College of

Veterinary Medicine

From Gore, Oklahoma, Eli Pool grew up around his uncle’s cattle ranch. Eli started working at a rural veterinary practice in his hometown in high school and still works there during breaks and over the summer. He received his bachelor’s in animal science at Oklahoma State University and was accepted into and started at OSU CVM the same year.

 

Why did you decide to pursue a career in veterinary medicine & how did you choose OSU?
Growing up my family always had multiple pets and livestock. From an early age, I had an advanced interest in animals. Over time, this interest grew and led me to work in a rural veterinary practice. From my experience there, I quickly realized it was a career I would enjoy doing for the rest of my life. I was drawn to Oklahoma State in the first place as I would become a third-generation OSU graduate upon completing my degree. Additionally, I am a proud Oklahoman and wanted nothing more than to attend a college of veterinary medicine in my home state.

 

What does rural veterinary medicine mean to you? What inspired you to pursue rural and/or large animal medicine?
I am passionate about veterinary medicine because it combines my interest of the medical field with my passion for animals. Additionally, this career provides a vast array of opportunities. From a small-town general practitioner to a state epidemiologist, becoming a veterinarian instantly opens countless doors and opportunities. Over the last four years I have had increasing experiences with numerous livestock veterinarians and producers. Through these experiences I have developed a greater appreciation for the role that livestock play in a producer’s life, and therefore, an appreciation for the veterinarian’s role to those same producers. It is this relationship between advising producers, and caring for their animals that has drawn me to the field of large animal medicine.

 

How has OSU helped support you in your path to becoming a mixed/large animal veterinarian?

OSU CVM has an outstanding system of clubs and organizations, many of which are large animal based. It is through these organizations as well as large animal electives that I have been able to expand my clinical understanding and skills to be prepared as a fourth-year student heading into clinical rotations.

 

What are your future plans?
Upon graduation of the Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine, I intend to return to my hometown of Gore, Oklahoma. There I plan on joining the rural practice at which I have worked for many years. Looking further down the road, I would like to own this practice one day and operate it as mixed practice veterinarian.