Student News
B.C. continues expanded support of WCVM and student seats at USask
The Government of British Columbia is permanently doubling the number of subsidized seats for B.C. veterinary students attending the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Veterinary immersion
All of Karlynn Dzik’s childhood experiences — the books she read, the videos she watched, the camps she attended — revolved around her desire to study and interact with animals.
Horse Health Lines (Fall 2022) now online
The Fall 2022 issue of Horse Health Lines, news publication for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Townsend Equine Health Research Fund, is now online.
Student's promise tops off his trek to WCVM
When Stuart Matthews learned that he’d been accepted to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), he set out to celebrate in a unique way.
Annual poster event highlights diversity of research
Summer research students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) produced an incredible amount of high-quality science in a very short time frame, says Dr. Lynn Weber, the college’s associate dean of research.
Saskatchewan expands eligibility for veterinary loan forgiveness program
The Government of Saskatchewan has announced updates to its student loan forgiveness plan for veterinarians and registered veterinary technologists (RVTs) who serve livestock stakeholders in rural and remote communities.
Vetavision event offers first-hand look at vet med
Veterinary medicine has always fascinated the public, says Dr. Chris Clark, associate dean academic of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
WCVM PRIDE club creates space for community
When Madlyn Lung sent an email message to the entire Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) community asking about interest in a Pride club, she was overwhelmed by the response.
Graduating veterinarians choose diverse career paths
The 78 veterinarians graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) this year are facing an unprecedented number of career choices and graduating ready to fill a range of needs in the veterinary profession.
Kayaker's dunk highlights dangers of cold water
Without my training, I might have ended up another drowning statistic.
‘A first-rate, active learning guide’
While his research focus is on wildlife conservation and reproduction, Steve Yang has become a successful teacher of veterinary anatomy through his work with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) veterinary students.
WCVM graduate students excel at research expo
Members of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) community excelled at the 2022 Life and Health Sciences Research Expo — an annual event at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Province of B.C. doubles student seats in veterinary medicine program at USask
More B.C. veterinary students will attend the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) on the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus this August, following an investment from the Province of B.C. to double its number of subsidized seats for the first time in more than a decade.
Science and fellowship at forefront of graduate poster day
The return to an in-person graduate research poster day at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) was a welcome change after two years of online events.
Building the foundations to better her profession
From building dog houses to organizing anti-racism education for her peers, Charlie Wyatt-Swain has found many ways to serve her community during her time as a veterinary student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
Vet camp and petting zoo part of student’s journey
From the time she could talk, Magdelena (Alena) Lessmeister wanted to be a veterinarian. And now that she’s a first-year student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Lessmeister is grateful for the combination of events and factors that inspired her to fulfil that goal.
Kenyan student’s love of wildlife led to vet school
While growing up in Kenya, Armaan Bhatia crossed paths with animals of all shapes and sizes.
B.C. vet student dives into new career
Growing up in Hong Kong, Viviana Lee lived with her family in a 500-square-foot apartment that had no room for pets. But working with animals was always part of the plan for Lee, now a first-year veterinary student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
Volunteer work near and dear to B.C. student’s heart
As a boy, Vazul Munjal remembers listening to his veterinarian father describe interesting cases brought to his practice, Alta Vista Animal Hospital, in Vancouver, B.C.
Veterinary medicine right fit for Manitoba student
Tara Sweetnam was 12 years old the first time that she watched a veterinarian perform an embryo transfer at her family’s dairy farm near Winkler, Man. As the practitioner transferred fertilized embryos into the reproductive tract of her favourite cow, Sweetnam was awestruck by the process.
Allergies didn’t deter Alberta student from animal health future
Veterinary student Keegan King has always loved being around animals. Even a childhood allergy to horses and cats didn’t deter him from caring for the family dogs or spending time on his grandma’s and uncle’s farms near Viking, Alta.
Vet student’s future compass points North
Tannicka Reeves was 12 years old when she finally convinced her mom that they needed a dog. Little did she know that raising and caring for their new pup Koeda would be a life-changing experience.
A day in the life: working in bison reproduction
As the sun rises, Eric and Miranda Zwiefelhofer gear up for another exciting day of work.
Advancing Truth and Reconciliation at the WCVM
The University of Saskatchewan’s campus-wide events on Sept. 30 marking Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation inspired veterinary student Charlie Wyatt-Swain to plan an event at her own college.
Veterinary field epidemiology program fills unique niche
Dr. Caitlyn Best is about to add a few more letters to her already lengthy set of professional credentials, becoming the first person to graduate from Canada’s only master’s program in veterinary field epidemiology.
