BY: SAMANTHA BARTLETT, DVM

Kansas, among other states, is seeing a shortage of veterinarians willing to work in rural communities in large or mixed animal practices. To counter this problem, Kansas State University is launching two new programs to encourage more young people to enter the veterinary profession. 

The Summer Program for Aspiring Rural Kansas veterinarians (SPARK) targets young people who are interested in veterinary medicine and brings them into rural communities. SPARK lets students shadow veterinarians in rural communities and gives them experience of what a career as a rural veterinarian would entail. The program is intended for college students applying to the veterinary school but is open to anyone at least 18 years old. If in-person attendance is unavailable for the summer, virtual visits will be possible with large and mixed animal veterinarians in Kansans to share practice opportunities and their way of life. SPARK also provides educational sessions on how to secure funding for a DVM program as well as sessions on how to fill out an effective application to veterinary school. 

The Specialized Program for the Recruitment of Indigenous, Native and Tribal Students (SPRINTS) is designed to expose young students of indigenous, native and tribal communities to veterinary medicine. The program is open to tribal, Native American or Indigenous students in high school or college who are at least 18 years old. The program provides transportation and lodging costs for Vet Med ROCKS among other opportunities. The program also provides tailored consultations on prerequisite courses and the application process to the College of Veterinary Medicine. Participants will also receive fee waivers on their supplemental application to the college. 

Both programs are funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.