​It was March of my graduating year.

I was in the process of finishing up my undergraduate, final-year research thesis. When June came around, my family and I would gather for convocation. After four years of hard work, I would finally have that Honours BSc in my hands, and then…

I didn’t know what came after that. I mean, I did--sort of. And I knew roughly how to get there--sort of. That was a considerable amount of uncertainty in just two statements. It’s hard to tell in retrospect just how much had been planned, and how much of it was me flying by the seat of my pants and somehow making ends meet, but I can pin-point the email in which the whole thing was set in motion.

“MSc/PhD Position in veterinary cancer diagnostics,” the subject line read. It was a recruiting advertisement sent out to students in my department. Cancer diagnostics. PCR. Sequencing. It was a rare opportunity to be mentored in research by veterinary pathologists at the Ontario Veterinary College, and with a stipend, even... but the application deadline was less than a week after I received the email.

Carpe diem.
 
That fall, three years before I would later start my journey as a student veterinarian, I was enrolled as a graduate student--an MSc candidate—at the Ontario Veterinary College, the Department of Pathobiology.
 
Q: “Why did you decide to become a veterinarian? Why did you decide to complete graduate school before applying to the OVC?”
 
There were two major factors in deciding to do a graduate program: first, I was a pragmatic kid who was running out of options, and second, I was a pragmatic kid who knew what she was good at and wanted a safety net.
 
(Note: I fully realize this makes it sound like grad school was a means to an end; it was not, but I do want to highlight some of the more strategic parts of decision making that we don’t hear about as often. I’ll talk a bit about some of what I got out of grad school further down!)
 
Before any of that, why veterinary medicine at all? I’ve always been fascinated with animals. I studied biology at McMaster University and chose to specialize in physiology. I was drawn to the intricacies of anatomy and the exquisite efficiencies (and I would later discover, the curious inefficiencies) of their physiology. I would marvel at how evolution and the environment derived these mechanisms and how disrupting those processes interrupted the function of the organism on a whole.
 
Perhaps gravitating to veterinary medicine wasn’t a particularly far-fetched leap of logic.
 
There was just one small catch... Admission requirements.
 
Much of my animal experience had been with birds only (undergrad was my ‘bird phase’), and none of it was under the supervision of a veterinarian. Over the years, it seemed that no matter how many clinics I contacted, no matter how far I went, I could not get my foot in the door and secure a volunteering position. I had to think outside of the box. The graduate research program offered me mentorship from veterinary professionals outside of the clinic and time to continue searching for clinical experience.
 
(Spoiler 1: The clinicians and mentors I met during my time as a graduate student made the wait worthwhile.) 
 
That was the first strategic consideration. The second strategic consideration was that I wanted a contingency plan. What if this didn’t work out? (What if I truly wasn’t cut out for this?) I had done an undergraduate research thesis by that point and had a solid chunk of laboratory experience. I enjoyed what I did and was decent at it. I figured with a bit more work, I could make something of myself in research if this all went sideways.
 
(Spoiler 2: it went sideways in multiple points in time; clearly, we didn’t let that stop us.)
 
Ironically, as I got more and more into my graduate program, the more I realized that the sort of research I wanted to do—translational research and developing novel diagnostics techniques—would benefit from becoming a veterinarian, going into practice for a few years, and then returning to the lab again. I guess in the end, everything came back around full circle. I did more research to get into veterinary medicine; I wanted to get deeper into veterinary medicine to do better research. Funny how that worked out.
 
Q: What were the steps you took to be a successful OVC applicant?
 
As foreshadowed above... By failing at least once.
 
The first time I applied, I was not offered an interview. It was on my second application that I was admitted into the program. I think going through that first application attempt best prepared me for my successful application; however, the circumstances between the two applications were rather different.
 
The biggest difference was that I applied through the undergraduate cohort first and then the graduate cohort (please refer to the OVC admissions page for the most updated information on these options). The graduate cohort application process differs primarily in the additional paperwork in the admission process and the emphasis on research and productivity during one’s program.
 
For my first application, I was in the second half of my MSc program. By then, I would have completed at least 4 out of 6 semesters of my program, technically allowing me to apply through the graduate cohort, but as I hadn’t yet completed my research, I wouldn’t have had the publications or conferences to make me competitive there. I still didn’t get an interview through the undergraduate cohort… but I couldn’t just stop there.

So. I finished my MSc on time. In that year between programs, I doubled down. I continued to work for the Department of Pathobiology as a research associate. I continued my research and that of students in our lab... and outside of it. I published and went to conferences, talking to anyone who would listen about my work. I took any and every opportunity to work with animals and in clinics. In the end, I applied through the graduate cohort and was offered an interview.
 
(Spoiler 3: I was admitted into the program that July.)
 
Q: What did you get out of graduate studies?
 
My response to the first set of questions made the move to do graduate studies sound distressingly Machiavellian, but there are many important things you take from the program that are utterly invaluable to your journey through the DVM program and later, to your career. Here are just a few:

• The ‘back end’ perspective: Veterinary medicine is entrenched in empirical evidence and scientific findings; out professional standards of practice are guided by experimental research and clinical trials. By understanding how research is carried out, you are better able to understand the “why” behind what you learn, and are therefore better able to communicate this to your colleagues and clients.
• Scientific literacy and a grasp of statistics: In the same stream as above, you will often be required to consult scientific literature to gather information, understand the methodology and rationale behind conclusions, and evaluate potentially conflicting findings. It may be to keep abreast the ever-changing landscape of veterinary medicine, or to find the best, evidence-based approach to a case... This skill is crucial.
• Career paths outside of practice: Not all veterinarians work in private practice; many consider positions in research, industry, or governmental regulatory bodies! For all of these, having solid research experience can be a major boon.
• Resilience: If you’re involved in any sort of veterinary social media, you may be aware that mental health is currently at the forefront of our profession. You may already be impacted by this. Graduate programs and research in general are an exercise in resilience and perseverance: experiments don’t work, funding falls through, reviewers want major revisions on your manuscript—again. This isn’t meant to dissuade; the reality is just that the very nature of research presents you with many opportunities to practice and figure out just what you need to get back up and try again. And by the time you finish your graduate program, you will have a much better idea of how to be kind to yourself through it all.

 
This doesn’t even speak for all the other little things you pick up along the way. Hate public speaking? Try out the 3 Minute Thesis competition and push that comfort zone. Ever wanted to try teaching? Teaching workshops and TA positions are available. Afraid to meet new people? Your fellow grad students can become some of the best friends out there (there’s something to be said about going through stress together). 
 
I’ve come quite a long way since opening that email years ago, and I’ve still got a long way to go. Graduate programs aren’t for everyone, but if it ends up being a right fit for you, there is so much you can gain from it. The idea of adding even more years to this long and winding road may sound daunting to some people; I can appreciate that. It’s true that it can be a lot... but I will get there eventually, just as so many OVC students have before me. One way or another.
 
All the best and hang in there!

Mei-Hua Hwang (H.BSc, MSc)
A Jade Jackal of the OVC Class of 2022

Hello and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to explore the world of mixed animal practice with me! My name is Dr. Robyn Thompson. I am a mixed animal practitioner and owning partner of the Walkerton Hanover Veterinary Clinic and Hanover Veterinary Hospital from the class of OVC 2012.

