Veterinarians Hit by Aging Workforce

Mikel Alerman writes in CollegiateTimes that the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has completed a comprehensive study on the current and future state of the large animal veterinary profession and found a gradual decline due to the fact that nearly half of the state and federal veterinarians are nearing or are eligible for retirement.

"According to [Virginia Tech Dean of Veterinary Medicine Grant H.] Turnwald, the gradual decline of professionals in this field is due to the changing demographics and decline in rural population. This combination has caused a disinterest and decreasing number of students in this field."

Source: Blacksburg (VA) Collegiate Times "Number Of Veterinarians Continues To Decline" (June 28, 2006)