At the University of Illinois, a collaborative effort is underway to explore how technology could help alleviate the shortage of rural veterinarians. Jim Lowe, a professor at the U of I’s College of Veterinary Medicine, believes that there are many potential solutions out there that just need to be adapted for veterinary care.
The project is being supported by a generous donor who has provided significant funding to spur this activity and enable the exploration of new approaches to healthcare delivery in underserved areas. However, there are challenges to overcome, including regulatory issues regarding the roles of technicians and veterinary nurses, as well as how to effectively deliver care to rural areas.
Lowe emphasizes the goal of producing highly productive veterinarian graduates through this technological initiative. He believes that with the right approach, they can see significant advancements from the research within the next five years, driving improvements in rural veterinary care. The University of Illinois is committed to finding innovative solutions to address the shortage of rural veterinarians and improve access to quality care in underserved areas.