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.

Exploring New Opportunities

Madison, a first-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, grew up knowing she wanted to work with horses and become and equine surgeon.

However, during her first year of vet school, she joined several clubs such as the Equine Practitioner Club, the Zoo, Exotics, and Wildlife club, and others to find out more about the different facets of large animal medicine!

Madison is eager to keep an open mind and she continues to learn about the variety of opportunities within veterinary medicine.

Madison stands in maroon scrubs in front of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
Madison stands with her arms in the air under a sign that says "College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences" in an outdoor courtyard.

The Untraditional Path

Anna, a first-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, didn’t take a traditional path to veterinary school.

Prior to beginning her DVM program at the VMBS, Anna moved to Texas for a research opportunity in the Rio Grande Valley. She studied road ecology, specifically the movement of ocelots and bobcats around highways.

While completing her research, Anna spent her free time interning at a local zoo, helping with wildlife rehabilitation and caring for sick zoo animals. She also volunteered with Sea Turtle Inc. and a bird banding project.

All of these hands-on experiences led Anna to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine in Texas!

Anna stands holding a bird she banded on a dirt path with trees in the background
Anna stands behind a podium presenting her research in a classroom

Anna and fellow volunteers release sea turtle hatchlings into the ocean
Anna stands in a grassy field holding research equipment as she conducts field work

Anna stands in front a screen presenting her research thesis

Gap Year Benefits

Niya, a first-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, was nervous to take a gap year. However, the experience she gained during this period has equipped her to become a better veterinarian!

Niya spent her gap year working for a medical device company, Enova Illumination, where she learned the importance of ergonomic medical equipment and how it contributes to a healthier lifestyle as a veterinarian.

During her gap year, Niya increased her professional skills and learned how to speak confidently in front of large audiences, all skills that have aided her as she has begun her career in veterinary medicine.

Niya poses with her goldendooble outside the VMBS building
Niya and her colleague stand in front of a trade show booth for Enova Illumination

Combining Traveling and Learning

Katie, a third-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, reflects on the unique opportunities that externships provide for traveling and experiencing differences in medicine across the states!

Katie participated in two externships in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Denver, Colorado. Traveling between the two locations allowed Katie to visit 5 National Parks and 3 State Parks in a short 7 days!

In addition to the scenic views, Katie was able to network with veterinarians and learn about regional differences that impact animal health. She also got to further develop her clinical skills and practice effective communication with clients.

Katie stands, smiling, at an overlook with a river and canyon walls in the background
Katie sits, smiling, on a rock with a large canyon in the background under bright blue skies

Katie stands smiling, with the Hoover Dam in the background under blue sky

Exploring Equine Dentistry

Grace, a second-year veterinary student, has found a passion for equine dentistry through her involvement with the Equine Practitioner club.

During an immersive three-day workshop, Grace learned about the tools and technique needed to float horses’ teeth. Horses can’t naturally file down their teeth, so floating, a specialized dental procedure, helps smooth down sharp and uneven edges.

“This training didn’t just fill my mind with information; it ignited a passion for helping horses in my community,” Grace said.

Following the training, Grace has partnered with a local stable to help float horses’ teeth and put these skills into action during an externship!

Grace holds a dental drill inside an equine barn

Beginning Vet School

Seth, a first-year veterinary student, has enjoyed the start of his academic journey at the VMBS! He has met peers in his courses that share the same passion and love for veterinary medicine, and he is eager for what the future holds.

“Each day brings something new, engaging lectures, hands-on labs, and moments that remind me why I chose this path,” Seth said. “I’m excited to take in every experience, build lifelong friendships, and grow into the veterinarian I aspire to be.”

Seth standing outside the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences building, smiling and holding a thumbs up

Gaining Equine Experience

Allie, a first-year veterinary student, supported her peers by volunteering at the Student Chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners Equine Wet Lab.

Allie worked in the Emergency and Critical Care area, where she was able to learn about life-saving procedures in critical situations. She also attended a job fair that featured more than 50 equine practices from across the country.

Allie stands next to tall promotional banner inside a barn
Allie stands with Dr. Dustin Major and two other peers in the Emergency and Critical Care area at the Equine Wet Lab
Allie stands with two veterinary students at the Equine Practice Career Fair

Finding Friendship in Vet School

Priya, a first-year veterinary student, has found that a strong community is an important foundation for transitioning into vet school.

When beginning her first year of vet school, Priya was excited yet nervous for the unknown she was facing. But she soon found a community of friends, faculty, and staff at the college who encouraged her every step of the way — both inside and outside the classroom.

“The wisdom of others is invaluable,” Priya said. “I encourage anyone who has a dream to reach out to people who have gone before them and to soak in their advice.

“These are people I know that I’ll be in touch with after we graduate, and that is something I’ll be grateful for forever.”

Priya and three of her friends stand together smiling in a parking lot with vehicles in the background