Banfield Pet Hospital is tackling the ongoing shortage of veterinarians by expanding its NextVet program, which offers summer internships to aspiring veterinary professionals. Recently, Banfield welcomed its 2024 class of interns, comprising 30 students nationwide.
NextVet provides students aged 16 and older with paid, hands-on experience collaborating with hospital teams across the country, aiming to offer firsthand insights into the veterinary medicine profession. This year, the program received over 500 applications, leading to the selection of 30 interns who will apply their passion for animals throughout the summer.
Alea Harrison, DVM, Chief Medical Officer of Banfield Pet Hospital, emphasized the importance of investing in youth-centered programs that inspire and create opportunities for the next generation. “As industry leaders, Banfield feels a responsibility to engage with youth in their communities and show students interested in STEM what’s possible,” Dr. Harrison stated.
Sarah, an upcoming NextVet intern from Houston, Texas, spoke about her goals of increasing diversity in the veterinary field. “Growing up, I never saw a Latino veterinarian,” Sarah shared. “I want to increase representation, especially in diverse cities like Houston, where Latinos are a significant population.”
Banfield’s commitment extends beyond NextVet through partnerships with organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America. This collaboration allows veterinary professionals to engage with K-12 students from underrepresented backgrounds, expanding career outreach efforts.
The initiative builds upon Banfield Pet Academy, which connects youth with local veterinary experts to inspire future professionals. Since its launch, the program has reached 120,000 students and offers its curriculum free of charge to the industry.
Banfield’s NextVet program exemplifies efforts to diversify the veterinary profession, complementing initiatives like blendVET’s educational events and the Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation’s scholarships for underrepresented veterinary students. These efforts aim to address the broader challenge of veterinary workforce diversity and inspire the next generation of veterinary professionals.
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