A new training center in North Texas is aiming to help address the nationwide veterinarian shortage. Operation Kindness Humane Society and Mission Pet Health have opened a new surgical training center in Carrollton designed to help address the nationwide shortage of veterinarians while expanding access to care for pets.

Surgical Mentorship Center

The Dr. Barbara Craig Surgical Mentorship Center will provide hands-on surgical training and mentorship opportunities for more than 300 new graduate veterinarians annually while helping deliver care to an estimated 10,000 pets each year, according to the organizations. Leaders say the center addresses a critical gap in veterinary education. While graduates enter the profession with medical knowledge and clinical experience, many receive limited surgical training before beginning their careers.

“We’re not just trying to solve problems here in Dallas, in DFW, even in North Texas,” said Operation Kindness President and CEO Ed Jamison. “This is literally going to help the entire country by giving these veterinarians those very much needed skills to be able to take back to their home states and home cities.”

A recent study published in the Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health found widespread staffing shortages across the veterinary field. According to the study, 73% of animal sheltering organizations and 72% of access-to-care clinics reported being short-staffed, creating challenges for pet owners seeking veterinary services and increasing strain on animal welfare organizations.

Officials say expanding training opportunities is one way to strengthen the veterinary workforce and improve access to care in communities across the country. “This partnership represents the very best of what veterinary medicine can accomplish when a non-profit organization and veterinary care company come together,” said Dr. Dan Markwalder, chief veterinary officer for Mission Pet Health.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.