Alumni
New award supports graduating equine students
A new equine scholarship for veterinary graduates had a flying start at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) spring awards program in early June.
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.
USask veterinary graduates pursue wildlife pathology in Sydney
Three veterinary graduates of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) never thought they would find themselves living “Down Under” and working in wildlife pathology.
Gifts from WCVM pathologist create graduate student scholarships
Even after retiring from the classroom, Dr. Ted Clark continues to provide support for the success of graduate students studying veterinary pathology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
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.
USask alumnus Dr. Hugh Townsend to be inducted into equine hall of fame
A lifetime of working to enhance the health and welfare of horses across Canada has earned a place of honour in the Saskatchewan Horse Federation’s (SHF) Hall of Fame for University of Saskatchewan (USask) alumnus and professor emeritus Dr. Hugh Townsend.
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.
Arts and Science graduate honoured with Governor General’s Silver Medal
Dr. Melanie Gibbons (DVM) — a 2009 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine — will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in statistics during the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Spring Convocation.
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.
WCVM alumnus earns Saskatchewan’s top award
Dr. Lorne Hepworth, a Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) alumnus, has received Saskatchewan’s highest honour.
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.
WCVM graduates’ incredible careers earn Alberta’s highest honour
A pair of Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) alumni learned they had been named to the Alberta Order of Excellence, the province’s highest award, while celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.
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.
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.
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
Dr. Charlotte Williams: a passion for pets and people
Growing up in North Battleford, Dr. Charlotte Williams (DVM) always had animals.
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.
First veterinary class celebrates 50 years
Drs. Ernie Olfert and Peter Rempel were working at a fishing camp at Dore Lake, Sask., in 1965 when they received the letters that would change their lives.
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.
WCVM grad returns as emergency and critical care specialist
Becoming a veterinarian was never a question for Dr. Jennifer Loewen, who had her career planned out since she was attending elementary school in her hometown of Winnipeg, Man.
Prairie vet: ‘I can’t think of a better profession’
Dr. Julie de Moissac couldn’t be happier with her lifestyle and work environment as the sole veterinarian at her practice near Outlook, Sask.
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.