The UW-Madison veterinary school is trying to increase the number of researchers and classroom teachers. Many vets are choosing private practice, creating concern that fewer people doing research could affect discoveries that help both animals and humans.
For some vet students, money is a factor in choosing which career path to follow. There are school loans to pay, $100,000 on average, and caring for the medical needs of animals is often more lucrative than working in a lab. Another obstacle for animal scientists is the smaller amount of government money available for research on pets compared to people.
In an effort to lure more vets to the lab and classroom, UW-Madison is connecting with students in various medical training programs all over the country. Lauren Trepanier is an associate professor at the Department of Veterinary Medicine. She says during a workshop this fall, they will mentor and guide students toward a career combining research with patient care. (Tenth item.)