With the average cost of a veterinary degree in the U.S. approaching $100,000, most students will begin their careers under a heavy debt load. John Maddigan, and his wife Sheri Morris are doing something to help. At their veterinary practice in Keizer, Oregon, fifty cents from every physical exam goes to the Oregon Animal Health Foundation’s scholarship fund. The scholarships are awarded to CVM students who promote animal welfare through community involvement and volunteer work.
One of this year’s recipients is Leslie Dunham, a third-year student who is actively involved in fundraising events for local animal shelters and free clinics for low-income pet owners. “I was honored to receive this scholarship,” says Dunham. “The OAHF promotes animal welfare and the human-animal bond and that is important to me. I think it is amazing how much happiness can be brought to a person by helping their pet; you improve the quality of life for both.”
Faced with increasing costs and stagnant wages, Maddigan is concerned that some young people who are interested in veterinary medicine will decide to opt out. “We are very much worried that some of the best and brightest will go into other fields,” he says. He is actively encouraging his fellow veterinarians to create a similar donation program at their practice. He believes this kind of support is critical to the future of veterinary medicine. “It is the right thing to do,” he says. “It guarantees the long-term stability of our profession.” Maddigan also notes that veterinarians have a direct stake in helping ease the debt load of graduating students. “It increases the likelihood that a recent graduate will be able to afford to buy the practice of a retiring veterinarian,” he says.
The OAHF scholarship was created in partnership with the OSU Foundation and the College of Veterinary Medicine. For more information about the Oregon Animal Health Foundation and donating to student scholarships, contact oahf@oregonvma.org or call (800) 235-3502.
