The University of Illinois is taking a new approach to addressing the shortage of rural veterinarians by leveraging technology. Jim Lowe, from the College of Veterinary Medicine, explains that they are exploring innovative solutions such as sensors, telehealth, and artificial intelligence to improve veterinary care in underserved areas. This project is a collaborative effort within the University, involving engineers and other partners.
A generous donor has provided significant support to spur this activity and help explore new ways of delivering veterinary care. The goal is to revolutionize the way care is provided in rural areas where access to veterinarians is limited. However, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Regulatory issues surrounding supervision and what tasks can be delegated to technicians or veterinary nurses need to be considered.
The team is working on developing new models for delivering care in these underserved areas. By tackling these challenges head-on, they hope to make a meaningful impact on rural veterinary care. With their innovative approach, they hope to adapt existing healthcare practices to better meet the needs of those living in rural areas who may not have access to specialized veterinary care otherwise.
