Source: Lancaster Farming
The shortage of large-animal veterinarians remains a long-term challenge, as most Veterinary graduates opt for small-animal practices due to better pay, work-life balance, and less physical strain. At a Lancaster Farming panel during the Pennsylvania Farm Show, veterinarians Dr. James Holt and Dr. Erin Luley highlighted the hurdles and potential solutions.
Recruitment difficulties stem from unpredictable hours, rural practice challenges, and the high cost of Veterinary education, often leaving graduates with six-figure debt. Programs like the USDA’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program help reduce debt for vets in underserved areas but are limited in scope. Pennsylvania nominates positions annually, but only five slots are available. Efforts to address the shortage include increasing the scope of care provided by vet technicians and strengthening rural communities to attract veterinarians. Despite these obstacles, the intrinsic passion for working with animals continues to drive many vets to the profession, offering lasting career satisfaction.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.lancasterfarming.com/farming-news/livestock/reducing-livestock-veterinarian-shortage-will-take-many-tools/article_5ef6e1d0-ce06-11ef-8dbc-4f2aa26ee551.html