Calf in Sand

By: Alicia Agnew

Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2013

Photograph

All Kinds of Updates!

Well, the Student AVMA House of Delegates meeting at AVMA Convention in Atlanta went very well and the dust is finally settling from my trip. Unpacking and laundry can really take some effort!

I wanted to let you all know about the millions of updates I've made to the site. You'll find the most exciting update on the "upcoming topics" page. The prize money available for your submissions has increased dramatically. In most of the categories you could win $100 for having a best submission, the school with the most submissions will win $250 for their SCAVMA chapter, and the best overall submission will receive $150. By shifting money around in The Vet Gazette budget, I was able to increase the prize money by quite a bit, with $1250 available for winning with each issue!

Other important updates can be found to your right. I've added a ton of useful links for all kinds of interests. There is a new AVMA database of wildlife, conservation and zoo opportunities (great for 4th year rotations or next summer's experiences.) If you're looking for other opportunities, in the US or abroad, there are links on the right for those as well. A group of the links will get you to the many SAVMA and AVMA Facebook groups so you can stay connected in your news feed. The One Health Challenge this year is Obesity Awareness, and next year will be Vector Borne Diseases. Check out that link to find out how you can get involved with your community or to start an event of your own.

Spread the word about The Vet Gazette, send in your submissions, check out the links, and let me know what you think!

Native American Project HSVMA Stipend

By: Amy Vlazny

Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2011

Through the windows of the car winding through the mountains north of Elko, Nevada, the landscape grew increasingly desolate.  Without a tree or building to give it form the valley seemed starkly flat, and the mountains, tipped with snow, jutted up suddenly in the distance.  The sandy ground was dusted with light snow and sparsely covered with drab sagebrush – the Nevada state flower.  The setting seemed as exotic as the high páramo of the Andes, the dry, frosty grasslands found at altitudes higher than trees can grow.  But, no; I was only in my country's very own snowy mountain desert.

            I was taking this adventure into an area of the U.S. formerly unknown to me in order to participate in an HSVMA Field Services spay/neuter clinic at the Duck Valley Indian Reservation.  I was one of 25 veterinary students who, along with eight veterinarians and ten technicians, volunteers and staff, were now rolling into the town of Owyhee in a ten-car caravan behind a truck and trailer full of veterinary equipment, intending to spay, neuter, and vaccinate just about any dog or cat that would come through the gymnasium doors over the next four days.  They were four hectic and exhausting days, but the enthusiasm of the volunteers and the appreciation of our clients made for a rich learning experience and countless enjoyable interactions.   

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The Check's in the Mail

By: Lana Chumney

Texas A&M University, Class of 2011

In the summer, just before I started vet school, I went home to visit my parents for the weekend.  They owned a small family operated dairy, and by family operated, I mean anyone who happened to be around when the work was taking place.  This particular weekend, my neighbor was having an appreciation party for the customers at his mechanic shop.  He had bar-b-q and even a band with dancing.  My parents were still in the hay field working and unable to attend so, being the ever wonderful daughter that I am, I thought it might be nice to take them some food. 

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Tracking in Vet School (another viewpoint)

By: Stephanie Silberstang

Cornell University

Tracking vs. non-tracking in veterinary school was an important part of my decision to apply to the schools that I did. I ended up choosing a school that did not include tracking because I was unsure of my specific career goals and path. I have worked with a large animal veterinarian, bovine embryo transfer veterinarian, small animal veterinarian and in the Reptile House at the Bronx Zoo.

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