My journey to veterinary medicine started at a pretty young age watching the veterinarians who attended the animals on my parents’ small dairy farm, which included of course dairy cows as well as beef cows and calves, horses, and sheep. This close working relationship between patient, client and veterinarian was one I found very appealing; it led me to spending time in this local mixed animal practice through public school via the Veterinary 4-H club, high school co-op and employment as a kennel student. Throughout my post-secondary and veterinary school years, I worked in varying scopes of practice, including general equine ambulatory practice, racetrack practice caring for Standardbreds, Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, as well as a large mixed animal practice with a strong dairy herd health management focus. These experiences fostered my understanding and love for the veterinary profession—especially rural mixed animal practice. The deep connection to the clients and community as a whole in rural mixed practice was something I found very compelling. However, it did and still does come with its challenges, including providing emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; emergency clinics for rural mixed animal practices are still a dream we are unlikely to see come to a reality anytime soon!

Our practice is made up of two separate offices which allows us to tailor the client experience, equipment and staff to the needs of the companion animal clientele at the Hanover Veterinary Hospital or the large animal clientele at the Walkerton Hanover Veterinary Clinic.  This allows our veterinarians and staff to plan their day for either large or small animal appointments to maintain efficiency and good client service. 

When on the road for large animal and mobile small animal calls, a regular day in our clinic starts at 8am with a brief review of the day’s schedule and associated records (medical records, DairyComp files and dairy herd information, or DHI, records). Then, all important assessment and restocking of the truck for the day’s expected (and unexpected) calls is completed to ensure we are ready to efficiently address the needs of our patients and clients that day. Often, we will see dairy and beef herds, horses, sheep and goats, llamas and alpacas, cats and dogs as well as the odd pig, chicken or duck all within one day’s worth of calls. This variety is on one hand constantly refreshing and interesting but also sometimes challenging, especially when it comes to more complicated cases. Having digital resources close at hand (thanks to my smart phone and all the wonderful apps available—Plumbs, CVP, the list goes on!) and colleagues with specific expertise just a phone call away, helps mixed animal practitioners like myself in these challenging situations to ensure our patients and clients are taken care of the best way possible. So, as you can imagine, the phone charger is also a critical piece of equipment on the vet truck to keep connected with the clinic and as a resource!

When in the small animal clinic, the day typically has a bit more structure (but emergencies do happen anytime of day so don’t get too comfortable!) with soft tissue and dental surgeries occurring in the morning to allow for extra recovery time, and appointments in the afternoon for both routine annual exams as well as sick patients. We have comprehensive lab and imaging equipment to allow medical workups to be completed in clinic for our patients. This allows us to provide high quality medicine even in our more rural part of Ontario and save our clients travel time to larger practices in urban centres, unless major referral procedures are required. We are very lucky to have an amazing team of technicians and receptionists to assist us each and every day as well!

I have a few pieces of advice for those interested in the veterinary profession and especially mixed animal practice. Firstly, get ready to be flexible and don’t get too attached to your schedule as it will likely change a few times before the day is done! Secondly, take the time to volunteer or work not only in a variety of roles in veterinary practices, but also on farms or in government or research to get a good understanding of the agricultural industries you want to be a part of. It is so critical to engage in these industries and know their challenges to empathize with your clients and help in the problem-solving process. The markets and consumer interests are constantly changing, and we can benefit our clients by supporting them to achieve success and progress. Thirdly, keep your mind open to learning from everyone around you. There are so many learning opportunities that can easily be taken for granted so take a minute, look around and seize them! Don’t be afraid to ask other veterinarians questions and learn from their successes and their mistakes (don’t worry—we all make them and you will too!). Veterinary medicine is very good at reminding you to be humble; the important thing is that we are constantly learning and improving.

I hope these words are helpful (and maybe a little entertaining) to those of you thinking about entering the veterinary profession! I wish you all good luck in your coming adventures and endeavours and look forward to calling you colleagues in the future!

-Dr Robyn Thompson, DVM
OVC 2012
Walkerton Hanover Veterinary Clinic and Hanover Veterinary Hospital

​Dr. Lauren DiPonio is a 2012 graduate from Massey University. Read on to discover more about her unique journey to become a vet!
 
In the midst of uncertain times, you may actually have some TIME to reflect on why you aspire to become a veterinarian. For me, from the very first kindergarten placemat I brought home, I was going to become a “vetrnaryin”. My LOVE for animals and my innate desire to be near them throughout my life made it almost inevitable. However, I went on a bit of a detour, eventually finding my way back to my passion. But how could a 5 year-old possibly know what they want to be; what being a veterinarian really entailed (other than just cuddling puppies and kittens all day)?
 
After high school (growing up in a very small town in BC’s Okanagan Valley), I moved to Vancouver and completed a B.Sc. at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Chemistry. I was overwhelmed when I arrived; my first class, Physics 101, had more students (500) than my entire high school (350). My grades suffered at first, but I rebounded and by the end of my degree they were good, but not quite good enough for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). Maybe it was because I was lacking experience, volunteer work, and more elaborate veterinary experience; how the heck does one have time to juggle school, sports (or hobbies), work, volunteer work, a social life...
 
My response was an attempt to improve my grades by completing an M.Sc. in Chemistry at UBC. During this time, I volunteered as a dog-walker at the SPCA and also as a kennel hand at a vet clinic. Once I completed my M.Sc. I became a full-time Associate Chemist for a pharmaceutical company. But I also worked on weekends at a veterinary clinic as I was craving human and animal (let’s be honest, mostly animal!) contact, because a conversation with a fume-hood is a little one sided. As chance would have it, one of the other assistants at the vet clinic I was working at had just left for vet school in New Zealand…..and the wheels started to turn!
 
After researching to ensure it was accredited (meaning I didn’t have to jump through hoops to practice back in Canada), I applied! I had never been to New Zealand, knew not one single person in the country, was seriously lacking in world travel experience, and had definitely NEVER travelled alone. Lo and behold I was accepted. YIKES!!! In July of 2008 I landed in rainy Palmerston North, New Zealand; alone, away from everything I knew, and completely unprepared for what the next four and a half years would bring.
 
Vet school was one of the best, hardest, most tiring, and most exhilarating times of my life. I was in a new and beautiful country, surrounded by 100 people who all loved the same things I did, and was ready for the challenge. One of my classmates decided to add up all of the recommended hours for the cumulative classes in our 3rd year syllabus and it ended up being 32 hours per day - clearly there was either some miscommunication between the professors,  or someone is terribly bad at math! They can’t possibly expect…and then it hits you. You DO NOT have time to study how you used to. You do your best, but realize that you still need to eat, sleep, shower, exercise (for me that was and is playing sports), maintain other hobbies and passions, have a social life, and maybe even work. I recall a mantra one of my classmates had: “C’s get Degrees!” And it’s true; NO client asks what your grades were in vet school. The skills you gain in vet school - compassion, animal behaviour and handling, ability to utilize resources, basics for everything you hope you need to know, teamwork, and self-preservation - are just as valuable as the information in your ever-growing (and expensive!) collection of textbooks. In reality, you will gain most of your clinical practical skills and knowledge AFTER vet school; at least that’s how it was for me.
 
