When the Ontario Government approved an increase in enrolment at OVC in 2023, the first expansion of the class in more than 35 years, the college quickly realized that 20 more students would render the already cramped and antiquated junior surgery room unserviceable.
The new multi-storey MSLC was conceived to provide modern spaces to practise pre-surgical and surgical skills. This facility will enable dedicated preparation, treatment, and recovery rooms for patients qualified through OVC’s community medicine program—the Kim and Stu Lang Community Healthcare Partnership Program. It will offer more hands-on experience to final-year students under the close supervision of veterinary educators.
With many years as a Toronto General Hospital UHN operating room nurse, Susan understands the importance of training in purpose-built surgery suites. The recovery room, which the Smiths have chosen to sponsor, is an essential part of this care. “Every animal deserves this level of health care, and we need to invest to bring it up to the standard available to humans,” said Susan.
This is the second time that OVC Pet Trust has benefitted from the Smiths’ giving strategy. They helped close out the campaign for the hospital’s Critical Care and Specialty Services with a matching gift of $500,000 in December 2021 in recognition of their first two Soft Coated Wh
eaten Terriers, Dana and Zara.
“Llewellyn and Susan Smith are exemplars of the remarkable community of donors who have helped make OVC the fourth-ranked veterinary college in the world,” said Dean Jeffrey Wichtel. “We could not be more grateful to the Smiths for their longstanding, generous support of our efforts to ensure we offer world-class facilities for veterinary care and for training the healers of tomorrow.”
The Smiths will name the recovery room on the first floor in recognition of their current two Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers; Style and Opal.
“What resonates with us about this niche breed is the love, affection and guidance these dogs can bring to humans. We were fortunate that they were initially raised by Lorene Jones, an award-winning breeder,“ remarked the Smiths.
To learn more about the new Medical and Surgical Learning Centre and help OVC unlock this matching gift, please visit the OVC Pet Trust website.
