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The following letter was submitted in response to a commentary by our editor-in-chief titled, 'Voss: I'm Worried About The Lone Racing Veterinarian In The Classroom.'
To the editor,
It is true that fewer veterinary students are tracking for careers in equine practice. This trend has many factors, including low starting salaries, lack of an agricultural background, student debt, and willingness to work the hours that equine practice demands. I would like to share with your readers what we are doing at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine to promote interest in equine veterinary practice, especially in Central Kentucky.
I left Kentucky for a faculty position in equine internal medicine about two years ago. I have been very fortunate to work in the Kentucky equine industry and experience the dedication of folks working on the farms and racetracks. At MSU, we see equine athletes that jump, barrel race, and the true cow horse that makes its living working on the farm. The College of Veterinary Medicine administration was hugely supportive when I asked if it was possible to organize student trips to Kentucky so that our students could be exposed to central Kentucky equine practice which they may not experience otherwise.
I plan the trips during the spring Keeneland meet and September sale so that the students get to see two unique aspects of equine practice. We start on a Thursday and Friday to vaccinate and deworm the horses at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm. Depending on what the students would like to see, we also work in visits to other locations.
Everyone in Kentucky has been tremendously accommodating to meet and speak with the veterinary students. Dr. Stuart Brown showed us Keeneland's equine safety measures and took us into the paddock and winner's circle. Dr. Bruce Howard and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission veterinarians toured us through the test barn, paddock, and starting gate area. The students have also visited Kentucky Equine Research and Lane's End Farm. Dr. Brad Tanner gave a tour of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital and presented some interesting equine dentistry cases. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute has made their practice rounds remotely available to our students. The students have been guests on the Horse Tales with Ercel Ellis radio show. Antonio Marin at Old Friends organizes our workdays and assembles a great crew to help catch 140 horses. Everyone in Kentucky has been tremendously accommodating and interested to meet the students and tell them about their areas of practice or work. I am sure that there are many other thoughtful people whom I have forgotten to mention.
I like to tell the students that it took most of my career before I was lucky enough to touch a Kentucky Derby winner, but now they get to take care of one at Old Friends while still in veterinary school. I strongly believe that aftercare, regardless of the horse's previous career, should be part of equine medical education. All veterinarians need to learn to give back too, whether it's at the animal shelter or retirement farm.
It takes a lot of people to coordinate our trips to Kentucky. I am grateful to Dean Kent Hoblet, Associate Dean Dr. Jack Smith, and department head Dr. Bill Epperson to support the students and cover their expenses. Michael Blowen at Old Friends arranges accommodations for the students at no cost. The students are to be commended for taking time away from tests and busy class schedules to travel. Our plans are to continue regular spring racing and fall sales trips to Kentucky. I am already being asked about when we are going next year.
I hope that this helps the readers of the Paulick Report and other equine industry stakeholders know what we are doing at Mississippi State to promote equine practice. As on the racetrack or farms, Kentuckians have been very gracious and interested in our students to learn and appreciate more about the industry that we love.
Sincerely,
Bryan M. Waldridge, DVM, MS, DABVP (Equine Practice), DACVIM (Large Animal)
Associate Clinical Professor
Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine
College of Veterinary Medicine
Mississippi State University
The post Letter To The Editor: How One University Is Combatting The Equine Veterinary Shortage appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
