The University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Veterinary Medicine (UMES SVM) is pleased to announce that our program will undergo its comprehensive accreditation site visit by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA COE) during the week of June 21-26, 2026.
This milestone is a critical step toward full accreditation and represents a significant step in our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality veterinary education, training compassionate and competent veterinarians, and meeting the rigorous standards set forth for veterinary schools.
In preparation for the visit, the UMES SVM is developing a detailed self-study report outlining its approach to implementing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program and ensuring compliance with the 11 AVMA COE Standards of Accreditation. These standards cover critical areas such as institutional accreditation, organization and governance, finances, physical facilities and clinical resources, curriculum, faculty and students, research and scholarship, outcomes, and continuous improvement.
“This comprehensive site visit is an important next step in our pursuit of COE accreditation and reflects our commitment to meeting the highest standards in veterinary education,” said UMES President Heidi M. Anderson. “Our faculty and leadership team have worked diligently to design a program that prepares graduates to meet the evolving needs of animal health care in Maryland and beyond.”
The curriculum blends lectures, laboratories, and small-group sessions, all enhanced by learning technologies, to best prepare students for diverse professional roles in veterinary medicine.
“The DVM curriculum embodies our commitment to high academic standards, strong clinical preparation, innovation, and an educational experience centered on student growth,” said Dr. Stanley Robertson, Dean of the UMES School of Veterinary Medicine. “At UMES SVM, learning will be dynamic, technologically enriched, and intentionally hands-on. Students will engage in collaborative projects, problem-solving exercises, and case-based learning that blends science with compassion and creativity. From day one, they will apply their coursework in meaningful, practical settings – working with animals, communities, and professionals who encourage them to think critically and lead with empathy. Our curriculum is crafted to nurture not only clinical proficiency, but also resilience, curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to learn. We focus on both what students learn as well as how they develop as learners. Our goal is to ensure every graduate is equipped to serve their communities, advance the profession, and make a meaningful impact in veterinary medicine. We are equally committed to preparing our students to confidently use emerging technologies that are reshaping the landscape of animal healthcare.”
Robertson explained that UMES SVM’s hybrid clinical education model is designed to immerse students in authentic, real-world experiences in a variety of environments.
“Our students will not only learn from our expert faculty clinicians, but also from practicing veterinarians within an extensive network of general and specialty veterinary practices throughout Maryland, the Mid-Atlantic region, and beyond,” he said. “This semi-distributed approach allows students to experience a wide range of clinical environments, helping them discover potential career paths while building confidence, adaptability, and sound professional judgment. By working with diverse patient populations and collaborating with different veterinary teams, students gain a richer, more comprehensive view of the profession – and are better equipped to respond to the changing needs of animals, clients, and communities. This model ultimately gives students the ability to shape their clinical training around their aspirations, whether they envision a future in practice, research, public health, industry, or policy. It ensures that our graduates step into the workforce well-prepared and ready to contribute meaningfully from day one.”
We’re proud of the progress we’ve made thus far—and excited about the journey ahead. With the support of our UMES community and partners, we are confident that the site visit will highlight the strengths of our program and help guide our next phases of growth and excellence.
Classes are expected to begin in 2027.
For more information about the UMES School of Veterinary Medicine and this upcoming accreditation process, please visit umes.edu/svm or contact vetschool@umes.edu.
