Dr. Arran Lamont's life honoured with new memorial scholarship
A unique scholarship at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) highlights the value of veterinary students enjoying other passions outside of veterinary medicine.
‘Veterinary medicine chose me as much as I chose it’
Enzzo Cepeda is no stranger to change. At the age of 14, he and his family moved from the largest city in South America — São Paulo, Brazil — to Winnipeg, Man., where the population and the climate were radically different from anything Cepeda had ever experienced before.
New veterinary program aims to support Canadian swine industry shortages
Nearly a decade ago, Dr. John Harding (DVM) noticed an alarming trend across Canada. As the country’s swine veterinarians grew older and reached retirement age, the number of young veterinarians interested in taking their place in the swine industry was dwindling.
From savannah cats to coral growth: diverse experiences prepare B.C. student for vet school
When the BC SPCA gave shelter to a group of savannah cats a few years ago, Ashley Sum Yin U was among the people who pitched in to help the animals.
Designated WCVM seats aim to enrich veterinary profession
As demand for animal health care in rural areas and underserved communities grows, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is leading efforts to address these needs through innovative admissions strategies.
2024 Agribition serves as ideal training site for WCVM veterinary students
Two Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) veterinary students are preparing for a busy week filled with hands-on experiences and animal health awareness during the 2024 Canadian Western Agribition.
Volunteering helped Saskatchewan student see variety in veterinary profession
Boden Marley has his mom to thank for helping him to realize his dream of getting accepted into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
Vet student’s career interests stitch together animal and human health
Jen Svilik’s interest in human medicine led her to the Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences degree program at the University of Ottawa, but as she went on to pursue public health studies in France, her viewpoint expanded to encompass human health as well as the well-being of animals.
WCVM alumnus honours parents’ legacy of sacrifice with new scholarship
A recent graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) has established a new veterinary scholarship that pays tribute to her parents’ selflessness in immigrating with their family to Canada.
Northern exposure to animals guided Yukon student to vet profession
Growing up in Canada’s North meant that a large part of Claire Campbell’s childhood was spent outdoors, and her memories read like a page out of a travel brochure.
Flying beyond the yellow: USask scientists explore honey bees’ diverse foraging habits on Prairies
This summer, I teamed up with honey bee researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) to learn more about the foraging habits of the pollinator species on the Prairies where canola is a dominant source of high quality nectar.
Veterinary pursuit: B.C. student has what it takes to achieve dream profession
Growing up in England, Christopher Keane had often considered a veterinary career. But that idea was shot down when he was told as a teenager that he didn’t have the capability to become a veterinarian.
Professional pivot leads veterinary student to new challenges
To Arisia Swystun of Saskatoon, Sask., the sights and sounds and smells of a busy emergency veterinary hospital are as familiar as the back of her own hand.
USask veterinary student earns North American bovine health award
Jackson Goudy, a fourth-year veterinary student at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), received a top scholarship from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) for his outstanding efforts in building a future in bovine veterinary medicine.
Veterinary students from 'then and now' compare notes during panel discussion
What was it like to be a veterinary student in the 1960s compared to students today at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM)?
Twin sisters share mutual passion for animals and veterinary medicine
Since classes began at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in mid-August, staff and students may have wondered if they’re seeing double when they pass by first-year veterinary students Kaylee and Madisyn Fulcher in the hallway.
WCVM poster day highlights students’ research findings
University of Saskatchewan (USask) undergraduate students presented their summer research projects as part of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) annual undergraduate research poster day on September 4.
‘I hope to live up to the name of Dr. Langelier’
A familiar and endearing face was among those welcoming University of Saskatchewan student Rory Langelier to the veterinary profession on Sept. 23 during the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) annual white coat ceremony.
USask PhD student takes animal pathogen research international with journey to Scotland
In a research journey that has taken her all the way to Europe, a University of Saskatchewan (USask) doctoral student is investigating the functions and effects of different infectious diseases in animals – and how these could potentially be combatted with vaccines.
