Profiles
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Specialist returns to WCVM roots
Thirty-one years after graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Dr. Gregory Starrak is glad to be back as a new addition to the veterinary college’s faculty. “I always wanted to come back here,” says Starrak, who joined the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences as an associate professor of medical imaging in early April 2012. “The profession …
May 31st, 2012 Full story »
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Student takes closer look at blastomycosis
With a strong interest in internal medicine, Susan Mehain of North Vancouver, B.C., has been thoroughly enjoying her experience at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). “It’s great to meet other students who share your interests,” says the veterinary student. “And the opportunity to be around some remarkable clinicians and researchers here is really amazing.” One of Mehain’s favourite …
May 29th, 2012 Full story »
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Pets leave impression on Edmonton couple
Jim Dobie and his wife Terri Schindel first met while walking their dogs. “I had a golden retriever and Terri had two Welsh springer spaniels – it was kind of a Brady bunch as far as a fused household,” Dobie recalls. The couple now live in Edmonton, Alta., where Dobie is employed as a senior associate with an architectural firm …
May 18th, 2012 Full story »
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“Santa Paws for Pets” backs pet research
For one day every December, Winnipeg veterinarian Dr. Gord Goodridge (WCVM ’75) trades in his stethoscope for a red velvet suit and plays Ol’ St. Nick at the Centennial Animal Hospital’s annual Christmas fundraiser. But while other Santa Clauses bestow their “Ho Ho Hos” on young children, Goodridge shares his lap with a variety of furry, four-legged creatures during the …
April 11th, 2012 Full story »
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Veterinary medicine a family passion
“Veterinary medicine is a passion for me: my work makes my life whole and gives me purpose,” says Dr. Eiltie (Elly) Holowaychuk. “I like nothing better than making a client’s day – having that miracle that we’re always looking for actually happen.” That passion along with a firm belief in hard work has been the driving force behind the career …
April 04th, 2012 Full story »
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Love of animals leads to student’s future
Taxidermy and veterinary medicine may have little in common, but when Cassie Tompson took an aptitude test in her first year of university, her love of animals and attention to detail pointed to a career in the art of preserving animals for display. Instead, she took her aptitude for science and love of animals and is now in her first …
March 28th, 2012 Full story »
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WCVM students journey beyond borders
Veterinarians Without Borders/Vétérinaires sans Frontières (VWB/VSF – Canada) has selected six students from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine to be part of its 12-member student program for 2012. This summer, WCVM students Colin Taylor, Rebecca Jackson, Graham Ellingsen, Andrea Pellegrino, Morgan Findlay and Steve Kruzeniski will travel to Asia, South America and Africa as volunteers for the global veterinary …
March 01st, 2012 Full story »
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Making the world a better place
For Judy Davis of Vancouver, B.C., a typical week is packed with volunteer activities. Even though she’s been retired for several years, the busy octogenarian divides her time among a wide variety of community organizations including a seniors’ centre as well as a health information and referral centre. Another organization on her regular volunteer list is the University of British …
February 03rd, 2012 Full story »
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ICU technician earns prestigious certification
Melissa Underhill is the latest staff member at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine to successfully earn her certification as a veterinary technician specialist in emergency and critical care. Underhill, who has worked for two years in the small animal intensive care unit (ICU) at the veterinary college’s Veterinary Medical Centre, is the second WCVM staff member to be certified …
December 12th, 2011 Full story »
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Veterinary graduate’s story inspires students
When her high school guidance counsellor told her that striving for a career in veterinary medicine was a waste of time, Dr. Candace Grier-Lowe nearly believed him. “I wasn’t seriously thinking about university at the time,” she explains. “I was a horrible student – more interested in being a teenager and having fun – so I can understand why he …
November 30th, 2011 Full story »
