Next generation vets – navigating vet school with the AVSG

^{Final year JCU vet students on small animal rotation (image by Aaron Lau)}

Whether you’re just starting out in veterinary school or preparing to transition into practice, student life is a stimulating mix of knowledge, excitement, new experiences and lifelong connections, all interwoven with an incredible amount of hard work.

The Australian Veterinary Student Group (AVSG) is ready to support their fellow students throughout their educational and early career journey, with a passionate and hardworking leadership team keen to build on the group’s core goals and progress new initiatives.

Incoming AVSG President Libby Falkiner, a 4th-year student at CSU, started out as the junior campus representative before joining the AVSG committee 2 years ago. She is already valuing the networks this role gives her, saying “In the scheme of things, vet school goes so quickly. It’s been really cool to form connections and see where some of the people I started with on the committee are now working. Or I might get a phone call from someone I’ve met through the committee to work through a hard topic or unit. That’s something the AVSG is trying to focus on this term, linking up the 7 vet schools in Australia to form stronger connections, whether that be contacts, resource sharing, or something else.”

“Aside from the connections I’ve made, it’s been really exciting to see the connections the AVA has formed with students, particularly the AVSG reps becoming more involved with the Vet Student Associations (VSAs). We’ve got AVSG reps helping to get AVA members to speak at VSA organised career days and rural practitioner days, so that’s building a lot of positivity and getting people coming to the unis and sharing their stories face to face.”

^{Libby with her first surgery patient (supplied)}

The cost of living is a huge issue for students and Libby notes the placement year can be particularly challenging for some, saying “being on rotations, changing geographical locations every 3 weeks for a year can be costly”. However, she’s committed to fostering optimism around the profession. “It’s great to have awareness about the issues, but we need to also be spreading the good news stories about the people who have had amazing and incredible careers. If we can change the narrative a little bit, people will be excited to be part of the solution.”

Libby brings a unique international perspective to the AVSG committee, having just returned from 6 months studying at Kansas State University thanks to a scholarship from Angus Australia.

Whilst her time in the US doesn’t count towards her degree back in Australia and will add additional time, Libby is embracing all the opportunities that have come her way. “There’s a lot of pressure to firstly get into the degree and then stay in the degree. I’m a huge advocate for finding opportunities, either within or outside vet school, to contribute to your development. I’m never going to regret going to the US, it’s only going to help me be more resilient, more motivated and more passionate about the industry. Your progression through the degree doesn’t have to be linear, it all contributes to developing a stronger workforce in the future.”

^{Libby at a ranch in south west Kansas, USA (supplied)}

Libby also emphasised the value of AVA resources available to students. “There are so many resources that students can access, just through the website. Telephone counselling is invaluable for students, having that access to trained professionals who understand the challenges that vets might face. Also, the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and being able to access all the information and go to the webinars. For example, if you join the Cattle Vets, you get a preg checking book; there’s so much value for students to build a bank of resources. And I know I can reach out to someone like Reggie and say ‘hey I’m interested in say African lions, do you know anyone who can help me with that?’, and he’d be like ‘yep, sure, try this AVA member’. I find that so exciting!”

AVA Early Career Membership Officer Dr Reggie Shenouda has supported AVSG since its inception in 2020 and is proud of the growing awareness of the services and resources available to students through the AVA. “Our focus has been honed over the past few years to highlight continued support during their transition to practice, and making sure they know where to find all the necessary tools,” said Reggie. He adds that some of the former student members are now Young Member representatives for SIGs and are becoming increasingly involved in Division committees.

Get involved

The AVSG is currently seeking a Recent Graduate representative to join the student committee. The role is up to 1.5 years and is open to graduates who are up to 3 years in practice. The volunteer role involves committing to the quarterly AVSG committee meetings, representation on behalf of recent graduates, and engagement with recent graduate veterinarians. Reggie highlights that it is a great opportunity to support our student and recent graduate members. Email reggie.shenouda@ava.com.au for more information.

