News Vet science short course aims to inspire future veterinarians

Mallory Pool Staff Reporter

A career in veterinary medicine is right around the corner at Oklahoma State.

OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine hosted 30 Oklahoma 4-H students recently for a Vet Science Short Course. Hosted in alliance with OSU Extension and the Department of Animal and Food Sciences, the course gave students the opportunity to learn insight into vet school from current vet students and obtain knowledge about career opportunities from current veterinarians.

“The Vet Science Short Course was created as an opportunity for 4-H members to experience hands-on agriculture activities and explore options in veterinary science careers,” said Lisa Nicholson, 4-H youth development extension educator for Tulsa County Extension. Students engaged in multiple hands-on demonstrations over the course of the two-day event including a disease outbreak simulation, a small animal exam, equine limb bandaging, animal anatomy and calving simulations.

Agriculture and 4-H educators from across the state said they were excited for their students to gain more knowledge about attending vet school and becoming a vet from current students and professionals.

“Events like this give youth a hands-on educational experience they might not have the opportunity to be part of otherwise,” said Jennifer Patterson, extension director and agriculture/4-H educator for Adair County.

“With these experiences, it can help them make a betterinformed decision if they are considering a career in the veterinary profession.”

Current vet shortages across the country, especially in rural areas, has caused a high demand for programs that show children and adolescents the veterinary profession up close.

Rosslyn Biggs is an assistant clinical professor, beef cattle extension specialist and director of continuing education at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Biggs hopes the program will continue to spark interest in the vet field.

“The 4-H Veterinary Sciences Short Course exposes young leaders from across Oklahoma to the opportunities that exist in veterinary medicine and animal health,” Biggs said. “The interest in the program has been extraordinary and we are hopeful that it will inspire attendees to pursue veterinary medicine as a career.” news.ed@ocolly.com

The success of the first 4-H Vet Science Short Course has already sparked plans for the 2024 course next May. For more information or questions on the course, please visit 4h.okstate.edu.

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