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PRESS RELEASEFor immediate releaseContact: Amanda Aranowski Nation's First Doctor of Plant Medicine Degree EstablishedSaint Paul, MN (January 15, 2000) Plants get sick too. In response, the
University of Florida, Gainesville, now offers the nation's first Doctor
of Plant Medicine (DPM) professional degree program. Applications are
being accepted for classes beginning August 2000. This new, three year, multidisciplinary graduate program will provide
doctors of plant medicine careers parallel to medical doctors and veterinarians.
"Graduates are not expected to become researchers. Rather, they will
be trained to diagnose and offer recommendations for control of anything
from disease, insects, weeds or abiotic causes that adversely affect plant
health," says Dr. George Agrios, DPM program director, American Phytopathological
Society (APS) member and past APS President. "Prior to completion
of the program, students must pass a comprehensive examination in plant
pathology, entomology, and plant science. Following graduation, individuals
must also pass an examination before a State Licensing Board." Dr. Neal Van Alfen, APS President and Dean of the College of Agriculture
and Life Sciences at the University of California Davis applauds the program
in stating, "Doctors of Plant Medicine will provide a much needed
service to commercial plant maintenance companies, plant growers and homeowners
while benefiting the general economy and better protecting the environment
and water supplies in areas where they are employed." Graduates of the program are expected to find employment as:
For more information and application materials contact:
The American Phytopathological Society (APS) is a professional scientific organization dedicated to the study and control of plant disease with 5,000 members worldwide.
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