Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA)
The Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) was created in 1969 as the national organization of students, which has enabled individual Student Chapters of the AVMA to function effectively as a single unit on the national level.
Currently, SAVMA is comprised of 36 student chapters at accredited veterinary medical schools/colleges and one student association organization in the Caribbean (SAVMA @ RUSVM). In total, we represent a total of over 16,000 veterinary student members and associate members.
What Are the Benefits of a SAVMA Membership?
Automatic free membership to the AVMA for the remainder of the year following graduation from veterinary school with two additional years of reduced membership dues. Members can also access one free registration to AVMA Convention within 5 years of graduating.
Free access to Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) and archives back to 2000. Find out more at avma.org/Journals. Free access to The Vet Gazette, the student journal of SAVMA, by vet students for vet students. Find out more at thevetgazette.com.
Free advance registration to the AVMA Annual Convention, access to the SAVMA Symposium, and other opportunities.
Eligibility for Professional Development Funds (PDF) from RUSVM SAVMA to travel to externships and conferences.
Free Liability Coverage provided by AVMA PLIT as well as complimentary student life insurance. Register at this link. Health insurance plans with add-on dental and vision plans starting as low as $25/month provided by AVMA Life.
Use of My Veterinary Life and learn more about externships, financial resources, and wellbeing resources.
Access to SAVMA awards and scholarships, where students can receive grants towards travel for conferences and externships, NAVLE prep, continuing education, and more.
Ross Vet Student Government Executive Board
SAVMA @ RUSVM Officers
Madison is from a rural town in Alabama, where she grew up on a small farm that ignited her passion for learning. She attended Auburn University, and earned both her Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science in Animal
Science and Ruminant Nutrition and Forage, respectively. Madison has worked in the veterinary field for almost 10 years in small and large animal clinics/hospitals. Here at Ross, Madison is not only SAVMA Vice President, but also a Student Ambassador for Ross, and a Student Representative for VetEvolve. Currently, her interests are in large animal surgery and neurology, among others.
Nedra is from Brooklyn, New York. She first earned her Bachelor's Degree from Pace University in NYC before pursuing a second degree in Veterinary Technology at LaGuardia Community College. While working as a licensed veterinary technician in New York, she then earned her Master's Degree in Biology at Miami University in 2020. Nedra has experience in both clinical and laboratory animal medicine, working with a multitude of species including rodents, rabbits and non-human primates. She also served for the DEIB committee for NAVTA. Nedra’s special interests include emergency and critical care, feline medicine, and wildlife conservation. She would love to learn about zoo medicine/exotics, pathology, and public health.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, Broadway shows, and learning about new cultures.
Chanice was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Her undergraduate years were spent at Cornell University, where she pursued her Bachelor's degree in Animal Science and a minor in Education. Being from a city that never sleeps, Chanice has always been on the go and kept herself busy spending as much time as possible with animals. Having maternal grandparents who owned a small farm in Jamaica, West Indies, her passion for animals started there. Since then, she has volunteered at shelters and worked at animal clinics during her undergraduate years and after. At Ross, her current passion outside the classroom is pathology. When she is not busy with activities pertaining to animals, she spends her time sleeping, doing puzzles, and trying out new recipes! After working hard at Ross University, she plans on residing in any big city as a small animal general practitioner!
Rajion is from Battle Creek, Michigan. She later relocated to Texas and attended one of the best HBCU’s: Prairie View A&M University. While at Prairie View, she was involved in science and agriculture clubs to better prepare for veterinary school. In her free time, she loves to watch chiropractor videos and only wishes she were on the table. Although she doesn’t have any island pets, she has two pets back home, Max and Mango, who evidently run the house.
Jasmine Folsom
Jasmine is from Denver, Colorado. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 2019 and received her Master of Science in Microbiology at Colorado State University in 2022. Her veterinary experience has varied throughout the years, getting the opportunity to work in various settings, such as the zoo, the local shelter, large animal practice, small animal practice, and the IDEXX laboratory. Currently, her interests lie in pathology and small animals, but she is keeping her options open.
Corey Adams
Corey is a first semester student from South Carolina. He has a BS in biology and a BS in environmental science.
His future plans are a DVM and to practice zoo medicine.
Diego Serrano
Diego, born and raised in Puerto Rico, has been passionate about veterinary science from a young age. He earned his Animal Science degree at UC Davis, where he gained valuable experience through internships and volunteer work. In his free time, Diego enjoys staying active through physical fitness, spending time outdoors, and exploring the latest advancements in veterinary care. Now pursuing his DVM at Ross University, he hopes to specialize in ophthalmology and improve animal eye health as a future veterinary ophthalmologist.
Victoria Young was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. She attended Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI where she received a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Biology and a Minor in American Sign Language. While attending Central Michigan, she was able to fulfill her dream of traveling to Europe by studying abroad in France, learning about the history of ASL. She was also able to share her love of ASL with two classrooms of second graders through teaching them the language. During her time between undergraduate studies and vet school, she worked as a veterinary assistant, which further solidified her goal of becoming a Veterinarian. In the future she plans to return to Michigan, preferably to a city north of Flint, and own a practice. She plans to work with small animals but is becoming increasingly interested in mixed animal practice.
