Researchers investigates solutions for veterinarian shortage

The University of Illinois is exploring technology to address rural veterinarian shortages, exploring sensors, and artificial intelligence to improve cognitive function.

The University of Illinois is investigating how technology might be able to address the scarcity of veterinarians in rural areas. According to Jim Lowe of the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, they're thinking creatively about a variety of topics, including sensors, traditional telemedicine, and using artificial intelligence to improve cognitive function, because there are undoubtedly many options available. He went on to suggest that all that has to be done is modify healthcare to fit the already-existing veterinary care.

He informs Brownfield that the initiative is a team effort at the university since they have excellent engineers and are working together with the community. They also have a donor who has been so generous as to greatly encourage this activity and offer major funding. The idea behind that is to provide care in a different way in order to reach those underprivileged places. However, there are obstacles to overcome, including regulatory issues about what they can and cannot do as technicians or veterinary nurses, as well as what they can do under supervision. The aim, according to Lowe, is to produce the most successful graduates who are veterinarians. Within the next five years, he says, they hope to see gains from the research.