PHCOC 2025-2026 Underserved Areas Award Winner.

Morgan Scanlon 

In June 2025, I attended a Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS) wellness clinic as a

veterinary student volunteer in Lower Brule, South Dakota. RAVS works to expand access to

veterinary care in underserved communities, and the community located on the Lower Brule

reservation was profoundly underserved. According to community members, there was no

veterinary care within 50 miles, making the RAVS clinic their only opportunity each year to

access care for their beloved animals, especially for clients without access to transportation.

Clients were incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring their animals to us, and many made

multiple trips throughout the week to ensure all of their pets were seen.

As a veterinary student, I was responsible for conducting wellness appointments, which

included administering vaccines and medications, educating clients about the purpose and use

of flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, developing diagnostic and treatment plans for

patients, treating wounds, and making clinical decisions to care for fearful or nervous animals

under the supervision of RAVS veterinarians. These responsibilities provided invaluable

hands-on clinical experience while reinforcing the importance of communication, flexibility, and

resource-conscious medicine when working in underserved communities.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this clinic and learn from an

amazing veterinary team. This experience demonstrated the profound impact that accessible

veterinary care can have on both animals and their families while allowing me to develop

practical clinical and communication skills. It also inspired me to attend another RAVS clinic this

year and continue working to expand access to veterinary care. Most importantly, this

experience strengthened my commitment to serving underserved communities and pursuing a

career focused on improving access to veterinary care.