As a practicing veterinarian who teaches veterinary students I am strongly in favor of the proposed changes. Students currently are involved in mentored experiences in veterinary practices from the time they are in high school through graduation from veterinary school. They start out observing and cleaning kennels but as they go through veterinary school and have gained the clinical skills important to veterinary practice the opportunity to use these skills is critical to their overall professional development. This experience and relationship with the veterinarians practicing in the state is critical to professional maturation of the student and can be beneficial to the patient and client as well. Additionally, these relationships are often an important reason that good students choose to stay in the State after graduation. Codifying the ability of the student to legally participate under the direct supervision of a Virginia licensed veterinarian makes these relationships more transparent. It is very important that the client is a partner in this process and that they know and consent to the student involvement.  The language clearly articulates this requirement.