Tyrese is a 23-year-old hailing from the continent of South America (The Co-operative Republic Guyana). In the year 2020 (mid COVID-19 pandemic), he migrated to the United States of America after completing his pre-veterinary medicine Associates degree in Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health to advance his studies in the field of vet med. Finally after two years, he joins the wonderful folks in the DVM class of 2027 here at Ross. His interests lie in One Health, he enjoys listening to music, and he tries not to take life too seriously. Post Ross degree completion, Tyrese hopes to specialize in the Food Medicine and Surgery speciality. He looks forward to taking part in the many outreach programs that the One Health club has to offer. Lastly, Tyrese is very honored to be able to take a leadership role by representing his classmates in the DVM Blue semester and is excited to see what the future holds for him as it relates to more leadership positions here at Ross.
Geeta is from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, a small town outside of Philadelphia. In 2020, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a concentration in Gender and Sexuality Studies at Bryn Mawr College. Following her experience at her historically women’s college, she completed her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology in 2022 from Drexel University. Her veterinary experience is primarily in small animal general practice, though her animal care experience is varied: Geeta has worked at the National Zoo, horse barns, a cheetah reserve, and more. Her interests lie in epidemiology, zoonotic disease, and pathology.
Isabel is a first generation student from a small town in Westchester, NY. She earned her Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in psychology at Manhattanville University in 2023. After graduating, she worked full time at a Banfield Pet Hospital for a year before pursuing a DVM degree at Ross. Her interests include pathology and research. In her free time, she enjoys strength training and baking.
Alexandrea Archer is from Long Island, NY. In 2023, she completed her Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Public Health at Stony Brook University. While completing her degree, she worked full time at a small animal general practice. Post graduation, she worked part time at an Integrative Medicine facility for small animals, gaining knowledge in physical rehabilitation on postoperative patients. Alexandrea currently aspires to become a small animal general practitioner with hopes of becoming board certified in small animal surgery. Along with serving as your SAVMA COO, Alexandrea’s position includes active participation on the D.E.I Committee and Steering Committee.
Ashley was born in Reston, VA (outside Washington DC) and received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tennessee. (Go Vols!). Shortly after graduation, she moved to the Tampa Bay area of Florida and continues to call the Gulf Coast home, along with her husband and two sons. In addition to owning and managing small businesses in the vacation rental and property management field, Ashley has worked in the veterinary field for over 20 years as a technician and manager in small animal medicine. She plans to return to her home clinic in Florida after receiving her DVM. Outside of her studies, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family; beaching, boating, hiking, and traveling.
Alannah Jackson hails from Riverdale, GA, and is in her 2nd semester here at Ross. Her educational background consists of a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences with a minor in Marine Sciences from Savannah State University and a Masters of Public Health with a concentration in Prevention Sciences from Emory University. Her overall goal in veterinary medicine is to become a radiologist and emergency medicine veterinarian. She looks forward to serving the RUSVM student body
Sarah was raised in Fairfax, Virginia and attended Virginia Tech. During her undergrad years, Sarah worked on several of the campuses farming operations from sheep, hogs, and dairy to poultry. She also served as an officer in her schools Block and Bridle Club as well as in their chapter of the Pre-Veterinary Medical Association where she helped organize campus and nationwide events. In 2020 she received her Bachelors of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences and stayed in Southwest Virginia. She began working in small animal medicine as a technician, until arriving at Ross. Sarah now serves as the SAVMA Scholarship Liaison and is in training to become the next Feral Cat Project Spay Day Coordinator while working towards a career in Small Animal Radiology.
Amanda is from Lake Orion, MI, a town just outside of Detroit. She earned her bachelor's degree at Lake Superior State University in the Upper Peninsula. While there, she started volunteering at a local animal hospital, eventually working there for 3 years right after graduation. She spent most of that time as a surgery technician and as one of the few technicians willing to handle wildlife and exotic animals. She would like to continue those interests after graduation. In her free time, Amanda loves reading and hand-sewing/needlepoint crafts.
SAVMA @ RUSVM General Board
Your elected SAVMA class representatives and other additional liaisons make up the General Board and have office terms of one semester.
Cara was born and raised in Athens, Texas. After high school she then moved to West Texas to continue her education at Texas Tech University to receive her bachelor’s and master’s degree. These degrees would solidify her love for veterinary medicine pushing her to apply for a DVM program. While working on these degrees she became a veterinary technician for 4 years at a small animal medicine practice. Cara plans on working in small animal medicine and potentially specializing in radiology.
