Guelph to Host Student Vet Symposium
January 10, 2008 - News Release
Some of Canada's future leaders in veterinary medicine, research and public health will converge on Guelph for the 2008 Students of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Symposium Jan. 16 to 19.
About 300 students from the nation's four veterinary colleges are expected to take part in the four-day event hosted by the Ontario Veterinary College.
“The goal is to present unique networking and career-building opportunities that aren't offered in the regular DVM curriculum,” said third-year OVC student Scarlett Magda, chair of the symposium. “This is achieved through offering a diverse series of labs, tours and lectures by world-renowned speakers and various social events."
The theme of the symposium is “The Veterinarians of Today, the Leaders of Tomorrow.” Keynote speaker is Shawn McVey, executive director of Eye Clinic for Animals, which provides ophthalmic care for companion animals throughout the United States. He will discuss emotional intelligence and veterinary medicine.
Other symposium highlights include an update on opportunities in the Canadian Veterinary Reserve; lectures on topics such as ecosystem health, animal welfare and public health; tours of OVC facilities; and hands-on sessions with some of the college’s leading clinicians and researchers. Social events include a hockey tournament, a scavenger hunt in downtown Guelph and a formal gala.
“The symposium gives students a chance to see the profession from countless angles and realize the various options that will be available to them upon graduation,” said Magda. "It's also a great opportunity to promote OVC and the University of Guelph, meet other Canadian veterinary students and network with the top leaders in the profession."
The event is being supported by Scotiabank, with assistance from Hill's Pet Nutrition and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. More information is available online.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, l.hunt@exec.uoguelph.ca or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982, d.healey@exec.uoguelph.ca
