New Bolton Center

New Bolton Center. It is the large-animal campus of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, commonly known as Penn Vet. Located on a nearly 700-acre campus in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, within Chester County, Pennsylvania, it is one of the world's leading facilities for equine and farm animal medicine, surgery, and diagnostic services. The center provides comprehensive veterinary care, conducts pioneering biomedical research, and offers specialized training for veterinary students and professionals.

History

The facility was established in 1952, with its development significantly supported by a major gift from the Bolton family, prominent philanthropists in the Philadelphia region. The center was built to address the growing need for advanced clinical services and research for agricultural and equine patients in the Mid-Atlantic states. Over the decades, it expanded its physical plant and capabilities, notably opening the renowned George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals in 1974. Its location in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, the heart of Pennsylvania's mushroom farming industry and near the premier horse country of the Brandywine Valley, strategically positioned it to serve key agricultural and equine communities. Throughout its history, it has been integral to Penn Vet's mission, evolving into a global referral center.

Facilities and Services

The campus encompasses a wide array of specialized hospitals, clinics, and research units. The core clinical facility is the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, which includes advanced surgical suites, intensive care units, and imaging services such as MRI and CT scan. The campus also houses the Marshak Dairy, a working dairy used for clinical teaching and research, and the Swine Center. Other key facilities include the Havemeyer Equine Behavior Lab, the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS) laboratory, and the Campus Farm which supports livestock studies. Emergency services are available 24 hours a day, providing critical care for referrals from across the Northeastern United States.

Academic Programs

As part of Penn Vet, the center is a primary clinical training site for veterinary students in the school's curriculum, particularly during their third and fourth years. It offers residency programs in specialties such as equine surgery, large animal internal medicine, and theriogenology. The campus is also a hub for graduate education, offering Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees through the University of Pennsylvania Graduate Division. Continuing education for practicing veterinarians is provided through workshops and conferences hosted on campus. These programs are closely integrated with the clinical and research missions of the University of Pennsylvania.

Notable Cases and Research

The center is internationally recognized for its management of complex medical and surgical cases in horses, including advanced orthopedic procedures and critical care. It gained widespread public attention in 2006 for treating the champion racehorse Barbaro following his injury at the Preakness Stakes. Research conducted here spans infectious diseases, laminitis, regenerative medicine, and agricultural sustainability. Scientists have made significant contributions to understanding conditions like Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis and have developed innovative surgical techniques. Its work often involves collaboration with other entities like the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health.

Administration and Affiliations

The center operates under the leadership of Penn Vet's dean and is directly managed by an executive director. It is a core component of the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine-affiliated biomedical ecosystem. The center maintains strong affiliations with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture through the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System. It also partners with equine organizations such as the United States Equestrian Federation and agricultural groups throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Funding and support come from client services, research grants, and philanthropy, including the Penn Vet Board of Overseers.

Category:University of Pennsylvania Category:Veterinary schools in the United States Category:Kennett Square, Pennsylvania Category:Buildings and structures in Chester County, Pennsylvania Category:1952 establishments in Pennsylvania