Kylie Sullivan comes from the small town of Hollister, California (not the clothing company). She grew up thinking she would be a Pixar animator but pivoted careers in undergrad when she fell in love with an endemic frog species in western Africa. With a newfound interest in conservation, Kylie graduated from the University of CaliforniaSanta Cruz with her Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology in 2017. She then worked in several small animal and urgent care clinics and even with Sea Otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Kylie envisions becoming a mixed-practice veterinarian in wildlife rehabilitation, general practice, and emergency. She is grateful for the Vet Prep program, and that Ross took a chance on her. She will surely not disappoint!
Ashley Ocampos
Ashley is from Brooklyn, New York and graduated from Brooklyn College in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She started in the veterinary field in 2017 and has worked at numerous general practices in Brooklyn through which she found a passion for emergency medicine in 2019 at the peak of COVID. She has worked at a small animal referral/specialty hospital as well as a 24/7 emergency animal hospital. She loves marine life and would love to dive into that area more. Ashley does see herself finding a way back to the ER life eventually. She would like to explore my options as much as possible, especially with all the opportunities RUSVM has to offer. She has always wanted to help those in need that cannot afford veterinary care. She plans on finding a way to lower the number of Parvovirus cases in her career. She looks forward to joining clubs and connecting with others. Ashley is truly honored to represent Black semester and looks forward to the future!
Mary Shantery
Mary was born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in a small town called Leroy, just northeast of downtown Cleveland. She grew up wanting to be a veterinarian since she was the age of four, never changing her mind. She started shadowing and volunteering at a vet clinic down the road from her home when she was fifteen. From then on, she has been a seasonal employee, working on college breaks and any opportunity otherwise. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in agriculture, majoring in Animal Sciences. Growing up with horses, it is a passion of hers to explore other areas of veterinary medicine such as equine. Most of Mary's clinical experience includes small animal medicine but she also enjoys small ruminant. Mary plans to pursue what is meant to be, keeping an open mind, and learning everything she can from Ross Vet. She is so honored to be a veterinary student as she's been working towards this her entire life, but Ross has made it even better than she thought it could be.
Lauren Erdmann
Lauren is originally from Southern California but lived on both coasts and abroad before starting at Ross, She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation in 2022. Lauren has worked in a variety of veterinary settings from referral centers to small animal general practices, a snake farm, an aquarium, a wildlife rescue center, marine mammal institute, and a small animal specialty hospital. Lauren is highly interested in working with wildlife but is open to the possibilities RUSVM will bring her. Lauren fell in love with sloths during her internship in Costa Rica, but her career goal is to work with Giant Pandas. Lauren also wants to be involved in local communities, working toward making ecosystems habitable for the people and animals involved. She is very honored to be a representative for Pink Semester!
Tomas Pirela
Tomas Pirela was born in Caracas, Venezuela. He served in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years before attending the University of Texas in Austin, where he received a major in Economics and a minor in Business. Later in his career, Tomas attended the Vet Tech Institute of Houston, receiving his Associate’s degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. As a newly Licensed Technician. Tomas joined Banfield Pet Hospital where he practiced small animal medicine for 3 years full time while simultaneously completing his pre-requisites for Veterinary School. In the future, he plans to return to Houston and practice small animal medicine with the hopes of doing a surgery specialty.
Natalia Dee
Natalia grew up in the small town of Harrowsmith, ON, Canada. She completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph majoring in Animal Biology in 2021. Her passion for agriculture science then led her to pursue a Master's degree in Large Animal Clinical Science at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focused on practical methods of pain mitigation during routine husbandry procedures on calves, with a special focus on bovine behaviour and welfare. Natalia started at Ross in January 2024 and after graduation in 2027 she plans on returning to Canada to work as a large animal general practitioner.
Ashley Apgar
Ashley is from Long Island, and is a graduate of Murray State University in Western Kentucky with a major in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Psychology. Ashley has been fortunate to spend several years working in privately owned small animal general practices on Long Island and in Indiana. Her current veterinary interests include radiology, neurology, and behavioral medicine, as well as general small animal practice. She also maintains an interest in equine track medicine, with the prevention and treatment of injuries in thoroughbred athletes at the forefront. When not studying or in class, Ashley enjoys playing dungeons and dragons, both with the club on campus and friends overseas, and will gladly spend hours talking nerdy to anyone she meets. Ashley remains excited and honored to represent the third semester Orange Ocelots.
Brittany Pecoraro
Brittany was born in Minnesota and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina - a city right on the Atlantic Ocean. For her undergraduate education she attended Meredith College where she graduated in 2020 with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. Post college, Brittany worked in research at North Carolina State University’s vet school studying swine viruses and infectious diseases. It was at NCSU where she remained to complete her Master of Animal Science degree. As a competitive equestrian Brittany has a passion for horses, and she brings that passion with her to Ross vet school as she pursues interests in equine medicine, sports medicine, and beyond.