When I arrived in Victoria in December 2012, I was unemployed and had to wait to write the provincial exam in February 2013 to become a licensed veterinarian in BC. To fill my time, I met with MANY practice managers—most of whom were not hiring new graduates at the time. I also thought it best to practice my very limited surgery skills, so I volunteered at a local spay and neuter clinic which led to my first job as a veterinarian at a multi-clinic company. However, my career path as a veterinarian was not ideal from the start; I worked with one other vet but ONLY overlapped for four hours a week. I was fresh out of vet school and found myself working long hours, putting in overtime, being on call, and COMPLETELY burnt out after two years. I recall thinking, “Did I just spend 12 years in academia to do THIS?” And then...I quit. It was probably the first time I had really quit anything, as normally I would simply endure, but I guess with age and experience you begin to understand what matters most to you, and mental well-being is way up at the top! And I haven’t looked back since. I have been at an amazing practice for the past five years, and am in the midst of becoming a partner. I never thought I’d be an owner, but over time our goals change, as do we. I have such incredible support from my staff, mentorship, autonomy, respect, and have built profound relationships with my clients and their pets.
 
I love my job because it challenges me every day. I am constantly learning and always adapting, especially during these unprecedented times. Taking a HUGE step outside my comfort zone and moving to New Zealand has given me the career I have always dreamed of (ever since that kindergarten placemat!), a wonderful husband, two beautiful children, and of course our dog Luna.
 
I wish all of you future vets the best. If I could offer my best bits of advice, they would be these: maintain your life balance, as your body needs exercise, sleep, and healthy nutrition (www.nutritionfacts.org) to function optimally; get as much experience as you can to ensure you know exactly what you’re getting into; when you fail (and you will) learn from your mistakes; take constructive criticism with open arms; and always remember to communicate, communicate, communicate as it is the key to every successful relationship - friends, family, colleagues, professors, and best of all, animals.
 
Dr. Lauren Di Ponio

​Hello FVC, my name is Nathan Schachtschneider and I’m a second-year student at the OVC. If you’re reading this and wish to become a veterinarian but your path is seemingly taking you in another direction, here’s my roundabout journey. I hope it will be an encouragement to pursue your goals and dreams.

I’ve had many interests and strengths, both in academics and applied studies and activities, which, for me, meant my career aspirations changed often. I remember wanting to be an astronomer, marine biologist, cabinet maker, chef, and several other careers during high school. It wasn’t until grade 11 and 12 that my mind fell on veterinary medicine. Coming from a family of engineers, and thinking it would be prudent to do so, I took electrical and biomedical engineering as a fall-back option, in case vet school didn’t pan out. I really enjoyed the biomedical courses, but the program consisted of mainly electrical related courses, and I did not enjoy them. Suffice it to say, I was sick of school when I graduated, and decided to pursue work in the engineering field.

By the time my work contract ended, I knew engineering was not something I wanted to pursue any further. At this point I had lost my vision for pursuing veterinary medicine and spent some time searching for career advice. The recurring theme I found mentioned, often from TED-talks, was to pursue foremost something from which you derive fulfillment, and secondly something you are passionate about. For me, I realized fulfillment came from helping others, whether it be animals or people, and my passion was in medical related sciences. I then decided to pursue physiotherapy, in addition to veterinary medicine.

I spent time shadowing both veterinarians and physiotherapists. I also returned to school for two full time semesters and one part time semester to obtain the required prerequisites and increase my application average. It was slightly daunting going back to university knowing that my future was riding on my performance in the following semesters, but prayer and a lot of hard work enabled me to do well. In the end I didn’t get any offers from my first round of applications and didn’t even get an interview for the OVC. That was disappointing! However, I managed to pick myself back up and realized I had a glaring lack of animal experience, by application definitions. I began volunteering at a stable, animal shelter, and the Hamilton Aviary, as well as getting a summer job involving animals. Fast-forward one semester of school and a second round of applications and interviews – this time the offers came from both the OVC and several physiotherapy schools! I ended up accepting the OVC’s offer and have not looked back or regretted it since!

The journey wasn’t easy, it wasn’t comfortable, and it required introspection and searching, but it has been worth all the time and effort it’s taken me to get here, and I look forward to what’s to come! I hope my story will encourage you to push past the bumps in your journey, whether it’s to the OVC or another area in life. If you’re currently in an unrelated field, but you find veterinary medicine fulfilling and you have a passion for it or certain aspects of vet med, I wish you to know that the effort is worth it. The time spent discovering things you don’t want to pursue as a career will not be wasted. I thought I didn’t want to “waste” the “best years” of my life in school, but pursuing and doing what I love, what fulfills me and holds my passion, will make those years the best years of my life. I trust the same will hold true for you!

Sincerely,
Nathan Schachtschneider

Dr. Jackie Parr BScH, DVM, MSc, Dip ACVN
Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist® 
​
When Bruno the chocolate lab was found after 27-days in the bottom of an abandoned well, Dr. Jackie Parr was one of the people he desperately needed.
 
Re-feeding syndrome, muscle loss, dangerously fluctuating electrolyte levels and more were all part of a language Dr. Parr intimately understood. After 14 years of specialized veterinary nutritional study, Bruno was exactly the kind of patient she had been preparing for. 
 
And that’s how it’s always been for Dr. Jackie Parr: complete immersion in the science of veterinary nutrition as a means to an important end – for all the Bruno’s of the world. 
 
A Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist®, and festooned with veterinary and academic designations that speak to a passion for science and animal care that borders on obsession, Dr. Parr is among the elite where animal nutrition is concerned. A natural educator, Dr. Parr is widely sought after in professional veterinarian circles as both a public speaker, and as a specialist for consults on the most unique and emergent nutritional cases. She is a passionate nutrition advocate and an accessible expert with feet planted firmly in both the academic and practical worlds of specialized nutritional medicine. For more information on Dr. Parr, otherwise known as The Kibble QueenTM, visit her website: www.kibblequeen.com.
 
And for the record, Bruno made a full recovery thanks to the incredible care provided by the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Bruno went on to be featured on CBC news: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/estevan-dog-bruno-stuck-well-27-days-1.3846262. Dr. Parr was exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to consult on Bruno’s case and was overjoyed when he returned home to his family.

What made you decide to specialize in nutrition?Like many members of the Future Vets Club (FVC), I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age. It wasn’t until I was in my teens that I decided I also wanted to be a nutritionist for animals.
 
When I was in grade seven, I worked for a parrot breeder in Shakespeare, Ontario and quickly acquired a number of birds that required rehabilitation, including being transitioned from entirely seed-based diets to more balanced diets of pellets, fruits, and vegetables. At one point I had 14 birds, ranging from Zebra Finches, to a breeding pair of Rainbow Lorikeets, to an Umbrella Cockatoo! I was fortunate to have an incredibly supportive family that allowed me to slowly take over our small bungalow to provide housing and enrichment for my all birds (and other critters)!
 
