Pigs...In...Space! (Oops, I meant Nebraska!)

By: Ruth West

Class of 2011, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine

 I am a junior at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine with an interest in swine medicine. UF does operate a small swine unit just off of campus, where I lived and worked for a year, yet I was very interested in seeing some large operation swine units and finding out for myself what working as a food animal veterinarian was all about.

I joined the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) as a student for just $20 a year and found a wealth of information about the industry and the people involved. The website has tons of information about swine (think NAVLE prep!) and also many opportunities for externships and conferences throughout the year.  The AASV has grants to reimburse student members for conferences, travel and externships.

I used the online directory to inquire about learning opportunities and was lucky enough to find Dr. John Waddell, an outstanding swine veterinarian and leader in the field who was willing to let me come for a two week externship to his practice in Sutton, Nebraska. Soon, I was on my way from the sunny climes of Florida, to the chilly plains of the Midwest.

My first impression was “Wow…I’ve never seen so much corn!” Miles and miles of golden corn ready for harvest stretched as far as the eye could see, punctuated by small towns with grain elevators reaching towards the crisp, blue sky. My second impression was “Wow…I’ve never met a nicer group of people.” Everyone I met, even the most diehard Husker fans, welcomed this Gator with open arms. Dr. Sutton and his wonderful wife, Carol, treated me like part of the family, offering a spare bedroom and delicious meals throughout my stay.

I rode with Dr. Waddell much of the first week, visiting large sow units throughout Nebraska and Iowa. My first experience with “shower in/ shower out” was not as bad as I feared, and the producers were more than happy to share their knowledge with me. I help bleed close to 500 swine of all ages for a PRRS project, and visited Iowa State Veterinary School and other swine related businesses along the way.  My second week involved riding with Dr. Waddell’s veterinary partners. I experienced feedlot management, necropsies, calf processing and even saw some Alpacas.

The whole experience was fantastic, and I would highly recommend it for someone who is thinking of pursuing a career in food animal medicine.  The Midwest is indeed America’s heartland, with hardworking, hospitable folks who are dedicated to provide all of us with safe and healthy products.