Meet Dr. Brian Butler, the CVM’s Associate Dean of Clinical Programs. Butler is spearheading the effort to develop a network of veterinary professionals across the state that will create a unique model of clinical education for Clemson veterinary students. A graduate of St. George’s University, Butler went on to earn at Ph.D. in comparative pathology from the University of California-Davis, followed by a residency in anatomic pathology at Cornell University. He was drawn to Clemson University for the opportunity to support the professional development of the next generation of veterinarians.
“This is an exciting time for veterinary education,” said Butler. “The chance to serve in a leadership role at a newly proposed public college of veterinary medicine is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am most excited about the long-term impact that our students will have on the communities in South Carolina that will benefit from expanded access to veterinary services.”
Butler believes that in his role, he’s in a unique position to engage with a wide variety of veterinary professionals from across the state. The result will be a diverse network of Clinical Partners to offer Clemson veterinary students an array of learning opportunities during their fourth year. These opportunities will help Clemson students be prepared for the challenges of real-world veterinary practice.
“This is an incredible opportunity to cultivate relationships that will enhance the breadth of training opportunities for DVM students at Clemson,” said Butler. “The veterinary profession is much more diverse than students often realize as they begin their educational journey. I look forward to exposing our students to the diverse career opportunities that they can pursue with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.”
The CVM will utilize a partially distributive model of year-4 clinical training, meaning students will spend their first three years learning at our brand-new state-of-the-art campus. Then, the summer after their third year, they will begin a full year of required and elective clinical rotations that take place on campus, or, at a variety of veterinary clinics and hospitals around the state. Students will have the opportunity to gain extensive experience in general practice complemented by clinical rotations in specialty medicine and surgery, as well as species-focused veterinary practices such as companion animal, dairy, beef, poultry, equine, and zoo animal.
“I believe there are many advantages that come from extending the educational process outside the university walls and into the workplace environment. With a partially distributive model of clinical training, our veterinary students will benefit from working alongside experienced clinicians in a variety of circumstances. Not only is this good for the students, but this also creates an opportunity for Clemson University to connect with communities. I feel like I can make a meaningful impact by engaging with veterinary professionals across the state, which will better enable the college to understand the priorities of various stakeholders. This is critical for any type of public institution, and the Clemson CVM is dedicated to serving the people and animals of South Carolina the best we can.”
Learn more about our clinical training network HERE.

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