Calgary, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) Future veterinarians gained hands-on training at the Youth Veterinary Science Challenge, an event designed to encourage youth to pursue careers critical to agriculture and animal health.
The Youth Veterinary Science Challenge is a collaboration between the Calgary Stampede and the University of Calgary (UCalgary) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). This two-day event aims to help students gain hands-on experience and practical skills within the veterinary sector.
“I really want to be a vet, so this is impacting my future; this event is really leading me up to that,” said participant Maggie Heisler.
Heisler drove three hours to take part in the event and develop the skills she hopes will benefit her future career.
Participants completed training in wound closure, diagnostic imaging, and equine training with live horses. During training, participants also completed a lab focused on preventing the spread of common livestock infections such as Cryptosporidium, which can affect both animals and humans and create challenges for agricultural producers.
Returning participant Alisha Standing believes that the decontamination process was an insightful and important activity during the event.
“It’s the process of trying not to bring diseases to other areas and trying to keep everyone safe, including yourself,” Standing says.
Heather Mitchell-Matheson, community engagement and outreach coordinator for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, says that because attendees come from both urban and rural backgrounds, the event helps broaden perspectives on animal and human health.
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Christina Barnes, Director of Agriculture and Western Events for the Calgary Stampede, says that because becoming a veterinarian requires extensive education and training, it’s important for youth to gain hands-on experience in the field.
“If animals are healthy, they are producing at their best; they’re competing at their best,” Barnes says, “whether it’s at the Stampede Rodeo or it’s at somebody’s ranch or farm, we rely heavily on veterinarians to ensure that that’s the case.”
Mitchell-Matheson believes events like this can help shape the future of the animal health workforce. She says that the agricultural sector needs not only veterinarians and veterinary technologists but also researchers, policy makers and veterinary assistants.
“Our hope is that we inspire some, if not all, of these participants today to take up a career in the animal health profession,” Mitchell-Matheson says.
Barnes hopes the event will continue to grow without compromising the hands-on learning opportunities that allow students to work directly with industry experts. She says the program gives youth a valuable look at the skills and career paths needed to support animal health and agriculture.
