AMC Aims to Bridge Knowledge Gaps for Pet Owners

Since 1910, New York City’s Animal Medical Center (AMC) has been providing excellent animal care as an academic veterinary hospital that promotes the health and well-being of companion animals through treatment, research, and education.

With a very generous donation from one benefactor — for whom the institute is named — the Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education will help the AMC expand its offerings to pet owners.

The Usdan Institute will focus on achieving 3 main goals to reach the largest number of pet owners with need-to-know information:

• Outreach and education
• Public health education
• Human-animal bond education

According to Richard Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), DECVIM-CA, chief medical officer for AMC, the need for more pet health information is out there.

“The AMC’s mission is education, research and clinical service, and we have really focused on post-graduate education over the years with internships and training,” said Dr. Goldstein. “But now we’re fulfilling another part of that mission when it comes to education.”

Because of the hospital’s status, it “has the ability to put up completely unbiased information,” Dr. Goldstein continued. “It’s 100% meant for [pet owners] to help them help their pets.”

Besides offering online visitors information and resources, the Usdan Institute will also hold a series of educational events open to the public.

The first event in the series will be held September 28 from 6 to 8 PM on the topic of seasonal allergies. Attendees will join in the conversation with Mark Macina, DVM, head of AMC’s Dermatology Service, on seasonal sensitivities and recent advances in treatment.

The Usdan Institute will also be highly active on social media to make sure no question goes unanswered. A Facebook Live event will be held monthly on the institute’s page to answer any and all questions pet owners may have.

Pet owners can also look forward to AMC One Health Day on November 2, an all-day open-house event at the center. Attendees will learn about Lyme disease, nutrition, emergencies, first aid in the home, and first aid for veterinarians, along with practical demonstrations such as how to brush your pet’s teeth.

For more information about the Usdan Institute or to RSVP for upcoming events, visit www.amcny.org/usdaninstitute.