Pamela Gonzalez
Pamela was born in Lima, Peru and moved to South Florida at a young age. Her idea of being a veterinarian started at a young age, when she would visit her uncle in Peru who owned a small animal clinic and enjoyed “assisting” him throughout his appointments. After high school, she started volunteering at a local animal clinic, fell in love with the field and never looked back. She earned her B.S. in Animal Sciences from the University of Florida in 2021. She spent her gap years working as a technician in a rural small animal practice. This is where she started to hear how great Ross University is, by a few alumni that she looks up to. They weren't wrong! She is interested in pursuing small animal medicine, with special interests in surgery and emergency medicine.
Reagan Zutell
Reagan was born in Jacksonville, Florida before moving up and down the east coast due to her father’s career in the United States Marine Corps. Once her father retired, her family settled back down in the Jacksonville area, and she graduated from Yulee High School before going on to study at the University of Florida. At UF, she minored in Classical Studies and majored in Pre-Professional Biology, where she shadowed with MDs, DMDs and DVMs before ultimately deciding to combine her lifelong passions of animals and medicine in the pursuit of becoming a veterinarian. After graduating from UF in December of 2019, she spent the next 3 years learning how to better manage her chronic illnesses and working as an unlicensed technician. In her limited free time, she enjoys reading, writing, dancing, listening to podcasts (history, true crime, and deep dives on literature mostly) and participating in club activities (FCP, Kennel Companion and ZEW club). In the future she is interested in mixed practice emergency care.
Harlee Rorro
Harlee is from San Diego, California and ventured up to Northern California where she obtained a B.S. in Biology from California State University Monterey Bay. She took 2 years between undergrad and vet school to work in a small animal clinic, volunteer at a local shelter, do research for Animal Planet, and intern as an Aquarist working with aquatic species. Her future plans include practicing small animal medicine with exotics and hopefully zoo medicine. She has a special interest in Dentistry.
Taylor Lewin
Taylor is from a small town in South Dakota and graduated from Iowa State University in 2020 with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. After graduating, she worked as a laboratory technician at Merck Animal Health in Ames, Iowa where she helped make RNA vaccines for pigs. Following this, she worked with a small IVF company called Vytelle where she worked as a Bovine Embryologist . This role helped her learn more about embryo culture and transfer in cows. Though she has a lot of laboratory experience, she has always had an interest in small animal medicine. After vet school, she would love to work at a mixed practice to get some large animal work in as well!
Lillian LePage
Lillian LePage was born in Danbury, Connecticut and continued to live much of her life in Fredericksburg, TX and Blairstown, NJ. Her interest in veterinary medicine stemmed from growing up on a small ranch with horses and Texas longhorns. She graduated from Texas A&M University in 2022, where she received her Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Public Health. During her time at Texas A&M, Lillian found a love for wildlife and exotics while participating in a research study that examined pneumonia transmission between Aoudad and Bighorn Sheep. During a veterinary focused study abroad in South Africa, she was also able to work with African game animals. Lillian is grateful to be able to pursue her passion for veterinary medicine while continuing to discover all opportunities this career has to offer.
Grant Lorimer
Grant was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Grant attended Denison University in Ohio for undergrad where he sail-raced and frolicked through corn fields while receiving a BS in Biology with an engineering concentration. Grant worked in private equity immediately out of college, then decided to go back to school and received his MS in biomedical engineering. In his master’s program, he did research on, and developed, bone grafts and injectable orthobiologics at the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. Grant went on to found a start-up company, which patented and licenses a freeze-drying process and produces drug delivery systems, and other products. He continues to work with his company remotely. In his free time, Grant is an avid skier, sailor and enjoys other sports and outdoor activities. From time to time you can find Grant on the basketball courts on campus, giving his friend Khiry a few lessons. Grant has an interest in pursuing small animal veterinary medicine and continues to hold an open mind to specialization.
Professional Development Fund
The Professional Development Fund is a program under the RUSVM SAVMA for current Ross Vet students that rewards performing activities affiliated with Ross Vet, using a points-based system, by providing funding towards professional development opportunities. Professional development opportunities can include, but are not limited to conferences, externships, foreign education programs, internships, symposiums, or anything deemed for professional or career development.
Students who have completed at least one semester within the DVM program at Ross Vet may apply for funding. Any points accrued during Vet Prep do not count towards the total.
- PDF Guidelines
- PDF Involvement Sheet
- PDF Involvement Sheet Example
- SAVMA PDF Checklist
- PDF Fund Application
- PDF Application
Ross Vet Student Clubs & Organizations
With over 20 active Ross Vet school clubs and organizations representing a variety of interests, it’s easy to get involved at Ross Vet. Two SAVMA Activities Representatives coordinate the overall activities schedule for students and are responsible for determining the schedule for both activities and club fundraising.
Officially Recognized Student Clubs & Student Organizations
The American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) is the largest organization on campus, with approximately 160 members and growing! Here on campus, we offer a multitude of wet labs including calf handling, calf watch with our pregnant cows during our calving seasons, dehorning, palpation trips to local St. Kitts farms, body condition scoring, and breeding of our campus herd. Additionally, we provide the opportunity for our members to become AI (artificial insemination) certified through Select Sires. We promote excellence within this field of medicine and help our members to gain exceptional bovine handling skills.
