Cutest Pet

Llama Toof 

Submitted by Caroline O'Rourke University of Pennsylvania

Foot in Mouth Disease

Submitted by Helena Trevor Virginia-Maryland CVM

Creative Corner

YT3

Submitted by Zachary Anger Texas A&M University

PHCOC 2025-2026 Underserved Areas Award Winner

Taylor Thompson 

“The cost of community is inconvenience.”

This quote reminds me that showing up for your community is not always easy or convenient. It requires setting aside your own time to support others and often pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.

One experience that has stayed with me was when six fellow University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine (UofA CVM) students, Dr. Eaton, and I met with the staff at Bar V Ranch and local 4-H students to process cattle. Despite it being March, temperatures were close to 95°F, and the ranch was about an hour away. We were divided into groups consisting of UofA CVM students who worked alongside 4-H students to body condition score (BCS) and vaccinate cattle.

Initially, both groups were quiet and hesitant to engage. As the day progressed, however, we began comparing our BCS and discussing our reasoning. We learned from the 4-H students’ extensive hands-on experience evaluating cattle, and our conversations naturally expanded to their backgrounds and interests in large animal production.

Several students shared that they hoped to pursue large animal veterinary medicine but felt overwhelmed by veterinary school prerequisites, grades, applications, and gaining experience. Their concerns reminded me of the uncertainty I experienced navigating my own path. Rather than tell them what they should do, I offered to connect them with a classmate whose background more closely aligned with theirs, hoping shared experiences could provide meaningful guidance.

We ended the day palpating cows while Dr. Eaton interpreted ultrasound findings. The experience reinforced the importance of herd health, reproductive management, and veterinarians’ role in producing healthy livestock for the food supply.

As a future clinician, I hope to continue participating in outreach and mentoring future large animal veterinarians, helping strengthen the workforce serving rural and underserved agricultural communities.

Photography

Furry Friends 

Submitted by Shayna-Mindel Stewart Texas A&M University