Mentorship and Hands-On Training Shape the Future of Swine Veterinary Medicine
The swine industry is at a turning point. As production systems evolve and new challenges emerge, the need for veterinarians specializing in swine medicine has never been greater. Yet fewer veterinary students are pursuing this career path, often due to limited exposure to swine practice early in their training.
To help bridge this gap, Zoetis launched a targeted swine care training program designed to provide students with real-world experiences and mentorship opportunities.
Building Careers Through Early Exposure
“Mentorship is critical,” said David Pyburn, DVM, Managing Technical Services Veterinarian at Zoetis Pork. “If you can connect with students early on, you can give them the experience and opportunity to pursue a career in swine production medicine.”
Pyburn recalled how mentorship influenced his own career choice and expressed his commitment to offering the same guidance to the next generation of veterinarians.
Inside the 2-Day Swine Care Workshop
Held at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, the Zoetis workshop combined classroom learning with hands-on training.
Day One: Students studied the Individual Pig Care and Individual Sow Care programs, focusing on health assessments and disease prevention.
Day Two: They entered the barn for practical training, where they applied classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.
“The highlight of the workshop was taking what we learned in the classroom and applying it inside a barn,” Pyburn explained. “It gives students confidence that they are capable of learning and developing as swine veterinarians.”
Students practiced identifying sick pigs, assessing sow and litter health, and reinforcing biosecurity protocols—skills that are difficult to master in a classroom setting alone.
Expert Guidance and Lasting Connections
Experienced swine veterinarians led the workshop, offering insights from years in the field while encouraging students to ask questions and explore new ideas. The program also emphasized ongoing engagement through major industry events such as World Pork Expo and the Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, where students can continue building relationships with mentors and peers.
Lasting Impact on Career Choices
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Several students noted that working inside the barn tied classroom learning together and gave them confidence in their ability to contribute to swine health. Others said it opened their eyes to a career path they had not previously considered.
“These students are the future leaders of swine medicine,” Pyburn said. “If we don’t influence them now, we risk losing the next wave of innovation and leadership in the field.”
Investing in the Future of Animal Agriculture
The Zoetis Swine Workshop was more than a training event—it was a strategic investment in the future of veterinary medicine and animal agriculture. By pairing expert-led instruction with immersive, hands-on learning, Zoetis is equipping students with the confidence, skills, and vision to become the next generation of swine veterinarians.
Veterinary students interested in future workshops can follow Zoetis Pork on social media or connect with a Zoetis representative for updates.
