‘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.

WCVM alumnus honoured for dynamic career in beef industry

Dr. Allan Preston, a graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) during the cattle organization’s annual general meeting in February 2024.

WCVM alumnus named member of Order of Canada

Dr. Lorne Hepworth, a 1971 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan, was named a member of the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to agriculture and research.

Celebrate World Book Day with WCVM authors

It’s World Book Day on April 23, 2023, and if you’re on the hunt for a good book, here are some options that have been written by Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) alumni and faculty.

WCABP names WCVM graduate bovine vet of the year

Dr. Calvin Booker of Okotoks, Alta., a Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) graduate, is the 2023 recipient of the Veterinarian of the Year Award — an honour supported by the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP) and Boehringer Ingelheim Canada.

WCVM alumni appointed to Order of Canada

Dr. David Waltner-Toews, a graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), was appointed as an officer of the Order of Canada – one of the country’s highest civilian honours.

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.

WCVM alumnus named Bovine Vet of the Year

Saskatchewan veterinarian Dr. Andrew (Andy) Acton, a 1992 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), is the 2022 recipient of Western Canada’s top award for bovine practitioners.

USask veterinary pathologist appointed to Order of Canada

Dr. Frederick (Ted) Leighton, a professor emeritus and graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), was appointed officer of the Order of Canada — one of the country’s highest civilian honours.

WCVM alumna new president of equine practitioners group

Dr. Emma Read (DVM), a 1998 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan, is the new president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) for a one-year term.

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.

Veterinarian pursues 'horse doc' dream in New Zealand

Nearly a year ago, Dr. Reina Fennell (DVM) recalls looking down at a discharge sheet—her first patient, the first case of her first clinical rotation in her final year at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) on the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus.

Rural roots run deep for new veterinarian

Dr. Hayley Down worked as a registered veterinary technologist (RVT) in southeast Saskatchewan, and after six years of schooling, she’s now returning to rural mixed animal practice as a veterinarian.

Veterinary life on the road

Dr. Colton McAleer always wanted to follow in his family’s footsteps and have a career in the cattle industry. But after helping pull a calf during calving season one spring, he changed his mind and went to veterinary school.

Growing a practice in rural Saskatchewan

Jumping into ownership wasn’t the original plan that Dr. Zachary (Zach) Johnson had in mind when he was initially accepted into the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

Leighton honoured by international pathology peers

Dr. Frederick (Ted) Leighton, a professor emeritus at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), received a lifetime honour during the American College of Veterinary Pathologists’ (ACVP) virtual annual meeting on Nov. 1.

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.

USask alumna new dean of Tennessee vet college

Dr. Stacy (Thacker) Anderson, an alumna of the University of Saskatchewan (USask), is the new dean of Lincoln Memorial University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) in Harrogate, Tenn.

Dr. Keri goes back to school

Manitoba veterinarian Dr. Keri Hudson-Reykdal highlights Western Canada's regional veterinary college and her alma mater in the May 1 episode of her veterinary reality television show.

Time is of the essence

USask alumnus Dr. Arinjay Banerjee, who completed his PhD degree in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Veterinary Microbiology, works to understand human immunology amid crisis

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.

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.

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.

Fund receives legacy gift from Saskatoon vet

The Companion Animal Health Fund (CAHF), a veterinary research fund at the University of Saskatchewan, has received a significant legacy gift from the estate of Dr. Michael Powell, a beloved small animal veterinarian who served the Saskatoon community for 35 years.

WCVM grad recognized for animal welfare work

Manitoba veterinarian Dr. Jonas Watson has made philanthropy a priority throughout his veterinary career, and these acts of service have earned him a major international award.

WCVM alumna cares for calving caribou

One WCVM-trained veterinarian is at the forefront of caring for caribou and other wildlife as the official wildlife veterinarian for British Columbia’s Ministry of Forests.

Pet protector

Horses have always been a big deal for Dr. Katherine Ball, who was seven when she got her first horse. After that she spent every possible moment riding or working in the barn.

Animal health and food safety in hands of vets

Victor Kernaleguen first started working at a veterinary clinic when he was just 12 years old. His boss was his aunt, Dr. Anne Kernaleguen — a 1978 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) — who owned and operated a mixed animal practice in Stoughton, Sask.

Veterinarian finds path in public health

A love of horses drew Dr. Megan Jurasek into a veterinary career. But a love of learning and an eye for opportunity are taking the recent graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) on a track to public service and regulatory medicine.

Vet’s world built on community connections

Relationships and trust — these two words sum up the core values that have guided Dr. Tom Schmidt throughout his veterinary career. Since his graduation from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 1989, Schmidt has been a trusted clinician, adviser and friend to his clients in the North Battleford area.

Agriculture integral part of vet’s work and life

Most people know Dr. Andrew (Andy) Acton first and foremost as the owner-operator of Deep South Animal Clinic in Ogema, Sask., a mixed-animal practice where he spends his days working to make both small and large animals alike live happy, healthy lives.

Hours in the saddle help B.C. vet in clinic

There’s a certain mystery to working in veterinary medicine, where each new patient can come as a kind of puzzle to solve — discovering the ins and outs of what makes them tick, unlocking whatever issue is at hand and sending them out the door happy and healthy once again.

WCVM alumnus receives beef industry award

A leader in beef cattle production and medicine and an alumnus of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) has been awarded the 2018 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation. Dr. Eugene Janzen was recently honoured for his work at the 2018 Canadian Beef Industry Conference, held in London, Ont.

Poultry powers B.C. vet’s career

For many people, poultry is simply another option in a long line of dinner ideas. But for Dr. Stewart J. Ritchie, president of Canadian Poultry Consultants Ltd. and S.J. Ritchie Research Farms Ltd., chickens (feathers) are a way of life.