Amongst my birds, Cyadi, my small Zebra Finch, was a chronic egg layer. Eventually she was unable to perch as her bones had become frail from all the calcium she was using to lay eggs every day. My mom and I went to the Stratford Public Library (yes, this was before Google!) to find resources on how to stop her from laying so many eggs and looked for calcium doses to replete her calcium stores. There was very little published on Zebra Finches, so I ended up reviewing egg-laying hen literature and extrapolated a dose of calcium from laying hens to a bird that was Cyadi’s size. I then cooked egg shells (a source of calcium carbonate) in our oven to sterilize them and I added precisely measured amounts to Cyadi’s diet daily. On top of this, I had to find a loving home for my other Zebra Finch, Cylar, whom Cyadi kept laying eggs for, and she gradually stopped laying eggs every day.
 
By providing my homemade calcium supplement on top of Cyadi’s diet daily, her bones started to strengthen and she was eventually able to perch again. I told my parents, “I healed her through nutrition!” and that was the beginning of a budding nutritionist!
​
What advice would you give to undergraduate students?My undergraduate degree (BScH) is in Animal Biology from the Ontario Agricultural College. Some of the best nutrition classes were in my third and fourth years of my degree. I especially loved pet nutrition and wildlife nutrition. My fourth year of my undergraduate degree was my favourite year because I was studying things I loved. This made getting the grades I needed to apply to veterinary school a tiny bit easier. I’m glad I wasn’t in a big rush to apply to veterinary school early. In the overall scheme of things, the debt from one additional year of undergrad, did not make or break me financially. It was really an investment in my future.
 
In the final year of my Animal Biology degree, I applied to the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). In my veterinary school application letter, I wrote about my plans to focus on nutrition as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). I always thought I would have to complete a PhD after veterinary school to be able to focus on nutrition. It wasn’t until I attended the Veterinary Leadership Experience (http://veterinaryleadershipinstitute.org/programs/vle/) as my class president after my second year of veterinary school, that I met my first Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist® and first DVM/PhD pet nutritionist. This was a life changing experience that stemmed from my networking efforts and my ongoing involvement in leadership activities. I cannot emphasize the importance of networking enough. Likewise, I cannot emphasize the value of leadership roles enough. These newly found mentors gave me direction and focus. I knew from that point forward that I needed to work incredibly hard to be selected for a residency in small animal clinical nutrition.
 
In 2008, that meant applying for internships in the US because there were no clinical nutrition residency programs in Canada. My internship was the first step to getting a year of experience as a practicing veterinarian to be able to apply for a residency. After a lot of hard work I was accepted into a small animal rotating internship at Angell Animal Medical Centre in Boston, MA (www.mspca.org/angell_services/angell-internships/).
 
When I graduated from OVC in 2009, I loaded up everything I owned in a U-Haul truck and drove myself and my two dogs to Boston, MA to start a new adventure! Moving to a new country by myself was challenging, but I learned a lot about how resilient I am, and it made me less fearful of “big moves” and “big life decisions”. No matter where you are, you can make friends if you are genuinely kind and take the time to get to know others. I could not have made it through my internship without my intern mates and long-distance calls to my sister.
 
During my internship, I started applying for residency positions. There was only one small animal clinical nutrition residency to apply for in all of North America for 2010, and my hefty emergency receiving schedule at Angell as an intern meant I had to interview for the position over Skype (which seems like an everyday occurrence nowadays, but it was not the norm in 2009). Come “match day” (i.e. the day everyone finds out if they got a residency or not), I didn’t match and I was devastated. Nine years of hard work and I had failed. Well, turns out that the age-old saying, “When one door closes, another one opens,” is true. The Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist® I had been spending every spare moment I had with at Angell told me that she would take me on as a resident if we could find funding. That was the dream! She was who I wanted as my mentor all along!
 
My mentor and I worked hard to approach companies and academic institutions for funding with a plan for my 3-year residency in small animal clinical nutrition (for more information on residency programs visit: https://acvn.org/residency-information/) combined with a graduate degree from a local university. Our hard work paid off! The OVC agreed to provide funding for my 3-year residency in exchange for 2-years of work as a post-doctoral fellow following the completion of my training in Boston.
 
Despite this funding and working on weekends at Angell as a veterinarian for the General Medicine Service, I still acquired a lot of debt during my training. The tuition for my Masters degree in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition was $70,000 USD alone. By the time I came back to Canada, I had a quarter million in debt (which is actually quite good for 12-years of schooling and an international training!), but that meant I would need to live in student housing without a vehicle during my post-doc. It was a very challenging time with a lot of financial stress. I was already adept at collecting free food from events and even kept a container in my backpack if the opportunity presented itself. I walked or rollerbladed everywhere and salvaged a rolling suitcase for grocery store trips. During a bout of desperation when I owed money on my 2012 tax return, I Googled how much you could get for a kidney in Canada and then quickly realized I would have needed nine kidneys to pay off my student debt! Fortunately my sister was able to help me pay my tax return and I paid her back as soon as I started working. The day I found out I passed my 2-day board examination to become a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist® I had $20 CAD in my bank account and my credit card was maxed out. So I walked from student housing to Williams (a local coffee place) and ordered a slice of chocolate cake and a glass of water to celebrate. I started work the following week.
 
Now that I’ve been working full time for almost 5-years, my financial advisor tells me I’m in a better financial position that most people my age. I attribute this to how strict I had to be with my budget during my 14-years of training. While the financial stress students’ face is not ideal by any means, it will help you develop financial management skills to be able to pay down your debt, start saving, and really think about big purchases in the future.

A little bit more about me!

Adjunct Professor, Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College:This is a volunteer role that I’m incredibly grateful for! Some people may think it’s a bit crazy to volunteer (unpaid) to provide lectures, develop exam questions, and read 100+ page theses, but I truly believe it is important to give back to the profession and mentor the next generation.

I have been an Adjunct Professor since summer 2015 and this position allows me to:

• Continue teaching students (i.e. the future of the veterinary profession!), which is something I’m incredibly passionate about.
• Be involved in research (e.g. assisting with research projects and review of student research manuscripts for publication).
• Provide mentorship to graduate students and small animal clinical nutrition residents (e.g. sitting on advisory or examination committees, reviewing theses, etc.).

 
For more information on the amazing work being done at the OVC visit:

• Pet Nutrition at the OVC: https://sites.uoguelph.ca/ovcpetnutrition/home/team/
• Clinical Studies webpage: https://ovc.uoguelph.ca/clinical-studies/faculty/Jacqueline-Parr

 Owner, On Parr Nutrition, Inc.I founded On Parr Nutrition, Inc. in 2013 when I returned to Canada after training in Boston, MA for 4-years. This is my personal company, so it is something I work on between my other roles. My company is branded The Kibble QueenTM (which was a nickname given to me in vet school). In fact, I recorded a TEDx-style talk, called a MicDrop, at the Uncharted Veterinary Conference (https://unchartedvet.com/) in April 2018 on my journey to becoming The Kibble QueenTM (https://unchartedvet.com/mic-drop-wear-your-own-crown-its-the-only-one-that-truly-fits/). Right now I am focused on speaking engagements, writing, and social media through my company.
 
