Generous sponsorship from Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center Advisory Council Vice Chair Shelley Duke and her husband, Phil, has enabled Emily Schaefer, clinical assistant professor of internal medicine, to pursue a fellowship in equine emergency and critical care with The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Spanning three years, the fellowship training occurs monthly on-site at both veterinary hospitals, providing Schaefer with advanced formal training led by American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (E/CC) board-certified veterinarians.

“The collaboration between Virginia Tech and The Ohio State University is imperative because it expands on the experience and expertise available at the Equine Medical Center,” said Schaefer. “In order to achieve this board certification, one must be trained by other veterinarians within that specialty.”

While the center’s medicine and surgery specialists have the ability to successfully treat equine emergencies, an E/CC boardcertified specialist is not currently among its faculty clinicians. Because Schaefer remains in her clinical position between training months, she is able to apply the latest techniques to emergency cases and to advance the assessment and support of critically ill horses. Her ongoing training also benefits the center’s residents, interns, and students preparing for careers in equine medicine.

“I am thrilled to contribute to the care of our equine patients and am very grateful to the Dukes for supporting this endeavor,” Schaefer said. “Mrs. Duke understands the critical nature of emergency veterinary care and the field’s ever-changing new knowledge and information.”

The Dukes, who have long supported the equine center’s strategic priorities, have continued to exhibit considerable flexibility, often pivoting to bolster an endowed fund that allows the center to fill its greatest needs. “None of this would be possible without donors like Mrs. and Mr. Duke who share the equine center’s passion and constant drive to improve patient care and outcomes,” said Schaefer.