As the class of 1951 prepares to graduate, requests for the services of these men are voiced by graduate veterinarians, looking for partners; civic groups, trying to interest someone in establishing a practice in their community; and many county, state and federal agencies, trying to add to the growing list of men already engaged in their particular phase of the profession. It would seem then, that there is a shortage of veterinarians. One of the groups feeling this shortage to a considerable degree is the research and education field. I would like to briefly state why I think this condition exists and a few factors that might tend to change it.