For more information on The Kibble QueenTM visit:

• Website: www.kibblequeen.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kibblequeen/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/the.kibble.queen/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH5tdYbZLVo4bH-nc1PtUaA
• Blogs for Dr. Andy Roark: https://drandyroark.com/?s=jackie+parr

 Founding Member, Canadian Academy of Veterinary Nutrition (CAVN)In 2018, a small group of Canadians with expertise in veterinary nutrition came together to form the CAVN! We consist of Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists®, veterinarians (DVM) who are completing or have already competed a residency in veterinary clinical nutrition, and Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT) with their Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in nutrition. Our Mission is to advocate for evidence-based animal nutrition and for veterinary nutrition education across Canada.
 
To find out more about the CAVN visit:

• Website: www.canvetnutrition.ca
• Mailing list: https://sites.uoguelph.ca/canvetnutrition/about-the-cavn/cavn-mailing-list/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanVetNutrition/

Hello FVC members and others considering a future in veterinary medicine!

My name is Julia Stewart, and I am a 2018 OVC graduate (an Ivory Owl). My path to becoming a veterinarian began when I was young after the “what do you want to be when you grow up?” questions were asked. This was further nurtured by my interests in science, nature and after completing a co-op program in high school at a local veterinary practice. Once I toured the campus at the University of Guelph, I enrolled and completed a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology in the Department of Biological Sciences.
​
I enjoyed my undergraduate degree at the U of G because it provided supported learning groups, outlets for volunteering, social and physical activities, amazing food and a great sense of community. I was also on the FVC executive team from 2010-2012, and served as an executive assistant and co-president during my time there. I love Guelph!

After two rounds of unsuccessful admission to the Ontario Veterinary College, I was able to experience very different veterinary and animal husbandry opportunities than what I was used to, notably relating to wildlife, diagnostic pathology, and livestock production. Those experiences and time spent improving my interview approach were part of my journey to become a successful candidate for the DVM program at the OVC.
 
Completing the 4-year program is like how Dr. Amanda Li previously described – a “rollercoaster of emotions.” You build meaningful connections with staff and faculty, and build friendships and a support network that will last a lifetime. It felt grueling at times, but it also went by so fast. It made me self-reflect a lot more, made me practice self-care in ways that went against the “type-A” personality, and there was no shortage of group work.
 
I am currently practicing at a large animal mobile practice in Grey-Bruce County, and I have been with this practice since I graduated. The rollercoaster did not stop once I became a new graduate out in practice, but thankfully the “ups and downs” of practice are supported by friends/colleagues, mentors, and family support. Here are some examples of the “ups and downs”: the many “ups” include satisfied clients and great patient outcomes, and the “downs” include the loss of a patient or a poor outcome.
 
There are several different paths to vet school as demonstrated by the diverse backgrounds of my classmates (now colleagues). For example, some colleagues decided much later in life to pursue a veterinary career, or pursued it after a MSc or a PhD. Furthermore, the diversity in career options does not end once you’ve graduated as you can pursue internships/residencies, research, industry, government, and of course general practice!
 
I spent most of my summer in 2016 as a veterinary student volunteer with Veterinarians without Borders Canada in partnership with Farmers Helping Farmers. We worked on a project with a One Health approach to improve the animal welfare and sustainability of small-holder dairy farmers in rural Kenya. We also visited rural primary schools to educate regarding livestock handling, proper hand-washing hygiene, and rabies disease avoidance. I am pictured below in Kenya on a homestead property posing with a goat kid. I encourage everyone to check out both organizations and consider volunteering or helping out in any way you can. Thank you for reading and I hope you’ve gained some insight.

Sincerely,
Julia Stewart, BScH, DVM

Over the past four years, I have had the opportunity to witness the Pentland Hills nearly every morning. On some days, they are verdant giants standing proudly ahead. Other days, I see them as snow-capped bastions peaking above the horizon while on (frequent) occasion, their view is blotted out by a thick blanket of grey cloud. Some delightful pathetic fallacy to accompany the trials and tribulations of attending veterinary school where certain moments have you wondering where you are, how you got there, and how you will ever make it out.
 
I started out with a similar map to many: I enjoyed time spent with dogs more than I enjoyed time spent with people and as such, I was recommended to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. The aspiration stuck and followed me through many hours spent in clinics, labs, societies (the Future Vets Club, or FVC, included), charities, and the library. While completing my bachelor’s degree at the University of Guelph, diversity was my sidekick as I delved into as many opportunities as I could. Through my zoology major, FVC activities (as a committee assistant and secretary), and volunteering activities, I developed deeper insight into the fascinating world of animals that I loved so much.
 
In a quest for balance, I equally splendored in the study of philosophy (an accidental minor), physics, foreign languages, international development, human rights advocacy, and music. This breadth of activity was an unplanned blessing that primed me with the ability to approach problems creatively and with some novelty. Having a respite from the pre-vet grind was also a relief in that it allowed me to find value in undergrad itself without viewing it as a mere stepping-stone towards the goal. I also feel that it may have helped me stand out (both on paper and in interview) in the vet school application process.
 
I graduated from Guelph in 2015 with a degree in Zoology and minors in physics and philosophy, and decided to spend the next academic year getting more research and wildlife experience before applying to vet school. I also decided to take classes in areas outside of my major for the fun of it and to make certain that veterinary medicine was definitely something I wished to do.
 
Pro-tip: I would recommend taking an ethics class in undergrad as it will force you to think through complex problems that you will likely face as a practicing clinician and – in the shorter term – in vet school MMIs.
 
Ever the nomad, I decided to pack my bags and move to a new continent to attend veterinary school at the Royal School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh. I had never visited the city prior to my relocation but the pictures made it look stunning, so I thought, “heck, why not?”. As is of no surprise, veterinary school admission in Canada is tough and after seeing friends apply year after year for admission into Canadian institutions with no avail, I felt it would be prudent to apply to schools out of the country as well. Aside from being nestled in an aesthetically pleasing city, the Dick Vet (as it’s so affably called in honour of its founder) also has a world-renowned reputation for its contributions to veterinary education and medicine. These qualities are well represented in its faculty (interactions with which largely swayed my final decision). The lecturers at our institution are immensely intelligent and effective communicators while being equally approachable (we are on first name basis with most). Their love for the profession and teaching are so palpable and that quality truly elevates the learning experience.
 
Pro-tip: If you find yourself in the position of having to choose between veterinary schools, I would highly recommend weighing your interactions with faculty highly as these individuals could prove to be future mentors that could help you shape your career. Reaching out to vets or professors within your field of interest in your undergrad can also be incredibly valuable in gaining insight into different areas of vet med and how to approach career planning and learning. Most faculty welcome this kind of initiative and find it laudable.
 