Personal ties lead scientists to bacterial research collaboration
An antimicrobial resistance research project initiated through a collaboration between British Columbia’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) all began with a personal connection.
USask scientists study link between Brucella infection and poor semen quality in rams
A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team has confirmed that the presence of bacteria — primarily Brucella ovis — is the culprit behind poor semen quality found in male sheep (rams).
B.C. philanthropist’s gift inspires veterinary graduates to ‘pay it forward’
Pauline Sang’s selfless spirit and devotion to animal welfare advocacy brought joy to everyone around her during her lifetime.
BIG project requires a large and diverse team
What do a veterinarian, an ecologist, a virologist, a conservation officer and a structural engineer-turned-veterinary-student have in common? They are all vital members of a diverse team that’s working toward the conservation of Canada’s once-great bison herds.
Yas Ranjbar: 'It's creating an understanding and respect'
As a student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Yas Ranjbar knows how important diversity and inclusion is to the strength of a community.
New veterinarian’s passion for horses leads to WCVM equine internship
After years of “living and breathing horses,” Laura Callaghan is savouring her new role as an equine field service intern at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
USask veterinary medallist envisions career in medical imaging
Dr. Maya Kliewer (DVM) of Saskatoon is this year’s recipient of the Faculty Gold Medal, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) highest honour for a graduating veterinary student.
Graduate students with WCVM links celebrated at USask spring convocation
A group of 13 University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate students with links to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are among the 3,600-plus students who took part in the university’s spring convocation ceremonies in early June.
Health science researchers to receive Governor General’s Gold Medals at USask
Dr. Scott Dos Santos (PhD), whose health-focused doctoral studies were based at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), is one of two University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate students to receive a Governor General’s Gold Medal — Canada’s most prestigious academic honour.
PetSmart Charities of Canada invests in USask program addressing access to veterinary care
Over the next four years, the Northern Engagement and Community Outreach (NECO) program at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will receive $860,000 from PetSmart Charities of Canada in support of efforts addressing access to veterinary care in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia and Canada’s northern territories.
WCVM researchers excel at USask Life and Health Sciences Research Expo
Members of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM)’s research community excelled at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) 2024 Life and Health Sciences Research Expo on May 2.
Good to know for cat owners: lilies are a real threat to their pets’ lives
They’re among the world’s most popular ornamental flowers and are found in gardens or featured in seasonal bouquets — but beautiful lilies can also kill your cat.
Veterinary students assist in injured calf’s recovery
During a calving rotation at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) this spring, a team of senior veterinary students from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) gained hands-on experience assisting a young calf with a fractured limb.
WCVM members excel in USask's 10th Images of Research contest
In its 10th year, the University of Saskatchewan's (USask) Images of Research contest once again highlighted the remarkable impact of its researchers, scholars, and artists, with standout submissions from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
WCVM vet student and faculty member part of national honours
In a celebration of outstanding achievement and dedication to the field of veterinary medicine, a University of Saskatchewan (USask) veterinary student and a faculty member of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) were among the recipients of awards recently presented by the Students of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA).
Veterinary student on path to swine medicine earns $5,000 award
Samantha Nixon of Winnipeg, Man., was one of 10 North American veterinary students who each received a $5,000 scholarship on Feb. 26 during the American Association of Swine Veterinarians’ (AASV) annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn.
Award-winning students represent future of animal care in North
Two Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) veterinary students from Canada’s North have received scholarships from Veterinarians Without Borders-Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Canada (VWB/VSF).
Veterinary student earns Indigenous Achievement Award for leadership
Kree Byrne, a second-year veterinary student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), is a 2024 recipient of an Indigenous Student Achievement Award in leadership from the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Bilyk gains coast-to-coast experience to prepare for vet career
While growing up in Nanaimo, B.C., Joel Bilyk was surrounded by a variety of pets that included cats, dogs, chickens and Lucy the lamb. His passion for animals was only reinforced during the summers when he helped his grandparents operate their thoroughbred racing stable in Langley, B.C.
