Animal science undergraduate programs have undergone a dramatic change with increasing numbers of students having limited experiences with agricultural animals. Between 2005 and 2008, several reports cited a reduced number of large animal veterinarians and the potential impact on national food security. Recognizing the need to educate and encourage undergraduate students to consider a career in production animal medicine, Michigan State University (MSU), in 2008, developed a cooperative program between the Department of Animal Science and the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The Production Animal Scholars (PAS) program provides undergraduate students education in the areas of basic sciences and animal management, as well as provides a special admissions pathway to MSU CVM. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the PAS program on developing production veterinarians. Three surveys were developed and each administered in Fall 2016 to one of each of the following populations: (1) 31 undergraduate Animal Science students currently enrolled in the PAS program, (2) 15 PAS students currently enrolled in CVM, (3) 14 veterinarians who completed PAS as undergraduates as well as graduated from MSU CVM. The response rate for undergraduates, current CVM students, and graduated veterinarians was 54.0%, 80.0%, and 92.8% respectively. 91.3% of current PAS CVM students and 58.3% of PAS veterinarians agreed or strongly agreed that participation in PAS benefited their veterinary program. A total of 14 veterinarians have graduated as alumni of PAS. Of these, 58.3% are currently working with production animals. Of those answering no, 80% reported hoping to find a position that involved production animals as circumstances allow. In conclusion, the PAS program offers a unique opportunity to engage undergraduate students interested in attending veterinary school with a focus on serving the food animal industry, in a curriculum that is based strongly in animal management and basic sciences. Participants in this program view this preparation positively in helping them to meet their career goals.