Page 144 - January_2023

Equine Veterinary Education Program Aims to Address Equine Veterinary Shortage
The headlines are starting to appear. There is a shortage of veterinarians globally, particularly in large animals, and particularly in equine practice in the United States. Comparatively low salaries,
long hours, and the rising costs of care have made the profession unattractive to potential students. And, those who do choose to take on equine veterinary medicine often leave the field within five years.
Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN, aspires to address the issue with the launch of its Equine Veterinary Education Program in Fall 2023, with applications being accepted beginning Spring 2023.
The developing program will be unlike any offered among the 30 veterinary schools in the United States as it will be composed of a two and a half-year undergraduate program, followed by a four-year veterinary doctoral program with a strong emphasis on equine veterinary medicine.
“The Equine Veterinary Education Program is an exciting development for LMU,” said Dean of Allied Health Sciences and Associate Professor of Veterinary Medicine Beth Thompson, DVM, who will oversee the undergraduate program. “One of the major differences in this program is acceptance to the undergraduate program will automatically provide acceptance to the DVM program for those who maintain the required grades.”
Furthermore, it will offer a one-of-a-kind summer immersive experience for students with some of the world’s leading ranches, Thoroughbred farms, professional trainers, and leading veterinary hospitals.
“We believe the addition of this program
to Lincoln Memorial University not only will make LMU a stand-out university but also will offer students an opportunity to achieve their dream to become equine veterinarians at a lower cost and with a much more targeted focus,” said
Dean of Allied Health Sciences and Associate Professor of Veterinary Medicine
Beth Thompson, DVM.
142 SPEEDHORSE January 2023
Photo courtesy Lincoln Memorial University