Key takeaways
The Zoetis program delivers real-world value. Students gain confidence, practical skills and a clearer understanding of swine medicine, making them more prepared — and more likely — to pursue careers in the field.
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Hands-on experience fills the training gap. Practical, in-barn learning prepares students for immediate impact in a profession for which skilled swine veterinarians are in short supply.
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Mentorship develops the next generation. Connecting students with industry leaders is key to cultivating the next wave of of swine veterinarians and ensuring the profession remains strong and well-supported into the future.
As the swine industry continues to evolve, there is a growing need for veterinarians focused on swine medicine. Yet fewer veterinary students are considering careers in swine medicine, partly due to limited exposure early in their education. To help address this challenge, Zoetis launched a targeted swine care training program designed to connect students with real-world experiences and career possibilities in swine veterinary medicine.
“If you can connect with these students early on, you can give them the experience and opportunity to pursue a career in swine production medicine,” said David Pyburn, DVM, Managing Technical Services Veterinarian, Zoetis Pork. “At one time, I was lucky enough that a mentor drew me in to swine production medicine, and now I hope to do the same for others.”
Overview of Zoetis’ 2-day Swine Care Training
Zoetis organized the 2-day workshop, held at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, to engage veterinary students at a critical point in their career exploration.
On the first day, students received classroom instruction on the Individual Pig Care and Individual Sow Care programs. On day two, they participated in hands-on, in-barn training that covered swine health assessments, biosecurity protocols and daily care practices.
“The highlight of the workshop was getting to take that knowledge from the classroom and apply it inside a barn,” Pyburn explained. “It gives students confidence that they are capable of learning and developing as swine veterinarians and future Champions of Care for the industry.”
Students practiced identifying acutely ill pigs and supporting sows and litters in need of care skills that are difficult to gain through classroom education alone.
Expert Insights — Guidance From Leaders in Swine Health
Experienced swine veterinarians led the workshop — sharing practical insights and offering mentorship to students.
“I really enjoy making the connection with students and trying to pass along some of the passion I have for swine production medicine,” Pyburn said. “Their questions add value to the workshop, and they teach me too.”
The initiative also emphasized the importance of building long-term relationships through ongoing engagement at industry events, such as World Pork Expo and Allen D. Leman Swine Conference.
The Broader Impact — Strengthening the Future of Swine Medicine
For many students, the workshop proved to be a turning point. What began as a two-day training quickly became an eye-opening experience that shifted how they saw their future. Inside the barn, the concepts they had studied in the classroom suddenly came to life. “Being in the barn helped tie everything together,” one student reflected. “I feel more confident in assessing sick pigs and understanding sow and litter care.”
The hands-on exposure also expanded their view of what a career in veterinary medicine could look like. “It gave me a new perspective on a career path I hadn’t considered,” one student shared. “The in-barn learning helped me understand how veterinarians assist pork producers every day.”
To Pyburn, that shift in perspective is exactly what the program is designed to create. “These students are where the new industry leaders and innovative swine ideas will come from,” he said. “If we don’t influence them now, we risk losing future leadership and innovation in the field.”
Conclusion
The Zoetis Swine Workshop at the University of Minnesota was more than a short course. It was a strategic investment in the future of animal agriculture. By pairing expert-led instruction with in-barn experience, Zoetis ensured students gained the skills, exposure and confidence needed to pursue roles in swine veterinary medicine.
This model of early, immersive training offers a sustainable path forward — not just for the students but also for an industry in urgent need of fresh leadership and talent.
Are you a veterinary student passionate about making a difference in animal agriculture? Join the next immersive learning experience and explore what it means to become a Champion of Care. Stay tuned for upcoming workshop locations by following Zoetis Pork on social media or contacting your Zoetis representative.
