May 16, 2024

A passion for veterinary medicine

Learning and connecting at an international conference
Paige Babin (right), Kate Kennedy (left)
Kate Kennedy (left), Paige Babin (right)

I am grateful to have received the Scholars Academy Career and Professional Development Award. This award helped fund my travel to Las Vegas over February reading week to attend the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC). This conference allowed me to expand my educational experiences beyond the classroom.  

As an aspiring veterinarian, attending the WVC opened my eyes to a broad range of new experiences in the field. This veterinary conference is recognized as one of the largest in North America and attracts esteemed veterinarians, technicians and veterinary companies worldwide.  

During the event, I attended many lectures that covered topics from exotic animal medicine to the latest technological advancements shaping the field. This allowed making new connections with leading veterinarians, and I gained valuable insights into the various career paths available in the field. One of my highlights from the conference was a presentation from the CEO of Worldwide Vets, who discussed her mission of providing mobile veterinary services to animals affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Another standout moment was my involvement in a hands-on case study focusing on animal behaviour, which affirmed my passion for this area of veterinary medicine. 

Thanks to this award, I established valuable academic connections with professionals across the United States and Canada. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity it provided to broaden my network and enhance my professional growth.