Lincoln Memorial University debuts Equine Veterinary Education Program

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Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) has added the Equine Veterinary Education Program (EVEP) in Fall 2023 to its portfolio of programs for veterinary students.

“While key details are under development, we believe the addition of this program to Lincoln Memorial University will not only make LMU a stand-out university but will offer students an opportunity to achieve their dream to become equine veterinarians at a lower cost and with a much more targeted focus,” expressed LMU-College of Veterinary Medicine Dean, Stacy Anderson, DVM, MVSc, PhD, DACVS-LA, in a university release.¹

“Just as important, too, will be the goal of providing qualified equine veterinarians to a horse industry sorely in need of these professionals,” she added.

The program will be unique to the other 30 veterinary schools in the US because it will consist of a 2 and a half-year undergraduate program, then a 4-year veterinary doctoral program with a primary focus on equine veterinary medicine.

According to the release,¹ it will also provide a summer immersive experience for students with some of the world’s leading ranches, thoroughbred farms, professional trainers, and leading veterinary hospitals.

The EVEP is being coordinated with the leadership of Eleanor Green, DVM, ACVIM, ABVP, Dean Emerita of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, and past president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP); and Jim Heird, PhD, past president of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), and former director of the Equine Sciences Program at CSU and former coordinator of the Equine Initiative at Texas A&M University.

“The Equine Veterinary Education Program is sure to be a great complement to LMU’s existing veterinary curriculum,” said Green. “The course of study will be challenging and extremely practical in the sense of providing ‘real-world’ opportunities and experiences. The team is looking forward to welcoming its first class in Fall 2023.”

“The horse business is a $122 billion dollar industry in the United States, ranging from the height of Olympic events to the millions involved in recreational riding,” commented Heird, in the release. “As long-time professionals in the industry, Dr. Green and I have witnessed the urgent need of horse owners and current veterinary practices have for qualified veterinarians, while at the same time understanding the tremendous cost of that education. Our collective hope is that this model will begin a movement to attract more students to the field.”¹

A key aspect of the EEVP has been the creation of the EEVP Advisory Council, which includes esteemed horsemen and women such as Hall of Fame Thoroughbred and American Quarter Horse racehorse trainer D. Wayne Lukas; former AQHA President and Four Sixes Ranch Horse Division Manager Glenn Blodgett, DVM; Taylor Made Farm President Duncan Taylor; and from the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, founder Bill Rood, DVM, JD, and President and CEO Debbie Spike-Pierce, DVM, MBA, plus more.

Students that are interested can apply on the LMU website starting fall 2022 for admission to the fall 2023 program, pending accreditation.

Reference

Lincoln Memorial University announces ground-breaking Equine Veterinary Education Program. News release. July 13, 2022. Accessed July 15, 2022. https://paulickreport.com/horse-care-category/lincoln-memorial-university-announces-ground-breaking-equine-veterinary-education-program