The Ross Vet American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners provides veterinary students of all experience levels with the opportunity to participate in activities to gain exposure to working with small ruminants. We offer hands-on experiences including sheep and goat farm visits, sheep physical exams, sheep and goat ultrasounds, herd health checks, hoof trimming, blood draws, and FAMACHA certification. This Ross Vet school club provides members with an opportunity to increase knowledge in husbandry and veterinary care of small ruminants. We offer several wet labs each semester to gain your knowledge in small ruminant handling and ultrasound skills to get you ready for practice.
Contact us via Facebook or email us at rusvmsruminant@gmail.com.
The purpose of the RUSVM Swine Club is to bring together the students of Ross University who share common interests in swine medicine. We aim to provide learning experiences (wet labs, lectures) as well as off campus excursions to local farms. Farm visits include opportunities to learn deworming, ear tagging, iron injections, use of ultrasound, and general health checks. Additionally, we aim to build a relationship between Ross and the local community that will provide a foundation for the future.
The goal of the Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals shall be to inspire, support, and increase the voice and visibility of Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the veterinary profession and advocate for greater general diversity in the veterinary profession.
Contact us via Facebook, Instagram, or at our email at aavmpatross@gmail.com.
The Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) is a RUSVM school club for students interested in avian and exotic medicine. Our goal is to enrich the standard curriculum with a variety of lectures and wet labs to prepare our members for avian practice. Ross professors and other experts provide lectures on wildlife, pet birds, poultry, and more. In the past, we have done wet labs on avian anesthesia, avian orthopedics, avian diagnostic imaging, and avian husbandry, as well as farm trips. These wet labs provide a starting point for students to get involved in research and wildlife rehabilitation.
The Student Chapter of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Club is a club that offers students the opportunity to explore the different specialties encompassed by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM).
ACVIM currently includes:
- Small Animal Internal Medicine
- Large Animal Internal Medicine
- Medical Oncology
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Nutrition
Student members will be able to explore these different veterinary specialties and grow their interest in them. They will get opportunities to attend lectures, conferences, wet labs, journal clubs, and meet with ACVIM diplomates. For students who wish to pursue a specialty, the club is a great resource to understand how to be a great candidate to apply for internship and residency.
Students can find updated contacts and information about activities on Facebook and more resources are also available on the ACVIM website.
The mission of the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (ASLAP) is to advance laboratory animal medicine and welfare through member development and representation in the greater professional community. We achieve this through advocacy, education & collaboration. ASLAP and AVMA work together to support the practice of laboratory animal medicine.
Ross University's Christian Veterinary Fellowship is a chapter of CVM (Christian Veterinary Mission) and seeks to provide an environment for vet students to grow in their Christian faith and to learn about the intersections between veterinary medicine and Christianity. There is a focus on fellowship and community, with scattered outreach opportunities to serve the Ross University community, the local community, and the global community.
For more information follow us on Facebook or email us at cvfrusvm@gmail.com
RUSVM is home to the very first deaf and hard of hearing veterinary student club in the AVMA. We advocate for and enhance the understanding of students with any and all disabilities, especially those with hearing loss. This club was founded due to frustrations regarding the lack of inclusivity, accessibility, and accommodations in veterinary schools and clinics, and we recognize the importance of making necessary changes for future veterinarians with disabilities. DHHVS hosts an array of lectures, labs, and American Sign Language workshops. On top of this, we fight to improve both the captioning and accommodation systems at Ross while pushing for faculty and staff to have proper Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training to avoid unfortunate and unacceptable interactions with students. We stand up for a community that is heavily marginalized/stereotyped and break down communication barriers between the hearing and non-hearing worlds. We show current and prospective students that they can be anything they want to be with their unique abilities.
Students can find more information on Facebook (RUSVM DHHVS) and Instagram (dhhvs_rusvm) or email us at DHHVSrusvm@gmail.com
The Diagnostic Imaging Club aims to provide exposure to the field of diagnostic imaging, from basic education to the latest research and techniques. This student organization will help promote diagnostic imaging within the DVM curriculum and interact with other student chapters of American Veterinary Colleges. We are an active club providing cutting-edge diagnostic imaging-based lectures and hands-on experience with different imaging techniques.
The purpose of this club is to promote and explore the interests of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Students and the on-campus herd of donkeys. A hands-on learning approach that further prepares students to handle and interact with donkeys in later semesters of their education and their future careers. Members can learn about the proper operant conditioning needed to train and handle animals by using the donkeys as a learning model, while also learning what makes donkeys unique when compared to other equid species.
Donkey club enriches both the lives of the RUSVM donkey herd and students. It gives an educational experience to students through behavioral assessment, training, and husbandry, while preparing veterinary students for proper handling techniques of donkeys in their future endeavors.
