Vetsuisse Faculty (Vetsuisse)

The Vetsuisse Faculty is the unique, joint veterinary faculty of the Universities of Bern and Zurich, representing the pinnacle of veterinary education and research in Switzerland. Established through a strategic merger in 2006, the faculty integrates the clinical and scientific expertise of both locations to provide a comprehensive curriculum in veterinary medicine, with a profound emphasis on small animal health, including specialized canine medicine.

Core Canine and Clinical Focus: The faculty operates state-of-the-art veterinary teaching hospitals in both Bern and Zurich. These facilities are centers of excellence for canine health, offering advanced diagnostics and specialized treatments. Key areas of clinical focus include:

• Canine Internal Medicine and Oncology: Utilizing cutting-edge imaging and molecular diagnostics to treat complex canine diseases.
• Veterinary Surgery and Orthopedics: Providing world-class surgical interventions, including minimally invasive procedures and advanced orthopedic reconstruction for working and companion dogs.
• Behavioral Medicine: Dedicated departments focus on the ethology and welfare of dogs, addressing behavioral pathologies and the human-animal bond through evidence-based clinical approaches.
• Reproduction and Genetics: Research and clinical services dedicated to canine reproductive health, hereditary disease screening, and population genetics.

Academic and Research Mission: The Vetsuisse Faculty is committed to the 'One Health' concept, recognizing the inextricable link between human, animal, and environmental health. Students undergo rigorous training that combines theoretical knowledge with intensive clinical rotations. The faculty is highly active in research, particularly in the fields of canine genetics, infectious diseases, and comparative oncology, often collaborating with international institutions to advance the standard of veterinary care.

Professional Development: Beyond the standard Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, the faculty offers specialized residency programs recognized by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS). These programs allow veterinarians to achieve board certification in specialties such as Small Animal Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Diagnostic Imaging, ensuring that the next generation of canine practitioners is equipped with the highest level of expertise to serve the needs of dog owners and the broader veterinary community.