Public practice opportunities for veterinary students to enhance veterinary public health education

Veterinarians have a long history of contributing to animal and human health; simultaneously, the veterinary medical profession has held the tenet of protecting public health. Veterinary education has shifted with societal needs over time and currently has curricula at US colleges of veterinary medicine (CVMs) largely focused on clinical practice and basic sciences. The focus of many veterinary curricula produces a veterinarian who meets the needs of the US pet owner. A void often exists in the knowledge and understanding of new veterinary graduates in the field of public practice and, in particular, public health. Students need to be able to find other learning environments and opportunities that help bridge this void. This article captures possible opportunities as best practices. Advising US veterinary students interested in public health and public health policy while considering these opportunities will help to enhance the likely experiences students have during their formal veterinary education. While no list of opportunities can be inclusive of all possibilities, the experiences listed here provide a solid foundation of options for students to include in the individualized aspects of their veterinary education.