Another point of consideration I took into account when selecting vet schools was the case load of the hospitals at which we would be completing our clinical rotation. As I have a keen interest in wildlife medicine, the presence of a wildlife and exotic animal department at the Dick Vet was a very real draw. Additionally, I was enthusiastic about attending an institution that did not “track” students (i.e. streamline their studies based on a narrowed area of interest) as I wished to receive as much information on as many species as possible to keep all options open. Equally, the high research output at the university along with the proximity of the Roslin Institute (home to Dolly, the first cloned animal), and the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare piqued my interest. Due to the close connections of these institutions, I have been able to act as a research assistant in my spare time and gain exposure to new developments in veterinary, animal science, and genetics research. I also looked for a program that integrated hands-on and problem-based learning methods, which the R(D)SVS did purport. In a nutshell, these were my main three reasons for choosing Edinburgh: Exciting location, large hospital system treating many species, and access to many research opportunities and resources. In August 2016, I was excited, I was ready, and I was in it to win it!
 
But real talk…
 
I came into veterinary school as wide-eyed and excited as the next kid with the impression that my admission was the pinnacle of my success. Except that it was not. Getting into vet school is a false summit- the time after is where the real work begins (cue “I’ll Make A Man Out of You” from Mulan). Here are some things I have learned throughout the process of riding the tumultuous waves of veterinary education:
 
1. You must study, but grades are of minimal consequence.
 
Many of us come into veterinary school with a history of grade-obsession but …they are truly of little consequence in the grand scheme of things. That said, keeping up to date with your lectures and knowledge is imperative.
 
The most difficult aspect of veterinary learning is the sheer volume of information with which you must contend. You are tasked to learn the anatomy, physiology, pathology, treatments, behaviour, and management of dogs, cats, horses, cows, sheep, pigs, iguanas, parrots, and even the occasional hippo. What’s more, you need an intimate understanding of the systems within which these animals live and survive. This is a gargantuan effort that requires steady and consistent study. Long gone are the days of studying for an exam the weekend before writing it and pulling all-nighters to write your final thesis (trust me, I’ve done both and it is a regrettable choice)!
 
It’s important to remember that every single thing you learn in vet school is in the aim of saving lives; as such, it’s really important to maintain your knowledge and to consistently apply it to a clinical context. This thought is also good motivation for when you’re elbow deep in notes about electrolyte filtration in the renal tubules. I spent three of my years of veterinary school as a study-skills tutor (through the Veterinary Peer Assisted Learning Program) and have learned that the best way to study is to study using as many varying methods as possible. The more varied your approach to a piece of information, the more in depth your understanding. Additionally, repetition is key to success as long term memory requires re-visitation of information to develop strong neural pathways. There are numerous free online platforms that you can access to strengthen your studying including text books, interactive apps, and open-access flashcards. My favourite thing to do is study in groups where individuals take turns explaining topics to one another or working through cases.
 
Pro-Tip: The Veterinary Information Network (VIN), Vetstream, and the Merck manual are great resources for students to expand their repertoire.
 
2. Networking is a necessary task.
 
Whether it’s at your local small animal practice, on farms, or at conferences, it is immensely important to build a network of mentors and peers with whom you can learn from and collaborate with in the future. Take as many advantages as you can of reduced fare conference entry for students to learn about up and coming veterinary medicine and meet experts in the field. Feel free to contact those vets you admire or whose careers parallel your ambitions. Additionally, keep in touch with the vets, nurses, ACAs, and administration at the clinics where you had an enjoyable experience for you never know if they will be hiring around the time of your graduation.
 
3. You will never be perfect.
 
At vet school, imposter syndrome is a prevalent diagnosis in a world where many highly achieving, driven, intelligent individuals are packed into a small space for 60 hours a week. You may feel that you are not enough for the profession but rest assured, you are. What may have come easily to you at one point now simply takes a bit more effort (as everything worth doing, does) and the processes of those around you need not be your own. The veterinary profession has a high suicide rate that is likely due to the incredible emotional and physical demands placed on its members. We must remember to be kind to ourselves and to one another in light of our collective goals. I’m lucky to be part of a cohort that looks to lift peers up instead of putting them down to get ahead. We share notes, we make jokes, and we check-in to ensure that people are keeping well. Our institution also seems to make mental health a priority and provides support through numerous avenues. It is extremely imperative to value your mental health and honour your process of growth to get through this program. You may not achieve 100% on every exam and you may not be able to place a catheter on your first, second, or even third try, but you will acquire these skills in time with hard work and dedication.
 
4. Ask early.
 
The vet world is small and as such, opportunities in certain areas can be few and far between. So, if you’re interested in a niche area of the profession (e.g. wildlife, equine theriogenology, or what have you), do your research early. I’d recommend making a list of clinics/organisations at which you’d like to gain experience in your first year of veterinary school and asking each of them what they require for application and when that application should be made. Many places will require you to put forth an inquiry over a year in advance. Securing these placements early not only makes life easier in the long run, but it also gives you time to raise the funds necessary to pursue them (especially if they are international programs or paid courses).
 
5. Be ready to be shook.
 
I’ve had many a moment where I’ve questioned my decision to become a vet. Is what we do truly beneficial to society or are we simply flattering the human ego by perpetuating the control of animal life? Many of my peers have not faced this conundrum and remain unjaded; but I believe that healthy reflection of the impact of your desired profession is a necessary thing . The process of acquiring this education will push you outside of your ethical comfort zone and force you to think about the mark you wish to make upon the world. I’d recommend embracing that dissidence and exploring those alternatives as coming to an informed answer will contribute to equipping you to face the difficulties of the world ahead. Question why things are done the way they are and if you have an ideas for improvement, pursue them! We go through veterinary school to learn veterinary medicine, but in reality, the reach of our education is so much greater! Keep your options open to new possibilities as your dreams at the start and end of vet school may differ greatly.
 
From ecstatic peaks of pure revelation to pits of pure, existential angst, veterinary school has pushed me to every limit and stretched the bounds of who I am and what I aspire to be. It is a worthy challenge to pursue and the benefits reaped have been significant! I’ve travelled across the globe, helped birth newborns, seen the slow but steady improvement of critical care cases, successfully revived crashing patients, met peers with varying experiences, and learned a lot more about myself and the world around me. For those ready for the adventure, hang tight, for it’ll be a joyous and memorable ride.
 
Thank you for reading, and good luck on your journey to vet school!
 
Shruti Madhusudan (BSc, BVM&S)
 The Skinny on Attending the R(D)SVS 
Length of Program: 4 years (with previous degree, Graduate Entry Program), 5 years (without previous degree)
 
Academic Outline:

• Year 1: Animal Husbandry, Anatomy, Basic Systems Physiology, Bacteriology/Virology, Evidence Based Veterinary Medicine, and Integrated Problem Solving.
  + 12 weeks of work experience with different types of animals
• Year 2: Clinical Foundation Course (Intro to surgery, oncology, pharmacology, diagnostic imaging, and evidence based veterinary medicine), Pathology, and the Dog and Cat Course.
• Year 3: Farm Animal Medicine, Veterinary Public Health, Equine Medicine, and Exotics Medicine
• Year 4: Clinical Rotations with Core Rotation in every department from June-December and three Selected Rotations (3 weeks each) at the university in the department of your choice.
  + 27 weeks of clinical extramural studies from years 2-4

 
Application: VMCAS or UCAS (Due in September/October) + GRE
 
Class Size: ~140 students
 
Extracurricular Activities: SO MANY! From vet related clubs in anatomy, surgery, ECC, etc., you also have access to societies spanning the entire university. Edinburgh is also an incredibly creative city that hosts a plethora of means to get involved in the greater artistic community if that’s your fancy. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors (climbing, hiking, skiing, sailing, and even surfing are possible in Scotland) and mainland Europe is close enough to make happy weekend getaways, international work experience, and even vet school exchanges (regardless of what school you attend, be sure to check out the IVSA)!

