Veterinary students find inspiration and connections at national conference
When Kim Kirkbride stepped into the packed conference room in Omaha, Nebraska, she got a glimpse of where her own career might take her in years ahead.
Melinda G. McCall, a 2004 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine who is a Louisa-based large-animal veterinarian and published author, took the stage at the American Association of Bovine Practitioners conference to discuss work-life balance in veterinary practice, and within minutes had the entire room captivated.
"She was discussing how to negotiate on-call hours in your practice without burning out, and she had the room lit up by telling stories and making everyone laugh," said Kirkbride, a DVM Class of 2027 candidate from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. "Her joyful resilience in her career is so inspiring, and I felt so proud to be from Virginia and the same alma mater as her."
McCall's presentation exemplified what made the September conference so valuable for the 13 veterinary students from Virginia Tech who made the trip to Nebraska. Beyond the educational content, they discovered a profession built on mentorship, collaboration, and genuine support for the next generation of veterinarians.
Cody Campbell, DVM Class of 2027, was struck by the collaborative spirit that permeated every conversation.
"The biggest wow moment for me was just the willingness to share information from everyone at the conference," he said. "Everyone there wanted to share what they knew so that the next person could succeed."
That networking approach has already transformed Campbell's career trajectory. The connections he made began with simple introductions but have evolved into meaningful relationships that have opened doors to internship opportunities, academic advice, and potential post-graduation positions.
"I knew getting out and meeting these people would be important in my career, but I didn't realize just how soon," Campbell said.
The educational sessions reinforced this collaborative atmosphere. Kirkbride attended presentations on small ruminant fracture stabilization, while Lily Stenning, DVM Class of 2028 and bovine chair of the Food Animal Practitioners Club, found particular value in research presentations on antibiotic use in dairy cattle.
"It was incredibly interesting to see how much antibiotic use there is in the industry and realize that it was less than I thought," Stenning said. "Sitting in on the research presentations made me excited for future research projects that I may participate in regarding food animal health."
The students also tested their knowledge in the conference's Quiz Bowl competition, where Virginia-Maryland fielded two teams in the elimination-style tournament. Team 1 included Eric Marker, Gianna Novak, Cody Campbell, and Mackenzie Kovach, while Team 2 featured Maeve Davis, Lily Stenning, Kim Kirkbride, and Levi Phipps. Though neither team advanced past the first round, they competed admirably against schools with deep Quiz Bowl traditions.
"I think that our teams being able to get points on the board was awesome, as the other schools were really well prepared," Stenning said. "We were able to stick with the other teams that did advance, points-wise."
The competition provided yet another opportunity to connect with peers from across the country, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defined their entire conference experience.
Back at the Virginia-Maryland campus, this same spirit of hands-on learning and connection drives the Food Animal Practitioners Club, which organized the conference trip.
"We do the most hands-on events throughout the school year of any club," Kirkbride said. "Weekly cattle palpations, interesting wet labs, PMM ride-alongs, helping producers work their flock or herd on the weekends — there are just so many chances to be hands-on."
Maeve Davis, DVM Class of 2027 and vice president of the class emphasized that the organization welcomes all students, regardless of their ultimate career goals.
"Even if you don't want to pursue food animal medicine, the types of species you get to work with in the club and the types of labs curated for its members are incredibly helpful and enjoyable," she said.
The social networking aspect proves equally valuable for professional development.
"A huge part of veterinary school is getting to know your peers since they'll be your future colleagues one day, and this club offers a means to connect with individuals of all interests, not just large animals," Davis explained.
For students who arrive at veterinary school with limited large animal experience, both the club and conferences like AABP provide supportive environments to build confidence. "Oftentimes, too, people come to veterinary school with limited large animal experience, and this club can help increase your comfort level," Davis said.
The students returned from Nebraska energized about their chosen profession and armed with new relationships that are already paying professional dividends. Inspired by alumni like Dr. McCall who demonstrate that successful veterinary careers can be both fulfilling and balanced, they've discovered a field that truly invests in nurturing its future practitioners.
As Campbell learned through his networking conversations that began with "a handshake and an awkward hello," the veterinary profession rewards those who reach out, connect, and collaborate. It's this culture of mentorship and mutual support that makes conferences like AABP so valuable — transforming awkward introductions into career-changing relationships.
