What does it really take to get into veterinary school and stay there? In this episode of the Vet Business podcast, we go behind the scenes of veterinary education with Dr. Lisa Greenhill, Chief Institutional Research Officer at the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. From the moment a student considers applying to the day they walk across the graduation stage, Dr. Greenhill walks us through the full academic journey and the broader systems shaping it.

With more than two decades of experience in health professions education, Dr. Greenhill offers a unique look at the challenges and changes facing veterinary schools today. She discusses everything from application trends and experiential learning to retention rates, rural recruitment, and financial aid programs. Her insights underscore just how complex and competitive the process can be, as well as the growing emphasis on communication skills, diversity, and well-being within the field.

This conversation highlights not just how veterinary students are selected and trained, but why it matters. As practices evolve and client expectations rise, veterinary schools are under increasing pressure to graduate professionals who are not only clinically competent but also emotionally intelligent and socially aware. If you’re a veterinary manager, educator, or future student, this episode provides valuable context for the road ahead.

Show Notes: 

[01:33] Dr. Greenhill is the Chief Institutional Research Officer for the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.

[01:58] She’s been involved with veterinary medicine for over 25 years. She joined AAVMC in the 1990s. She recently rejoined to launch diversity initiatives.

[03:12] AAVMC represents academic veterinary medicine. They advocate for the interest of the schools.

[04:56] Their members are the institutions. They work with the deans and the faculty.

[06:10] There are 35 accredited veterinary schools in the US. They end up with about 5,000 graduates a year.

[07:43] There are just under 11,000 applicants a year.

[08:59] We talk about prerequisites and obstacles to getting into veterinary school.

[09:58] They also require applicants to have experiential hours.

[13:17] What some of the schools are looking for in applicants. 

[18:04] Shortages in certain areas and difficulty in recruiting rural students and getting them to stay in those areas. 

[20:53] Rural communities are struggling and don’t have enough veterinarians. There are even loan repayment programs to help recruit in these areas.

[23:40] The digital divide still exists.

[24:56] Data on debt accumulation and student loans. 

[30:17] The experiential hours help the students know what they’re getting into when they go into veterinary medicine. 

[34:04] We talk about stresses and demands and student well-being.

[39:43] What the future holds for vet schools. There may be a cut in spending and financing options. It’s also helpful to think about the communities that future vets will be serving.

Links and Resources:

Dr. Lisa Greenhill – American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges

Lisa Greenhill – LinkedIn