Celebrating a decade of distinction: Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine at 10
In 2014, the University of Surrey launched a bold experiment: a veterinary school designed not just to prepare graduates for “day one,” but for a lifetime in a dynamic, demanding profession. Ten years on, the School of Veterinary Medicine is thriving – recognised nationally for reshaping how vets are trained.
Risk takers and trailblazers
The first students, arriving in 2014, took a leap of faith in a new and untested model, and, graduating in 2019, they stepped straight into one of the profession’s greatest challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic. Surrey’s students, staff, and partners rose to the occasion, proving their resilience and collaborative spirit.
We train vets for the real worldProfessor Kamalan Jeevaratnam
A model that changed the game
Surrey pioneered a new model of clinical education, replacing the traditional teaching hospital with placements in general practices – the settings where most vets will work. “We train vets for the real world,” says Head of School, Professor Kamalan Jeevaratnam. Initially unconventional, the approach is now influencing national standards and in 2023, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons adopted a similar approach.
From classroom to career
Surrey’s ethos produces versatile, adaptable professionals. Graduates have worked across shelter medicine (improving the lives of homeless animals whether they live in rescue centres or out on the streets), wildlife care, and primary practice (the initial stage of veterinary education where students gain practical experience in various veterinary practices) – exactly the kind of professional agility the School set out to inspire. Employers notice the difference: Surrey graduates are known for being confident, intuitive, and ready to contribute from day one.
Powered by philanthropy Powered by philanthropy
Generous donors have played a vital role in the School’s success. Their support has enabled the development of realistic training models, pioneering research initiatives, and open-access laboratories – where research output is freely available to all. For example, funding from The Alborada Trust has advanced key studies into the gut microbiome. The School’s One Health, One Medicine philosophy focuses on creating and leading globally connected health research and education while sharing innovation and knowledge widely. This ethos drives sustainable improvements in the wellbeing of both humans and animals, supporting progress in fields ranging from equine welfare to Parkinson’s disease, and cardiology research funded by the British Heart Foundation.
Collaboration at the core
Partnerships with over 135 veterinary practices and organisations, including the Blue Cross, PDSA, RSPCA, and The Pirbright Institute, give students unmatched real-world exposure. International placements, supported by Turing Scheme funding, extend these opportunities globally. Philanthropy continues to strengthen these foundations, with legacy gifts supporting students for decades to come.
Looking ahead
“The future isn’t about getting bigger – it’s about getting bolder,” says Professor Jeevaratnam. The School plans to expand its international profile, deliver bespoke training for global veterinarians, and lead research that transforms practice – always staying true to its founding values.
Join the movement
As Surrey’s Vet School celebrates its first decade, it invites alumni, partners, and supporters to shape the next chapter. This is more than a school – it’s a movement redefining the veterinary profession for generations to come.
This interview was originally featured in Forever Surrey, the magazine for alumni, supporters and friends. Sign up to receive the next edition.