Novel ergot research leads to top-tier scholarship for USask student
University of Saskatchewan PhD student Jensen Cherewyk has been awarded one of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral scholarships for leading-edge research into an overlooked compound formed by a toxic fungus in forage grasses and cereal grains that threatens human and animal food safety.
Vet student’s bovine award shows ‘I am on the right track’
Isabell Stamm has been hooked on cattle since she first began milking cows and bucket feeding calves on her family’s mixed dairy and beef cattle farm near Ponoka, Alta.
Putting laminitis on ice
A Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) research team is gathering information for the development of a new device for cryotherapy (extreme cold therapy) — one of the few treatments available for the painful equine disease known as laminitis.
New vet curriculum boosts clinical hands-on training
In August 2020, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) welcomed its new class of first-year students with the roll-out of a new Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum.
Veterinarians' feedback vital for maintaining curriculum
A series of annual surveys helps the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) take regular inventory of how well the college’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program is serving veterinary students and graduates of the program.
Undergraduate poster day returns to WCVM hallways
Bees, bacteria and bison were all part of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM)’s recent Undergraduate Research Poster Day competition.
Former WCVM researchers earn Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships
Two former Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) researchers are recipients of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Individual Fellowships — a highly competitive research award program in the European Union that benefits researchers in Europe as well as globally.
Five ways to help people care about science
Last summer, I learned to not be such a scientist. As a veterinary student and biologist, I have spent the last decade working in science and trying to make a tiny contribution to what is known about the world.
Swirski shines as horse health advocate
Mikayla Swirski, a senior veterinary student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), was among 10 North American veterinary students rewarded for their dedication to equine health during the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) virtual convention in December 2020.
Habitat loss creates stress for honey bees
While society is coping with the stress related to a pandemic, honey bees and other pollinators are going through another problem — the stress associated with habitat loss.
WCVM student honoured at Indigenous awards event
Veterinary student Hope Skorlatowski was recognized for her academic achievements during the University of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Student Awards on Feb. 4.
Writing for Wikipedia enriches students' skills
As universities around the world adapted to COVID-19 restrictions for in-person learning and professors looked for ways to deliver their courses’ content, creativity was key for Dr. Joe Rubin (DVM, PhD).
Mentorship program puts vet student in cattle producers’ shoes
Growing up on her family’s commercial cow-calf operation in rural Manitoba helped Sarah Jensen gain first-hand experience with the daily challenges facing livestock producers.
Vet school strikes the right chord for Loeffen
Amanda Loeffen had completed one semester in the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Engineering when she suddenly realized that she was in the wrong place working toward the wrong career.
Vet student aims to fulfil childhood dream
When Caren Lee was in Grade 1, she had three dreams: she wanted to be a singer, a math teacher and a veterinarian.
The next chapter begins for vet student
While growing up in Winnipeg, Man., Kierdree Shebaylo was surrounded by a variety of family pets — a circumstance that she credits for inspiring her love of animals.
BBC nature films inspire student’s vet ventures
First-year veterinary student Kabir Dhadda distinctly remembers the moment he found out that he had been accepted to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
Student's background helps her take vet school in stride
Maggie Omer-Canitz has been riding horses for as long as she can remember. Her siblings first sat her on a horse when she was a year old, and she’s been a non-stop horse lover ever since.
WCVM graduates part of USask Fall Convocation
A group of graduate students from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will be part of the University of Saskatchewan's Fall Convocation celebrations in November 2020.
Animal health career clicks for vet student
Hope Skorlatowski had always been involved with the dogs on her family’s acreage in Cold Lake, Alta., but once she enrolled in canine agility classes at the age of 11, she began to view dogs differently.
Dean's role natural progression for WCVM graduate
After 25 years, Dr. Gillian Muir is ready and well prepared for her newest role — acting dean of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
Northern roots lead Ashley to veterinary medicine
Kiri Ashley is a child of the North. Born and raised in Yellowknife, N.W.T., and surrounded by a family of biologists, she grew up spending time in the outdoors — camping, fishing, hunting and boating or canoeing.
The art of veterinary medicine
There is an art to deciphering the meaning behind the dots, squiggles and blobs of a magnified urine or blood sample, and it is a skill that can not only be a struggle to learn, but to teach.
Jacobson ideal candidate for bovine award
Caring for cattle has been part of Austin Jacobson’s life since he was old enough to help on his family’s cow-calf operation and to assist at his father’s mixed animal veterinary clinic in Ponoka, Alta.
Reversing the irreversible: a second chance with fertility
Veterinary researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have recently unveiled a new field of study that’s focused on reversing and safeguarding against the loss of fertility in young males.
Grad students compete in virtual poster competition
In the middle of a global pandemic, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) found a virtual way to celebrate the research work of its graduate students.
