A new training center in North Texas is aiming to help address the nationwide veterinarian shortage. Operation Kindness Humane Society and Mission Pet Health have opened a new surgical training center in Carrollton designed to help address the nationwide shortage of veterinarians while expanding access to care for pets. The organizations celebrated the grand opening of the Dr. Barbara Craig Surgical Mentorship Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. The new facility will provide hands-on surgical training and mentorship opportunities for more than 300 new graduate veterinarians annually while helping deliver care to an estimated 10,000 pets each year, according to the organizations. Leaders say the center addresses a critical gap in veterinary education. While graduates enter the profession with medical knowledge and clinical experience, many receive limited surgical training before beginning their careers. “We’re not just trying to solve problems here in Dallas, in DFW, even in North Texas,” said Operation Kindness President and CEO Ed Jamison. “This is literally going to help the entire country by giving these veterinarians those very much needed skills to be able to take back to their home states and home cities.” The program, created through a partnership between Operation Kindness Humane Society and Mission Pet Health, allows new veterinarians to learn advanced surgical techniques, apply industry best practices in real-world settings and build professional relationships with experienced practitioners. A recent study published in the Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health found widespread staffing shortages across the veterinary field. According to the study, 73% of animal sheltering organizations and 72% of access-to-care clinics reported being short-staffed, creating challenges for pet owners seeking veterinary services and increasing strain on animal welfare organizations. “The sad reality today is this. 75% of all cats never receive medical care. 30% of dogs never receive medical care, let alone surgical care. Operation Kindness they’re meeting that need, one pet at a time,” said Dr. Dan Markwalder, chief veterinary officer for Mission Pet Health, in a statement. Officials say expanding training opportunities is one way to strengthen the veterinary workforce and improve access to care in communities across the country. “This partnership represents the very best of what veterinary medicine can accomplish when a non-profit organization and veterinary care company come together,” Markwaler said. “Every surgery performed through this surgical mentorship center strengthens a new veterinarian’s confidence while helping reduce pet overpopulation and improving animal welfare across our communities.” The mentorship program allows recent Mission Pet Health veterinarians to receive additional training from veterinary professionals at Operation Kindness Humane Society. Founded in 1976, Operation Kindness Humane Society is one of North Texas’ largest animal welfare organizations, serving more than 83,000 pets annually through adoption services, veterinary care programs, foster care, pet food assistance and other community resources. Organization leaders said they hope the surgical mentorship center will serve as a model for similar partnerships nationwide as communities continue working to address veterinary workforce shortages and increase access to care for pets. ...read more read less