From savannah cats to coral growth: diverse experiences prepare B.C. student for vet school

The exotic feline breed, which has gained popularity in the past decade, is a cross between a domestic cat and a serval — an African wild cat. The rescued cats were the unfortunate victims of a hoarding situation.

“They were all suffering from health issues and were incredibly fearful of humans and stressed in the shelter when they first arrived,” recalls U, a first-year veterinary student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

At the time, she was completing a practicum at the BC SPCA as part of her undergraduate program at the University of British Columbia (UBC). U and other volunteers helped work with the rescued cats using behaviour modification techniques.

“The most rewarding moment was seeing them warm up to humans over time and eventually all be adopted into loving homes,” says U.

Working with semi-feral cats was just one of the many hands-on experiences that U gained while attending UBC. Originally from China, U was curious about veterinary medicine but had few opportunities to work with animals in her home city of Macau. As a student in the university’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology degree program, U set out to increase her practical experience — seeking volunteer and work opportunities related to different aspects of veterinary medicine.

One of her first moves was to volunteer at the Wildlife Rescue Association of BC — an experience that piqued her interest in the medical and health aspects of rehabilitating wild animals.

“It inspired me to learn more about animal biology, health and veterinary medicine,” says U, whose curiosity prompted her to enrol in a course on the health and welfare of shelter animals at UBC.

“We learned about common diseases that affect shelter animals, how they are diagnosed and managed or treated, which I found incredibly interesting — further solidifying my interest in veterinary medicine.”

U’s experiences at animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centres, small animal clinics, animal research facilities and regulatory bodies helped her to appreciate the diverse opportunities offered by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.

As a participant in UBC’s Research Experience program, U analyzed coral growth data to determine the impact of coral restoration efforts, and she was invited to present her findings at a conference in Florida — an opportunity to meet coral researchers from around the world.

In addition to working as a helpline and admissions assistant at the Wildlife Rescue Association of BC, U worked as a support services assistant for the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia. In her position at Urban Animal Hospital, U quickly adapted to the clinic’s rapid work pace as she juggled receptionist and assistant duties. While she particularly appreciated connecting with the clients, she also enjoyed working with Drs. Hayk Hakobyan and Madeline Corbett.

“They were incredibly supportive of my journey to vet school and gave me lots of opportunities to practise various clinical skills,” says U.

Despite her busy life in university, U maintained a good work-life balance through her involvement with UBC’s Dance Horizons Company. As a member of the events team, she organized various workshops and social events for the dance community on campus, and she especially enjoyed the opportunity to perform at the showcase held at the end of each semester.

Right now, U’s plans involve returning to B.C. for a career in small animal medicine, either in general practice or emergency care, and she’d also love to work with exotic species. U also hopes to participate in shelter or rescue work in her free time as a way to give back to her community.

“I put a lot of effort into gaining a variety of experience to ensure that I had a good understanding of the veterinary profession,” says U. “This helped me appreciate the diverse fields that veterinarians can work in and helps me to keep an open mind and appreciate new possibilities as I begin veterinary school.”