Colgate University Pre-Veterinary Club Aims to Support Aspiring Veterinarians

Doehla, who has dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since childhood, expressed her passion for both animals and science. "It sounds cliché, but it has been my dream since I was a little kid, and I always loved animals," she said, noting her preference for veterinary medicine over human medicine.

Macallister shares similar motivations, emphasizing her desire not only to care for animals but also to engage with their owners. "I want to work with people. I want to be an educator, I want to be a teacher and I want to mentor up-and-coming vets," she stated.

Given the absence of an official animal science or pre-vet major at Colgate, the Pre-Vet Club serves as a support system for students navigating the academic requirements needed to apply to veterinary schools.

All three leaders are majoring in molecular biology, which aligns closely with veterinary school prerequisites. "A bulk of the pre-health students here do [molecular biology] to kind of kill two birds with one stone for the major requirements and the med school prerequisites," Doehla explained.

The club aims to create a cohesive community among pre-vet students and provide outreach opportunities with alumni and professionals in the veterinary field. Last year, a seminar with a Colgate alum who attended veterinary school at Ohio State offered valuable insights into the application process.

Macallister noted the seminar was particularly beneficial for members seeking clarity on day-to-day responsibilities in veterinary medicine. Beyond speaker sessions, the club plans to facilitate networking opportunities and encourage younger students to take advantage of Colgate’s resources.

Each club leader has gained hands-on experience relevant to their interests. Macallister has worked closely with horses through Colgate’s equestrian team, assisting veterinarians during appointments.

St. Pierre participated in the Health Sciences Shadowing Program, where she shadowed veterinarians at Waterville Veterinary Clinic, gaining practical knowledge about clinical practices.

Doehla, who worked at a veterinary clinic for two summers, looks forward to sharing her experiences with new club members. She noted the importance of gaining clinical experience, highlighting that competitive vet school applicants typically need at least 1,000 hours of such work.

The Pre-Vet Club welcomes all students considering a career in veterinary medicine to join for support, knowledge, and community engagement.