LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Rural and agricultural communities are facing a nationwide shortage of veterinary services, according to Jennifer Koziol, associate professor of food animal medicine and surgery at Texas Tech University.
Koziol said it’s important to tackle the shortage, as there could be long-term consequences.
“Think about the impacts to not only animal health but we also have to think about the impact more globally, and how that impacts global protein sources and things of that nature,” Koziol said. “Food animal veterinarians are a key piece, and really propagating that next-generation of food animal veterinarians is very important,” Koziol said.
New residency program
The Food Animal Residency, which is planned to launch this year, is designed to mentor young veterinarians through clinical research and training.
“To find a young individual young in their career and foster them through a residency and not only build their knowledge in food animal medicine surgery, but also develop their educational mindset,” Koziol said. “So, when they do get into an academic position, they thrive and they’re excellent teachers so that we can teach the next generation of food animal veterinarians,” Koziol said.
Wide-ranging benefits
Koziol said this grant is not only important to the school but to everyone who reaps the benefits from agriculture.
“If you’re consuming meat and you don’t have any direct ties to agriculture other than consuming meat, you will have a direct impact,” Koziol said. “Because we know we’re building a safe, nutritious supply of protein for the world, and so that is really the ripple effect for this grant,” Koziol said.
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