Veterinary Mentorship & The Future of Equine Veterinary Medicine

Mentorship. Advocacy. Education. Community. Here's how Red Oak Animal Hospital shows up beyond the clinic.

 A tall, vertical shape with straight sides and semicircular ends, resembling a capsule or pill, outlined in black on a white background—ideal for signage at a pet clinic or veterinarian's office. A group of 19 people, dressed casually in jackets, jeans, and sweaters, stand indoors in a single line against a beige wall, smiling at the camera. The image is a solid light gray background with no visible objects, text, or people—ideal for use in Animal Hospital or Vet settings seeking a neutral backdrop. A group of 19 people, dressed in casual and outdoor clothing, stand in two rows indoors against a beige and tan wall, smiling at the camera. The flooring is dark and the lighting is bright.

At Red Oak Animal Hospital, we believe in paying it forward. We are proud of our own Dr. Maureen Sutter being one of the cofounders of “Guiding Wildcats into Future Equine Vets” program, an equine mentorship initiative that connects established equine practitioners with aspiring veterinary students from Kansas State University. Whether we are hosting “Ambulatory Truck Days” or providing hands-on clinical guidance, our goal is to ensure the future of equine medicine is bright, capable, and compassionate.

January 2026 Ambulatory Truck Day at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine

A group of 19 people, dressed casually in jeans and jackets, stand side by side indoors, smiling at the camera against a beige and purple wall.

Other Student-Focused Events at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine

A group of students and faculty pose together in a classroom in front of a presentation screen reading “Guiding Wildcats into Future Equine Vets.” Everyone is smiling and some are wearing purple or animal-themed clothing.
A classroom setting where a woman presents a slide titled “AAEP | Live Your Passion as an Equine Veterinarian” with images of smiling women and a foal; students watch and take notes.
A classroom full of students listens to a speaker presenting slides about possible career paths in veterinary medicine. The slide lists various specialties, and several screens and a photo of a horse and vet are visible.

AAEP Presentation for the Pre-Veterinary Club at the University of Kansas

Four smiling people stand in front of a TV displaying a slide that reads, "AAEP LIVE YOUR PASSION AS AN EQUINE VETERINARIAN," with the AAEP logo. A clock is mounted on the wall above the screen.

SCAAEP Dentistry Wetlabs — University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine (Nov 2024)

Dr. Sutter has volunteered her time during multiple SCAAEP (Student Chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners) Dentistry Wetlabs at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.

A group of about 18 people, mostly in casual clothes, stand smiling in a row indoors against a plain wall. They are posing together, some with arms around each other, after an equine practitioners event.
A group of people watch as a woman uses a power tool to perform dental work on a horse in a veterinary clinic. The horse is secured in a stall, and various equipment is visible in the background.
The image displays the title "Student Education and Outreach Committee" in bold, large text. Below, in smaller font, it describes the committee’s charge to oversee student programming and outreach in equine practice.
A list of names organized by years: 2026, 2027, 2028, and Ex Officio. Each year has a group of four or more names listed beneath it. Ex Officio lists one name.
A woman smiling stands next to text promoting AAEP membership, featuring a quote from Dr. Maureen Sutter about the benefits of continuing education and encouraging membership renewal.

Dr. Sutter’s Involvement with the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners)

Dr. Maureen Sutter has been an AAEP member since veterinary school. She became more involved in the AAEP in 2021 when she was invited to AAEP Lead, a leadership training program to provide younger members of the equine veterinary profession with leadership skills and training to further their professional growth and development. She was on the AAEP Governance Task Force in 2024 and the AAEP Practice Owner Task Force in 2022. She is currently on the Student Education and Outreach Committee.

