First Group of Northern Students Starts Vet Program at OVC

This September, the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph will welcome its first Northern Cohort-20 students from Northern Ontario starting their path to becoming veterinarians through the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP), an innovative partnership between the University of Guelph and Lakehead University.  

This cohort marks an important step in a province-wide effort to tackle the shortage of veterinary care in Northern Ontario. The lack of access to veterinary services for companion animals, farm animals, and in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities is contributing to a growing animal health and welfare crisis across Northern Ontario. 

Over the next four years, these northern students will train at OVC with hopes of returning to their home communities to provide essential, accessible, and culturally appropriate veterinary care. The CDVMP is backed by $14.7 million in funding from the Government of Ontario designated for new infrastructure on each campus to support this collaborative program. 

“These students have strong connections to Northern Ontario, a passion for service, and a dedication to enhancing animal health and welfare,” says Dr. Jeff Wichtel, dean of the Ontario Veterinary College. “We’re proud to support their journey and contribute to a long-term solution that boosts veterinary capacity throughout the province.” 

Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 

The CDVMP merges OVC’s globally recognized veterinary education with Lakehead University’s 60-year history of supporting northern, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Together, these institutions are breaking down barriers to education and creating a talent pool of skilled professionals ready to serve the North. 

“I’m excited to see the first cohort of the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program start their studies at the Ontario Veterinary College,” says Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. 

“By supporting new construction and expanding the College’s capacity, our government is helping more students from Northern Ontario gain the training they need for fulfilling careers in veterinary medicine while ensuring animal health across our province and boosting our economy.”  

Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security adds that veterinarians in Ontario’s North play an essential role in keeping pets healthy as well as businesses and livestock thriving. 

“Our government proudly welcomes this first group of students in the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program which will equip them with necessary skills for providing excellent animal care in Northern Ontario for many years ahead.” 

University of Guelph-Lakehead University Partnership

Students will participate in hands-on learning experiences while collaborating with local veterinarians as well as completing specialized coursework designed specifically for northern practice. Graduates will earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Guelph. 

While Lakehead University works on building new facilities for this program, both initial cohorts (2025 and 2026) will complete all four years at Guelph’s campus. Starting in 2027, it’s expected that students will begin their studies at Lakehead’s Thunder Bay campus before finishing up their program at OVC.

“Watching this inaugural Northern Cohort kick off their veterinary studies at OVC this fall is truly remarkable,” said Dr. Gillian Balfour, Provost and Vice-President Academic at Lakehead University.

“Lakehead feels proud yet optimistic as we celebrate this new academic year- one that’s set to bring real positive change for people alongside animals throughout northern Ontario; we’re eager about welcoming future cohorts into our upcoming facilities located within Thunder Bay.”

The journey kicks off on Sept. 2 with OVC’s Orientation Week wrapping up on Sept. 7 during which every student receives a blue lab coat along with stethoscope marking their commencement into DVM training.

Meet Some Students from the Northern Cohort  

Shanelle Berthier (Timmins)

Shanelle studied at Prince Edward Island’s university while gaining experience working alongside Atlantic Veterinary College Teaching Hospital as well as being involved on a dairy farm too! “I’ve seen firsthand how limited access can impact veterinary services,” she shares passionately; “my aim is bringing back knowledge acquired so I may enhance animal welfare plus provide emergency services.”

Paris Fuzy (Corbeil)

Having grown up surrounded by horses along with various farm animals led Paris discovering her true passion lies within rural mixed practice during her time studying Animal Biology through Uof G’s Agricultural college program saying: “I’m thrilled about being able serve both large & small creatures around Nipissing District where I spent my childhood!”

Julia Heyder (Thunder Bay)

A proud graduate from Uof G herself – Julia has significant experience involving wildlife rehabilitation plus enjoys working closely within shelter medicine: “My goal involves providing accessible & affordable vet services specifically tailored towards rural regions found throughout Northwestern Ont!” she states enthusiastically adding further hopes addressing stray populations especially underserved areas alongside contributing effectively towards solving ongoing crises related directly concerning veterinarian care faced within her region!

Aiden Lehto (Thunder Bay)

Deeply rooted inside his own community; Aiden grew up enjoying outdoor activities like hockey or football: “Being part Of The First Ever Northern Cohort here At OVC fills me With Honor” he says excitedly looking forward meeting classmates while progressing onward toward becoming qualified veterinarian serving them upon return back home eventually someday!” His dream? To open up own clinic based right there In Thunder Bay !

Emily Van Rassel (Sudbury)

Passionate advocate representing not only fellow northern students but LGBTQ+ community too; Emily values unique landscapes accompanied by tight-knit connections formed among those living nearby aiming amplify voices rarely heard inside field relating back toward vet medicine whilst establishing strong bonds clients alongside furry friends residing nearby regions.

Building Capacity For The North

The formation Of This Newest Cohort serves As A Foundation For Collaboration Throughout Doctor Of Veterinary Med Program Designed Specifically Recruit Train Students Hailing From Ontario Who’re Committed Returning Home After Graduation.

“These pupils represent Future Developments Concerning Care Provided Within North,” Stated Dr. Joanne Hewson Associate Dean Responsible Academic Affairs At OV C.“Their Stories Showcase Resilience Compassion Leadership qualities Essential Shaping Profession Years Ahead!”.

More information about The CD V M P And Its Related Northern Co hort

Contact :

Ontario Veterinary College Communications
Email : ovc. communications@uoguelph. ca
Phone :647 -828 -6441
Lake head Media Relations
Email : mediarelations@lake headu. ca
Phone :(807 )343 -8944

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