Student Life
Veterinary Leadership Experience
Veterinary Leadership Experience is a two day event run by the Vet For Life SIG for first years during the 1st week of uni. Leadership and team building activities along with talks about coping in Vet School are given by staff, students and guest speakers from Hills Pet Nutrition.
The first week of semester one heralded the return of the Vets For Life Program for 2016 with approximately 140 first year veterinary science student, staff and student facilitators descending on Camp Moogerah for a 2-day experience. The feedback from students was outstandingly positive, with a large number appreciating the input from our guest speakers and the group activities.
VFL is more than a bonding exercise. It is designed as the first step in assisting students to navigate veterinary training and practice and to develop strong skills that will assist them in their careers. Many people assisted to make the event a great success. We are grateful to the outstanding work of Kathryn Mepham (year 3), who coordinated the event and program. Paul Mills, who could not attend VFL2016 because of other commitments, worked in the background to ensure many of the difficult tasks were achieved. We thank our band of student facilitators who do so much to make the event happen. We were very fortunate to be supported again by Hills Pet Nutrition, who provided much-needed sponsorship, and sent us Dr Stephanie Romyn and Dr Delisa Appleton, both graduates of the UQ veterinary program and who both gave excellent presentations. Dr Guy Weerasinghe, another graduate and strong supporter of the UQ VFL event, gave an excellent presentation on career, life and balance.
The VFL is now a strong part of our goal to mesh work-like balance and wellness into our veterinary science and veterinary technology training. Last year, a team led by Margie McEwen, reviewed the VFL program. We welcome feedback on the VFL and these other parts of our programs.
Australasian Veterinary Students Conference
The UQ Veterinary Students Association hosted the Australasian Veterinary Students Conference in January 2015.