Katelyn Sheppard always hoped for a career in food animal medicine, and is now pursuing her dream in that field.

Katelyn Sheppard (’18), started college with an interest in biology and chemistry, thinking she might become a teacher. Somewhere along the way to earning her bachelor’s degree in animal science at the University of Florida, things changed when she discovered her inner cowgirl.

Her undergraduate studies began in Central Florida, where most people typically think of Florida oranges, tourists and theme parks. Sheppard, however, spent her days riding along with a large animal veterinarian who traveled around Florida ranches to conduct physical therapy. It was this experience, she said, that changed her plans and she set course to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

Sheppard received several scholarships that broadened her educational experience and she decided to focus on a smaller niche area of veterinary medicine that offered a specialization with additional training. Though she describes herself as a suburban girl, Sheppard discovered a passion for working with livestock. She felt a certificate in food animal medicine from UF would offer her a competitive edge in the world of cattle ranching.

The Florida Beef Council in 2013 reported nearly $500 million in revenue from approximately 15,000 beef cattle producers in the state, making food animal science a major economy in Florida.

In addition to food animal medicine, the UF College of Veterinary Medicine also offers certificate options that provide unique veterinary specializations in aquatic animal health, business management and shelter medicine.

Beginning with the first year of studies, each certificate program has specific requirements and is recognized at graduation. According to Sheppard, the food animal medicine certificate program includes 26 wet lab credits, participation in an externship and a research project. She also has attended additional food animal classes in her junior and senior years.

“Because our college was actually created from a department of veterinary science in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, our very roots are in service to livestock and agriculture,” said the college’s dean, James W. Lloyd, D.V.M., Ph.D. “Our certificate program in food animal veterinary medicine continues that legacy, and is one of the leading programs of its kind in the world.”

Since 2015, Sheppard received several externship scholarships, which pairs students with a veterinarian across the country. Grants like these took her to very large cattle ranches in Western Nebraska and Colorado.

“Those were priceless experiences,” said Sheppard. “I was working on a 70,000-head feed yard and there is just nothing like that in the southeast. I loved working with ranchers. They are the hardest working people I’ve ever met.”

The business side of ranching especially interests Sheppard, who said she would have chosen the certificate courses as electives even if she wasn’t in the program because of her love of working with ranches. For example, one certificate course was in beef cow management, which required her to research a ranch to update its business management protocols and then present it in class.

“I am the closest thing to a cowboy in my class,” Sheppard joked. “I love Florida and Florida ranching with all my heart. The Midwest just offers a different kind of cattle medicine.”

The Florida CattleWomen Association also provided a $1,000 tuition scholarship to Sheppard, which she was very grateful to receive to help with the cost of her education.

Sarah Childs, a past president for the association said the grant is designated for a female student in veterinary medicine whose studies are specific to large animal science with professional potential in beef cattle production and marketing. They also look for students who demonstrate leadership and scholarship.

Founded in 1961 as the Florida CowBelles, Inc., the organization is committed to educating people regarding facts and misconceptions about the beef industry, including its environmental and animal welfare practices.

Ranking 12th in the nation, herd sizes raised by Florida ranchers can range from several hundred to 20,000 head of cattle according to Childs, who currently heads the association’s governance committee.

“Katelyn’s experience is a great example of how scholarship funds can impact a student’s career path,” said Patricia Wlasuk, advancement director of scholarship initiatives for the college.  “We are grateful for the annual scholarship support from The Florida CattleWomen.  As long-time supporters of our veterinary medical students, each year they play an integral part in encouraging students who are interested in large animal medicine.”

According to Wlasuk, 15 percent of the available scholarships for students at the college have criteria that are specific to large animal, equine or food animal medicine.  Eighteen scholarship funds will provide approximately $30,000 in support for students during the 2017-2018 academic year.

Although Sheppard’s career plan is to work on a large ranch primarily treating cows and calves, she sees an added advantage to treating horses on the ranch as well, and has been training to work with both.

“Most veterinarians tend to specialize in one or the other but not both,” she said.

Of the 114 students in her class, the majority focus on companion animal practice, Sheppard said. With plans to graduate in May, she feels well prepared for her career on the “road less traveled.” Wherever that road may take her.