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The 2025 SCVMA Symposium, hosted at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), was an unforgettable event that brought together veterinary students from across Canada for a weekend filled with hands-on learning, networking, and exploration. With an exciting lineup of interactive labs, thought-provoking lectures, behind-the-scenes tours, and social events, this symposium had something for everyone - whether students were looking to expand their clinical skills, gain insight into different disciplines, or simply connect with like-minded peers.
From the moment attendees arrived in Saskatoon, there was an unmistakable buzz of excitement in the air. The SCVMA Symposium is one of the biggest events of the year for veterinary students across Canada, and WCVM went above and beyond to ensure that this year’s gathering was one to remember. It would never have been possible without SCVMA’s own WCVM Senior representative Paisley Johnson and her Junior representative Kasey Keohane.
The Symposium kicked off on Thursday night with a welcome mixer, designed to bring students from different veterinary schools together in a relaxed and friendly environment. This was the perfect way to break the ice before diving into the weekend’s academic and practical sessions. The mixer provided a fantastic opportunity to build connections that would last beyond the weekend—because in veterinary medicine, networking and collaboration are key!
The mixer started with casual mingling, then trivia and prize draws, and wrapped up with some awesome karaoke.
Friday was an action-packed day that allowed students to dive deep into various aspects of veterinary medicine. The day was structured to include a combination of lectures and hands-on labs, giving students the chance to pick from a variety of them to attend based on their interests. One of the highlights of the symposium was the wide variety of hands-on labs covering all disciplines of veterinary medicine. Some highly sought after labs included bovine toe amputation, feline dentistry, dystocia and calving, goat handling, equine acupuncture and the list goes on and on! By the end of the day, students walked away feeling empowered and inspired, having expanded their knowledge and practical skills in a meaningful way. That night we all enjoyed a good country and country club themed night with amazing food and music!
After an intense day of learning on Friday, Saturday provided a unique opportunity for students to step outside the classroom and explore the diverse career paths within veterinary medicine. A series of engaging tours took students to feedlots, museums, the WCVM animal hospital, and the zoo, offering them valuable insights into different sectors of the profession. For those interested in large animal practice and production medicine, the feedlot tour at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence was a must-attend experience. Students visited a commercial cattle operation, where they learned about herd health management, disease prevention, nutrition strategies, and the role of veterinarians in ensuring the welfare of livestock. The tour provided a firsthand look at how food animal veterinarians contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of beef production, an area of growing importance in today’s world. Students also had the opportunity to explore the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre, one of Canada’s leading veterinary teaching hospitals. The tour took participants through the small and large animal departments, diagnostic imaging suites, surgical suites, and intensive care units. Seeing the state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology in action was a highlight for many, as it demonstrated the level of expertise and innovation present in veterinary medicine today. The Wanuskewin Heritage Park tour gave students insight into the indigenous people of Saskatoon and the land that WCVM resides on. The Western Development Museum gave the history buffs hours of diving back throughout history and seeing the changes that have been made along the way. Finally, the art enthusiasts visited the Remai Modern Art Gallery, an unforgettable experience with some very famous art!
After a weekend of learning, networking, and exploring, the symposium wrapped up in style with a spectacular formal gala on Saturday night at the Remai Modern Art Gallery. This highly anticipated event provided students with a chance to unwind, have some awesome food, and enjoy an evening of elegance and camaraderie. Dressed in their finest attire, attendees gathered in a beautifully decorated venue to enjoy a delicious dinner, inspiring speeches, and plenty of dancing and laughter. The gala served as the perfect way to conclude the symposium, giving students time to reflect on the weekend’s experiences while celebrating their shared passion for veterinary medicine.
The 2025 SCVMA Symposium at WCVM was an incredible experience that blended education, hands-on learning, and social connection. From the engaging mixer on Thursday night to the intensive lectures and labs on Friday, followed by the inspiring tours on Saturday and the elegant formal gala to finish it all off, the weekend had something for everyone.
Students left the symposium with new skills, new friendships, and a renewed enthusiasm for veterinary medicine. The event reinforced the importance of collaboration, lifelong learning, and staying curious about the ever-evolving field of animal health.
For those who attended, the SCVMA Symposium at WCVM wasn’t just a conference—it was an unforgettable adventure that will shape their journey in veterinary medicine for years to come. When asked for three words to describe how the weekend was, from a small town Atlantic Veterinary College student: “Wow, just wow”. Those three words sum everything up perfectly.
Samantha Shute,
Atlantic Veterinary College Senior Representative,
Class of 2027