What is Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition characterized by the enlargement of the cardiac chambers that debilitates the ability of the heart to pump blood. As the condition progresses, fluid collects in the lungs, and often leads to heart failure (Case, 2018). Certain breeds of dogs, particularly larger ones such as Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes, are genetically predisposed to the condition, whilst others may have increased susceptibility for diet-related reasons. The lack of an important amino acid, taurine, has been associated with the condition but the mechanisms of how this contributes to the development of DCM is still under investigation.
 
What is Taurine?
Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid synthesized from 2 precursor amino acids, methionine and cysteine, in the central nervous system and liver (Kaplan et al., 2018). It is not incorporated into proteins but is found circulating freely in the blood and in tissues (Case, 2018). It is abundant in the brain, retina, muscle tissues and many other organs. It is also an essential component of bile acids which are released into the gut and used to emulsify (break down into small droplets) fats in food (Hofve, 2019). It is the most abundant free amino acid in the heart and as such, is thought to have a significant role in heart health, including modulation of calcium fluxes necessary for heart muscle contraction (Kaplan et al., 2018).
 
Diet, taurine-deficiency, and DCM;
Although large and giant breeds of dogs tend to produce taurine at a slower rate than smaller breeds, endogenous production is normally sufficient. It was thought that because dogs can meet their own taurine needs endogenously, supplementation is not required as is with cats (Case, 2018; Tôrres et al., 2003). In 1995 however, a veterinary cardiologist showed that a subset of dogs with DCM were taurine deficient (Tôrres et al., 2003). Successive studies demonstrated that with supplementation, many of the heart changes could be fixed (Tôrres et al., 2003). Golden retrievers and American cocker spaniels dominated in these cases, suggesting some breed-specific susceptibility to developing taurine-deficiency (Tôrres et al., 2003; Hofve, 2019). Specific lines of spaniels and retrievers cannot make sufficient amounts of taurine and hence, tend to develop a taurine-dependent form of DCM (Hofve, 2019).
Although DCM is one of the most described clinical manifestations of taurine-deficiency, taurine deficiency also is associated with many other conditions including impaired reproduction, growth restriction, central nervous system dysfunction, ocular blindness, and spinal deformities (Kaplan et al., 2018). With the exception of breed-specific weaknesses in taurine synthesis, canines are usually able to synthesize sufficient amounts of taurine when its precursors are present in adequate amounts within the diet (Tôrres et al., 2003). Studies have found an association between taurine deficiency and commercial lamb-meal and rice diets, particularly in dogs typically not prone to developing a taurine-dependent form of DCM (Tôrres et al., 2003). In addition to lamb having a moderately low level of sulfur-containing amino acids, it is theorized that the poor protein digestibility of some lamb-meals limit the bioavailability — the proportion that enters circulation once introduced into the body — of the precursor amino acids required for taurine synthesis and increase the fecal-loss of taurine (Kaplan et al., 2018; Tôrres et al., 2003).
Additional investigations into dogs with DCM revealed an increased frequency of diets consisting of kangaroo, duck, buffalo, salmon, bison, venison, lentils, peas, fava beans, tapioca, barley, or chickpeas as the major ingredient (Freeman et al., 2018). These diets are characterized as boutique, exotic and grain-free (BEG) and it may be their grain-free nature that gives rise to the apparent link between this type of low taurine diet and DCM (Freeman et al., 2018). Exotic ingredients have different nutritional characteristics and digestibility than regular chicken diets, influencing the normal metabolism of important nutrients in canines (Freeman et al., 2018).
In July 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Centre for Veterinary Medicine launched an investigation into this potential link between the development of canine DCM and grain-free diets. Initial studies found that dogs with DCM that had been eating a grain-free diet, had more advanced heart failure changes compared to those eating a grain-based diet (Freeman et al., 2018). Possible causes that are being explored include absolute deficiency of taurine and other nutrients, altered bioavailability of nutrients and the unintentional addition of toxic ingredients (Freeman et al., 2018). In addition to taurine, BEG diets could also be deficient in important ions and vitamins such as copper, choline, L-carnitine, magnesium, thiamine, vitamin E, or selenium, all of which play important roles in normal cardiac function (Freeman et al., 2018).
 
What can you do for your pet?
The FDA is continuing to investigate the relationship between taurine- deficiency, diet and DCM to identify the causal mechanisms of canine heart failure. Their current recommendations for dogs with suspected diet- associated DCM include changing the diet to one consisting of standard ingredients such as chicken, beef, corn, and wheat (Freeman et al., 2018).
For dogs that require special dietary consideration due to other existing medical conditions, a consultation with a veterinary nutritionist is advised to provide the best possible combination of nutrients for your canine companion (Freeman et al., 2018). Additionally, providing taurine supplementation for individuals that are deficient is crucial as it can reverse cardiac changes and improve function (Freeman et al., 2018).
The heart of the matter is that no conclusions can be made, as of now, about the underlying dietary mechanisms of taurine-dependent DCM. However, given what is known, it is suggested that owners feed their dogs a diet that contains suitable levels of high-quality, animal-sourced proteins.
Most health conditions your pet could face can be prevented by exercising good nutrition. Watch what you are feeding your furry companions to give them the best possible quality of life!

 Akshaya Chandrashekar
FVC Executive 2018-2020, OVC Class of 2024
​
References
Case, L.P. (2018, August 15). DCM in dogs: taurine’s role in the canine diet. Retrieved from: https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/food/dog_food/dcm-in-dogs-taurines-role-in-the-canine-diet/
Freeman, L.M., Stern, J.A., Fries, R., Adin, D.B. & Rush, J.E. (2018, December 1). Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs: what do we know? Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association. 253, 1390-1394. doi: 10.2460/javma.253.11.1390
Hofve, J. (2019, November 3). Taurine, dog food, and heart disease in dogs. Retrieved from: https://www.onlynaturalpet.com/blogs/holistic-healthcare-library/taurine-dog-food-and-heart-disease-in-dogs-1 
Kaplan, J.L., Stern, J.A., Fascetti, A.J., Larsen, J.A., Skolnik, H., Peddle, G.D., Kienle, R.D., Waxman, A., Cocchiaro, M., Gunther-Harrington, C.T., Klose, T., LaFauci, K., Lefbom B., Lamy, M.M., Malakoff, R., Nishimura, S., Oldach, M., Rosenthal, S., Stauthammer, C., O’Sullivan, L., Visser, L., William, R. & Ontiveros, E. (2018, December 13). Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers fed commercial diets. PLOS One. 13(12). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209112
Tôrres, C.L., Backus, R.C., Fascetti, A.J. & Rogers, Q.R. (2003, September 22). Taurine status in normal dogs fed commercial diet associated with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 87(9-10), 359-372. doi: 10.1046/j.1439- 0396.2003.00446.x

If you’re considering studying veterinary medicine abroad, learn a bit more about the process from former OzTrekker and University of Queensland alumni, Reiko Yamazaki-Lai! Reiko reached out to OzTrekk in 2014, interested in pursuing her dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Reiko is now a practicing vet in Australia and OzTrekk could not be more proud of her. A big thank you goes out to Reiko for sharing her story, and we hope you can find inspiration if you’re thinking about taking the next steps. For more information on how to study veterinary medicine in Australia, you can register here for our free admissions guide or check out our website! 
About Dr. Reiko Yamazaki-Lai
When I was in high school in Ontario, I was a part of the co-op program which allowed students to work in an area of expertise they were interested in. At 15, I began working at my local veterinary clinic where my interest and drive to become a veterinarian flourished. In 2014, I graduated from the University of Guelph with a BSc in Animal Biology. My veterinary school journey began in 2015, at the University of Queensland in Australia, through their BVSc (Bachelor of Veterinary Science) program.
 
