Ep. 174 | What’s Really Happening with the Large Animal Vet Shortage with Dr. Leslie Easterwood

In Today’s Episode:

If you own horses or cattle, finding veterinary care may look different than it did a few years ago. Maybe your longtime veterinarian retired without someone to take their place, or scheduling an appointment now means a longer wait. For many animal owners, the large animal veterinarian shortage is already close to home.

In this episode of Leaders of the West, Dr. Leslie Easterwood joins Jessie Jarvis to talk about what is driving the shortage and what it will take to support the people caring for our animals. A clinical educator at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and longtime leader with the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Dr. Easterwood brings the perspective of both an equine veterinarian and someone helping prepare the next generation.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Easterwood covers:

• Her journey from livestock show kid to equine veterinarian and educator
• The challenges facing equine and rural veterinary practices
• Why veterinarians are leaving large animal practice
• How student debt, work-life balance, and mental health influence career decisions
• What organizations are doing to support veterinarians and strengthen the profession
• How horse and livestock owners can better support their veterinarians
• Why she remains optimistic about the future of veterinary medicine

Behind the challenge of finding an appointment are people making difficult decisions about their careers, finances, and personal lives. Dr. Easterwood offers a closer look at those pressures while sharing why she still sees a promising future for the profession.

Whether you are a horse owner, livestock producer, or student considering a career in veterinary medicine, this conversation offers a better understanding of the shortage—and the role we can each play in supporting large animal veterinarians.

Connect with Dr. Easterwood:

• Visit the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) website
• Visit The Foundation for The Horse website

Connect with Jessie:

• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West website

Resources & Links:

• How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D. 
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Veterinary Science Certificate Program
• The Future of Equine Practitioners Symposium OEPS
• Texas Equine Veterinary Association (TEVA)
• Join The Directory Of The West
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More About Jessie

Jessie was born and raised on her family’s cattle ranch in Southern Idaho, which at an early age, instilled in her the importance of a strong work ethic, and a deep appreciation for the American West.

In addition to her lifelong involvement raising cattle, Jessie has had over a decade’s worth of experience in print and digital media, both writing for and producing various agriculture and western fashion publications, as well as freelancing in ag and western communications.

As someone who has been on all sides of the spectrum—as a job seeker, a business owner, someone looking for various service providers, and as a freelancer—Jessie deeply understands the obstacles one must navigate when job hunting or looking to hire for employment or project purposes in the west.

Jessie’s proudest accomplishment(s) in life is that of her family—her husband Justin, her son, Jhett, and baby girl, Jaxyn.

More About Leaders Of The West

Leaders Of The West is a podcast for innovators and change-makers in the ag and western industries. Hosted by Jessie Jarvis, the Founder of Of The West, our mission with Leaders Of The West is to foster a community of pioneers, innovators, and leaders who want to be at the forefront of what’s next. 

Whether it’s a guest episode where we’re digging into the blueprints behind our favorite industry businesses, discussing the innovation and strategies that have allowed family farming and ranching operations to continue on for another generation, to episodes with honest conversations from entrepreneurs who have risked it all on their dreams, or leaders detailing how to create a company culture so strong that you couldn’t pay your employees to leave. 

These conversations are meant to encourage the leaders of today and inspire the next generation of trailblazers. 

In addition to bringing in guests, you’ll also find some solo episodes, where Jessie shares the lessons she’s learned throughout her journey as a rancher, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. 

Whether you’re a farmer, a rancher, an equine lover, someone headed up the leadership ladder, an ag business owner, a western sports athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone who just loves the western way of life—this is the place for you.

You’ll find new episodes every week. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss a show!