The Feral Cat Project (FCP) at Ross Vet is a nonprofit student organization that works to increase the welfare of the feral cats on St. Kitts. The club organizes the trap-neuter-return program for the feral cat population, as well as finding forever homes to the cats/kittens that were trapped underweight or born under our care that are more suited for living indoors. FCP provides the student body with many opportunities for hands-on experience by participating in our four spay days a semester as well as informing the local communities about population control. Contact us on Facebook!
The mission of Student HBVC at RUSVM is to promote, support, and educate people about safe beekeeping practices, the benefits of apiaries, and the importance of bee welfare both in conservation and veterinary medicine. Honeybees are considered food animals in the USA and Canada, and as such require prescriptions or veterinary feed directives to treat common diseases. Our club wants to give to members the opportunity to work with live bees before encountering a hive on a farm call. We are working to get Ross's first apiary, and club members attend hive trips, allowing for hands-on experience working with live bees!
You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Link Tree! You can also email us at rusvmhbvc@gmail.com.
Integrative Veterinary Medicine is becoming more and more popular in many regions of the U.S. and worldwide. This club aims to explore the many alternative and complementary therapies as well as the different modalities currently used in veterinary practices. Most therapies require further certification processes, not offered at most veterinary schools. IVMC offers Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) training through Chi University at a discounted rate. IVMC aims to encourage its members and to inform students about the practices and certification processes of acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal and phytomedicines, nutraceuticals, and many more. From time to time, guest veterinarians and other professionals who currently integrate complementary or alternative veterinary medicine into their practice or profession are welcomed to lecture or are flown in by the club to visit us at Ross.
Join our public Facebook group for club updates.
JVSNA was founded to be an inclusive and safe place for Jewish students or community members who wish to share in the culture and religion. We host shabbats during the semester. Regardless of upbringing, we hope to cultivate an environment where our peers are supported, encouraged, and brought together through our shared appreciation of Judaism.
The Latinx Veterinary Medical Association is a national organization that was created in 2020 in response to the lack of Latinx/Hispanic representation in the veterinary profession. Additionally, the national LVMA was founded with the goal of closing language and cultural barriers, which impact client education and patient care. Our community welcomes veterinarians, veterinary professionals, students, and clients. We are also proud to welcome allies that are invested in furthering our mission.
The Ross Chapter of LVMA hopes to increase the visibility of current Latinx/Hispanic veterinary professionals and inspire more students to become veterinarians. We will also advocate on behalf of Latinx/Hispanic veterinary professionals and clients. RUSVM LVMA wants you to embrace your heritage and help you promote the valuable contribution that you bring to your community. We hope to help you become a leader in our profession by amplifying your voice and providing you with a platform that supports you!
Our purpose is to provide a supportive community for students of diverse backgrounds and promote an understanding of Middle Eastern and North African culture, history, and diversity. This organization also seeks to empower its members by providing leadership, personal growth, and community involvement. We aim to inspire our colleagues through education, collaboration, leadership opportunities and acknowledgement of excellence.
This organization allows any interested student to participate in, become a member of, and seek leadership positions in the organization without regard to arbitrary consideration of such characteristics as age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status.
Find us on Facebook!
Aiming to embody the core tenet of One Health - that human, animal, and environmental health are inexplicably linked and interdependent.
The club has three primary goals:
- Publicize the role of veterinarians in contributing to human, animal, and environmental health through our strengths as systems thinkers
- Offer students opportunities to get involved with projects aligning with our mission
- To give back to the RUSVM community and St. Kitts as a whole
We would like to provide our members with the resources to expand their knowledge and empower them to prioritize the One Health concept in general practice, emergency or specialty medicine, research, public health, epidemiology, disaster relief, and beyond.
We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and actively seek out opportunities to support and uplift affiliate clubs. Any issue can be a One Health issue, and we’d like to work with you to solve it.
Follow our Facebook page for club updates!
Pride’s goals are:
- to increase awareness, respect, acceptance, and sensitivity to differences among all individuals and communities in the field of veterinary medicine and beyond
- to celebrate diversity within the veterinary community and the RUSVM community
- to provide an embracing environment that promotes the success of all students
- to promote the veterinary profession, provide leadership, and mentorship to any youth, particularly to underrepresented youth and/or those who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, interested in careers in veterinary medicine
We actively strive to counter episodes of bigotry and marginalization with positive messages of diversity and inclusion. We have healthy, supportive, and encouraging relationships with pre-veterinary, veterinary, and graduate students, faculty, staff, and administrators. We are known for advocating for the respect and equality of seen and unseen LGBTQ+ members in the academic veterinary community and beyond. We contribute to the development of safe and welcoming veterinary school environments for current veterinary students. Pride SVMC hopes to make veterinary schools more inclusive for all students, especially LGBTQ+ students. We accomplish this by starting important and courageous conversations about LGBTQ+ inclusion, in addition to maintaining much-needed support for LGBTQ+ students in veterinary medicine. Learn more about us and how to join at this link here.
