CVMA Teacher of the Year Award Recipients

Dr. Oriana Raab is an assistant professor of small animal internal medicine at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), University of Prince Edward Island. Dr. Raab attended St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, completing her clinical year at North Carolina State University; she graduated in 2007. 

Following graduation, she completed two small animal internships--the first at Washington State University and the second at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island. Dr. Raab then moved to Prince Edward Island, Canada, for a combined small animal internal medicine residency and Master of Veterinary Science program at the AVC. She obtained board certification with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2014. 

Dr. Raab worked at Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment and Specialties in Massachusetts before returning to the AVC in 2017. In addition to her work in internal medicine, Dr. Raab has a love for exotic and wildlife medicine, and she previously oversaw care of wildlife at the AVC. 

Dr. Raab feels extremely fortunate to work with such a wonderful team at the AVC, including the many veterinary students, house officers and colleagues who inspire her, motivate her and help her to learn. 

Advice to veterinary students:

Veterinary medicine is a deeply fulfilling career; every day you have a chance to relieve suffering, strengthen the human-animal bond and make a real difference in the world. Medicine is constantly evolving, and you are not meant to leave veterinary school knowing everything. Learning never truly ends in this profession, and that lifelong curiosity is what keeps you growing, adaptable and compassionate. Mistakes will happen, and some of the most valuable lessons come from reflecting on them and using them as an opportunity for improvement. Forgive yourself when things do not go as planned. Finally, just as you care for your patients, remember to care for yourself as well. Do not lose sight of the people, experiences and hobbies, outside of medicine, which help to refresh and relax you.

Dr. Marion Desmarchelier graduated from the National Veterinary School of Lyon in 2003. She first practiced in mixed practice, then in small animal and exotic companion practice. Her training includes an IPSAV and residency in zoological medicine, as well as a master's degree in clinical sciences at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Montreal. In 2013, after 4 years as a professor on Prince Edward Island, she returned to Quebec and undertook a residency in animal behaviour medicine at the FMV. She is a graduate of the American College of Zoological Medicine, the European College of Zoological Medicine (Zoo Health Management), and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. She is currently Professor of Behavioural Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (University of Montreal).

Advice to veterinary students:

Don’t let the day-to-day make you forget that we have the most beautiful job in the world.

Dr. Kara Gray is a veterinarian and the manager of Clinical Skills at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). She leads a dedicated team in delivering preclinical surgery labs, live animal surgical training, and a highly sought-after clinical rotation.

A 2007 OVC graduate, Dr. Gray spent 18 years in small animal general practice, including more than a decade as a practice owner. During this time, she developed a strong passion for surgery and dentistry and became a committed mentor to many new graduates. Returning to OVC in the fall of 2024 has allowed her to bring together her passions for clinical work, teaching, and mentorship.

Advice to veterinary students:

Our oath is to do no harm—not to do everything perfectly. You can accomplish far more good than harm by showing up and trying to help your patients. And remember: all bleeding stops…eventually; finding the uterus is often the hardest part; and surgery—as with most aspects of veterinary medicine—is a team sport.

Dr. Catherine Wagg graduated with a DVM from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1998. After several years in small animal practice, she changed direction and entered a clinical pathology residency program at the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal. She completed her residency training in 2008, later becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. 

Dr. Wagg joined the University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in January 2009, starting alongside the first class of DVM students. She has been there ever since. She is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) and is forever grateful for the opportunity to connect with, teach and support DVM students in their learning through several courses in the DVM curriculum, including the 2nd year Clinical Pathology course, Years 1 and 2 Clinical Skills labs, and 4th year Clinical Pathology rotations. 

Dr Wagg also co-facilitates shared learning experience days for indigenous youth and DVM students in the 2nd year of the program. Her research activity involves collaboration with colleagues in clinical based research and 4th year student-led clinical pathology-related projects. 

Message to students:

You are part of an amazing community in veterinary medicine - stay connected to each other, enjoy every day of your learning journey, and remember to show yourself kindness along the way!

Dr. Jasmine Gu – Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Biography to be added shortly.