Skip to main content
The Students of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA) Committee is an integral part of the CVMA that delivers various SCVMA-led initiatives throughout the school year. The SCVMA-led initiatives are designed to engage and inform students to help foster relationships and bridge the gap between the CVMA, CVMA Council and their respective college.
The SCVMA Committee is comprised of one elected Senior Representative from each Canadian veterinary college and is supported by an elected Junior Representative and a faculty member who is a member of the Student Liaison Advisory Group.
All representatives begin their one-year term during the annual CVMA Convention in July. The Junior Representative will automatically become the Senior Representative the following year.
Get to Know the Incoming Senior Representatives
Megan Guptill is a third-year veterinary student at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC). Originally from St. John's, Newfoundland, she later returned to her hometown of Hampton, New Brunswick, where she completed high school. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, specializing in Life Sciences, from the University of Prince Edward Island.
Megan has a lifelong passion for animals and veterinary medicine. Growing up surrounded by a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, chickens, rabbits, ducks, a cow, and horses, she developed a particular interest in equine medicine. She has been riding horses for more than 15 years, and attending the Spotlight Equine Conference in Calgary in 2025 further strengthened her interest in sport horse medicine and rehabilitation. She has also gained valuable hands-on experience working in a mixed animal veterinary clinic in her hometown.
At AVC, Megan is actively involved in both the academic and extracurricular community. She serves as Co-President of the Equine Club, Social Representative for the Class of 2028, AVC Ambassador for VetStrategy, and Senior Representative for the SCVMA. After initially joining the SCVMA as a junior representative to connect with veterinary students across Canada and help bring valuable educational and professional opportunities to her peers, she looks forward to continuing to support student engagement and collaboration in her role as a senior representative.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Megan enjoys spending time at the barn, working out at the gym, hiking, and swimming. A competitive swimmer for eight years, she continues to stay involved in the sport by coaching local swim programs whenever possible, including her hometown summer team and a pre-competitive team in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. During the school year, she also trains with the Charlottetown Bluephins Masters team.
Maria Gorelik is a fourth-year veterinary student at the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire (FMV) at the Université de Montréal.
Growing up in Montreal, nothing sparked more joy than spending time with animals, a passion that was sustained by her growing fascination with the biology surrounding them. This interest led her to begin working in veterinary clinics during her teenage years, where she gained valuable hands-on experience and insight into the profession. Maria completed two years of a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences at McGill University, specializing in Animal Health and Disease, before pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine.
Outside of her studies, Maria enjoys fostering dogs from the CHUV shelter and strives to improve access to veterinary care in the future. In her free time, she cares for her Bernese Mountain Dog, Monty, spends time with friends and family, and enjoys travelling to new places when she has the opportunity.
Maria is excited to represent the FMV as Senior Representative for the SCVMA this year. She looks forward to collaborating with veterinary students across Canada, supporting opportunities for professional growth and leadership development, and contributing to initiatives that enrich the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Emma Jessop is a second-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) student at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Emma is a proud member of OVC’s inaugural Northern Ontario Cohort. Her goal is to return home after graduation to practice veterinary medicine in Northern Ontario, helping address the growing need for veterinarians in rural communities while giving back to the community that inspired her passion for veterinary medicine.
Prior to entering veterinary school, Emma completed a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Zoology at Laurentian University. She then pursued a Master of Science in the Department of Clinical Studies at OVC, where her research focused on changes in neonatal calf gut microbiota. Following the completion of her graduate studies, Emma spent a year working at a privately owned small animal clinic in her hometown, gaining valuable clinical experience before beginning her DVM studies.
Since starting her vet school journey, Emma has become actively involved in student leadership. During her first year, she served as OVC’s Junior Representative on the SCVMA and as Co-Vice President of the OVC Class of 2029. In her role as Junior Representative, she played a leading role in planning and executing the annual SCVMA Student Symposium, hosted at OVC that centered on the theme of Spectrum of Care.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Emma enjoys spending time outdoors, especially at her family’s cottage, where she can often be found by the water with a good book in hand. She also values time with family and friends, loves to travel, and create lasting memories through new experiences.
Emma is honoured to serve as OVC’s Senior Representative and the 2026-2027 SCVMA President this year. She looks forward to working alongside veterinary students from across Canada to create an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative community while a-dvocating for the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Jin Cho is a third-year DVM student at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). Born and raised in South Korea, Jin immigrated to Calgary with his family at the age of five. Having grown up in Calgary, Jin developed strong ties to Alberta before later moving to Vancouver to pursue his undergraduate education at the University of British Columbia.
Upon receiving his BSc, Jin worked in the pharmaceutical industry as a research scientist for several years before applying to UCVM. Unlike many veterinary students, he did not initially envision a career in veterinary medicine. It was through his work with research animals that he discovered his passion for the profession. Observing the veterinarians and animal care technicians who prioritized animal welfare while supporting critical scientific advancements inspired him to pursue veterinary medicine.
Jin hopes to work within laboratory animal medicine after graduation. He is passionate about advancing both animal welfare and biomedical research through evidence-based veterinary care.
Outside of school, Jin enjoys skiing, biking, and hiking throughout the Alberta Rockies. He shares his home with his cat, Ghost, who was adopted from the BC SPCA during his time in Vancouver.
Jin is thrilled to serve as the UCVM Senior Representative for the SCVMA. He is excited to represent Calgary and Alberta on the national stage, collaborate with veterinary students from across Canada, and help host the 2027 SCVMA Symposium in Calgary.
Arisia Swystun is a third-year student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). Growing up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan she grew up around animals all her life.
She eventually moved to Ontario where she began a career as a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) and developed a strong passion for patient advocacy and nursing care.
After completing her Veterinary Technician diploma at Sheridan College, she worked as an RVT in equine sports medicine with thoroughbred racehorses. She later transitioned into small animal critical care, where her commitment to patient care and client advocacy continued to grow. This inspired her to further expand her impact in veterinary medicine and Arisia returned to Saskatchewan to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian at the WCVM.
Throughout veterinary school, Arisia has remained actively involved in student leadership. Along with serving as the SCVMA representative, she is also Co-President of the Emergency and Critical Care Club, Senior Representative for the Mare Care Program within the Equine Club, and participates on several class committees.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Arisia enjoys reading, travelling, gardening, working out, and spending time with her two dogs (Milton and Steven) and two cats (Williams and Krissy). Following graduation, she hopes to complete a small animal rotating internship and continue to contribute to compassionate, accessible, and high-quality veterinary care.
Meet your 2026-2027 SCVMA Junior Representatives:
