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).

Networking for success: the academic advantage of connectivity

The first time a professor/friend at Sydney University introduced me to the world of extracellular vesicles over coffee, I was captivated by these small, bubble-like structures that carry crucial materials and aid various body processes.

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.

USask Fall Convocation includes graduates based at WCVM

A group of higher education students based at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will receive their graduate degrees and certificates during the University of Saskatchewan’s 2023 Fall Convocation ceremonies on Nov. 8.

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.

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.

WCVM graduate students present findings at LFCE field day

A group of graduate students from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) introduced their research to attendees at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) Summer Field Day on June 20.

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.

WCVM researchers earn awards at USask Life and Health Sciences Research Expo

Members of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) research community earned awards for their showings at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) 2023 Life and Health Sciences Research Expo on May 4.

Manitoba student first recipient of ‘Guy Hobman Award’ at WCVM

Animals of all shapes and sizes were a vital part of Nyssa Guilbert’s life in her family’s home in Anola, Man., a small town located 25 kilometres east of Winnipeg.

WCVM graduate students take three minutes ‘to win it’ at USask competition

Narsimha Pujari and Hemlata Gautam, both graduate students based at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), took top honours at the annual 3MT (Three-minute Thesis) Finals held at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) on April 11.

Changing my tune: from mezzo-soprano to student scientist

Two years ago, I traded in my evening gowns for a lab coat.

USask veterinary students involved in rare lambing of sextuplets

A group of fourth-year veterinary students at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) had an exciting surprise on March 21 when they discovered that one of the ewes in their care had delivered six healthy lambs.

Northern veterinary students earn $10,000 scholarships

Two Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) students from Canada’s North have each received $10,000 scholarships from Veterinarians Without Borders-Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Canada (VWB/VSF).

Lightning learning

Eequine-focused graduate students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) recently participated in a “lightning rounds” session — part of the college’s annual EquineED Talks series.

Vet students gain sled dog medicine experience at Canadian Challenge

One of Emmalyn Elgersma’s favourite memories of the 2023 Canadian Challenge International Sled Dog Race took place around midnight while she and other volunteers waited for the first sled dog teams to arrive at the checkpoint in Missinipe — more than 150 kilometres (km) north of Prince Albert, Sask.

Why studying microbiology will make me a better veterinarian

When I tell people that I spent a summer working with bacteria rather than animals, I get puzzled looks and they often ask, “What does that have to do with being a vet?” The answer is simple: everything.

From small-town kid to Vanier Scholar

When Cody Koloski graduated from high school in Rossburn, Man., he headed for university with dreams of becoming a doctor — buoyed by his teachers’ enthusiasm for biology, chemistry and physics.

USask researchers devise strategies for faster disease detection in honey bees

While the rise in antimicrobial resistant pathogens is an issue affecting all species, a team of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers are focusing their efforts on honey bees — investigating how they can reduce the use of antibiotic drugs for managing disease in the pollinator species.

WCVM employee honoured for dedication to USask graduate students

When University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate students first enter the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Department of Veterinary Microbiology, one of the first to greet them is Linda Nemeth — the department’s graduate programs co-ordinator and assistant.

A passion for pets

Growing up in the French countryside, Dr. Mathieu Paulin was always surrounded by pets of all kinds including dogs, a goat and many ducks.

Creatures from land, sea and sky part of vet student’s adventures

Marine animals have always intrigued Zihan Li. While growing up in Bejing, China, she enjoyed numerous visits to aquariums and countless hours of watching marine life documentaries while caring for her collection of marine animal plushies.

Veterinary career combines all of student’s One Health passions

From the time that she completed a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and a residency in family medicine in 2005, Dr. Pamela Thompson dedicated herself to a fulfilling career in human health that encompassed clinical work, teaching and community collaborations.

St. Hilaire’s ‘career rollback’ leads to veterinary medicine

For years, champion and All-American reiner Diandra St. Hilaire spent hours with her horse perfecting spins, stops and rollbacks — a complete change in direction that’s accomplished by horse and rider in one fluid motion.

Hurricane Maria prepared vet student for life’s challenges

While Francisco Gomez Cruz was growing up in Caguas, a city and municipality of around 130,000 people on the island of Puerto Rico, he was a frequent visitor at his grandparents’ farm located only a few minutes away.

Four new USask Vanier Scholars demonstrate excellence in research and leadership

Four University of Saskatchewan (USask) doctoral students — including a Western College of Veterinary Medicine-based graduate student — have been named 2022 Vanier Scholars.

From teacher to vet student: ‘I finally feel like I’m in the right room’

When Kree Byrne of Abbotsford, B.C., completed his Bachelor of Education degree at the University of the Fraser Valley in 2018, he envisioned a future that included teaching school, playing and coaching soccer, and pursuing his passions for travel and adventure.

Ranching, science and ski hills along student’s veterinary trail

Quin Bateman grew up on a cattle ranch in southwest Alberta’s Porcupine Hills, and from an early age, he was riding horses and helping his dad with the ranch chores — most of them involving animals.

Veterinarian earns PhD degree and $10,000 prize for equine research

Through hard work and perseverance, equine surgical specialist Dr. Michelle Tucker has earned her PhD degree as well as a $10,000 prize for her research achievements at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

WCVM graduates part of USask Fall Convocation celebrations

A group of students pursuing higher education at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will receive their graduate degrees and certificates during the University of Saskatchewan’s Fall Convocation ceremonies on Nov. 9.

Pigs and performing in perfect harmony for Manitoba student

Samantha Nixon of Ste. Anne, Man., had wrapped up two years of undergraduate studies at the University of Manitoba when she decided to switch to a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) — Animal Systems degree program and pursue a future in veterinary medicine.

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.

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.

Practical veterinarian

Coming to Canada for an equine residency meant starting over for Dr. José Antonio Guerra. Guerra had already become a professor at Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México outside of Mexico City, Mexico, after earning a master’s degree at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).

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).

Veterinarians and students team up to support community health  

Veterinarian Dr. Dayle Borchardt (DVM) has seen firsthand how pet ownership can change lives. 

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.

‘Gold Medal’ veterinary grad sees opportunity in rural practice

No day is the same for veterinarian Dr. Megan Russnak.

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.

‘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.

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.

Stall-side research

Mateo Castano Ospina, a veterinary student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), spent four months working as the Townsend Equine Health Research Fund (TEHRF) undergraduate summer research student in 2021.

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.

Second-generation veterinarian receives equine research award

At first, Dr. Jane Westendorf didn’t want to be a veterinarian. As the daughter of two practitioners — both 1991 graduates of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) — Westendorf witnessed first-hand some of her parents’ daily frustrations when they came home from their veterinary clinic in Mission, B.C.

Premature calf provides a learning opportunity to veterinary students

During the first ever calving rotation held at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) this spring, senior veterinary students were met with a challenging calving.

Remote veterinary clinics resume

Despite some challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) successfully resumed its annual remote veterinary clinics for northern Saskatchewan communities this spring.

Veterinary students awarded for academic performance

Two veterinary students recently earned animal health scholarships for their academic performance at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) on the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus.

PhD student receives prestigious Northern Canada research award

Kayla Buhler, a PhD candidate at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), has received a prominent award for her research in the Canadian North.

Reproduction scientist receives USask Governor General’s Gold Medal

Dr. Rodrigo Carrasco’s investigation of a protein’s role in triggering ovulation for certain mammals earned him one of the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) two Governor General’s Gold Medals for 2020-21.

Graduate finds her own path in veterinary medicine and research

Dr. Gabrielle Achtymichuk of Outlook, Sask., has always wanted to be a veterinarian ever since she was a kid — but a taste of research during a summer job at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) made her question that lifelong goal.

Prairie-born veterinarian ready to test waters of aquaculture medicine

Dr. Paul Thiessen has always wanted to be a veterinarian, but his concept of a veterinary career dramatically changed during the four years he attended the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

Cham receives USask Graduate Thesis Award for male reproduction research

Dr. Tat-Chuan Cham, a graduate student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), has received a University of Saskatchewan (USask) Graduate Thesis Award for his master’s thesis on male reproduction.

Graduate brings Indigenous perspective to the veterinary world

As Dr. Dayle Poitras-Oster begins her first career job, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) graduate is happy to return to the busy mixed animal practice in Drayton Valley, Alta., where she’d previously worked as a summer student.

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.

WCVM students create club to increase diversity

Motivated by the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, a group of students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) have created a new college club.

Wobeser receives Provost’s award for inspired teaching

The Provost’s College Awards for Outstanding Teaching recognized Dr. Bruce Wobeser for teaching excellence at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

Onsite calving rotations mark a first for USask

For the first time, senior veterinary students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) had a chance to participate in calving rotations at a University of Saskatchewan (USask) facility this spring.

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.

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.

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.

Emily and the whale: close encounter inspires career

First-year veterinary student Emily Holmes bears a tattoo of GPS co-ordinates that symbolizes a turning point in her life — an amazing encounter that inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Making virtual connections

When the University of Saskatchewan (USask) transitioned most of its teaching and learning activities to remote delivery this past spring, many university systems and processes needed to quickly adapt in order to support the vital academic and administrative activities.

Keeping microbiology education alive in midst of pandemic

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) veterinary microbiologist has co-authored two editorials in the Canadian Journal of Microbiology that highlight the challenges and opportunities of teaching and learning undergraduate microbiology courses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Top award for Takada

Dr. Kanae Takada, a small animal internal medicine resident and graduate student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), is the first recipient of the Dr. Michael Powell Award of Excellence.

Gold medal completes student's four-year academic set

Dr. Gillian Davies has earned her place in the history books.

Veterinary students learn from afar to finish year

In late April, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) wrapped up an academic year that won’t be easy to forget.

Shmon recognized for outstanding teaching

Veterinary surgeon Dr. Cindy Shmon hopes to help her students see grey in a world that isn’t just black and white.

USask veterinary student exemplifies balance and perseverance

A passion for animals and a thirst for knowledge are at the heart of Coral Williams’ mission to succeed.

A voice for Indigenous students

As the second-ever Indigenous student representative on the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's student association, Olivia Rad has dedicated her time to creating learning opportunities and events for the entire college.