Cows, curling and clinical practice hit the button for Manitoba vet student
Living in a rural area on the Canadian Prairies often means spending your winters at the curling rink, and for Matthew Pauls, he grew up living that exact lifestyle in the tiny Manitoba community of Purves.
One Health reflected in northern student’s life and studies
Kandis Villebrun has great memories of growing up in Yellowknife, N.W.T., a city with a strong sense of community that offered many opportunities for her to volunteer and participate in sports.
Animals at heart of veterinary student’s life
After constantly pestering her parents, Abigail Cunningham was given her first pony: a small Shetland rescue pony named Princess Leah that eventually became the hero of a book she wrote and published when she was 11 years old.
Summer research experience led B.C. student to vet career
An aspiring veterinarian from a very young age, Christine Yang recalls that her happiest childhood moments involved taking care of the family dog and visiting the Taipei Zoo during her summer trips to Taiwan — the country of her birth.
Vet student combines passion for animal care and agriculture
Ella Parcels always wanted to have her own pets, but when she was young, her parents had a rule that she could only get a pet if she learned how to care for it first.
Family and mentors support Manitoba student’s veterinary dream
Alexandra Santos of Winnipeg, Man., still has her Grade 1 worksheet titled “What you want to be when you grow up,” and her answer included a self-portrait of her working as a veterinarian.
Aquatic field trip ‘sealed’ the deal for B.C. student’s career option
Kelsey Leung had always loved animals, and the Vancouver resident realized that an animal-focused career was the right fit for her after taking part in an aquatic field trip during her Bachelor of Science degree program at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
Graduate Research Showcase: Moving Saskatchewan forward
The College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (CGPS) in collaboration with the Office of Vice President Research (OVPR) hosted the USask Graduate Research Showcase on October 6th, 2023. The event welcomed distinguished guests and elected officials to network with some of CGPS’s top research talent to discuss how emerging research at USask works to advance Saskatchewan’s economic and social growth.
Ranch life gives student solid start in veterinary career
While growing up on a cattle ranch near Stoughton, Sask., Rinka Itogawa loved that she and her family were part of a helpful, caring community, and she felt very special working with like-minded people who all pitched in to help friends and neighbours.
WCVM celebrates undergraduate research at annual poster day
After a summer spent immersed in research, University of Saskatchewan (USask) students showcased their project findings at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) annual undergraduate research poster day on September 6.
Equine vets in training
Drs. Alannah Friedlund, Eveline Juce and Josefina Ghersa are among the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s team of incoming residents and clinical interns whose work focuses on equine health. Visit tehrf.ca to read more profiles of the college’s new team members.
New scholarship inspires international USask students in STEM
Agnes Truc Nguyen, a master's student based at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), is a 2023 recipient of a new scholarship for international students who are working to make the world a better place.
USask veterinary graduate receives hospital award for primary care skills
Dr. Alyssa Vickers (DVM), who graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) this spring, is one of the 2023 recipients of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Award for Proficiency in Primary Care.
New awards honour student leaders of groups celebrating diversity
During the past few years, two new student-led groups at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) have strived to celebrate diversity through educational awareness and events in a time when discrimination is all too common in society.
USask veterinary graduate ready to 'tackle anything that comes my way'
When Dr. Courtney Cameron (DVM) walks across the stage at University of Saskatchewan (USask) Spring Convocation on June 7, the new veterinarian will pick up more than her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
WCVM Class of 2023 honours student’s legacy
Thizbe Balzer’s enthusiasm for learning and helping others stands out in the memories of her classmates at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
WCVM graduate students part of USask spring convocation ceremonies
Graduates of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) aren’t the only scholars celebrating during the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Spring Convocation.
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).