University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine

“Student Vets and Their Pets” showcases different vet students and the amazing animals who inspire them the most!

Braeden is a rising third-year veterinary student from Yorkville, Illinois, interested in small animal general practice. His pets are Martini (tortie) and Sangria (calico).

Martini was abandoned as a kitten at a vet clinic Braeden worked at, and now she's the best study partner! He adopted Sangria from junior surgery. She has a fun personality and taught herself how to play fetch!

graduate Dr. Nina Pasquini shares some advice for incoming veterinary students:

"Find the joy in the tough moments. Veterinary school is one of the most challenging times in your life but at the same time you've worked so hard to get here. Remember to take the time to try and appreciate everything you are learning and experiencing. You are on the journey to becoming the doctor you always wanted be!"

👇 Read more advice from some of the Class of 2026
https://bit.ly/4ujen4m

Dr. Kari Foss is an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine. Dr. Foss’ lab focuses on advancing MRI techniques in order to enhance diagnosis and monitoring of canine neurologic diseases, such as brain tumors and epilepsy. 🧠

Read more about Dr. Foss' research: https://bit.ly/4vIobFg

And just like that, the has hit the milestone of being halfway done with vet school! Between classes and club events, we caught up with them to check in and reflect on the last two years.

“Student Vets and Their Pets” showcases different vet students and the amazing animals who inspire them the most!

Alyssa is a rising third-year veterinary student from Marion, Illinois, interested in food animal or mixed animal medicine. Her pets are Alaska (cat) and Cody (dog)!

Alaska was dropped off in a box at one of the clinics Alyssa worked at when she was a kitten. She is a very sassy lady who only shows love to Alyssa! Cody was Alyssa's birthday present when she turned fifteen. He is the sweetest boy and acts more like a second cat than a dog!

graduate, Dr. Colleen McDonnell gave a shoutout to Dr. Lori Madsen, lecture in equine medicine.

"Dr. Madsen was the most encouraging and thoughtful mentor I have ever had. She prepared me for my equine externships and personally taught me valuable skills like how to sterilely perform joint injections. She always went out of her way to quiz me and teach me about different equine sports medicine topics. She is the kindest, funniest, and most intentional veterinarian. Dr. Madsen has a huge positive influence on our veterinary curriculum and we all feel valued by her. We all know that she is on our team, and I am thankful for her teaching through the years."

👇 Read more shoutouts from some of the Class of 2026
https://bit.ly/3RvHQd0

June 8 is World Oceans Day. 🐬🦭 The Zoological Pathology Program (ZPP) has been a long time collaborator with the NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, providing specialized veterinary expertise to document disease in stranded marine mammals.

As of today an additional program known as the National Marine Mammal Stranding Association will launch aiding efforts by improving capacity building and professional development, communications tools, shared technical resources, new funding pathways, public education, and policy engagement.

“The Association will serve to strengthen collaboration across the marine mammal stranding community by supporting frontline stranding responders throughout the United States and linking the expertise of laboratories such as ZPP’s Marine Mammal Diagnostic Service to all network members,” says Dr. Kathleen Colegrove, ZPP pathologist, clinical professor, and marine mammal disease expert.

Read more about this new program: https://bit.ly/4e4iRF6

graduates are headed down many paths. For Dr. Nadia Zange that starts with one path and eyes on a longer goal:

"Small animal practice to start with; long term goal of starting a large animal ambulatory service for the community"

👇 Read more from some of the Class of 2026
https://bit.ly/49HFb6b

“Student Vets and Their Pets” showcases different vet students and the amazing animals who inspire them the most!

Rachel is a rising second-year veterinary student from Downers Grove, Illinois, interested in small animal general practice and shelter medicine. Her pets are Kirie (pug) and Alvin (cat).

Kirie is Rachel's childhood dog who appreciates the simple things in life, like lounging in the sun and couch snuggles before bedtime. Alvin was a foster fail from the shelter Rachel worked at. He is a vocal and demanding cat that makes it very clear when he needs attention or a drink from the sink!