Read: 1875
Rylee Coy
College of Veterinary Medicine
A group of eight scholars from the Veterinary Trning Program for Rural Kansas VTPRK visited various veterinary practices and livestock facilities across southwest Kansas during May 13-17. This journey provided them with an opportunity to interact with local veterinarians, observe different operational settings, and gn insights into rural practice in Kansas.
The VTPRK program establish a community of like-minded veterinarians serving rural areas within Kansas. By experiencing diverse practices, livestock operations, and client interactions firsthand, the scholars are gning practical skills essential for their future roles as practice-ready professionals in rural Kansas communities.
We were able to connect with vets who've been through our shoes, shared Third Year student Chance Kopsa. These visits helped us learn from their successes and challenges during their initial years of practice in a rural setting.
Dr. Bob Larson, the professor overseeing production medicine at the College of Veterinary Medicine, highlighted the importance of such engagements for VTPRK students nearing graduation:
Our students are in anticipation of transitioning from learners to practitioners, he stated. Meeting with veterinarians who were once students themselves helps them understand various aspects of rural veterinary practiceboth success stories and potential hurdles. Moreover, they're establishing professional connections that will support their future eavors.
The scholars consisted of three Third Year students Kenzie Jones Chance Kopsa and five Second Year students Mallory Beltz, Laura Carpenter, Tara Ellenz, Kayley Geesling, Whitney Leiblie Leah Mland. Accompanying them were faculty mentors Drs. Brad White, Mike Apley, Scott Fritz, and Bob Larson.
A typical day of the tour included visits to Heartland Veterinary Center in Ness City, followed by Miller Veterinary Clinic in Scott City hosted by Dr. Ellie Minnixa VTPRK graduate from 2019. The group then moved on to Hy Plns Feedyard near Montezuma where they met Dr. Miles Theuer and the Santa Fe Trl Veterinary Clinic in Garden City with Dr. Jodi Pitts, a 2012 alumna who was also recognized for her contributions by being awarded Kansas State University's Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.
The schedule continued with visits to Syracuse Dry accompanied by Dr. Tera Barnhardta former VTPRK scholar from Johnson, Kansas. She shared insights about non-traditional veterinary roles within a dry consultancy setting.
On Thursday, the scholars interacted with Dr. Kyle Berning at his practice in Lakin, followed by Ulysses Feedyard where they consulted Dr. Guy Ellis of Cactus Feeders. The tour concluded on Friday with visits to Prrie Vista Veterinary Hospital in South Hutchinson and Drs. Dayul Dick a 1987 K-State graduate and Patrick Schmitz 2020 K-State graduate.
VTPRK Emphasizes the importance of exploring different regions of Kansas to appreciate the diversity in scale between eastern and western parts of the state, as well as understanding how various operations function.
Experiencing these distinct landscapes helped us recognize the unique challenges faced by veterinarians serving rural communities, sd Kopsa.
Established in 2006, VTPRK is designed to financially incentivize veterinary professionals to serve rural Kansas. Under this program, each graduate must work full-time at a qualifying practice in one of the state's 92 counties with less than 40,000 residents for up to four years, during which $25,000 per year can be forgiven on their student loans.
Contact Information:
Veterinary Health Center
Mosier Hall
Kansas State University Manhattan, KS
Small Animal: 785-532-5690 Large Animal: 785-532-5700
College of Veterinary Medicine Dean's Office
- Trotter Hall
- Kansas State University Manhattan, KS
- 785-532-5660 [email protected]Referrals for DVMs: [email protected]
Online Resources:
KSUCVM iWebURL
KSUCVM WebMlURL
Contact Us
Emergency procedures
Statements and Disclosures
Accessibility guidelines
KBOR Free Expression Statement
Kansas State University
Last updated July 1, 2024
This article is reproduced from: https://www.vet.k-state.edu/about/news-events-publications/2024/VTPRK-SWKansas-Trip-2024.html
Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.ub47.com/Veterinary_sow/VTPRK_Highlights_Kansas_Veterinary_Tour.html
Rural Kansas Veterinary Training Program Highlights VTPRK Scholars Explore Kansas Diverse Practices Connecting Future Veterinarians with Real World Experiences Financial Incentive for Serving Rural Kansas Communities Establishing Professional Networks in Kansas Vet Practice Journey of VTPRK Graduates: Success and Challenges