The dog days of McGovern Medical School
New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts once said, “Everything I know, I learned from dogs.” It’s no surprise then, that “man’s best friend” is now helping students learn at McGovern Medical School.
Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs, under their Wellness Program, routinely brought in therapy dogs during examination weeks to help students cope with the day-to-day stress of medical school. When shutdowns from the pandemic began, and gatherings were no longer possible, the office lost the ability to hold those events for students.
That’s where Birdie and Scout, the four-legged, fur-children of Nicole Dubuque and Allison Ownby, PhD, stepped in. The cute canines are now official members of the Offices of Admissions and Student Affairs and Educational Programs, spending several days a week in the comfort of the Medical School Building and even holding their own office hours for students to spend time with the pups.
“We used to bring dogs in before exams, but then with COVID we weren’t able to bring them in anymore, so we figured that this was the way we could have them back for the students.”
Scout is a 5-year-old, Australian Labradoodle, who enjoys riding in the car, and visiting her horse brother Fritz. When she’s not at work, Scout enjoys the occasional puppy latte and loves napping on the couch and swimming in the pool. Birdie, a 1-year-old, Golden Retriever, loves going to the dog park and playing with his mini tennis ball and socks. Birdie also enjoys lapping up a sweet treat of Frosty Paws doggie ice cream.
“The students love them,” Dubuque said. “They know Birdie a little more than Scout, because Birdie ‘matriculated’ with the Class of 2025, joining them for orientation when she was just 10 weeks old.”
“I’ve been bringing Scout on days when the students have exams, and when we had our open house here,” Ownby added. “The students love her. She’s so calm and likes to engage with everybody. She feels like she’s coming to work herself.”
For McGovern Medical students, Scout and Birdie have become a part of their routine. Whether they’re stressing about upcoming exams or studies, or just missing their own pets as they spend time away from home, students can visit either office for a brief distraction from their daily anxieties.
“It relieves their stress and anxiety,” Dubuque said. “A lot of times people will come looking for them. It just provides stress relief and a little comfort. It takes your mind off things. Everyone from students to staff are attracted to these dogs.”