Veterinary Industry Advocacy

Hope, a fourth-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, attended the biennial Texas Veterinary Medical Association’s Advocacy Lab and Capitol Visitation Day.

During the two-day event, Hope joined fellow professional students and VMBS faculty at the Texas State Capitol in Austin to meet with lawmakers and discuss policies related to the veterinary industry.

VMBS faculty, staff, and students stand inside the Texas State Capitol giving a thumbs up.
Hope and her peer take a selfie as they smile in front of the Texas State Capitol building.
Hope stands with four other individuals posing in front of the Texas State Capitol building.

Recharging Passions

Karenne, a second-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, is spending her summer recharing her passions — both in an out of the classroom.

Over winter break, Karenne visited Big Bend National Park, and began completing her goal of visiting all the national parks within the U.S. This summer, she is eager to visit Yellowstone National Park and check it off her list!

Karenne is also participating in the rural veterinary externship. With most of her prior experience in small animal medicine, she is excited to broaden her horizons and deepen her passion for veterinary medicine.

Four individuals riding horses in a desert landscape with mountains in the background.

Earning The Aggie Ring

Sarah, a third-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, earned her Aggie gold!

Since Sarah didn’t attend Texas A&M for her undergraduate degree, one of the traditions she was most looking forward to was earning her Aggie ring.

After completing two years of veterinary school, she met the 65 hours required for professional students and was able to celebrate ring day with fellow DVM students!

Sarah stands with two friends, all giving a thumbs up, in front of a celebratory Ring Day banner with decorative symbols including a booth, disco ball, and the veterinary medicine symbol.
Sarah stands with three individuals, all giving thumbs up, with the Texas A&M University stadium in the background.
Four people smiling and giving a thumbs up to the camera, showcasing rings on their thumbs, with a focus on the rings and a blurred background. They are dressed in formal attire.

Blazing A Unique Trail

Grace, an animal science major and VMBS ambassador, is blazing her own trail as an Army cadet while pursing her dream of becoming a mixed animal veterinarian.

She is a proud member of the Corp of Cadets, contracted in the U.S. army, one of the few cadets selected to attended Army Air Assault School, and a member of the Corps Ranger Challenge team. Outside of serving the country, Grace has worked as a veterinary assistant and spent a summer working on a deer and exotic animal ranch.

Whether caring for animals or training with the challenge team, Grace embodies selfless service.

Grace smiles as she holds a small kangaroo in a grass enclosure.
Grace and her friend smile for a selfie in camouflage with other soldiers in the background in a forested area.
Grace stands in camouflage in front of a large wall that reads "The Air Assault School" with a graphic of a helicopter with wings in the middle.
Graces smiles at a young deer she holds in her arms in a grassy enclosure.

Managing Stress

Annabelle, a second-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, has found small but meaningful ways to manage stress during vet school.

Each day, Annabelle spends time unwinding with her dogs, Eloise and Gus, on walks or playing outside. Studying with friends has also brightened her days.

These small moments have helped Annabelle relax and recharge as she has begun her veterinary school journey.

Annabelle takes a selfie with two friends. One is holding an iPad displaying a scientific presentation.
Two golden retrievers, Eloise and Gus, sit on a gravel road with a sunset in the background.

Prioritizing Fitness

Sarina, a fourth-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, is hitting the textbooks and the gym!

With a passion for both veterinary medicine and powerlifting, Sarina has made fitness a priority during her time in vet school. This spring, she achieved her goal of competing in a powerlifting competition!

Sarina stands, smiling, while holding medals in each hand. She in inside a gym and wearing athletic shorts and a black jacket.
Sarina squats with a barbell and weights in a powerlifting competition with spotters standing by assisting.

Learning About Outreach and Education

Claire, a third-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, gained experience in zoological veterinary medicine and animal outreach during her time as an animal ambassador at the Dallas Zoo!

Claire assisted veterinarians with procedures including radiographic imaging, acupuncture, laser therapy, and more.

She also worked with zoologists to travel across the Dallas-Fort Worth area to present interactive presentations on animals, conservation initiatives, and environmental awareness.

Claire stands, smiling, holding an owl on a gloved hand in front of a gray wall.
Claire stands smiling with a porcupine in a conference room.
Claire stands with thumbs up in front of a banner that reads "National Zookeeper Appreciation Week" with a graphic of a giraffe, held up on a wood fence.

Research Collaboration

Connor, a biomedical sciences graduate student and VMBS ambassador, participated in the second annual BioMed-a-thon!

Hosted by the Biomedical Sciences Association, the BioMed-a-thon is a 48-hour intensive research competition that incorporated skills from various disciplines — including healthcare, engineering, law, biotechnology, and business.

The event was a great opportunity for Connor and fellow students to connect with mentors as they worked together to solve problems and develop innovative solutions.

Five adults standing side by side and smiling for a group photo in front of a whiteboard. One person is wearing a badge with the logo "BSA.

Large Animal Labs

Susie, a second-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, and her friends participated in hands-on learning experiences during their first year of veterinary school!

Prior to veterinary school, Susie did not have lots of experience with large animals, however the labs with the veterinary school teaching herds allowed her to feel comfortable working with large animals.

Three veterinary students stand in scrubs and muck boots in front of an exterior staircase

Researching Antimicrobial Resistance

Emma, a master’s student in the veterinary public health and epidemiology program, spent the semester working on her directed study.

In her study, Emma researched antimicrobial resistance by studying multi-drug resistant microbes in recreational environments. This experiences allowed Emma to learn essential lab protocols and gain a deep appreciation for the vital role environmental research plays in understanding and combating antimicrobial resistance.

Emma hopes to utilize her new skills to pioneer innovative strategies that protect animal and human health!

Emma presents her research in a classroom with a screen next to her that displays her research findings.