University of Florida Plant Medicine Program: An Integrated Approach to Careers in Plant Health Science.

The Plant Medicine Program at the University of Florida was established in 1999 in response to the need for individuals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and management of all types of plant problems. This plant health curriculum is comparable to the multidisciplinary training that is completed in human (MD) and animal health (DVM) programs. Each Doctor of Plant Medicine (DPM) is trained in plant pathology, entomology, nematology and plant, weed and soil sciences. This broad knowledge base is provided as a graduate program through course work and elective internships. The problem-solving-based course work allows students to build the knowledge and skills needed to practice Plant Medicine in a variety of careers. These skills are put to the test in real world situations that are experienced within internships. Students have 19 and 20 credit hours of elective internships and course work, respectively, to pursue specializations which serve as a gateway to a future career. DPM graduates are employed in many agricultural areas such as crop consulting, teaching, regulatory agriculture (U.S and abroad), extension faculty and plant health management (e.g., crop production companies, golf courses, public gardens). Plant Medicine is an emerging profession that will continue to grow along with our society’s need for healthy plants used in the production of food, feed, fuel and fiber.