Creative Corner

Submitted by Rhea Amatya, Colorado State University

Externs on the Hill

Submitted by Mason Yunk, South Dakota State University

For the duration of my externship, I’ve gotten the opportunity to enrich myself into DC culture. Coming from a rural Midwestern background there is a good deal of mystery surrounding the inner workings of the government. Although I always had a strong interest, picking a career in veterinary medicine I did not expect to have much involvement with it. Fortunately, I was introduced to a wonderful mentor in my first year of veterinary school, Dr. Jennifer Stevens, who was able to show me the influence government can have on animal health. My introduction to the AVMA and their government relations division opened my eyes to a new role veterinarians can play. 

During my time with the AVMA I was able to closely follow the federal lobbyists and the positions we were tracking. H.R. 1266 Combating Illicit Xylazine Act and S. 1751 STOP Screwworms Act were two issues I was able to work with the most. It was a great experience to witness firsthand how the lobbyists at the AVMA interact with the different staffs of congress to help advocate for our issues. Due to a current lack of veterinarians in congress it remains up to us to be at the forefront of veterinary knowledge coming to the hill. This was evident when attending a happy hour to meet the staff of Rep. Pettersen where we were able to briefly discuss the similar backgrounds, we had working with animals growing up. This helped to connect us on the Xylazine issue and educate a little more about the issues we are trying to push for. 

We arrived in June during a very tumultuous time within our government. Luckily for us, Congress was fully in session. Observing the various committee hearings was very fascinating to see how the different parties interact with one another. The multiple rounds of questioning helps to slowly but surely build up the framework of a bill to represent all parties as best as possible. Monitoring all the new legislation and evaluating its relation to veterinary medicine was an opportunity we had during the externship. Although the news was often filled with very pressing topics on immigration and foreign relations, we were still able to make solid progress with the issues we were trying to advocate. Most recently we were able to see the funding approved to erect two New World Screwworm rearing facilities in an attempt to halt the pest’s progression toward the U.S. border. 

More than anything I was very grateful to learn about the political and DC landscape. As someone who came with a great deal of interest but limited experience, this was the perfect introduction to the scene. I was able to attend multiple fun events such as the Congressional Baseball Game, IDFA’s Capitol Hill Ice Cream party, committee hearing, multiple social hours and even meet with local veterinarians in the area. Learning from these interactions and about the different avenues we can take in veterinary medicine was immensely eye opening and I look forward to returning to the area someday to continue working in this field. 

Caption This Contest

Photo submitted by Kayla Tando, University of Illinois

Caption submitted by Caroline Stickler, University of Pennsylvania

"Me looking at all the information in my case study and not knowing what to do with it"

Experiences

Submitted by Shea O'Sullivan, University of Missouri

If my name hasn’t already given it away, I am incredibly Irish. My mom’s mom is from

County Kildare, her dad was a first generation american from an Irish parent, and my dad is from

County Kerry. As such, being Irish is a big part of who I am.

My family is extremely proud of my siblings and I, as we are the first generation on both

sides of our family to be college educated. Both my dad and grandma grew up very poor;

education was unfortunately not the top priority and neither finished high school in favor of

working to support themselves and their families. My mom was only able to complete one

semester of college before she had to leave due to lack of funds.

Our family has always had a deep connection to animals due to our past; my dad quite

literally used a donkey and a cart to get around as a kid and they raised dogs to use for hunting

and racing for income. My grandma grew up in similar circumstances, and our family has had a

host of animals since I can remember. I’m not only able to make my family proud by attending

both undergrad and professional school, but I get to further that by becoming a person committed

to caring for what they value most: animals. While my family might not understand the inner

workings of college education because they were not able to experience it themselves, they can

understand animals and I get to share that with them.

When we were younger, we used to visit Ireland a lot, but due to financial hardship, none

of us had been back for over ten years. This past summer, I was fortunate enough to go back with

my sister to visit our dad’s family. Being back where he grew up reinvigorated my love and

passion for animals and reminded me of where it all started. My family grew their passion and

love for animals in Ireland and they spread it all the way to the US, and eventually, to me. I am

so fortunate that I get to spend a lifetime honoring my family and my heritage in a unique way,

by becoming a veterinarian.

Cutest Pet

Submitted by Jessica Stewart, University of Pennsylvania