Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine is launching a new initiative to strengthen Michigan's rural veterinary workforce by expanding opportunities for students to experience rural practice, reducing financial barriers, and supporting early-career veterinary professionals.

Supported by a $900,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan Rural Veterinary Workforce Model was developed by MSU in close collaboration with veterinarians and veterinary practices across the state. Informed by workforce research and existing programs, the model takes a community-based approach to recruiting and retaining veterinarians and veterinary nurses in rural Michigan.

"One of Michigan's greatest strengths is the culture of collaboration within our veterinary community," said Kim Dodd, dean of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. "Through statewide town halls hosted with the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, veterinary professionals from across the state helped us shape an innovative approach that goes beyond recruitment to building sustainable rural veterinary careers. With MDARD's investment and the enthusiasm of veterinary practices and community partners across Michigan, we have an opportunity to rethink how we prepare, recruit, and retain veterinary professionals, creating a model that can make a real difference for rural communities."

The model focuses on three interconnected priorities:

• Building connections with rural communities. MSU will work with networks of rural veterinary practices to provide longitudinal learning experiences for veterinary and veterinary nursing students. Students will return to the same communities over time, gaining experience in large and small animal medicine while developing relationships with local professionals. Community impact projects addressing animal and public health needs will further strengthen these connections.
• Reducing financial barriers. The initiative will establish financial incentives that recognize and reward sustained service in rural communities, helping make rural veterinary careers more financially feasible.
• Supporting long-term retention. MSU will establish a professional support network connecting early-career veterinarians and veterinary nurses with mentors, continuing education, professional peers, and resources addressing educational debt, career development, and practice ownership.

“MDARD is partnering with Michigan State University and the Michigan FFA Foundation to give young Michiganders more and better opportunities to pursue careers in veterinary science, especially in rural Michigan communities,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “These new programs will help protect animal health and the future of Michigan’s food supply by giving students more exposure to veterinary medicine, equipping more teachers to provide instruction in veterinary science and helping early career veterinary professionals overcome the challenges of practicing in rural areas.”

The grant is part of a broader MDARD investment in Michigan's veterinary workforce pipeline, which also includes partnerships with the Michigan FFA Foundation to expand veterinary science education and career exploration opportunities for middle and high school students across the state.