‘Technologist of the Year’ award goes to a team player in animal health care

She oversees the crucial role that more than 60 registered veterinary technologists (RVTs) provide in hands-on patient care at the college’s Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC). And when members of her team talk about their work, Fenez can relate — she has more than 20 years of experience working as an RVT.  

“We have a huge facility and a large team that is broken up into many different specialties. But we are one big team, and we all have the same goal of giving patients the best possible care,” says Fenez.  

This fall, Fenez’s dedication to her profession earned her the 2024 Technologist of the Year award from the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA). This annual honour recognizes an outstanding RVT who has made significant contributions to animal health.

Nominated for the award by her WCVM colleagues, Fenez is described as a passionate leader with an ability to undertake a range of supportive roles in the education, mentorship and supervision of RVTs at the WCVM.

“I was very shocked when I found out that I won the award. It’s such a huge accomplishment for my career and I’m honoured to be nominated,” says Fenez, who accepted the award during the SVMA’s annual conference on Sept. 14.

Fenez’s dream of becoming a veterinary professional began at a young age. She grew up around small and large animals on her family’s farm near Pennant, Sask., and as a high school student, she regularly volunteered at veterinary clinics. After completing the two-year veterinary technology diploma program at Lakeland College in Vermillion, Alta., Fenez volunteered at the Greater Vancouver Zoo and worked in various small animal and specialty practices across Alberta and B.C. before accepting an RVT job at the WCVM in 2007.

Fenez says her experiences working alongside other clinical team members gave her a unique perspective on understanding the needs of others.

“The profession is stressful when you’re dealing with sick and injured animals all the time. From what I was seeing and hearing from other RVTs, I knew that there was a need for a support system. I could understand their needs from experience, and I wanted to make sure that their voices were heard,” explains Fenez.

In 2019, Fenez accepted her management job at the VMC — a role that involves directly supporting RVTs who work in veterinary clinical services such as oncology, ophthalmology, dentistry, emergency and critical care, dermatology, surgery, medicine, reproduction and anesthesia.

A major component of Fenez’s support work involves creating a positive and enjoyable workplace environment for her team.

“We spend more time at work than we do at home, so improving workplace culture has been very beneficial,” says Fenez, who is part of the hospital’s social committee. She has also helped to develop comprehensive skills training programs for team members that foster personal growth and goal planning.

“When we get to know one another and have a better understanding of each other, we work together cohesively,” she says.

Fenez is instrumental in educating and mentoring future RVTs in their training and development. She facilitates the college’s partnership with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, which offers the province’s two-year veterinary technology program. The VMC hosts labs, lectures and rotations offered in the program’s final two semesters. Fenez is involved in all aspects of the veterinary technology students’ training — from touring them around the hospital as they begin their studies to addressing expectations and gathering student feedback.

“I’m the go-to [person] if they’re having any issues with their labs or their rotations, or if they need any extra assistance,” says Fenez. “I attend their pinning ceremony and follow up with them after they’re finished to see how we can adjust our program so the next group of students can benefit from their experience.”

Watching these students graduate and enter the workforce with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the profession brings her joy.

“I’m always so proud to see students graduate and watch how much they’ve learned. There are so many different roles within the RVT profession, so knowing that they’ve found a role that they enjoy and can thrive in really makes me happy.”

Fenez is grateful for the SVMA award and praises her colleagues for their commitment to providing top quality care for their patients.

“Teamwork and communication are two of the biggest strengths for our teams,” says Fenez. “Everyone has a role to play in delivering the best care possible and I’m very proud to work alongside each team member.”