‘Vet for a day’ led to student’s career choice
Emmalyn Elgersma can still pinpoint the actual day in Grade 9 when she knew veterinary medicine was the right career for her.
Partnership provides primary healthcare experience
WCVM student Jennifer Michaud was the first student to complete the Hill's Scholar program at Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), an external rotation available at the college's Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC).
From ‘wallflower cats’ to racehorses, Fong cares for them all
The American Kennel Club’s Breed Identification Guide isn’t a common bestseller in the kids’ book section, but for Kiran Fong, memorizing the guide’s contents was something that occupied her for hours while growing up in Calgary, Alta.
Study focuses on bee world’s royalty
Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) researchers have welcomed female royalty onto campus. But their brush with the upper crust is in a much different class than Meghan Markle or Kate Middleton.
The worm journal
“The best thing about research is that there are so many unanswered questions; there is always something new to learn.”
Veterinary pursuit
While growing up in Calgary, Alta., Angela Murray spent a lot of time playing with animals — whether it was her friends’ pets, her own menagerie of animals, or strays she had brought home.
‘Why wait?’ researchers work toward bison biobank
The day begins beautifully. The sun is shining and the vivid blue sky stretches out over the never-ending prairies. I’m at the Native Hoofstock Centre — part of the University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (Goodale Farm). Believe it or not, I’m helping to shift a sedated, 550-kilogram bison cow into a better position to collect her eggs (oocytes).
Vet career encompasses what Streeter loves best
Horses have always been an integral part of Michelle Streeter’s life. In addition to her mother’s services as a horse trainer and riding instructor, the family’s equestrian facility near Oakbank, Man., also offered a horse-drawn wagon and carriage service.
Yont’s younger self had it figured out
Tory Yont can think of no better place to grow up than the southern Saskatchewan farming community of Langenburg whose residents supported her in everything that she did.
Scientists probe cannabis’ potential as anti-vomiting therapy for pets
Cannabis products are rapidly increasing in popularity for treatment of every sort of ailment in people, and many dedicated users say they can help treat your pet, too. But are these claims valid?
Vet students share tips for acing that admissions interview – and life in vet school
Gaining admission to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is a highly competitive process, but who better to give advice on how to get into — and through — veterinary school than WCVM vet students themselves?
International experience gives One Health perspective
Carina Beeksma of Edmonton, Alta., has worked in the veterinary profession for nearly 10 years, but she didn’t realize she was also working in One Health until she started studying at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) three years ago.
Master’s student finds One Health links in equine research
Samantha Steinke’s academic career is the perfect example of how embracing the links between human and animal health can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Switch in career gears works for Yukon vet student
Savannah Fuller was born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon, where outdoor recreation is a big part of the lifestyle. She spent her younger years camping, fishing and riding horses, dirt bikes and snowmobiles, and she believes that growing up in the Yukon was a major influence in her life.
Manitoba student aims for rural vet career
Beau Bridgeman has always known that he wanted to be a veterinarian. He grew up on his family’s equine ranching operation in Rivers, Man., where his father raised purebred appaloosa, paint and quarter horses — up to 150 mares and foals each spring. He spent hours helping his dad and then his uncle with the animals on their farms.
Iodine important ingredient for equine fetus
Paddocks at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are full of frisky foals and watchful mothers during the spring foaling and breeding season. While most of these mares and foals are thriving, some foals born on the Canadian Prairies aren’t so lucky.
Autumn awards celebrate excellence
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) honoured outstanding students and faculty at its annual fall awards banquet on Sept. 20.
Variety spice of life for Alyssa Vickers
Milking a water buffalo is just one of the skills that Alyssa Vickers has mastered over the past few years.
The effects of climate change on waterfowl
Stressed-out ducks have the potential to give University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers a glimpse of the destructive effects of climate change on wetlands — the primary habitat for ducks and other waterfowl.
Let’s talk veterinary medicine
First-year University of Saskatchewan (USask) veterinary student Madison Audeau was completely obsessed with animals when she was a child, and her mother nurtured that passion by letting her have dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, mice, gerbils, fish, frogs and salamanders.
Vetavision brings veterinary medicine to the community
On Sept. 27 and 28 the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) opened its doors to thousands of visitors during its popular student-run open house.
Student’s adventure continues at vet school
Jack Krone was working as a summer research student at Prairie Swine Centre (PSC) when he found out in early June that he’d been accepted to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
‘Mom, the Vet’
First-year veterinary student Charlene (Charlie) Swain grew up in a family that surrounded themselves with animals, so a job with Fort McMurray’s SPCA seemed like a good fit for her after high school.
