USM-CVM Faculty Member Shares Insights from US Faculty Exchange Program 

Dr. Vrenelie II Decal-Flores, a faculty member from the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Kabacan, Cotabato, completed her Faculty Exchange Program (FEP) hosted by the University of Tennessee in the United States of America (USA) on December 15, 2024.

Dr. Flores participated as one of the ten delegates from different Veterinary Schools in the Philippines. The fellowship started on August 19, 2024.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Faculty Exchange Program (FEP)-Veterinary Science and Medicine, managed by the Foreign Agricultural Services (FAS), aims to enhance veterinary education worldwide by providing educators with exposure to innovative teaching, research, and extension systems. Established in 1995, the program provided a well-rounded experience, combining academic, professional, and cultural engagements to help improve veterinary education.

In an interview, Dr. Flores shared that her experience with FEP surpassed her expectations as it offered a well-rounded mix of academic, professional, and cultural experiences­­– from attending high-level conferences to engaging in practical hands-on training, webinars, and regular class sessions.  On top of that, she believed that access to resources like curriculum development through the Master Teacher Program, collaboration with mentors, and the opportunity to attend diverse seminars and workshops have significantly improved her teaching and research capabilities. 

When asked about the significant contributions the program brought to her and her career, she underscored: 
“During my Faculty Exchange Program, I gained several key insights and skills that are highly valuable upon returning to USM. First, I learned advanced teaching strategies through the Master Teacher Program (MTP), which has introduced me to more effective ways of engaging students and developing a dynamic, student-centered curriculum. 
Second, the hands-on training I received in areas such as forage analysis, HACCP, and foodborne outbreak investigation has expanded my practical skills. 
Moreover, the research ethics class, journal club, and seminars on grant writing have provided me with a clearer understanding of conducting ethical research and securing funding. 
Finally, the exposure to extension activities, such as the Equine Nutrition Webinar, State 4-H Sheep Expo, Eastern National Horse Round UP Hippology Contest, and Joint Animal Science In-Service Training and Bull Development and Evaluation Program and community outreach, has shown me how the online and the field-based approaches can be effectively implemented to benefit local communities. This is particularly relevant for my goal of enhancing veterinary services and animal health in the areas surrounding my institution.”

Moreover, Dr. Flores also noted that USM can seize the opportunity to collaborate with the University of Tennessee Knoxville College of Veterinary Medicine (UTK-CVM) and UTK- Animal Science Department through research partnerships, faculty exchanges, and educational initiatives. She added that she looks forward to implementing her experiential learning strategies, hands-on training, and outreach programs to support local farmers and improve veterinary services in USM and its community.

“To anyone considering this program, I encourage you to pursue it wholeheartedly. It is an opportunity to grow professionally and personally. Be ready to embrace challenges, immerse yourself in learning, and build connections with mentors and peers. The program will leave you with valuable insights and tools to make a lasting impact in your field.” Dr. Flores highlighted. 

The 2024 cohort included participants from the Philippines (10) and Vietnam (10), reflecting its focus on Southeast Asia. 

The next FEP will expand to the Asia region to include Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.