Around the WCVM: October 2013

Fourth-year veterinary student Becky Gilday. Photo: Myrna MacDonald.

Here’s a roundup of news briefs covering recent equine-related activities and achievements of student, faculty, staff, alumni and others who are linked to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).

Equine scholarships: Fourth-year student, Becky Gilday of Carvel, Alta., was the recipient of an educational scholarship sponsored by the Alberta Equestrian Federation and Capri Insurance.

The $1,500 annual scholarship is aimed at students who are studying in equine-related fields.

Before coming to the WCVM, Gilday completed two years of pre-veterinary medicine at the University of Alberta and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (French language and literature, English).

For the past two years, she has been the student representative on the management committee for the WCVM Equine Health Research Fund and has focused her efforts on gaining a wide range of equine health experience before graduating in 2014.

Fourth-year veterinary student Amy Ayers. Photo: Kim Ayers.

Another fourth-year veterinary student, Amy Ayers, was among a group of 36 North American veterinary students who received financial support through the 2013 Winner’s Circle Scholarship Program. The scholarships are co-sponsored by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation, Platinum Performance and The Race for Education.

One scholarship recipient was selected from each of the AAEP’s 36 student chapters in Canada and the United States. Depending on their financial need, the students received scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. Students are nominated from each chapter and selected for scholarships based on their leadership roles and dedication to a future in equine health care.

Ayers, originally from Lillooet, B.C., completed a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry at the University of Northern B.C. before coming to the WCVM. An accomplished rider and trainer, Ayers enjoys a range of activities with horses including reining and barrel racing. She has also been an active member of the WCVM’s student AAEP chapter throughout her time at the WCVM.

Horse health talks in Mexico: In mid-October, equine surgeon and WCVM professor Dr. David Wilson travelled to the central Mexican city of Queretaro to speak at the 2013 Annual Congress of “La Asociacion Mexicana de Medicos Veterinarios Especialistas en Equinos A.C.” — Mexico’s equivalent of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

During his time in Mexico, Wilson gave four equine surgery presentations on the following topics: laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy, management of rectal tears, pastern arthrodesis and general arthrodesis for other areas. The annual four-day conference drew nearly 1,000 veterinarians, students and technical staff to the picturesque city.