The University of Findlay and The Ohio State University Announce New Partnership in Rural Veterinary Medicine

The University of Findlay (UF) and The Ohio State University announced a new partnership to support rural veterinary medicine in Ohio. Part of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Protect Health in Ohio initiative (Protect OHIO) the new partnership works to strengthen the recruitment of students pursuing careers in large animal veterinary medicine, formalizing the pipeline between University of Findlay and Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Large Animal Rural Veterinary Mentoring Program (LARVMP) invites eligible University of Findlay students into the initiative through a partnership to identify, mentor, and prepare undergraduates for future careers in rural veterinary practice. The shared efforts will focus specific attention on animal science and equine medicine as well as the health and wellbeing of livestock to develop future veterinary leaders in Ohio.

“UF is honored to have been chosen to participate in this program with OSU. This new agreement connects our commitment to undergraduates pursing acceptance into veterinary school with our friends and 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,” commented Lok Chong Lew Yan Voon, PhD and dean of the College of Sciences.

“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,” said Rustin Moore, DVM, PhD, Rita Jean Wolf Endowed Dean at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “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.”

As part of this program, each institution is committed to expanding educational opportunities and enrolling more students to address the shortage of veterinarians in rural communities and safeguarding Ohio’s agricultural economy. Students will gain early preparation for careers in large animal veterinary medicine at University of Findlay before entering into a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.

“Graduates of the University of Findlay have traditionally been strong applicants to our program. We believe this partnership will increase the pool of qualified DVM candidates who successfully complete our program and return to practice in Ohio” said Allison Gardner, DVM, MS, interim association dean for Professional Programs.

Students identified for the program will be connected to veterinary professionals throughout their undergraduate career who will advise and support with the rigorous and highly competitive veterinary school application process. University of Findlay students are provided with comprehensive, hands-on animal experience through their combined 138 acre farm operations and premier animal science and equestrian programs prior to their application process.

“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,” added Erin Alava, PhD and assistant professor of animal science and chair of animal and pre-veterinary studies.

Recruiting for undergraduate students interested in animal science and pre-veterinary majors at UF continues while the new Protect Ohio and LARVMP program begins with the ceremonial signing and will be ongoing during subsequent academic years.