Student Experiences

Submitted by Heidi Free, Kansas State

SAVMA Fly In Final Thoughts

The main reason I have dedicated my life to the profession of veterinary medicine is due to my belief in the true interconnectedness of the field to everything around us. As a veterinary student, the opportunities after graduation are endless – private practice, research, public health, you name it. Unfortunately, something we are lacking awareness of is the necessity and opportunity for veterinary professionals in the field of public policy and governmental relations. While I have always had an interest in these things, the SAVMA Legislative Fly-In confirmed that it is truly an inherent passion of mine to advocate for both those who have no voice and for the veterinary profession as a whole, something I have dedicated my life to. Through this conference, I was able to speak with legislative officials of many backgrounds and knowledge levels in regards to veterinary medicine and animal welfare. This greatly improved my communication skills and allowed me to refine my abilities of sharing with others with no background what I am passionate about and why I care. Additionally, we were able to hear from two Congressmen who have their veterinary degrees but serve in different political parties and on different committees. I believe that this was a true example of how diversity can exist and should be encouraged within the field. These men carried very different opinions on several policies but were still able to work together to share with the rest of the world the importance of veterinary medicine and the integral role that veterinarians play in many facets of society. I was able to make contacts with other veterinary students across the country who shared my passions but also brought in different views and ways of thinking. Overall, I think this was a fantastic way to promote diversity and communication in the field of veterinary medicine and I definitely see many future opportunities to share the skills I have learned at this event with my friends and colleagues around me.

Vet Student Travel Award Opportunity

The Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine with the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine is pleased to announce the availability of funding to support the Veterinary Public Practice Externship Travel Award. The purpose of this competitive travel award is to support the education and training of veterinary students interested in pursuing a career in public health, food safety, epidemiology, or other related fields. Students selected to receive this award will be reimbursed for travel expenses up to $1000 for an applicable externship. Applications will be reviewed monthly through May 31^st, 2022 and travel awards will be provided until funds are expended, with generous support from USDA NIFA. NOTE: Travel must be completed by August 7^th, 2022. 

See HERE for details on selection criteria and eligibility.

Cutest Pet

Concerned Marshall

Submitted by Lauren Bynum, Texas A&M University

Photography

Orange Flowers

Submitted by Cassandra Raudenbush, Western Unviersity

Foot in Mouth Disease

Submitted by Taylor Curtis, Texas A&M Unviersity