Community of origin, preferred community or location of first employment, and food animal experiences are predictors for veterinary graduates choosing rural food animal employment

Objective: With shortages persisting, it is important to develop an evidence-based strategy for recruiting rural veterinarians. The purpose of this multi-institutional study was to determine predictors for entry into rural practice that may be utilized in admissions decisions. Methods: The sample consisted of 6,431 graduates of 33 accredited American and Caribbean veterinary schools that utilize the Veterinary Medical College Application Service and AVMA Graduating Senior Survey. First destination outcomes, including place of first employment, of 2019 to 2023 graduates were examined. Logistic regression was conducted to identify variables that can predict a graduate's choice of employment in rural food animal versus other employment settings. Results: Results indicated that a graduate's community of origin, selected community (location of first job after graduation), and both veterinary and nonveterinary experiences with food animals have the strongest relationships with choice of employment setting (location and type). Conclusions: Community of origin and experiences with food animals are statistically significant indicators of likelihood to enter rural practice upon graduation. Clinical Relevance: These findings can be used to influence recruitment strategies and admissions practices by colleges of veterinary medicine to shape the demographics of veterinary classes and the potential practice locations and types of veterinary graduates.