More than 190 veterinary students from across Canada recently gathered at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) to mark the 2023 Students of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA) Symposium.

Hosted at the University of Prince Edward Island from Jan. 19 to 21, the annual event invited DVM students attending Canada’s five veterinary colleges to come together, exchange ideas, develop and practice new skills, and learn more about the profession.

“We were so pleased to welcome our colleagues from across the country, show them our beautiful province, and have the opportunity to introduce them to the great work and research happening at the Atlantic Veterinary College,” says the event’s lead organizer and DVM student, Lindsay Gallant. “This was the first time since 2019 the symposium was held in person, which meant we were able to offer hands-on learning and provide an opportunity to connect more meaningfully with speakers and other veterinary students.”

Participants from AVC, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire (Université de Montréal), Ontario Veterinary College (University of Guelph), Western College of Veterinary Medicine (University of Saskatchewan), and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (University of Calgary) participated in wet labs and attended guest presentations and lectures, facilitated by AVC faculty and staff, as well as other experts in the field of veterinary medicine.

The event concluded with a black-tie gala, featuring a keynote presentation from AVC’s assistant dean of clinical and professional programming, Heather Gunn-McQuillan, DVM.

“Our chosen career path is both challenging and incredibly rewarding,” Dr. Gallant says. “Making connections with our colleagues and industry partners across the country is important, as they will be a source of knowledge and support throughout our careers.”