Meet the AVSG

Cindle Noppen – Murdoch University

I have 11 years of clinical experience working as a veterinary nurse with small, large, and exotic animals.

My weekends are filled with finding the best coffee brew, getting some fresh air or the next new venue to eat at. And if you don’t find me out enjoying any of the above, I am working in clinic or online for Vetcheck 247 triaging incoming calls for vet clinics.

I’m a very ‘busy bee’, determined, open minded and love meeting new people. I am looking forward to this role very much.

Pratham Bhor – James Cook University

“I am thrilled into stepping into the role of a student rep. I’m on a quest to specialise in wildlife and exotic animal veterinary medicine.

From cuddly cute kangaroos to creatures that might make you second-guess your life choices, my passion lies in understanding and caring for the most extraordinary members of animal kingdom. I am greatly fascinated in learning how vets tackle the unique challenges of diagnosing and treating animals in their natural habitats.

My passion for wildlife medicine has me on a nonstop adventure, whether I’m chasing down elusive parrots or negotiating peace treaties between territorial tortoises. I’m excited for the journey ahead and the opportunity to contribute to our noble profession. Thanks for taking the time to read about my aspirations, I can’t wait to see where this path leads.”

Sophie McCallum – University of Queensland

“I am passionate about the veterinary industry and its members. My journey into veterinary medicine began at a very young age, fueled by a deep love for animals and a strong desire to contribute to their health and well-being.

My path into the profession was not straightforward, as I worked for many years as a Registered Nurse before following my dreams of working as a Veterinarian. Although my journey has included many twists and turns, I have learnt many things that will be beneficial in advocating for the veterinary community. I am honoured to have the opportunity to collaborate with peers, faculty and industry professionals to help create a positive and enriching experience for students at the University of Queensland.”

Libby Falkiner – Charles Sturt University

“Growing up on a mixed farming enterprise in South-western Victoria was a brilliant introduction to the rural lifestyle that ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine. Over the years I’ve become increasingly aware that our urban community is changing its attitude towards farming systems alongside the huge increase in the global requirement for protein. I hope one day to be able to help farmers, as our Vets have assisted us, to navigate production, welfare and social concerns.

Through the power of technology and social media, the crisis that our industry is facing is well documented. However, I strongly believe that following awareness needs to come change. I hope through working with the AVSG team that we can advocate for the betterment of the university experience. I am incredibly passionate about ensuring the profession is a positive, safe, balanced and rewarding career path. We should all be excited about a vocation in Veterinary Medicine so I hope together we can form practical strategies that educate and empower budding vets right from the beginning of their journey.”

Adele On Ying – University of Sydney

“I am thrilled to be elected into AVSG this year. I am an international student from Hong Kong and currently a DVM3 student. I am interested in small animal anaesthesia and analgesia or behavioural medicine at the moment. As a student-athlete, I also participate in squash training regularly and I enjoy going out and eating with friends or taking photos in my spare time.

Timo Ingle – University of Adelaide

I am a DVM 1 student at the University of Adelaide. Just like most people in this profession I have a passion for animal health care, while my interests are within pathology, surgery, and mixed practices.

However, my other passions outside university are within the arts by making/playing music with friends, painting, photography whilst working within hospitality to aid my studies.

Alessia Travaglini – University of Melbourne

I am a third year student, and I am excited to represent Melbourne in the AVSG.

With a background in shelter medicine, I am passionate about animal welfare, and I am thoroughly enjoying all things production animal medicine, smallies and research!  Outside of vet, I love walking my dogs, running and checking out new coffee spots in Melbourne! 

I love connecting with all of my fellow peers at uni, so I am really excited to work with the ASVG to ensure that the student voice is heard. I am passionate about spreading mental health awareness, and creating a positive and balanced approach to the veterinary profession that will support vets right through their career journey, as if we fail to help ourselves, we will not be able to help our patients!