Seasonal link to ‘urinary blockage’ in cats?
Veterinary researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are investigating whether the time of year affects feline urethral obstruction (UO) in Saskatchewan’s cat population.
Revelling in research: poster day celebrates undergraduate program
From disease in honey bees to pain management in beef calves, the research topics on display at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) annual undergraduate research poster day spanned species big and small.
Dachshund gait analyzed in new study
Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) student, Rachel McCann, spent her summer surrounded by small, wiggly canines.
Blood donation program for pets seeks volunteers
When Emma Thomson adopted Asha from a local shelter, she wasn’t expecting to come home with a dog that day — let alone one that would become a life-saving support for other animals.
Heart health’s potential link to early-life nutrition
While researchers are well versed in the cardiovascular risks associated with a bad diet, a lack of exercise, and smoking, they’re still learning about another possible risk factor that could lead to poor cardiac health: what you consume in the first few weeks of your life.
WCVM researchers part of polar report
A federal science report describing field research in Canada’s Arctic features the work of veterinary parasitologist Dr. Emily Jenkins, a professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher.
WCVM internship primes vet for large animal practice
Dr. Robin (Rob) Stevens had been a practicing physiotherapist for several years when he decided to adopt Cola, a rescue dog from Taiwan. Although Stevens knew he could provide a better life for Cola, he had no idea that his new pet would ultimately lead him to a new path in life as well.
Researcher inspired by memory of beloved horse
Samantha Steinke is a biomedical engineering master’s student, but her love for horses is what led her to apply her expertise to a research project at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
Watching for wild carriers of avian influenza
Most people who see a flock of wild ducks flying over a lake don’t automatically think about the diseases these birds could be carrying, but for many chicken and turkey producers, the threat of wild birds spreading disease to their flocks is all too real.
This little piggy went to market
How well do weaned piglets cope with stress during transport? Western Canada exports large numbers of weaned piglets each year, but the effects of these transports on piglets’ health and welfare is poorly understood.
Understanding the 'bacterial bond' between mother and baby
A collaborative study that includes researchers from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and the University of British Columbia is focusing on an unusual but significant aspect of the relationship between a mother and her infant.
Bats waking up to viral reactivation
I feel like a predator. Only my target isn’t a blood meal – it is something far more precious.
Fruit flies could help scientists achieve fruitful research
It’s hard to imagine a fruit fly being more than an unwanted nuisance around the ripe fruit in your kitchen, but researchers in Dr. Adelaine Leung’s lab at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) have found uses for the insect in more ways than you would think.
Getting objective insight into your pet’s vision
Imagine this: you notice that your dog is bumping into corners and objects, and you begin to suspect that he’s starting to lose his sight.
Playing ‘bee’ to study pesticide effects
Pretending to be a honey bee is a lot of work, but researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) have proved they’re up for the challenge.
Collaboration helps researchers solve real-world problems
Dr. Arinjay Banerjee (PhD) has always been a gifted student. However, as happens with many graduate students, the way Banerjee thought about his research was flawed at its core. It wasn’t until 2014, when he came to the University of Saskatchewan, that he realized it and changed.
Dipping into mare’s milk
Milk samples are providing vital information about iodine levels in western Canadian brood mares — the focus of a recent study led by theriogenology specialist Dr. Claire Card of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
Therapy may reduce muscle atrophy in spinal cord injury patients
A team of researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is investigating a therapy for spinal cord injuries that could potentially increase patients’ motor function and decrease muscle atrophy at the same time.
Turning the tide for the bigmouth buffalo fish
The bigmouth buffalo fish, or Ictiobus cyprinellus, is one of 67 fish species found in Saskatchewan waters, but it is also one of the six fish species currently at risk of extirpation (gone from a once-populated area) in the province.
Imported spices and frozen vegetables tested for “superbugs”
A University of Saskatchewan research team has found that some food imported to Saskatoon from certain Asian countries has tested positive for “superbugs”—strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria— but immediate health concerns are likely low.
Investigating tularemia on the Canadian Prairies
Between June 29 and July 19, 1978, a group of seven monkeys at Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park Zoo mysteriously fell ill.
Shining a new light on old cases: looking to the past to improve cancer care
When an eight-year-old Labrador retriever named Ruby was brought to the Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 2016, her owner reported symptoms that had started with the loss of sensation in her back legs, followed by the loss of bladder control and eventually her ability to walk.
HSPB1: small protein a potential pregnancy powerhouse
The statistics are staggering: preterm or premature birth affects 15 million babies worldwide. These infants, born at fewer than 37 weeks of pregnancy, are at a greater risk for complications such as cerebral palsy, development delays and sight or hearing problems.