Why Australia?
People have always asked me, "Why did you go to Australia for vet school?" The real question is, why not? When I didn’t get into OVC (I only applied once) I decided that I would explore my options. At the time, I knew vets who had attended vet school in the Caribbean and I had attended a few seminars about that application process. But I was slowly becoming more interested in what Australia had to offer. Personally, moving far away from home for vet school was enticing; I had always been an independent person with a thirst for adventure and trying new things.
The University of Queensland is the perfect place for someone who doesn’t like being cold. In Queensland, summers are hot and humid (30-45 degrees) and winters can fluctuate between 5 degrees in the morning and 25 degrees during the day. The veterinary school is located in a rural town around an hour inland from Brisbane. This is the perfect place for a veterinary school because you are surrounded by farms and animals. If you’re lucky, you may encounter a kangaroo or wallaby in the early mornings as you drive to school.
(Speaking of driving, it’s a lot easier than you think to drive on the left, or “wrong” side of the road. I remember the first few weeks of driving, I found myself saying, “left, left, left,” to remind myself not to veer onto the right-hand side of the road. As a Canadian, my Ontario license was also immediately transferable to a Queensland one.)
Another question that often comes up is: “What’s the difference between Australia and Canada?” Here are a few differences I discovered upon moving to Australia:

• Fruits and vegetables are sold by the kilogram, which initially made me think everything was super expensive!
• Tax (GST) is included in the price of everything, so the price on the sticker is the price of the item.
• Most people drive manual cars and some of my friends thought it was ridiculous that I only knew how to drive automatic.

 
How Do You Get Connected With Oztrekk?
While I was at Guelph, getting in contact with the people from Oztrekk was easy. A few times a month, they had a booth at the University Centre on-campus. Oztrekk made the application process incredibly simple and stress-free. However, I did do my own research to find out more about the University of Queensland, the University of Sydney and Melbourne University. These three universities are AVMA-accredited, which is incredibly important for those who will move back to North America after graduation.
 
Which Veterinary School Is Best For You?
Now I understand that financially speaking, not everyone has the means to move to another country. But, where there’s a will, there’s a way! When I compared moving to Australia vs. the US or the Caribbean, financially speaking, everything was pretty similar. There are many financial options out there, so make sure that you are proactive and do your research before deciding which place is best for you. Most importantly, ensure that you choose a place that suits your needs, lifestyle and where you can see yourself living for 4+ years.
For me, when I was making my decision to move to Australia, I took a week to decide how badly I wanted to become a veterinarian. Would I be able to take the risk of re-applying to the OVC and not getting in? Or would I be able to adapt to a life in another country, away from friends and family? Ultimately, my decision was based on what I was willing to do to pursue the career I had always wanted. You need to think to yourself, how badly do you want this? Are you willing to make some sacrifices to pursue your dream of becoming a veterinarian? All these important questions you need to ask yourself when deciding if an international veterinary school is right for you.
 
Program Specifics

I spent 5 years at the University of Queensland and graduated in 2019 with my BVSc (Bachelor of Veterinary Science). If you’re worried about being an older student doing this degree, don’t be! This program caters to people from all over the world at different stages of life, all coming together with the common goal of becoming a veterinarian. The university itself also has state of the art facilities and veterinary specialists to match, all which are there to help guide you through the program.
Overall, your first year is spent figuring out how to study efficiently, meeting new people, making friends, and joining extracurriculars. After first year, UQ makes it a priority that vet students do mandatory placement at equine facilities and dairy, beef and sheep farms.
It is essential as a veterinarian to have an appreciation for farmers, and to better understand the dedication it takes to raise their animals. As students, we received quad-bike training, as most farmers herd their animals using quad bikes or on horseback. As someone who grew up in the city, all of this was new to me but I enjoyed every second of it. My favourite placement was the time I spent at a robotic dairy farm, one of the few in the area at the time. These placements are done during your holidays and are a requirement to finish by end of first semester of third year.
Another aspect that makes the University of Queensland slightly different from North American veterinary schools is the oral exams (VIVAs). These are required in third and fifth year. Despite how scary these exams sound, I truly believe that they have made me a better veterinarian. The VIVAs provided me with the ability to rapidly process information about a case and decipher the important information pertinent to the patient.

 
Extracurriculars
Besides travelling around Australia during my holidays, I also strived to be a part of as many clubs as I could. Being able to make veterinary school a positive experience for me and my fellow students was important. I found that being a part of these clubs allowed me to focus on other aspects of veterinary school besides academics. It’s all about balance! Here are a few of my most memorable experiences:

1. Student member of the UQ Veterinary School Admissions Committee – Being the voice of current students and their experiences in the application process, as well as shaping the application process for future students.
2. President and Treasurer of the UQ chapter of Vets Beyond Borders (VBB) – Fundraising for the VBB organization and ensuring students have an understanding of what it takes to partake in veterinary field medicine worldwide.
3. UQ Veterinary School Career and Business workshop coordinator – Coordinating job fairs and workshops for fifth year students as they seek out careers within the veterinary profession.
4. UQ student representative for VetPrep – Providing fellow students with information about taking the NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination) and how VetPrep can help. 

 
Clinical Year
My final year was the best part of veterinary school because it provided me with the opportunity to put everything I had learned into practice. As a student, fifth year was the first time I was able to work alongside veterinary specialists as colleagues. It was the longest, most tiring, but most fun year of veterinary school. Since I am interested in the avian and exotics specialty, in fifth year I had the opportunity to do placements at the Sea Life Aquarium in Melbourne, and at avian and exotics clinics in Brisbane and New Zealand. My other interests lie in field medicine, so as part of my clinical elective I spent 4 weeks in an Aboriginal community in Queensland. There, I participated in a spay and neuter clinic for local animals and provided educational sessions for children from the local elementary school.

Life After Vet School
Since graduating in 2019, I made the decision not to move back to Canada. Instead, I decided to remain in Australia, moving from Queensland to New South Wales to join a small animal general practice. The team I work with is an incredibly supportive group of veterinarians and nurses who have become part of my family. At this clinic, we do a lot of general and orthopaedic surgeries, sport medicine, and work alongside local rescue and wildlife groups as well. I have learnt so much these past few months and I continue to do so every day.