AVC Class of 2024 joins the veterinary profession

| Atlantic Veterinary College
Student receives their white coat at graduation
Dr. Cortney Chadbourne receives her white coat from her parents

For the University of Prince Edward Island's Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) Class of 2024, walking across the stage to receive their white coats was the ultimate goal—the summit of a mountain that seemed so large four years ago.

This tenacious group entered veterinary school in the height of a global pandemic when they were forced to take classes online and isolate while attending school. Over their four years of studies, they continued to face a barrage of challenges. The class got through every test of strength, knowing they would one day achieve their dream of becoming doctors of veterinary medicine. 

On May 14, the 66 graduates received their white coats during their long-anticipated white coat ceremony, held for the first time at the UPEI Performing Arts Centre. They stood on stage with the faculty members who taught them over the years and who officially welcomed them to the veterinary profession at the ceremony.

“Achieving an education in veterinary medicine is never easy under the best of circumstances,” said Dr. Greg Keefe, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI, during the ceremony. “For you, the Class of 2024, the path to your doctor of veterinary medicine degree was even more fraught with various unexpected challenges. You have truly earned your white coats.” 

“This class has learned that resilience isn’t just a trait; it’s a mindset that grows stronger with each trial they have had to overcome,” said Dr. Dominique Griffon, Dean of AVC. “It is time for you to celebrate your achievements and the bright future that awaits you.”

In addition to the white coat ceremony, a number of awards were presented to the graduates.

Dr. Madelaine Russell won the prestigious R.G. Thomson Academic Achievement Award for the highest cumulative grade average for all courses taken during the four-year program. Also receiving awards at the White Coat Ceremony were the following faculty and staff:

  • Falina Dovick, medical radiology technician, Class of 2002 Technician Appreciation Award
  • Dr. Ciaran O’Carroll, small animal surgery, Vetoquinol Award in Pain Management
  • Dr. Zoe Rutledge, resident, small animal medicine, Class of 2006 Intern/Resident Mentorship Award
  • Dr. Sheri Ross, associate professor of companion animals, Boehringer Ingelheim Award of Excellence in Clinical Teaching

 Earlier in the day, the Class of 2024 received their doctor of veterinary medicine degrees at the Convocation ceremony for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Also, 13 AVC graduate students were granted their degrees:

  • Master of Science-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: Dr. Sarifa Lakhdhir, Dr. Edward Kariuki Nganga, Dr. Thomas Eric Olney, Dr. Vernon Cole Ptycia-Lamky, Dr. Hannah Brooke Spitzer, and Dr. Camille Squair, 
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Medicine: Dr. Mohamed Afifi, Dr. Mariana D. Agosto Miguel Fonseca, Dr. Megan Tamilea Jewell, Dr. Svenja Koepper, Dr. Walaa Hamed Sha Nasry, Dr. Marianne Isabelle Parent, and Dr. William Thomas Robbins 

Congratulations, Class of 2024!

To see a full list of graduates, visit here.

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