Meghan Thorne
Undergrad: University of Guelph, with a major in Biomedical Science and minor in Neuroscience
Clinical rotation: Cornell University
We know it’s still early on, but how has your clinical year experience been so far?
Everyone at Cornell has been so welcoming and helpful. The clinicians really push you to make clinical decisions and apply all the information you learned in the classroom to your patients.
Any rotation you are really looking forward to doing?
My Neurology rotation! It's my favorite part of medicine, and I can't wait to experience some unique cases and get a chance to help some more of our furry friends.
What was the motivation behind choosing to do your clinical year outside of Canada?
When it came to choosing a clinical school, my main goal was to get home as quickly as possible.
Cornell was my first choice because it was close enough that I could drive home if I had time off. Plus, I am able to do all my core rotations in the first 9 months. After that, I can go home early and complete my externships in Canada.
Sounds like you can’t wait to start practicing back home. How much did where you grew up influence you becoming veterinarian?
A lot. I grew up loving animals and knowing I wanted to be a vet. We were regulars at the Toronto Zoo when I was a kid. I’ll never forget one summer when I held up our departure from the cottage because I was adamant I say goodbye to the chipmunk I'd been feeding all week.
As I got older I realized I had a passion for medicine and science, as well, and birthday presents went from being stuffed animals to textbooks on horse and goat medicine.
Sounds like you’re doing what you were meant to do.
Every step I've taken has only affirmed for me there's nothing else I'd rather be doing.
Obviously, a big step was going to Ross Vet. Why did you choose Ross?
The biggest draw for me was the accelerated curriculum and that the rolling admissions meant I could start in January instead of having to wait for the following September.
I'd also heard from a previous mentor who had hired a Ross graduate in her practice that she liked the associate's adaptability and positive attitude, which she attributed to her years at Ross.
What is your overall impression of the Ross Vet DVM program?
Whenever people ask me this question, I tell them I think my education at Ross has been just as good if not better than if I'd stayed home for school. Plus, I found it easier to commit to studying and learning when I was away from all the distractions of life at home.
The school also has lots of programs for the students. There are clubs that run events that help solidify clinical skills, upper-semester students can apply to be Teaching Assistants for younger classes, and the professors here are amazing! For most of the faculty, teaching is their main focus, and they are passionate about helping us succeed.
How about living in St. Kitts? A bit warmer than Canada.
I’ll be honest, the first year was the hardest for me. You have to adjust to living in a different place. You can get homesick. But then people who started as strangers become your new family, and they understand what you're going through like no one at home.
Now that I look back, I wouldn't have traded those 2 1/2 years for the world.
I've grown so much as a person and have a unique skillset I feel will only help me become a better veterinarian. I have friends from all over the world. I got to experience a new culture, and our few days off were spent swimming the Caribbean Sea. How can you beat that?
St. Kitts’ winters certainly are more tolerable than Canada’s. I take it you were pretty active while on the island?
Definitely! I took advantage of so many of the clubs that Ross has to offer!
Many of the clubs offered outreach to the local community, which was amazing. There were also lots of opportunities to gain new skills and earn certificates with many of the clubs.
Any favorite clubs or activities?
I was a club officer on the Small Ruminant Club, which helped me gain more hands-on experience, work with professors outside of the classroom, and teach other students new skills. I also enjoyed being a Teaching Assistant for five semesters, which was another great way to help younger students succeed.
