A New Initiative: The Art of Pet Therapy

A dog a day keeps the doctor away. The University of Florence has started a second-level master’s course titled “Additional Therapy and Assistance with Animals in Complex Hospital Environments” open to students that already hold a first-level master’s degree in scientific studies, some of which can be: anthropology, psychology and sport science. The course will be taught by Professor Marto Matucci Cerinic and Dr. Adriano Peris of the Careggi hospital-university.

According to Matucci Cerinic, the pet therapy-training workshop is the first of its kind in Italy. The goal isn’t to replace standard treatments, but this method will allow future doctors to share a closer ‘bond’ with their patient and truly understand the level of their needs. This complementary treatment will be introduced in the different departments such as oncology, rheumatology and intensive pediatric care.

Enrollment will take place until December 12 and the 70-credit program will begin on January 18, 2018. The goal of the pet therapy aims to increase patient well being in order for them to be more receptive to other treatments and hospitalization.

The program is divided into nine modules and will be taught by specialized teachers discussing various topics such as psychology, clown therapy, mindfulness, art therapy, musical therapy acupuncture and phytotherapy (the study of plants for medicinal purposes).

To read more in Italian, see Florence’s La Repubblica news site. (deanna carbone)