Dr. Chris Mortensen shares his journey from aspiring equine veterinarian to equine educator and scientist, addressing the challenges equine vets face including low compensation, high student debt, intense work hours, and the critical global shortage of equine veterinarians. Despite these hurdles, Dr. Mortensen advocates for the profession, highlighting the rewards of equine veterinary medicine and providing insights on how individuals can support and appreciate their vets. He emphasizes the urgent need for more equine vets and better retention strategies, alongside personal anecdotes, and data on the profession's state. Podcast Timeline  00:00 Welcome and Podcast Introduction 00:32 A Personal Journey: From Aspiring Veterinarian to Equine Educator 03:34 Addressing the Global Shortage of Equine Veterinarians 05:20 The Stark Reality: Compensation and Challenges in Equine Veterinary Medicine 17:24 The Rigorous Path to Becoming a Veterinarian 25:07 Financial Burdens and Gender Disparities in Veterinary Salaries 32:54 Global Perspectives and the Future of Equine Veterinary Medicine 33:33 Exploring Veterinary Specialties and Salaries 35:10 The Realities of Equine Veterinary Practice 37:02 Navigating the Challenges of Starting an Equine Veterinary Practice 38:10 Supporting Our Veterinarians: A Call to Action 43:51 Innovative Solutions to Veterinary Challenges 48:10 The Importance of Supporting Young and Aspiring Veterinarians 52:40 How You Can Help Your Equine Vet 57:26 A Heartfelt Thank You to Equine Vets Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.  --------------------------------- Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers and practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠https://madbarn.com ⁠⁠ You can also find Mad Barn at: ⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠ ⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠ TikTok ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠ @madbarn ⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to ⁠[email protected]