For students who dream of serving rural Nebraska as a veterinarian, the Elite 11 program offers financial support, direction, and connection.
Now in its early stages, the Elite 11 program supports students pursuing careers in large animal veterinary medicine. One of those students is Cameron Berliner, a first-year University of Nebraska-Lincoln student from Stapleton, Nebraska, who joined the Elite 11 program in fall 2025. Growing up in a rural community played a huge role in shaping his career goals.
“I always wanted to make a big impact on agriculture while helping others in my community,” he said. “From there, I decided to become a veterinarian.”
Berliner’s interest in veterinary medicine solidified during a job shadowing experience at Stockman’s Veterinary Clinic in North Platte, a mixed animal practice. That experience gave him a realistic view of the profession and confirmed that large-animal veterinary medicine was what he wanted to pursue.
“I needed to know what the job was really like, the lifestyle, and how it supports agriculture,” Berliner said. “After my internship, I knew this is something I would enjoy and decided to become a large animal veterinarian so I could serve my community.”
The Elite 11 program stood out to him because of its focus on reducing students’ financial stress, which remains one of the biggest barriers to entering veterinary medicine.
“This program felt like an open-door opportunity, as it relieves the financial burden.”
So far, his first year in the program has exceeded expectations as Berliner continues to seek out opportunities across campus.
“I am connecting with professors, getting research opportunities, and gaining experience both in and out of the classroom,” he said. “UNL has opened so many doors for me.”
Berliner credits his fellow Elite 11 cohort for providing support and encouragement throughout his first year.
“We all have a common goal, so we build each other up and help each other when needed,” he said.
Berliner hopes to practice large animal veterinary medicine with a focus on equine and bovine health, potentially specializing in chiropractic care or embryology. His long-term goal is to work in rural areas where veterinarians are needed most.
Programs like Elite 11, Berliner believes, are essential to strengthening the future of animal health and agriculture in Nebraska.
“I would love to see this program expand and reach more students who are passionate about animal health and production, “he said.
