This past weekend, student at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) held it’s first (of hopefully many) Veterinary School Olympics.
The event was created as an opportunity for veterinary students from all phases to have fun, meet and come together to compete in a number of veterinary-themed events.
“We wanted to plan an event where younger students had the opportunity to meet and work with upper years and faculty in a fun and laid back environment.” event organizer, Meagan Walker, explains. “Shadowing upper years and working closely with faculty in the hospital can be intimidating.. our goal was to help our classmates break the ice and build confidence”
Students formed multi-phased teams and competed in 8 events organized by 9 different OVC student-clubs (Surgery Club, SVECCS, ZEW Club, Lab Animal Medicine Club, Nutrition Club, Equine Club, Food Animal Club, Diagnostic Imaging Club, and Behaviour Club). The events focused on a number of veterinary specialties, and challenged teams in both knowledge and skill. Event included: Surgeon’s Relay, CPR Competition, Zoo/Exotics/Wildlife Trivia, Food Animal and Nutrition Trivia, Equine Derby, Extreme Home Makeover: Lab Animal Edition, Diagnostic Imaging - Spot the Radiographic Lesion, and How Trainable are You,?)
In the spirit of play, funds raised from the event were donated to Right to Play Canada, an organization that uses play and sport to educate and empower children to overcome poverty, conflict, and disease. Right to Play’s programs run worldwide, including Canada, and focus on the three most important areas of child development: the quality of their education, their ability to stay healthy, and their potential to build peaceful communities
The Veterinary School Olympics not only recognized the top placing teams, but also awarded students who went above and beyond in mentoring their teammates and who brought enthusiasm and spirit to each event.
Prizes and participation goodies were graciously donated by ZUKU Review, Vet Prep, Hills Pet Nutrition, McCarthy and Sons, Banfield Pet Hospitals, Zoetis, Merial, CVSA, Ethicon, and canadianmedstudents.com.
Olympic organizer include: Meagan Walker (’18), Miyuki Kumagai (’18) and Mathew MacCormick (’19). Happily, with help of a number of dedicated OVC students, interns, residents, and faculty members, the very first Veterinary School Olympics was able to donate almost $500 to Right to Play Canada.