Oklahoma Rural Veterinary Scholarship Winner - Drew Martin, class of 2027
Drew Martin, from Fox, Oklahoma, found his path to veterinary medicine through growing up on a small cow-calf operation in rural southern Oklahoma, where he developed a strong appreciation for animal health and the agricultural way of life. Seeing firsthand the impact of veterinary care on herd health and farm operations inspired his desire to serve his community in a meaningful, hands-on way. He is especially drawn to mixed and large animal medicine and values the opportunity to build trusted relationships with producers while supporting both animal welfare and agricultural success.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
Growing up on a small cow- calf operation in rural southern Oklahoma, veterinary medicine felt like a natural path for me. I developed a deep appreciation for both animals and the agricultural way of life at a young age, and I saw firsthand how important animal health is to the success of a farm and the well-being of a family. That connection between caring for animals and supporting the people who depend on them really stuck with me. Over time, what started as a love for animals grew into a desire to serve my community in a meaningful, hands-on way, and veterinary medicine became the perfect combination of my interests and values.
What does rural veterinary medicine mean to you? What inspired you to pursue rural and/or large animal medicine?
Rural veterinary medicine, to me, is about more than just treating animals—it’s about being a trusted partner in a community. It means working closely with producers, understanding their operations, and helping them succeed while ensuring the health and welfare of their animals. I’ve always been inspired by the strong relationships built between veterinarians and producers, where trust and communication are essential. Growing up around cattle operations showed me how impactful a good veterinarian can be, and I was drawn to the challenge and reward of mixed/ large animal medicine, where every day is different and your work directly supports both livelihoods and food production.
What are you most looking forward to as you will soon begin your career?
As I get ready to begin my career, I’m most excited about the variety and unpredictability that comes with rural practice—never quite knowing what will come through the door each day. I look forward to the hands-on work, the problem-solving, and the opportunity to continuously learn and grow. Just as important, I’m excited to build lasting relationships with producers and become a reliable resource for them and their operations. Being able to return to a rural setting similar to where I grew up and give back to that kind of community is something I’m really looking forward to.