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Inside the World of Military Veterinarians with COL Dickie J. Vest, DVM, DACT



Welcome to a riveting episode of the WarDocs podcast, where we delve deep into the multifaceted world of military veterinarians with our esteemed guest, Army Veterinarian COL Dickie Vest, DVM. From his humble beginnings on a North Texas cattle ranch to commanding advanced veterinary units in the military, COL Vest provides an eye-opening account of the vital roles veterinarians play in ensuring the health and readiness of both military working dogs and service members.

 



In this episode, COL Dickie Vest shares his journey from a North Texas cattle ranch to becoming a key figure in the Army Reserve Veterinary Corps. He offers an in-depth look at the diverse missions of military veterinarians, from caring for military working dogs and ensuring food safety to managing zoonotic diseases and advising on public health. COL Vest also discusses the logistical challenges of field hospitals and offers career advice for aspiring Army veterinarians, highlighting the extensive training and unique opportunities in military veterinary medicine.

 

COL Vest shares how his early experiences on a North Texas cattle ranch and interactions with local veterinarians sparked his interest in veterinary medicine. This led him to pursue a career in the Army Reserve Veterinary Corps, driven by a desire to serve and a fascination with the diverse opportunities available in military veterinary medicine.

 



One of the most gripping moments in the episode is COL Vest’s account of treating a military working dog that was shot in action. He describes the intricate procedures involved in stabilizing the dog and the crucial role of medics and veterinary technicians in such high-stakes situations.

 

COL Vest elaborates on the critical role military veterinarians play in zoonotic disease prevention and public health advisory. Whether managing rabies cases or advising commanders during outbreaks like COVID-19, these professionals are indispensable to maintaining the health and safety of both animals and humans in military settings.

 

This episode of WarDocs is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of veterinary science and military service. COL Dickie Vest’s insights offer a compelling look into the heroic and multifaceted roles of military veterinarians. From battlefield care to public health advisory, these unsung heroes are crucial to the health and readiness of our military forces.

 

Don’t miss this enlightening episode—subscribe to WarDocs on your preferred podcast platform and visit our website for more information on COL Vest and other inspiring guests.


HOW TO LISTEN AND WATCH

The episode featuring COL Vest, is available on all major podcast platforms.  Here are some popular links that will bring you directly to the episode:

Check out the full episode on our YouTube channel- https://youtu.be/glFGFEzHZIc


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