While most students leave Grounds for the summer, the School of Medicine’s Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BIMS) students remain hard at work in their labs, conducting research and experiments. To offer a refreshing break during the long, hot days, BIMS invited the UVA Health Pet Therapy Program for a special visit—and it turned out to be a highlight of the season.
The event brought smiles, laughter, and much-needed PAWS to the students’ busy routines. Interacting with the highly-trained therapy dogs offered a moment of calm and connection, reminding students of the importance of self-care and mental well-being.
Volunteer Services Coordinator Hannah Kaufman stated, “The UVA Health Pet Therapy Program is a cherished part of the medical center community, beloved by patients, families, staff, and students alike. The program includes 23 certified therapy dogs and their dedicated volunteer handlers. Each dog-handler team undergoes rigorous training and including passing the ‘Good Citizen’ canine test and working with a verified agency that certifies pet therapy teams. Once certified, teams apply and undergo an interview to be volunteers at the medical center. Teams engage anywhere from two to 100 people per shift in hallways, lobbies, patient rooms, and more. The Pet Therapy program is supported by the Hospital Auxiliary and Volunteer Services.”
Stephanie Moy, a fourth-year student in the Gaultier Lab, shared her joy after meeting therapy dog Kuiper, “Studies have shown that being around dogs significantly improves our well-being, so this event is an opportunity to participate in science, which I fully support. The dogs are total professionals and seem happy to conduct some top-notch experiments complete with head rubs and face licks.”
Steven Feins, second-year in the Bailey lab, said, “Science can sometimes be ruff, but it’s important to take the time and appreciate the things in life which bring you joy. The therapy dogs were so sweet and helped prepare me for the day’s experiments!”
Alyssa Luz-Ricca, a fourth-year student in the Shin lab, stated, “It’s always a joy to see the therapy dogs. Spending a few minutes with them is a nice break, especially during tough weeks in the lab. They always make my day better!”
The visit from the UVA Health Pet Therapy Program was a bright and heartwarming moment in the BIMS students’ summer. BIMS faculty and staff extend a heartfelt thank you to the dogs Kuiper and Suzi and their handlers, Kristen Bowsher and June Campbel, for bringing comfort, connection, and a whole lot of tail wags to hardworking students.
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