only enhances students’ education but also encourages more graduates to pursue careers in rural and equine veterinary medicine. “One challenge in the field is the declining number of equine veterinarians,” King said. “A few years ago, only a few dozen graduates nationwide specialized exclusively in equine practice. Every one of our students will go through this rotation, giving them hands- on experience in a field that needs more practitioners. Exposure to equine medicine might inspire more students to pursue this path. Some of these animals have never felt a human touch before, so even collecting blood or performing routine exams is a unique experience for students.” Hands-on experience with undomesticated animals is exactly what Simmons found invaluable during his time at the Florence
said. “That means it is a constant process to try and keep animal populations at an appropriate level. But at the same time, we are also responsible for the care of these animals and placing them into good homes. We care immensely about these animals and about the environment. That is why this whole program exists: We want to maintain a thriving ecological system.” Formalizing the partnership between the Bureau of Land Management and the U of A marks a significant step in expanding veterinary education in Arizona, particularly in the face of a national shortage of equine veterinarians, said Dr. Luise King, assistant professor of practice in the College of Veterinary Medicine. By immersing students in a high-volume, large-animal environment, the program not
Credit: Bureau of Land Management
VETCAT INSIDER
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