University of Findlay and The Ohio State University form rural veterinary medicine partnership

The University of Findlay and The Ohio State University have partnered for a rural veterinary medicine partnership. The Large Animal Rural Veterinary Mentoring Program is part of The Ohio State University’s Protect Health in Ohio initiative. The Large Animal Rural Veterinary Mentoring Program works to create a pipeline for University of Findlay students who wish to enter into the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

According to an article on the University of Findlay’s website, Lok Chong Lew Yan Voon, PhD, who serves as the dean of the College of Sciences at the University of Findlay, was quoted as saying of the partnership, “UF is honored to have been chosen to participate in this program with OSU. This new agreement connects our commitment to undergraduates [pursuing] acceptance into veterinary school with our friends at The Ohio State University College Veterinary School. Our shared efforts will result in equipping students for meaningful careers and a more sustainable agriculture industry in Ohio.”

As part of the initiative to bring more individuals into the field of rural veterinary practice, both institutions will work to identify students who are interested in and would excel in large animal veterinary medicine, equine medicine, and animal science. These students will receive mentoring and guidance that will prepare them to enter into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at The Ohio State University.

Rustin Moore, DVM, PhD, the Rita Jean Wolf Endowed Dean at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, said of the partnership, “We’re pleased to formalize this partnership with the University of Findlay, which aligns closely with our Protect OHIO initiative and our commitment to strengthening rural veterinary medicine across the state. By expanding the Large Animal Rural Veterinary Mentoring Program to include Findlay students, we can grow a strong pipeline of qualified candidates who are prepared to serve Ohio’s rural communities.”

Students who are identified to participate in the program will form relationships with veterinary professionals who will mentor them and offer support as they make their way through their undergraduate program. 

Erin Alava, PhD and an assistant professor of animal science and chair of animal and pre-veterinary studies at the University of Findlay, said, “At the University of Findlay, we have built a strong reputation for hands-on learning, particularly in large animal and equestrian instruction, and this program creates a natural extension of those strengths. This partnership represents an exciting step forward in preparing future veterinarians through early, meaningful mentorship.”

For more information about the University of Findlay, visit the school’s website.