When Pavly Fayek began his journey at Ross Vet in January 2023, he brought with him more than just a passion for veterinary medicine—he carried a clear vision for his future in large animal care, and the motivation to dive deeper through research.
From Classroom to Research
Originally from Canada, Pavly quickly found himself drawn to the opportunities beyond the classroom. Soon after arriving in St. Kitts, he approached Ross Vet’s Research Office and began volunteering with Dr. Chapwanya, Professor of Theriogenology and Director of the Research Center of Integrative Mammalian Research. This early initiative sparked a deeper involvement in the field and solidified his decision to pursue a dual degree: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and Master of Science (MSc) by Research.
“Research was one of the main reasons I chose Ross Vet,” Pavly shared. “I knew it would open doors for me in large animal medicine, especially by gaining hands-on experience with large animal species.”
Where Research Meets Community Impact
Through his research and leadership in Ross Vet’s Bovine Club, Pavly made significant contributions to local livestock health. He helped enhance the breeding program on the island by facilitating bull semen collection from St. Kitts’ own cattle, using genetics better suited to the island’s tropical environment than imported bulls. His work also included tracking and analyzing genetic information from the Ross Vet cattle herd, a data-driven approach aimed at improving herd health across the island.
Outside of the lab, Pavly’s dedication earned him wider recognition. In fall 2023, he competed in Ross Vet’s annual 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition with his presentation, “Got Milk? Talking dairy fertility and bacteria,” which won the People’s Choice Award, voted best by his peers. In September 2024, he was also selected to give an oral presentation about his research at the prestigious American Academy of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Conference.
Pavly’s commitment to research and service didn’t go unnoticed. He was awarded a $5,000 Merck Animal Health AVMF Scholarship to support his education. “As a Canadian student, I’m not eligible for FAFSA, so this scholarship helped cover tuition and allowed me to focus on giving back, both in my research and to the St. Kitts community,” he said. “I’m grateful to AVMF for their investment in my future.”
Next Chapter: Clinical Training and Publication
Now looking ahead, Pavly is beginning his clinical year in Montreal, where he plans to continue exploring advanced reproductive technologies in cattle. He aims to complete his dual degree with a peer-reviewed manuscript submission—potentially to the Journal of Dairy Science—by spring 2026.
