In a visionary move to tackle the shortage of veterinary professionals while simultaneously addressing the needs of their community, El Paso, Texas, has implemented a groundbreaking initiative to support foreign veterinary graduates in becoming licensed veterinarians in the United States. Spearheaded by Lauralei Combs, this program not only provides crucial support to aspiring veterinarians but also bolsters the availability of veterinary care in the region.

The cornerstone of this initiative is the support provided to foreign veterinary graduates as they complete the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) program, a prerequisite for practicing veterinary medicine in the US. With each applicant facing a daunting cost of approximately $15,000 to participate in the program, El Paso has stepped in to sponsor two individuals annually, significantly easing the financial burden on these aspiring professionals, and are able to take more candidates if they receive sponsorship from partner organizations who would also like to help.

What sets El Paso's program apart is its holistic approach to support. While undertaking their training, participants have the opportunity to work as veterinary technicians for the town of El Paso, receiving a paycheck and a comprehensive benefits package, including a pension. This dual role not only provides financial stability during the training period but also allows candidates to gain invaluable hands-on experience within the local community.

The rationale behind this innovative approach is twofold. Firstly, by nurturing and investing in aspiring veterinarians, El Paso aims to address the critical shortage of veterinary professionals, particularly in underserved areas. With the nationwide shortage of veterinary care exacerbating the challenge, El Paso recognizes the urgent need to develop a sustainable solution to meet the growing demand for accessible and affordable veterinary services.

Secondly, by requiring candidates to commit to working as licensed veterinarians at El Paso's facility for three years post-qualification, the program aims to retain talent within the community. This strategic move not only ensures continuity of care but also fosters a sense of loyalty and dedication among the newly licensed veterinarians, encouraging them to establish roots in the area and contribute to its long-term prosperity.

Already, El Paso's innovative program is showing promising results. By nurturing a new generation of veterinary professionals and incentivizing them to remain in the community, the town is witnessing a significant improvement in its capacity to meet the critical need for veterinary care. Through this visionary initiative, Lauralei Combs and the city of El Paso are not only transforming the lives of aspiring veterinarians but also enriching the well-being of countless pets and their owners in need. As other communities grapple with similar challenges, El Paso's pioneering approach serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for effecting positive change in the realm of veterinary medicine.

How to navigate the ECFG program, courtesy of Lauralei Combs

1. Enroll in the ECFVG program, provide proof of graduation, and verify veterinary college credentials. Cost: $1,600 payable to the AVMA.

1. Assess English language ability through the TOEFL exam. Fee: $180-$325.

2. Take the Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination (BCSE) to assess basic and clinical veterinary science knowledge. Fee: $220 payable to the AVMA

3. Complete the Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE) to assess hands-on clinical veterinary medical skills. The CPE covers anesthesia, equine practice, food animal practice, necropsy, radiographic positioning, small animal medicine, and surgery. Fee: $7,630.00, payable to the AVMA

4. Alternatively, take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), a multiple-choice exam consisting of 360 clinically relevant questions. Fee: $760.

5. Obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine in the desired state. Applicants must have graduated from an AVMA-accredited college of veterinary medicine or possess an ECFVG or PAVE certificate of completion. Passing the NAVLE or other specified exams is required. Note that there are restrictions on the number of NAVLE retakes allowed.

Want to learn how you can sponsor a foreign vet? Connect with Lauralei here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralei-combs-324b8b28/