College of

Veterinary Medicine

Erica Nightengale, from Billings, Oklahoma, grew up in a rural farming community where her family raised livestock, sparking her passion for animal agriculture and veterinary medicine at a young age. She earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science, where her interest in food animal medicine continued to grow. She is excited to begin her career, continue learning in practice, build lasting relationships with clients, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of both people and animals in rural communities.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?

I first got the idea of becoming a veterinarian when I was in the third grade. I have always loved animals big and small and knew even then I wanted to make a difference in small towns working on animals of all kinds. I grew up in a rural farming community where my family has raised livestock for many years. My life has always revolved around agriculture, and my time spent in FFA showing livestock and competing on our veterinary science team was very influential in my career choice. My years in undergrad getting my Animal Science degree fueled my passion for food animal medicine. I began to realize then that I wanted to go into veterinary medicine not only because I have a great love for animals but because I have a huge passion for animal agriculture and rural medicine.

What does rural veterinary medicine mean to you? What inspired you to pursue rural and/or large animal medicine?

Rural veterinary medicine has been a love of mine for a very long time. I could not imagine doing anything else but going into rural practice after graduation. To me, it means everything to be able to provide care to small towns and be involved in these communities. Rural veterinarians are extremely important for the future of medicine in rural areas. True mixed animal veterinarians are hard to come by, and the rural veterinary shortage is very real. I understand the struggles of rural medicine as I have seen them firsthand myself as a livestock producer and as a veterinary student externing in rural mixed practices. I want to go into rural practice to ensure small farming communities have access to veterinary care. Providing such services to rural areas is essential for both pet owners and cattle producers alike. It is also important to me to be able to make a difference in Oklahoma agriculture and be heavily involved in my producer’s cattle operations.

What are you most looking forward to as you will soon begin your career?

As I start my career very soon, I look forward to making a difference in the lives of people and animals in rural areas. Rural veterinarians are so special to small communities, and I cannot wait to meet clients and build relationships with them. I am excited to start shaping myself into the doctor I want to be, to start the journey of lifelong learning as I see and learn new things in practice, and to be working with livestock producers and their cattle operations. It is very exciting to soon be living the life I have dreamed about and worked so hard to achieve.