New game lets everyone become a virtual veterinarian

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Aug. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Aspiring veterinarians and animal lovers of all ages can now test their skills diagnosing and treating animals through a new game developed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130813/DC63358)

"AVMA Animal Hospital" is available for free through Apple's AppStore, Google Play, and AVMA's website. The game takes place at a virtual veterinary clinic, where clients bring their pets in for treatment. Players must race the clock as they learn about each animal's condition, diagnose its ailments, and provide treatment. By successfully diagnosing and treating each animal, players will earn points and level up from new veterinarian to chief veterinarian of the hospital.

While the primary audience for the game is children in grades 4-8, it was developed to provide a fun experience for animal lovers of all ages.

"We wanted to make a fun game that players would come back to again and again, but more importantly, we wanted there to be a strong educational component to it as well," said AVMA CEO Dr. Ron DeHaven. "Games are a great way to learn, and we hope AVMA Animal Hospital helps educate and inspire the next generation of veterinarians."

AVMA Animal Hospital was developed by Game Gurus with the help of several veterinarians who provided their expertise to create the animal diagnoses and treatments identified within the game. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) helped fund the development of the game and make it available to the public for free.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 84,000 member veterinarians worldwide engaged in a wide variety of professional activities and dedicated to the art and science of veterinary medicine. For more information, visit avma.org.

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association