Ontario Veterinary College Welcomes First Cohort from the North

This September, the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph is set to welcome its first Northern Cohort, consisting of 20 students from Northern Ontario. These students are embarking on their path to becoming veterinarians through the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP), an innovative partnership between the University of Guelph and Lakehead University. This initiative marks a significant step toward addressing the ongoing veterinary care shortage in Northern Ontario.

Access to veterinary services has become increasingly critical in Northern Ontario, where rural, remote, and Indigenous communities face a growing animal health and welfare crisis. The CDVMP aims to equip these students with the skills necessary to return to their home communities, providing essential and culturally responsive veterinary care.

$14.7 million in funding from the Government of Ontario supports this program, with resources allocated for new infrastructure at both universities to facilitate the delivery of the collaborative curriculum. Dr. Jeff Wichtel, dean of the Ontario Veterinary College, remarked, “These students bring deep ties to Northern Ontario, a passion for service, and a commitment to improving animal health and welfare. We’re proud to support their journey and to be part of a long-term solution that strengthens veterinary capacity across the province.”

Collaborative Education for Future Veterinarians

The CDVMP merges OVC’s renowned veterinary education with Lakehead University’s commitment to supporting northern, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. By working together, these institutions aim to dismantle barriers to education and cultivate a skilled workforce prepared to serve the North.

Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, expressed his enthusiasm for the program’s impact: “By supporting the new construction and expansion of the College’s capacity, our government is helping more students from Northern Ontario get the training and education they need to launch rewarding careers in veterinary medicine.”

Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, emphasized the importance of veterinarians in maintaining the health of pets, livestock, and the agriculture sector in Ontario’s North. He stated, “Our government is proud to welcome the first cohort of students in the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, which will equip students with the skills and training they need to deliver excellent animal care in Northern Ontario for decades to come.”

Students in the program will engage in experiential learning opportunities, collaborating with local veterinarians and completing specialized coursework tailored to practices in the North. Graduates will earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Guelph. Initially, the first two cohorts, graduating in 2025 and 2026, will complete all four years at the Guelph campus. Starting in 2027, students are expected to begin their studies at Lakehead’s Thunder Bay campus before finishing at OVC.

Dr. Gillian Balfour, Provost and Vice-President, Academic at Lakehead University, noted the significance of this milestone: “Watching the inaugural Northern Cohort begin their veterinary studies at OVC this fall is a remarkable milestone. Lakehead is proud and optimistic as we celebrate the start of a new school year— one that promises real, positive change for people and animals across Northern Ontario.”

Empowering Future Veterinary Professionals

The Northern Cohort is a vital component of the CDVMP, aimed at recruiting and training students from Northern Ontario who are committed to returning home after graduation. Dr. Joanne Hewson, associate dean, students and academic at OVC, highlighted the importance of these students: “These students are the future of veterinary care in the North. Their stories reflect the resilience, compassion, and leadership that will shape the profession for years to come.”

The journey for these students will officially commence on September 2, 2023, with OVC’s Orientation Week. This will culminate in the Professional Welcome Ceremony on September 7, where each student will receive a blue lab coat and stethoscope, marking the beginning of their DVM training.

As this first cohort steps into their roles as future veterinarians, they represent hope for improving animal health and welfare across Northern Ontario. For more information about the CDVMP and the Northern Cohort, interested parties can contact the Ontario Veterinary College Communications or Lakehead Media Relations.