CVMA Student Leadership Award Recipients

Julia Skinner is a fourth-year veterinary student at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC). Since her first year, she has been actively involved in leadership roles, serving as class executive secretary, Society of Atlantic Veterinary Students (SAVS) treasurer in her second year, and SAVS president in her third year. Julia is grateful to her classmates for nominating her for this award and for the AVC community’s support in allowing her to serve in these roles over the past four years.

Originally from Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador, Julia earned her Bachelor of Engineering from Memorial University, where she participated in her class graduation committee and volunteered at multiple school events. She later attended Dalhousie University in Truro, Nova Scotia, before pursuing veterinary medicine at AVC, continuing to volunteer at school events such as the DAL AC Open House. At AVC, Julia stayed actively involved by serving on executive committees, volunteering at numerous events, and working two summers as a coordinator for the Dr. Tim Ogilvie Vet Camps. She particularly values the connections she has built with classmates and the broader AVC community, and she especially enjoyed engaging with the public during AVC Open House events.

After graduation, Julia plans to work in small animal general practice on Prince Edward Island and looks forward to spending more summers at the beach. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, cuddling her two dogs, and exploring PEI’s beautiful trails with her partner.

Laurence Banville is a fourth-year student at the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire at the Université de Montréal (FMV) and is enrolled in the joint DMV and Master of Veterinary Science program. Originally from Montréal and a graduate in Animal Health Technology, she aspires to complete a residency in anatomical pathology and pursue a career that combines pathology, teaching, and involvement in community veterinary medicine.

Since the beginning of her DMV studies, Laurence has been actively involved in improving student conditions and developing the veterinary profession. Elected Coordinator of External and Sociopolitical Affairs for the Association étudiante en médecine vétérinaire du Québec (AEMVQ) (2022-2026), she contributed to the implementation of several initiatives, including the creation of new scholarships and the organization of conferences on various issues and professional networking activities, in addition to participating in projects related to mentoring new graduates and mental health. She represents the student community by serving on the board of directors of the Association des médecins vétérinaires du Québec (AMVQ) in small animal practice and participates in the work of its Communications, Environment, and Veterinary health and well-being committees. She also represents the student voice at meetings of Québec’s veterinary associations and is involved in a pilot project aimed at improving the well-being of veterinary teams throughout Québec.

Committed to strengthening ties between the veterinary profession and the community, she has led workshops on veterinary medicine for young people with the organization Cap Campus and participates in various community veterinary medicine initiatives. Sensitive to issues related to animal welfare and access to care, she also volunteers and fosters cats from the shelter at the FMV’s teaching hospital.

In addition, she conducts research in veterinary pathology and has presented her work at the Canadian Emerging Veterinary Scholars Summit and at the annual meeting of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. She also contributes to peer-reviewed scientific publications, thus contributing to the scientific reputation of her school and the veterinary profession.

When she is not studying, Laurence enjoys spending time outdoors and working out. A hybrid athlete, she finds in sports an essential balance for her physical and psychological well-being.

Laurence is very grateful to her colleagues for choosing her as the recipient of the CVMA Student Leadership Award. She sees this honor as a reflection of the collective commitment and solidarity that define her Class.

Caitlyn Murchison is a fourth-year veterinary student at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph. She has been actively involved in student life throughout her veterinary training and is honoured to currently serve as class co-president of the Class of 2026, a role that has allowed her to advocate for her classmates and help foster a supportive and collaborative class community.

Originally from Courtice, Ontario, Caitlyn completed three years of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa before transferring to OVC. Much of her undergraduate experience took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited opportunities for student involvement. As a result, she was especially excited to fully engage in student leadership and community initiatives once she began veterinary school. While at OVC, Caitlyn has been involved in a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening student engagement and wellbeing. She has served on the Curriculum Committee, participated in numerous intramural sports, helped organize class events and community activities such as the Teddy Bear Surgery program, and mentored prospective veterinary students preparing for veterinary school interviews.

Caitlyn has pursued a range of clinical experiences during veterinary school, with particular interests in emergency and critical care in small-animal practice. Through externships and clinical rotations, she has sought opportunities to develop practical skills and build confidence in managing complex cases.

Outside of school, Caitlyn enjoys playing soccer, waterskiing, competing in triathlons and running races, and hiking with her dog Winnie.

Following graduation, Caitlyn plans to begin her career in small-animal practice with a goal of gaining experience in emergency medicine. She is immensely honoured and grateful to her classmates for selecting her as the recipient of this award and looks forward to finding ways to continue to contribute to the veterinary profession in the years ahead.

Rachael Deaver is currently a veterinary student at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). She grew up in Stettler, Alberta, where her passion for veterinary medicine began at a young age through nine years of involvement in 4-H. Before entering veterinary school, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Animal Health with a major in Food Animals at the University of Alberta.

For the past three years, she has served as Class President for the UCVM Class of 2027, a role in which she advocates for her classmates while fostering collegiality, communication, and a strong sense of community between students and faculty. She has also contributed to student life by planning and organizing the UCVM Vetball, an annual signature event that brings together students, staff, and faculty while supporting the CUPS fund. This fund helps provide resources for the CUPS clinics that students participate in during their third year to deliver veterinary care to individuals and communities in need. Additionally, she serves as a UCVM Student Ambassador, sharing her experiences with prospective students, stakeholders, and community members to strengthen engagement and support for the UCVM program.

Her main areas of interest lie in large animal medicine, particularly equine and beef cattle practice. Outside of academics, she enjoys playing hockey, competing in gymkhanas, rodeos, and cattle-sorting events, and raising purebred Limousin bulls.

She is deeply grateful and honored to be the recipient of this award.

Garret Beatch is a fourth-year veterinary student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and former President of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine Students’ Association. He is sincerely grateful to his classmates for selecting him for this award and values the opportunity he has had to represent and advocate for his peers throughout his veterinary education.

Originally from northwest Saskatchewan, Garret grew up on a cow-calf operation, where he developed a strong interest in livestock and living a rural life. He completed his Bachelor of science in Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan before pursuing veterinary medicine. During his time at WCVM, Garret has been actively involved in student leadership, working to support his classmates and enhance student experience through his role in the student association.

Garret is particularly passionate about bovine medicine and rural veterinary practice. Following graduation, he plans to remain in Saskatchewan and begin his career in a mixed rural practice, where he hopes to serve agricultural communities and contribute to the sustainability of food animal production.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Garret enjoys spending time outdoors. His interests include hiking, fishing, hunting, and checking cows while on horseback, activities that reflect his deep connection to the outdoors and nature.

Garret would like to sincerely thank the CVMA and his classmates for this recognition and looks forward to making a positive impact in the veterinary profession in the years ahead.