By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Veterinary students with an interest in food animal species are encouraged to apply for financial assistance through Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Veterinary Assistance Program.
The program was established in 2013 to help ease the financial burden on students who seek further experiences and education with food animal species.
“Farmers and ranchers need access to practitioners,” Tracy Tomascik, TFB associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. “We know veterinary school is expensive. To help encourage students to focus on food animal medicine during their internships and externships, Farm Bureau created an assistance program to help relieve the financial pressures and get them out in the field.”
The program helps cover the costs incurred during internships for underclassmen and externships that are part of fourth-year students’ curriculum.
It reimburses expenses for meals, lodging and travel while students are away from school but are still receiving hands-on education.
“Experts in various veterinary fields are located all over the state and country, and these students want to work with and learn from the best,” Tomascik said. “Helping them get to these places and spend time in clinics and specialized programs means they can bring those skills back to their future communities when they have graduated from veterinary school.”
In a time when food animal medicine is a growing topic among consumers and the agricultural community, veterinarians are a valuable resource.
“Veterinarians play an important role in our food supply,” Tomascik said. “They help prevent livestock illness, and when treatment is needed, they ensure the correct and safe use of pharmaceutical products. They also help farmers and ranchers with proper care and preventative measures. Investing in veterinarians with a food animal interest can help farmers and ranchers in the years to come.”
Since the program’s implementation, more than $40,000 has been distributed to students who participated in summer internships or externships.
This year’s applications are available through the dean’s office at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.
Completed applications must be submitted to TFB by July 31.
Questions about the applications can be directed to Tomascik at ttomascik@txfb.org or 254.751.2266.