Students
A passion for pets
February 14th, 2023
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Growing up in the French countryside, Dr. Mathieu Paulin was always surrounded by pets of all kinds including dogs, a goat and many ducks. While a love for animals was a constant in his life, it wasn’t until Paulin reached adulthood that he considered a career as a veterinarian — a job that would allow him to combine his interest …
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Award assists feline-focused student
Most people travel to tropical islands for some relaxation — but Michelle Lange is not like most people. While vacationing on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten in 2005, Lange noticed an overpopulation of stray and feral cats and dogs. She connected with local rescue groups to help out, and after that, Lange was hooked. For the next five years, she …
November 05th, 2015 Full story »
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CAHF fellow helps fungus-filled dogs
Physicians use the drug voriconazole in their human patients to cure fungal infections in difficult-to-treat sites and to combat fungal diseases such as systemic aspergillosis. But can this anti-fungal drug be used in dogs? While the use of voriconazole in dogs hasn’t been extensively studied, the drug does offer advantages over other medications. “This drug has a very good penetration …
September 19th, 2013 Full story »
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Clinical pathology career a custom fit
Originally from Spruce Grove, Alta., Dr. Melissa Meachem grew up among all kinds of animals ranging from the family dog to the cows, horses and sheep at her grandparents’ farm. But the thought of a career as a veterinarian never entered her mind until her second year of undergraduate studies at the University of Alberta (U of A). “I studied …
September 19th, 2012 Full story »
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Small animal surgery clicked with Plesman
Dr. Rhea Plesman developed her keen interest in veterinary medicine while growing up on a feedlot operation in Coaldale, Alta. “I really loved the farm and I wanted to have a career that was related to it,” says the 2008 Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) graduate. Given her background, Plesman initially intended to focus on bovine medicine. But during …
July 17th, 2012 Full story »
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Cancer research piques clinician’s curiosity
When Dr. Kirsty Elliot decided to return to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) for specialized training, the veterinary oncology resident initially thought her focus would be on clinical research. But after hearing more about WCVM professor Dr. Vikram Misra’s ongoing cancer research, she decided to experience the other end of the spectrum – benchtop work in a laboratory …
July 03rd, 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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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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Family dog’s injury led to veterinary career
When Tegan Alce of Victoria, B.C., applied to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), she was initially put on the alternate list. Afraid that she’d never get in, Alce scheduled a counselling appointment with Elaine Angielski, the WCVM’s administrative officer for admissions at the time. But before Alce could ask how she could improve her chances of being accepted, …
August 16th, 2011 Full story »
