Collaboration Trains Future Veterinarians and Journalists

When veterinary and journalism students come together, everyone wins—especially the public. Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication have teamed up to teach students how to communicate effectively about infectious disease outbreaks, bridging the gap between science and public understanding.

The cornerstone of this partnership is the Diagnostic Challenge, now in its 34th year. Traditionally, this immersive simulation trains second-year veterinary students in veterinarian-client communication. This year, however, journalism students joined in, asking questions and interacting with veterinary students about their cases in real time.

“It’s crucial for journalism students to understand how to work with expert sources,” says Wendy Raney, scholarly assistant professor at the Murrow College of Communication. “Veterinarians can provide public service in outbreak situations. The media can help educate, not panic—but only if they have strong, trusting relationships with these experts.”

Lauren Rendahl, a 2025 journalism graduate and now digital news producer at The Seattle Times, participated in last year’s Diagnostic Challenge. She covered a contagious and often fatal respiratory disease in horses—one that’s reported to the state veterinarian in many states, including Washington.

“The experience gave me an inside look at what veterinary students do, and gave them insight into what journalists do,” Rendahl said. “It was hugely beneficial for both sides to see how a working relationship between vets and journalists functions.”

Rendahl, who previously reported on the Washington Legislature and community news for The Daily Evergreen, says the Diagnostic Challenge introduced her to a whole new beat—one that could directly impact the lives of animals and their owners.

“Training people early to communicate with the media ensures that the public understands what’s happening, especially during outbreaks,” she added.

For veterinary students, the exercise helps overcome anxiety about working with the media and highlights the benefits of building relationships with local journalists.

“There’s a certain amount of distrust toward the media these days,” Raney notes. “Our students learn how to navigate that, while gaining valuable interview experience.”

Jeff Abbott, director of the Diagnostic Challenge, emphasizes the bigger picture:

“At the end of the day, both veterinarians and journalists serve the public. The Diagnostic Challenge shows our students that working together builds trust, spreads accurate information, and ultimately makes communities safer.”