Ed Brown Society Launches Veterinary Cohort

Last Wednesday, The Ed Brown Society (EBS) launched the Ed Brown Veterinary Cohort (EBVC), with the first session of a new, veterinary-focused virtual speaker series. The session was attended by 27 students, including a number of Ed Brown Scholars, Fellows, & Student Network members. This initiative is designed to provide profession specific exposure and mentorship for Ed Brown Scholars and Fellows who aspire to pursue careers in equine veterinary medicine.

The veterinary cohort speaker series compliments the organization's broader Ed Brown Speaker Series, which offers industry insights and career exposure to the organization's scholars, fellows and student network. Through the new cohort, participants will benefit from targeted programming and direct engagement with equine veterinary professionals.

The cohort leader is Ed Brown Fellow, Kyle Jorel Frett, a fourth-year veterinary student at the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. Frett also currently serves as president of Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA), and plans to enter equine practice, with the goal of becoming an equine surgeon.

"Exposing pathways for more students to see themselves in equine veterinary spaces is something that truly motivates me. To do this work demands intentional mentorship and resources. As I prepare to embark upon my career in this space, I am excited about this opportunity, within the Ed Brown Society, to help students gain access, and ultimately thrive in this field, because I know that their participation will ultimately make all of us better," said Frett.

The presenter for the first session of the EBVC Speaker Series was Dr. Tracy A. Turner, DVM, a nationally recognized leader in equine sports medicine, lameness and surgery. Dr. Turner, the Immediate Past President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), presented "Navigating Equine Practice as a Student."

During the launch session, EBS President L. Clark Williams shared that this programmatic expansion was a response to a need shared by Ed Brown Scholars and Fellows. "As we grow, we recognize the necessity of providing speakers, guidance, and resources that are tailored to the needs of our pre-veterinary and veterinary scholars and fellows. We appreciate Kyle Frett's passion for this endeavor, and his willingness, as our cohort leader, to make it easier for others to navigate this pivotal professional pathway. And Dr. Turner's presentation certainly got the EBVC Speaker Series off to a tremendous start."

During his presentation, Dr. Turner encouraged the Scholars, Fellows and Student Network saying, "We need more equine veterinarians, and we want you in the field. If you pursue this, recognize that practicing equine medicine will require you to be a lifelong learner because the profession is ever changing. Still, there's never been a better time to become an equine practitioner. The current technology can help you practice equine medicine with more precision than ever before."

At the end of the time allotted for Q & A, Dr. Turner said in closing, "I can't say enough about groups like the Ed Brown Society. Having a space where students can come together with like-minded peers to discuss equine welfare, and having someone walk alongside them on the journey, is exactly what this profession needs. Support networks, mentors, and community create the pipeline for future equine veterinarians. All it really takes is an interest in horses and the opportunity to grow from there."

Founded in 2020, the Ed Brown Society celebrates the rich history of the equine industry, and creates opportunities for talented young people to gain exposure, training and experience that prepares them for professional success in all aspects of the equine industry and beyond. This mission is largely accomplished through mentorship, training, internships and scholarships, in collaboration with members of the Ed Brown Partnership—1/ST, Churchill Downs, Keeneland, NYRA, The Jockey Club and NTRA