Over the past several decades, rural populations have changed not only in Iowa but throughout the United States. As a result, it has become harder for communities to attract professional workers who will not only relocate but will stay for the long haul.
Veterinary medicine is among the healthcare professions impacted by these trends.
Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has been proactive on this issue, working for years to help address this issue. This summer, the college will take another step in finding solutions by partnering with the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) to hold regional roundtables in rural communities across Iowa.
“We want to hear directly from those working in and supporting rural veterinary medicine about how we can work together to strengthen veterinary care in rural Iowa,” said Dr. Dan Grooms, the Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine.
The regional listening tour is designed to bring together veterinary practitioners, community leaders, agricultural representatives and other stakeholders to discuss challenges and identify solutions to strengthen access to veterinary care in Iowa.
The roundtables will be interactive discussions focused on open dialogue and shared problem-solving.
College of Veterinary Medicine and IVMA leadership will be hosted at the roundtables by a local veterinary clinic.
The scheduled roundtables include:
Friday, May 22
North-Central Iowa: Humboldt Veterinary Clinic, 2112 10th Ave N, Humboldt, 7:30-9 a.m. Hosted by Dr. Aubrey Cordray
Wednesday, June 24
Eastern Iowa: Alley Row,104 W State Street, First Floor East Building, Williamsburg, 7:30-9 a.m. Hosted by Dr. Tom Hansen, Williamsburg Veterinary Medical Center
Thursday, July 16
Southwest Iowa: Union County Fairgrounds, 301 S Grace Street, Afron, 8-9:30 a.m. Hosted by Dr. Carl Schuler, Creston Veterinary Clinic
Individuals may register at https://go.iastate.edu/MO2AET and can contact the IVMA at ivma@iowavma.org for more information.
Information learned during these roundtables, as well as priorities for action going forward, will be shared with stakeholders and discussed at a session at the IVMA Annual Meeting in September.
May 2026