Hard times in the heartland

Rural areas are clamoring for veterinarians, prompting universities and governments to find new ways to attract new blood to large-animal medicine. But what about rural practice is causing the shortage?

Here we tackle the issue from every angle and give you the latest updates.

Analysis

Rural veterinary shortage caused by retention issues, not attraction

Most veterinarians who enter rural practice make up their mind to do so long before entering veterinary school

In the trenches

Studies might reveal trends, but personal experience is the most eye-opening insight to rural vet shortage

Changes in agriculture place new demands on rural veterinarians

Shortage is real, but hard to assess; recruitment, mentoring needs cited by veterinary officials

News

U.S. House approves Veterinary Services Investment Act

Federal lawmakers join fight to end rural veterinary shortage

Bill introduced to ease veterinarian shortage in public health, rural areas

AVMA, AVMF announce new food-animal veterinarian incentive program

Governor pledges $500,000 to ease rural vet shortage

Commentaries

The solution to a veterinarian shortage

Blog: All creatures great then small

Photo credit: Laura Alsman