College of

Veterinary Medicine

Growing up in Perkins, Oklahoma, Taylor Cartmell was actively involved in FFA and 4-H. She showed club lambs for ten years and participated in other activities through FFA such as the National FFA Band, livestock judging, leadership conferences and camps, and horticulture. After high school, Taylor received a job at a mixed animal veterinary clinic where she worked at throughout her undergraduate years and into veterinary school. She attended Oklahoma State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

 

Why did you choose OSU and how has it helped support you in your path to becoming mixed/large animal veterinarians?
I chose to attend Oklahoma State University for its reputation in having an excellent large animal program and the hands-on opportunities for students. OSU has provided me many opportunities to further explore my passion of being a mixed animal veterinarian. There have been multiple student club hands-on opportunities, continuing education opportunities, and faculty and mentors that that have supported me to be successful.

 

What does rural veterinary medicine mean to you? Why is it something you are passionate about?
Rural veterinary medicine to me means providing veterinary care, compassion and education to those who don’t currently have access to it. Being raised in Oklahoma, I was quickly exposed to the shortage of veterinarians there are in rural communities. This inspired me to pursue rural veterinary care and help mitigate some of the shortage. I was inspired to pursue rural medicine by my time in a veterinary clinic as well as my upbringing with livestock. I quickly realized how many people did not have easy access to veterinary care, particularly on the large animal side.

 

What are you most looking forward to as you will soon begin your career?
I am looking forward to using my education to help animals and provide education to owners as well as have the opportunity to help serve and provide veterinary care to rural communities. I am also excited for my future plans of wanting to pursue a career as a mixed animal veterinarian that serves rural communities in Payne County and surrounding areas.

 

How does it feel to receive this award?

I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to receive such a prestigious award. I could not have done it without the support of my family, friends, and the faculty at Oklahoma State University.