Equine veterinarian’s life comes full circle

For 15 years of her life, Dr. Maia Aspé has ridden horses. Six of those years were spent chasing a career as a professional hunter-jumper before she found her calling in equine veterinary medicine.

WCVM graduate heads national veterinary organization

Dr. Terri Chotowetz, a 1990 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and the University of Saskatchewan, is the new president of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) during its 70th year of existence.

CVMA award recipients include WCVM alumni

Two graduates of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) were among a group of award recipients honoured on July 6 during the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s (CVMA) annual convention in Vancouver, B.C.

One very determined dentist

Dr. Candace Lowe, a member of the Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba, is a role model on many fronts: she’s female, Indigenous and an example of what’s possible when a person finds her passion.

Vet happy to be rolling on Manitoba highways again

When Dr. Meagan Peats describes her average workday, her portrayal includes climbing behind the wheel of an equine ambulatory vehicle and hauling down dusty roads, past wide-open fields and into makeshift driveways to help treat horses of all shapes and sizes.

Pigs came calling for WCVM graduate

When Dr. Blaine Tully graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), it was a given that he would return to his home province of Manitoba. Home and family beckoned.

Manitoba vet looks back at career of giving back

Dr. Allan Preston believes in giving back to society – that guiding principle prompted him to get involved in student politics during high school, and it has continued to inspire him throughout a veterinary career that’s spanned four decades.

Home is where One Health happens

When Dr. Jenn Nyhof finished her veterinary degree at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 2016, she was offered the chance to conduct graduate studies in global health at Duke University which would send her travelling between North Carolina and Mongolia.

Saskatchewan’s veterinarian

Much like a trek across the prairie, the career of Saskatchewan’s chief veterinary officer Dr. Betty Althouse has been a journey from one horizon to the next. Beyond each horizon, she has arrived at a new experience and a chance to gain knowledge.

Public service award “good fit” for Althouse

Last November, Saskatchewan’s chief veterinary officer Dr. Betty Althouse was recognized for her outstanding contributions with the Saskatchewan Premier’s Award for Excellence in Public Service.

WCVM graduate selected as top bovine vet

Dr. Oliver Schunicht, a 1994 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), was recently selected as the 2018 Boehringer Ingelheim-Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP) Veterinarian of the Year.

Healer of the Prairies

It’s not uncommon for veterinarians to have visits from students, young and old, looking to soak up some of their carefully-accrued experience through on-site, experiential learning.

The vet behind the PowerFloat

Ask any horse owner or equine veterinarian about the PowerFloat, and they’ll tell you that the rotary dental instrument is synonymous with equine dental care — an essential tool that’s well known in the horse community.

Sask. SPCA recognizes WCVM alumnus

At The Link Conference on September 21, 2017, the Saskatchewan SPCA presented the Phil and Muriel Baines Humanitarian Award to Dr. Ernest Olfert. He was recognized for his contributions to animal welfare in Saskatchewan and across Canada.

Long ride fulfils lasting dream

They call it “The Ride” – a horseback adventure across Western Canada that began with David Nahachewsky’s bucket list, written after his run-in with cancer in 2001.

WCVM alumna to lead AAEP

Dr. Kathleen Anderson, a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, will serve as the president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) in 2016.

EHRF renamed to honour first fellow

A chance conversation with Dr. Hugh Townsend outside the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) led Dr. Joe Bracamonte to focus his career on equine health.

Magic moment at college’s first Vetavision

When Hugh Townsend showed up to work his shift at Vetavision one chilly day in November 1970, the second-year veterinary student had no way of knowing that his life was about to change forever.

Ag industry honours WCVM alumni

Two western Canadian veterinarians recently earned their places in the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, and their portraits now hang with other members of the country's "agricultural royalty."

Vets find opportunities in entrepreneurship

From veterinarians and award-winning entrepreneurs to land developers and corporate practitioners, Drs. Zenon and Lorraine Forster of Humboldt, Sask., have travelled distinctive career paths since earning their veterinary degrees.

June Conference showcases WCVM alumni

To mark the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's 50-year anniversary, some of the college's best and brightest graduates are returning to Saskatoon and sharing their expertise during the 2015 WCVM June Conference, June 11-13.

Vets for Pets good medicine for everyone

The man standing in front of Dr. Jane Vermeulen was well groomed, neatly dressed and articulate. When he asked her for a specific flea treatment for his two cats, she assumed he was a staff member from Our Place — an inner-city transition shelter in Victoria, B.C.

Alberta horse industry honours Burwash

Dr. Wayne Burwash, a 1969 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), is the 2015 recipient of the Horse Industry Association of Alberta's (HIAA) Distinguished Service Award.

WCVM grad's book recounts cancer battle

Dr. Sarah Boston, a graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), is returning to her former hometown of Saskatoon and her alma mater to talk about her new book — Lucky Dog: How Being a Veterinarian Saved My Life.

Around the WCVM: May 2014

Here's a roundup of news covering recent activities and achievements of student, faculty, staff, alumni and others who are linked to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

Around the WCVM: December 2013

Here's a roundup of news covering recent activities and achievements of student, faculty, staff, alumni and others who are linked to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

WCVM alumna new AAEP vice president

The American Association of Equine Practitioners has named Kathleen Anderson, DVM, owner of Equine Veterinary Care PC in Elkton, Md., as its 2014 vice president.

Meet the newest Dr. Lawrence, DVM

When Dr. Eric Lawrence donned a cap and gown to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Saskatchewan's 2013 Spring Convocation on June 6, he was carrying on a family tradition that began in 1978 – the year that his father Dr. Jim Lawrence graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).