Alumni - WCVM Today - Western College of Veterinary Medicine

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.

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.

Vet’s work in ag industry powered by education and research

At the first job she ever held as a veterinarian, Dr. Leigh Rosengren remembers her boss telling her that he was going to keep piling things onto her plate until she cried — only then would he take one item off.

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.

Dual degree sets up veterinarian for lifelong learning

One of the biggest lessons Dr. Alex Muzzin has learned as a small animal veterinarian is to pay almost as much attention to the people walking through her doors as she does to the pets they bring with them.

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.

Veterinarian’s work supports growing aquaculture industry

If you’re looking to feed a lot of people, and feed them well, it only seems sensible to look for the largest beast on four legs you can find. Cows, pigs or even goats should fit the bill, right?

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.

Safeguarding food supply key part of B.C. vet’s role

When most people think of veterinarians, it’s likely that their first thoughts include a dog or cat — maybe even a horse — being nursed back to health and returned to its relieved owner.

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.

Vet school prepared equine surgeon for his life’s work

There’s never been a time in Dr. Chris Bell’s life that he wasn’t surrounded by horses.

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.