to contact Megan Palsa at 979-862-4216.

For SynDaver-related interview requests or inquiries, please contact their PR firm at news@judgepr.com, by telephone at 305.742.0783, or at www.judgepr.com.

ABOUT SYNDAVER LABS

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, SynDaver Labs is the world’s leading manufacturer of hyper-realistic, synthetic human and animal surgical trainers. SynDaver’s synthetic bodies simulate fully-functioning live organisms and are primarily used for training in schools, hospitals and military installations. SynDaver has the world’s largest database of live-tissue properties and all SynDaver tissues are made from water, salts and fibers. The company currently has 10 patents on these materials, processes and related products. Currently, SynDaver Labs employs more than 100 people at their Tampa facility and is planning additional facilities in the U.S., China, Europe and Latin America.

SynDaver Labs products have been lauded by industry experts and earned a cult following after appearances on ABC’s Shark Tank, MythBusters, Grey’s Anatomy, and the series finale of CSI. The company’s models are also expected to feature prominently in multiple episodes of the upcoming MythBusters 2.0.


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