Basseterre, St. Kitts—June 23, 2010—Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine’s (RUSVM) Teaching Hospital received positive accreditation status after a site visit from a representative of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) on Monday, June 21. This is the first time the AAHA has awarded the accreditation to a hospital outside of North America.
“Being the first veterinary hospital outside of North American to receive AAHA accreditation is a significant milestone for the School,” said David J. DeYoung, DVM, dean of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. “As we move forward in our dedication to providing top-quality veterinary medical instruction, the School of Veterinary Medicine is committed to achieving standards which enhance the education of our students and their future practice in North America. Achieving these hospital standards also increases the quality of care and service we provide to our clients within the St. Kitts and Nevis community.”
AAHA is the sole accrediting organization for animal hospitals throughout the United States and Canada—only 15 percent of veterinary hospitals hold the “AAHA-accredited” designation indicating the highest quality of practice standards. The RUSVM Teaching Hospital was evaluated on the same 900 standards as its US and Canadian counterparts.
“I am impressed by the quality of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and impact the accreditation will have on the education of Ross University students,” said Gregg K. Takashima, DVM, AAHA president. “In line with the mission of AAHA, the students will become transformational agents in their ability to provide quality medical care to companion animals through maintaining, understanding and practicing these standards.”
The evaluation from the AAHA accreditation noted the following as exceptional components of RUSVM’s practice:
- Exemplifies good implementation of the AAHA standards of excellence
- Well-written standard operating protocols
- Outstanding staff teamwork
- Excellence in overall cleanliness
“The focus of accreditation is beyond the basics of community practice, it examines everything from human resources and housekeeping to surgery and emergency management. Our entire staff was devoted to the accreditation process and we are committed to maintaining these standards,” said Larry Betance, DVM, chief of staff of RSUVM’s Teaching Hospital.
AAHA’s extensive standards for patient care and hospital services elevate the veterinary care in all aspects of the practice. Evaluation standards include Anesthesia; Client Service; Contagious Disease; Continuing Education; Dentistry; Diagnostic Imaging; Emergency and Critical Care; Examination Facilities; Housekeeping and Maintenance; Human Resources; Laboratory; Leadership; Medical Records; Pain Management; Patient Care; Pharmacy; Referral Standards; Safety; and Surgery.
AAHA’s purpose is the overall enhancement of the ability of veterinarians to provide quality medical care to companion animals while enabling them to successfully conduct their practices and maintain their facilities with high standards of excellence. The association stresses the importance of meeting the public needs as they relate to the delivery of small animal veterinary medicine. The organization is valued internationally for its dedication to professional development, for its hospital accreditation standards, and for the excellence of its education programs.
About Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Ross University is a provider of medical and veterinary education, offering doctor of medicine and doctor of veterinary medicine degree programs. Founded in 1982 and located in St. Kitts, the School of Veterinary Medicine is affiliated with 22 AVMA-accredited US veterinary schools where students complete their clinical year. The School of Medicine is located in Dominica, West Indies, with clinical education centers in Saginaw, MI; Miami, FL; and Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Ross University’s administrative offices are located in North Brunswick, NJ. For more information about Ross University, visit www.RossU.edu or call 732.509.4600/877.ROSS.EDU.