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Inspiring the Next Generation of Veterinarians Through Vet 101
Vet 101 is a National Western Stock Show educational program designed to provide high school students interested in the veterinary industry with the opportunity to spend a day with vets doing real, hands-on work. Students were placed in groups of 8-10 and rotated through four vet stations: small animal and feeding, large animal, equine and rodeo, and diagnostic imaging.
Teaching young students who could be the future of our animal health and veterinary industry is an important investment. Julia Herman, NCBA beef cattle specialist veterinarian, believes in the importance of this event and has volunteered with this program for three years.
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“The excitement I see in these students is inspiring,” she said. “They are curious and want to know to prepare for a potential career in veterinary medicine or associated field.”
Herman walked through the responsibilities of a food animal veterinarian, from herd health to animal welfare to providing a safe and wholesome product. She demonstrated how to give a physical exam on a show heifer and proper injection technique, which the students were able to practice. Each student walked away with resources from the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program and an understanding of how the program provides educational opportunities for the cattle industry.
Many parts of rural America struggle to find access to large animal or cattle specific veterinarians. This event promotes the career and gives students an opportunity to speak with practicing veterinarians.
Each student was given a bag of donated tools and supplies including a stethoscope, animal first-aid kit, certificate of completion and other items. Every vet encouraged students to get hands-on within the rotations — checking heartbeats and soundness, listening to rumens, handling animals, asking questions, and much more. This program is completely free and fully funded by donations received
SAVE THE DATE
April 24-26, 2023 through Colorado Gives Day. Students accepted into Vet 101 are provided with grounds admission and tickets to the Ranch Rodeo that evening at the National Western Stock Show.
JW MARRIOTT WASHINGTON, D.C.
Fine more information at www.coloradogives.org/organization/ NationalWesternStockShow
