UMN College of Veterinary Medicine developing new clinic with $5 million gift from Stanton Foundation

The University of Minnesota (UMN) College of Veterinary Medicine is set to elevate veterinary student training with a new spectrum of care clinic made possible by a $5 million grant from the Stanton Foundation. 

Building on the comprehensive patient care provided by specialty, emergency and primary care offerings in the Lewis Small Animal Hospital, the new clinic will serve as a learning hub for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program students by providing them with vital clinical experience employing a spectrum of care (SOC) approach. Spectrum of care is a concept that refers to the wide range of care options veterinarians can provide that takes into account medical evidence and consideration of each patient’s circumstances and each client’s resources, goals, and ability to provide medical care for their pet. 

“I am absolutely thrilled that we can build on our legacy of excellence and innovation by launching this new clinic as part of our Veterinary Medical Center,” said Dr. Laura Molgaard, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “This important addition will directly support our curriculum revitalization efforts and enhance the training opportunities we provide to our students.”

Construction is underway on converting the first floor of the Ben Pomeroy Alumni-Student Learning Center on the UMN St. Paul campus into a clinic space and is expected to be completed in late 2025. 

The college has hired Dr. William Frahm-Gilles as the new clinic’s director. Frahm-Gilles brings a wide breadth of veterinary and leadership experience to the position. Eight years ago, he cofounded Access Veterinary Care, a clinical practice in Minneapolis focusing on urgent care. Prior to that, Frahm-Gilles founded and worked for six years as the director of Wisconsin Companion Animal Resources, Education, and Social Services (WisCARES) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a clinical teaching program that provides veterinary outreach and educational services to underresourced populations. He also has practiced in general and emergency veterinary clinics. 

“This is a phenomenal opportunity to build on current clinical training and really help students graduate with confidence to take on more of the typical daily challenges seen in practice,” Frahm-Gilles said. “I’m particularly excited about building a supportive environment for students to take on case ownership and really learn to be the leader and decision maker in the veterinary care delivery team.”

The creation of the clinic aligns with the College’s goal to expand spectrum of care curriculum and learning opportunities for its DVM students. The shortage of veterinary professionals has increased over many years, coinciding with rising pet ownership and a jump in demand for veterinary services. Training these new graduates in spectrum of care principles ensures they are able to immediately join the workforce and provide high-quality care that is tailored to patients and clients, helping to meet this increased demand.

“The SOC clinic will enhance veterinary education by putting students at the center of care. From day one, they will lead patient appointments, supported by faculty and technicians, in a real-world clinical environment,” said Dr. Erin Burton, senior associate dean of academic and student affairs. “These early, hands-on experiences build the competence, confidence, and clinical judgment our students need to become practice-ready veterinarians.”

The clinic will be the newest addition to the college’s expansive Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) facilities, which include the Lewis Small Animal Hospital, Large Animal Hospital, the Leatherdale Equine Center, and West Metro Equine Practice. The VMC is one of the busiest veterinary teaching hospitals in the country, seeing approximately 40,000 cases each year.