Did you know that 30+ dogs live on campus? They come to labs with our students and help us learn non-invasive procedures! These pups are island dogs (owner relinquished or previous street dogs that weren’t doing well on their own). They help our students learn for 6 semesters or less and then we find them a permanent loving home. As a kennel companion you’ll have a dog assigned to you, your very own Companion! You can stop by and visit them between classes, study with them, play with them, take them for walks, and so much more! Our goal as Kennel Companions is to take care and provide our RUSVM Colony Teaching dogs with social and play enrichments, along with providing them the love and attention they need to thrive! Want to join? Email: kennelcompanioncoordinators@gmail.com for more information and the steps on how to join!
The student chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) at Ross Vet is a nationally recognized, affiliate chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Our mission is to enhance the educational opportunities of the professional students at Ross Vet in the field of equine medicine and health, to inform students about veterinary-related problems currently affecting the horse industry, and to promote the exchange of professional knowledge among students and practitioners for the advancement of equine health.
Find our Facebook group here.
The goal of this student chapter of the American Association of Feline Practitioners is to provide hands-on experience with cats while practicing fear-free handling methods along with providing up-to-date clinical information specific to domestic cats. Our wet labs always include proper feline physical examination and can range anywhere from practicing doppler blood pressures to feline cardiology examinations. Our lectures include case-based learning along with specific subjects within feline health such as oncology, ophthalmology, and dermatology.
Contact us on Facebook or at our email rusvmffp@gmail.com.
American College of Veterinary Pathology (ACVP), incorporated in 1949, is the oldest veterinary specialty organization recognized by the AVMA. The RUSVM Student Chapter of the ACVP, also known as the Pathology Club, was established in 2008 and recognized as an official student chapter of the ACVP even before RUSVM became American accredited.
The chapter is committed to promoting veterinary student involvement in veterinary pathology and providing members with opportunities to gain professional knowledge and experience in this field. Through regular educational talks by internal and external speakers, members can engage with diplomates of the college, residents/interns in anatomic and clinical pathology, and researchers in various fields. Additionally, members can participate in autopsy wet labs, cytology/histology slide review sessions, case rounds, research and so much more.
For students who wish to pursue further training in pathology after obtaining their DVM degrees, the Pathology Club provides opportunities to attend conferences and gain valuable insights on how to prepare to become a competitive candidate for a pathology residency. Joining the Pathology Club is an excellent opportunity for veterinary students to explore the diverse and rewarding field of veterinary pathology and connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion for this fascinating area of veterinary medicine.
Students can find updated information about activities and follow or contact us on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Additional resources can be found on the ACVP website and under RUSVM Pathology training website.
The Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Dentistry Society (SCAVDS) is committed to supplementing your veterinary education in dentistry, with the primary focus being on hands-on skills necessary for any practicing veterinarian, which is not currently provided as part of the curriculum. SCAVDS strives to encompass all species through our wet labs and lectures.
The Shelter Medicine club operates as a 501c3 rescue dedicated to helping the animals on St. Kitts. We respond to emergency calls around the island, run a foster and adoption program, and organize outreaches. Our community outreaches are a great way for students to get involved in the community and work closely with doctors and professors at Ross. Each semester we are able to vaccinate, test for tick born and heartworm disease, and provide prevention and food for over 200 animals in the community. Follow us here on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with our adoptable animals and latest rescues!
The Student National Association for Black Veterinarians (SNABV) is an initiative of The Institute for Healthcare Education and Leadership non-profit. The mission of SNABV, through its leadership and members, is to build a network of individuals and organizations that advocate for Blacks in veterinary medicine at every level and profession. SNABV seeks to provide mentorship, professional development, and career planning advice to its members. SNABV offers interactive labs, engaging speakers, community service opportunities and a supportive community to its members.
Emergency and Critical Care club is a great way for students of all experience levels to get involved in emergency medicine! Throughout the semester we host multiple lunch lectures with other clubs as well as guest speakers. We also host wet labs throughout the semester ranging from fluid therapy cases, resection and anastomosis, bandaging, ultrasound and more! Our members also have the opportunity to volunteer in the clinic and gain extra experience during the semester. We also provide in-person CPR training for our upper semester members, so they can take this new and helpful skill to clinics!
The main purposes of the RUSVM Surgery Club are to further the student’s knowledge in the area of veterinary surgery with a major emphasis on small animal surgery as well as large animal and equine surgery, to provide information about specializing in the field of surgery within the veterinary profession, and when possible, organize hands-on opportunities for the members of the club.
The Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) is one of the largest student-run organizations in the United States, dedicated to fulfilling the need for a business education to enhance success in a student's professional career. The organization offers scholarships, networking opportunities, internships, jobs, and other unique members-only opportunities. Students can choose to opt-in to the Business Certificate Program, where they can be formally recognized for their commitment to business learning in areas such as personal and business finance, employee and practice management, and career preparation and planning. Check out our website for more information.
