Protect OHIO Town Halls Held Across the State
Article by: Reese Bell
Originally Published
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Protect One Health in Ohio (Protect OHIO) initiative is addressing the shortage of large animal veterinarians in rural Ohio and safeguarding Ohio’s agricultural economy.
During a series of spring town halls, college leadership, Protect OHIO goal area leaders and current College of Veterinary Medicine students traveled across the state to engage more than 150 producers, farmers, veterinarians, alumni, prospective students, OSU Extension professionals and local and state leaders in conversations about strengthening Ohio’s rural large-animal veterinary workforce.
Each event included updates on the initiative’s progress from college leadership and Protect OHIO goal area leaders, including Rustin Moore, DVM ’89, PhD ’93, DAVCS, Rita Jean Wolfe Endowed Dean; Roger B. Fingland, DVM, MS ’85, MBA, DACVS, vice dean, Frank Stanton Endowed Chair in General Practice and Canine Health and Wellness; Alison Gardner, DVM, MS ’15, DACVS, DACVECC, associate dean for education and student success; Alecia Naugle, DVM ’98, PhD ’03, DACVPM, chair, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine; and Greg G. Habing, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVPM, professor and vice chair, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.
Current Ohio State veterinary students also shared their experiences pursuing careers in rural and large animal practice. Through student perspectives and open Q&A sessions, attendees asked thoughtful questions and shared insights that will help guide ongoing efforts to strengthen Ohio’s veterinary workforce.
From Wooster and Findlay to Wilmington and Nelsonville, each stop highlighted a shared commitment to collaboration, education and the preparation of the next generation of veterinarians to serve Ohio’s rural and large-animal needs.
Building Connections
Each community visit centered around a Protect OHIO town hall, with additional time spent connecting with local stakeholders, including county commissioners, mayors, Rotary clubs and local foundations. These conversations increased awareness of Protect OHIO while providing valuable insight into regional needs, workforce challenges and opportunities for collaboration.
Outreach efforts extended across a wide range of audiences, including high schools and career-technology schools, producers, farmers, alumni, referring veterinarians, extension professionals and legislative leaders.
Visits to Ohio State ATI in Wooster, the University of Findlay and Wilmington College included facility and farm tours, meetings with administrators and faculty, and discussions with pre-veterinary student organizations.
Interactive sessions let students connect directly with Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine admissions team and learn more about admissions, hands-on training and career pathways in veterinary medicine.
Together, these partnerships help expand access and support students pursuing careers in rural and large-animal veterinary medicine.
Across all four events, several common questions emerged, including:
- What does the admissions process look like, especially for students from rural or farm backgrounds?
- How is the veterinary curriculum structured and how much hands-on experience do students recieve?
- Is business and practice management training included in the veterinary program?
Looking Ahead
The insights, questions and connections built at each stop will continue to inform and strengthen Protect OHIO’s efforts to address the state’s veterinary workforce needs.
While this series of town halls has concluded, the relationships formed with students, educators and community leaders will continue to advance Protect OHIO’s mission and help strengthen the future of veterinary medicine across Ohio.