Filling a Need

Rural Iowa Veterinary Loan Repayment Program

The reasons vary. Some grew up in rural Iowa. Others appreciated the small town feel. Many wanted to work in an underserved area. All saw a need. “I grew up working on dairy farms, so my passion has always been in large animal medicine,” said Dr. Sami Kemp (’22). “When I was on preceptorships during my fourth year, I did a fair amount of work in northeast Iowa and really liked the area. “When I went to Edgewood for six weeks, I saw the need, and really wanted to become a part of the community.” Today Kemp is an owner of Edgewood Veterinary Clinic where she practices mixed animal medicine. Kemp is among a growing trend of College of Veterinary Medicine graduates who have set up shop in rural Iowa. And a major factor in their decision is the Rural Iowa Veterinary Loan Repayment Program (RIVLRP) and the federal Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP). The programs are designed to help ease the educational debt load for veterinarians as well as provide veterinary services to shortage areas. Read more about Kemp and fellow College of Veterinary Medicine graduates Dr. Kyle O'Neill ('23), Dr. Lyle Wielenga ('22) and Dr. Victoria Hegstrom ('23).