April 2026 — Starting Gate Presentation: ‘AAEP Student Initiatives — How To Get Involved’

A promotional graphic for an event featuring Dr. Maureen Sutter, titled "AAEP Student Initiatives – How to Get Involved," scheduled for April 15th at 8pm EST. Includes a circular logo and QR code.
Presentation slide titled "AAEP Student Initiatives: How to Get Involved" by Maureen Sutter, DVM, featuring AAEP member and Red Oak Animal Veterinary Clinic logos, along with the Starting Gate and AAEP Live Your Passion logos.

2024 AAEP Annual Convention — Orlando, FL

Dr. Sutter presented two Table Topic Discussions at the 2024 AAEP Annual Convention.

A conference room with a large screen displaying a presentation titled "How to get involved with your AAEP" by Dr. Kathleen Anderson and Dr. Maureen Suter, featuring their photos and the American Association of Equine Practitioners logo.
Two women sit at a table on a stage with water bottles, papers, and microphones. A podium labeled “Orange County Convention Center” stands nearby. The background features a textured gray wall.

Speaking at the Kansas State University June Conference, 2024

A presentation slide from Kansas State University titled "Sustainability in Equine Veterinary Practice," featuring logos for AAEP and Red Oak Animal Hospital, and presented by Maureen Sutter DVM.

Guest Appearance on the AAEP Practice Life Podcast

A horse wearing a stethoscope is shown above the words "Practice Life." The AAEP logo is in the top left corner. Below, text reads "Finding Balance in Equine Practice" next to an orange play button.
A text excerpt describes a podcast episode on strategies for work-life balance in equine veterinary practice, including expert tips on time management, emergency calls, routines, and maintaining boundaries.
Three medical professionals in scrubs, masks, and hair covers perform surgery in a well-lit operating room, working over a patient covered with blue drapes. Surgical instruments are arranged on a table nearby.
Two medical professionals wearing surgical gowns, masks, and hair covers perform surgery in an operating room. Surgical instruments and supplies are arranged on a tray in the foreground.
Three women are in a veterinary clinic; one holds a horse’s head while another observes and a third adjusts a piece of equipment. Medical and office equipment are visible in the background.
Two women stand on either side of a brown and white horse in a veterinary clinic. The horse is secured in a white examination stall. Medical equipment and warning signs are visible in the background.
A woman wearing gloves examines a horse's mouth inside a barn, using a tool to keep the mouth open while taking a photo or video with her phone. The horse is calm, and another person stands nearby.
Two women are examining a horse’s mouth in a veterinary clinic. One holds the horse's head steady while the other uses a tool inside its mouth. The horse stands in a restraining chute labeled "Caution: Livestock Chute.
Three women are in a veterinary clinic exam room with medical equipment, oxygen tanks, and a metal examination table. One woman is explaining equipment while the others listen and observe.

Veterinary Student Externships at Red Oak Animal Hospital

  • Red Oak Animal Hospital is committed to fostering the next generation of veterinary professionals. We offer a variety of externship opportunities tailored to students at different levels of their education.
  • Veterinary students can apply for externships to gain practical experience in a general practice setting. Our externship program offers opportunities to:
    • Develop clinical skills
    • Refine surgical techniques
    • Enhance diagnostic abilities
    • Learn about practice management
    • Build relationships with clients and colleagues
  • At Red Oak Animal Hospital we have had veterinary students visit us from Kansas State University, Lincoln Memorial University, Auburn University, and Midwestern University in Arizona.

Student Shadowing Opportunities and Education

Three veterinary staff members examine a black and white cat on an exam table in a clinic. An ultrasound machine is in the foreground, and a cat sits by the window in the background.
A veterinarian in maroon scrubs examines a brown horse outdoors, while a woman in a red shirt holds the horse’s lead. A young boy in a white shirt stands beside them on a sunny day.
A woman in uniform shows a large animal skull to a group of children standing next to an SUV with its trunk open. The setting appears to be outdoors near a building and some trees.
A group of smiling children and one adult stand in front of an open vehicle filled with equipment, outside near barns. Some children hold riding helmets, and the adult holds a horse skull. All are dressed casually.