French veterinary student Laurent Fanchon (right) visited the United States to study sports medicine with Dr. Rob Gillette.

AU Sports Medicine Program Draws International Interest

Auburn’s Sports Medicine Program is gaining international recognition as it begins working with students from various countries. Laurent Fanchon, a veterinary senior from Alfort University in Paris, France, became the program’s first international student last summer as he spent five weeks studying under Dr. Rob Gillette, director of AU’s Sports Medicine Program.

“It’s very interesting to study working animals and observe clinical cases,” Fanchon said. “In France we study much of the same health situations and problems, but competition animals are not as popular as in the United States. Dogs are mainly pets in France and not used as much for field trials and competition.”

Fanchon says veterinary school in France requires five years of study, and that students are considered to be veterinarians after four years. However, they cannot operate a practice until after their fifth year, which consists of an accreditation report and presentation. Fanchon’s report will be on the biomechanics of dogs.

“I asked one of my professors, Dr. Dominique Grandjean, who is director of the Unit of Medicine of breeding and sports, to check with his colleagues in the United States so I could observe a sports medicine program there,” he added. “Everyone recommended Auburn, even veterinarians at other schools.”