The Volunteers for Intercultural and Definitive Adventures (VIDA) is a nonprofit organization created in Costa Rica. VIDA aims to empower underserved communities by providing affordable and accessible veterinary care. This cause is well integrated into Ross University’s One Health approach, because as we better the health of the animals, we in turn better the health of the community. Our students join one of our local Veterinarians with his mobile clinic three times a semester providing care and educating on the importance of the medical care we provide. We also host spay days which helps to minimize the stray population on island while providing students necessary surgical skills. Lastly, we collaborate with our Shelter Medicine Club on campus to host an outreach event once a semester which provides free medical care and resources to the community and their pets.
The Ross Vet's WAVMA student chapter stands as a vital resource for aspiring veterinarians passionate about aquatic animals. Through dynamic lectures and interactive wet labs, the chapter delves into a wide array of topics in aquatic medicine, catering to both beginners and advanced learners. Aquatic veterinary medicine, a specialized field, focuses on the health and well-being of marine and freshwater animals. It involves addressing unique health challenges in various species, significantly contributing to conservation efforts. To join the Ross Vet WAVMA chapter, individuals only need to cover semester club dues. Although not mandatory, they are welcome to pay for WAVMA national dues at our website, opening doors to a wealth of knowledge and opportunities in the captivating realm of aquatic veterinary medicine.
The Zoo, Exotics, and Wildlife Medicine Club (ZEW) offers Ross University vet students the opportunity to learn more about the side of medicine we do not get to focus on in class, while also gaining hands-on experience and networking opportunities to help further our careers in the field of exotic medicine. We offer lectures, on average about once a week, on a variety of topics in the realm of zoo, exotic and wildlife medicine from professionals in their respective fields. Throughout the semester, we also host numerous wet labs, including but not limited to, rabbit handling, reptile handling, blow dart practice, and more! Once a semester we also have the opportunity for upper semester students who have been involved with the club previously to apply for a dolphin care lecture and wet lab series with a vet at Dolphin Discovery on island! Our international coordinators will also arrange international externship opportunities for our members that perfectly fit in our short breaks in locations such as South Africa, Guatemala, Australia and more. Whether you are a devoted and passionate wildlife enthusiast, or even just interested in learning more about this side of medicine, ZEW club offers a great way to become involved on campus and gain more valuable experiences.
SGA (Non-SAVMA) Recognized Clubs At Ross Vet
Hey, y’all! Welcome to the Country and Western club. This club has a large focus in creating a space for anyone who loves country music, dancing (twos-step, swing, line, etc.), and anyone who wants to learn! We have Western Nights every Wednesday (dancing, table games, cornhole, washers), and we also facilitate other activities such as the Rossie Rodeo, Country-maran, cornhole tournaments, bonfires, and more!
Ultimately, if you enjoy country music, this is the club for you!
For more information join our Facebook page.
The RUSVM Dungeons & Dragons Club (RUSVM D&D) offers a community for lovers of DND, tabletop gaming, and role playing. Created to provide easy access to fellow adventurers to recruit for your party, the RUSVM D&D club invites both new and experienced players to take a study break to enjoy a grand adventure. We invite all individuals of our Ross Community (Students, VIPs, Faculty, etc) to join in our one shots or long campaigns. As of 2022, we also offer events outside of DND sessions, including miniature painting, board game nights, movies, and Nerd Trivia nights! Our goal is to offer a creative, fun, and supportive community to help with the stress of the veterinary curriculum.
The Ross Vet SCUBA Club is a student-run organization on campus. As a Ross Vet school club, we organize PADI SCUBA certifications with a local dive shop for members wanting to start diving or advance their SCUBA skills. The club also organizes multiple SCUBA diving trips each semester with local dive shops. Our diving trips in the past have included Saba, a Dutch Caribbean island that is surrounded by a marine conservation park, St. Eustatius, and local hard to reach reefs around St. Kitts.
Along with diving, the SCUBA club gives back to St. Kitts through beach clean-ups and Reef conservation fundraisers.
Facebook: RUSVM SCUBA Club
Email: rusvmscuba@gmail.com
Instagram: @scubaclub_rusvm
Club Funds Request
Any SAVMA approved club can request funds during the week 4 and 10 meetings. Forms are due Friday of week 3 and week 9 respectively by 4 pm. Please use the form below to submit the club’s budget proposal. Further instruction can be found on the form. Each club requesting funds must follow the guidelines, which are available for below in the Handbook.
SAVMA approved clubs may request funds for general assistance or to bring speakers to the University. Requests will be taken into consideration and deliberated upon by SAVMA. Once a decision is reached, the club will be notified via email.
Constitution And Handbook
The RUSVM SAVMA Constitution and Bylaws outline each officer role, the relationship with National SAVMA, and the Bylaws of the RUSVM SAVMA chapter. The Handbook has guidelines for clubs (forming new ones and currently existing ones), events (on campus and off), fundraising guidelines, and guidelines for the Professional Development Fund (PDF). Further PDF information can be found above on this webpage.
