Women in Veterinary Medicine

Women in veterinary medicine: Breaking barriers and shaping the future of agriculture

In the world of veterinary medicine and agriculture, women have long been a driving force in shaping the industries, breaking down barriers and paving the way for the next generation of leaders. One inspiring story of success comes from Dr. Kim Stevens, a mixed animal veterinarian who, through hard work, passion and perseverance, is making her mark in both fields.

Growing up on a livestock and row-crop farm, Dr. Stevens was always immersed in the agriculture industry. It was here that her deep connection to animal health began. Her inspiration for becoming a veterinarian didn’t just come from her own interests – it also was passed down through her grandfather.

Although he never had the opportunity to pursue his own dream of becoming a veterinarian, his aspirations and love for the profession were contagious. He even wrote in his high school yearbook that he would one day become a veterinarian in Fairbanks, Alaska, flying out to clients’ farms. His legacy of passion for the field served as a catalyst for her own journey into veterinary medicine.

“He was my biggest cheerleader,” she shares, reflecting on the encouragement he gave her, which ultimately fueled her desire to pursue this rewarding career.

The life of a mixed animal veterinarian is never dull. Each day brings new challenges and diverse tasks, from small animal surgeries and in-clinic appointments to large animal herd checks and farm visits. The unpredictability of the job keeps things exciting, while the constant need for quick thinking and decision-making means that no two days are the same.

“I love the variety and the ability to work with both small and large animals,” she says. “Every day offers a new experience and new problems to solve, which makes the work incredibly fulfilling.”

Dr. Stevens’ path to becoming a veterinarian began at the East Campus, where she attended from Fall 2002 to Spring 2004. She credits Black Hawk College for providing a strong foundation in animal science and invaluable networking opportunities. The connections she made with faculty, staff and alumni were crucial in securing recommendations for veterinary school.

“Anyone entering the agriculture industry should start at Black Hawk College for the amount of networking that occurs,” she says, highlighting the importance of building relationships with mentors who can offer guidance and support throughout one’s career.

The educational experiences at Black Hawk College equipped her with not just the technical knowledge needed for veterinary school, but also the discipline and study habits necessary to thrive in the demanding environment of veterinary education.

While the veterinary field has seen more women enter over the years, it hasn’t always been an easy road. However, Dr. Stevens believes the challenges she faced were less about being a woman and more about the nature of the profession itself.

“Many women veterinarians before me paved the way in our industry,” she explains. For her, the journey was made easier by the trailblazers who came before her.

She does acknowledge that women entering other parts of agriculture may face more obstacles, as they don’t always have the same historical support in those fields. The key to overcoming these hurdles, according to Dr. Stevens, is simple: hard work.

“Your work speaks for itself,” she says. By focusing on being competent, diligent and passionate, women can prove themselves in any field, regardless of gender.

The life of a mixed animal veterinarian is never dull. Each day brings new challenges and diverse tasks, from small animal surgeries and in-clinic appointments to large animal herd checks and farm visits. The unpredictability of the job keeps things exciting, while the constant need for quick thinking and decision-making means that no two days are the same.

“I love the variety and the ability to work with both small and large animals,” she says. “Every day offers a new experience and new problems to solve, which makes the work incredibly fulfilling.”

Since graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Stevens has noticed an increase in the number of women returning to family farms and entering veterinary programs. In fact, during her time in veterinary school, her class was predominantly female, and that trend appears to be continuing.

Despite this growth, she acknowledges that there are still misconceptions surrounding women in these fields.

“Some people think women have to prove something,” she says. “But most of us just want to work hard and be successful in our careers.”

For young women looking to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, especially in agriculture, her advice is straightforward: “Work hard and be adaptable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Recognizing that women may not always be able to physically do everything their male counterparts can, she encourages them to ask for assistance when needed and be open to learning from others. Adaptability and a willingness to collaborate are essential for success in veterinary medicine and agriculture.

The future of women in veterinary medicine and agriculture looks promising. Dr. Stevens believes that both industries are already doing a great job of supporting women. She hopes to see even more collaboration and mutual support among women in these fields.

“We need to help each other instead of viewing each other as competition,” she says. “We’re all dealing with the same challenges, and by working together, we can make a bigger impact.”

As more women enter the agriculture and veterinary fields, the hope is that the future will be one of collaboration, support and celebration of one another’s achievements. The road ahead for women in veterinary medicine and agriculture is bright, thanks to the hard work and determination of those who have come before them and continue to inspire the next generation.

For aspiring veterinarians and women interested in agriculture, the message is clear: pursue your passion, be adaptable and never underestimate the power of a supportive community. The future of agriculture and veterinary medicine is not just in the hands of men, it’s in the hands of women who are shaping and transforming the industries for years to come.