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Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine is expanding, could help improve veterinary care in rural areas

Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is planning its largest expansion in school history to help improve access to rural veterinary care across the country.

Dr. Bret Marsh says the program will increase its enrollment from 84 students to 120.

“I think it’s an opportunity to encourage more veterinarians to stay in our state,” he says. “We’re also collaborating with our partners at Elanco to look at establishing a clinical trials hospital as well as a continuing education center for our veterinary medical education.”

He tells Brownfield the plan is part of an industry-wide push to address workforce retention challenges in rural areas.

“New graduates can’t go into a rural area and service their debt from an economic standpoint,” he says. “They’re looking for spousal opportunities, good childcare, and good educational opportunities for their children. We’re looking at addressing this issue from a more holistic approach.”

Marsh says the expansion is expected to be rolled out in phases over the next five years, with a goal of completion by 2032.

AUDIO: Dr. Bret Marsh, Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine