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Organizations and Clubs

Explore, create, lead, organize, have fun, rejuvenate your mind and body …

you can do all of this and much more by participating in any of dozens of CVM student activities and organizations. Student clubs and organizations provide a full spectrum of activities -- some that are social and recreational; others that delve into the handling and treatment of specific animal species. Get involved in student chapters affiliated with professional veterinary organizations and you will:

  • explore wide-ranging career possibilities
  • learn from and meet national and international leaders in veterinary medicine
  • hear about current issues and trends, nationally and globally

To venture into the world of non-veterinary experiences, the ISU Student Organizations Office is a resource for hundreds of special interest, multicultural, community or recreational clubs and activities. Vet Med Student Organizations and Activities

The listing of student organizations also includes some of the student-organized activities that have become an on-going part of a dynamic student environment.

In addition, student representatives serve on the College's standing committees to provide a policy-making voice and to share student perspectives on issues and operations throughout the College. These committees include curriculum, animal welfare, student-faculty relations, international, safety, and others.

Student Organizations and Activities:

AABP - American Association of Bovine Practitioners (Student Chapter)

AABP is a small, informal "club” made up of individuals with an interest in bovine production. Group members frequently have backgrounds in either beef cow or dairy production and the AABP club attempts to appeal to both areas of interest.

Regular meetings are held featuring speakers representing different aspects of bovine production, medicine, herd health, etc. Topics range from new pharmaceuticals to dairy cow quality assurance. Outside activities consist of club socials and field trips which tend to highlight various aspects of bovine production. Small chapter fees are used to bring in speakers as well as pay for occasional pizza. National dues can be paid, which allows members to attend the national meetings for the AABP at no charge. Please drop by our fall meeting to see if our club is for you.

President: Kate Baker (2010)

Treasurer: Colin Yoder (2011)

Advisors: Karl Kersting, Jim West (jkwest@iastate.edu)

AAEP - American Association of Equine Practitioners (Student Chapter)

The AAEP student chapter strives to bring students information and opportunities for experience that they may not get from the formal curriculum. Monthly meetings are usually held over the noon hour with lunch provided, featuring speakers who have demonstrated excellence within their field. Throughout the semester the organization hosts seminars for hands-on experience with joint injections, laparoscopy, equine dentistry, etc. Members will be connected with the National AAEP and introduced to current ethical issues, pharmaceutical products, medical procedures, and professional considerations of interest, such as residency programs. Additionally, members will be able to go to National AAEP Conventions, visit various equine clinics, and learn about equine cases through ‘Equine Rounds’ with the clinicians from the medical center. Students interested in equine medicine and those that have a recreational interest in the equine species are encouraged to join.

President: Trisha Schemmel
Vice President: Justin Jensen
Secretary: Mara Wendel
Treasurer: Jamie Deroin
Trips: Ashley Greenway, Christina Wagner, Kristin Baumgartner
Wetlabs: Tyler Dohlman, Kelly Wathen, Troy Worth
Speaker: Gabe Young, Magda Rosol
Fundraising: Amy Hupal, Wendy Thomas
Social: Meredith Woodard, Barb Peterson

AAFP - American Association of Feline Practitioners (Student Chapter)

Better known as the "Feline Club," this organization is relatively new and growing steadily. Monthly noon-hour meetings feature speakers from the College and outside specialists who focus on a variety of feline topics. Past activities have included a wet lab on feline handling and restraint, a cat photo contest, VEISHEA displays, breed poster sales, etc.

National association: http://www.catvets.com/

President:
Naida Osborne (2011)

Vice-President:
Jamie Peterson (2012)

Treasurer:
Meghan Wymore (2011)

Advisors:
Claudia Baldwin
Jo Ann Morrison (jomorris@iastate.edu)

  • Dr. Morrison's Feline Nutrition Case Examples (.ppt)
  • Dr. Morrison's Feline Diabetes Mellitus (.ppt)
  • Feline Neurologic Diseases (.ppt)
  • Zoonoses of the cat and other things that make people go "Boo"!

AAHA-American Animal Hospital Association (Student Chapter)

Since it’s establishment in1933, the American Animal Hospital Association has promoted high quality standards for small animal hospitals in the U.S. Today, AAHA is an internationally known and respected association for its dedication to professional development, contribution to the definition of hospital standards, and for excellence in educational programs. As a student chapter, our mission is to provide veterinary students with informative lectures and events on topics such as: practice management, veterinary ethics, medicine and medical procedures, and other topics relevant to companion animal practice. All students are invited to join this organization.

Link to national association: http://www.healthypet.com

President:
Denise Benvenuto (2007)

Treasurer:
Alinda Buckingham (2008)

Advisors:
Kim Langholz(langholz@iastate.edu)

Lin Kauffman

AASRP - American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (Student Chapter)

The ISU Student Chapter of the AASRP promotes student affiliation with the AVMA and the national AASRP. This organization provides opportunities for veterinary students to develop expertise and knowledge in the handling and treatment of ovine, caprine, camelid, and cervid species. Monthly meetings have included such activities as ultrasound pregnancy testing of ewes, a working Border collie demonstration, and a hands-on practicum in basic llama handling. This club also provides a forum for awareness of the needs and issues within the industries associated with small ruminant production. The annual Iowa Sheep Industry Association Symposium is open to veterinary students and provides an opportunity to hear the concerns of sheep producers. Any students with a small ruminant interest are invited to join AASRP.

President:
Pete Thomas (2007)

Treasurer:
Dean Cline (2008)

Advisors:
Julie Jarvinen
Ron Griffith

AASV - American Association of Swine Veterinarians (Student Chapter)

With the state of Iowa being responsible for about one-fourth of this country’s pork production, one should obviously expect to see an emphasis on swine at Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. This local branch of the national organization has a number of meetings every semester, inviting speakers to talk on a variety of topics related to swine medicine and the pork industry. Our organization also sponsors wet labs that give students hands on experience and a working knowledge of a variety of techniques used in swine practice. In addition, the club works closely with other student organizations within the veterinary college promoting an interest in production animal medicine. ISU AASV and its members have a strong connection on a national level also. Every year at the AASV national convention Iowa State has a number of attendees and convention participants that interact with numerous swine veterinarians and industry professionals from around the world, making the connection between ISU veterinary students and future employers even stronger.

Link to national association: http://www.aasv.org

Emily McDowell - President
AJ Smit - Vice President
Cassandra Roe - Swine Diagnostic Team Leader
Pete Schneider- Secretary
Clay McGargill- Treasurer
Clayton Riedell - Treasurer Elect
Wetlab Committee – Kate Mueller, Amy Martin, Monique Pairis
Speaker Committee – Chase Stahl, Ryan Howard, Jenna Cherry
Fundraising Committe – Brett Kroeze & Nicole Cressey

Advisors: Locke Karriker, Alex Ramirex, Derald Holtkamp

AAV- Association of Avian Veterinarians(Student Chapter)

The AAV Student Chapter at Iowa State University has in mind the following goals:

  • Promote student interest in avian medicine
  • Provide opportunities for hands-on involvement with pet bird species
  • Sponsor guest lecturers who have a special interest in avian medicine, nutrition, and behavior
  • Inform students of available opportunities for gaining more experience working with birds
  • Provide a library of avian-related resources for students interested in self-educating themselves

President:
Bethany A. Meno

President Elect / Vice President:
Michael W. Rice

Treasurer:
Wai C. Seng

Secretary:
Shayla R. Prestegord

Advisors:
Claire Andreasen
Darrell W. Trampel

ACVP- American College of Veterinary Pathologists (Student Chapter)

The goals of this organization are to provide connections between the students and the members of the ACVP, as well as provide a welcome and fun environment into the area of veterinary pathology through meetings, speakers, case reports and hands-on wetlabs. It is our hope that we can not only interest and encourage you in the field of veterinary pathology, but also supplement your veterinary education here at Iowa State.

President:Abbey Patterson (2007)

Treasurer:Heidi Gabel (2007)

Advisors: Amanda Fales-Williams, Mark Ackermann

AHVMA - American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (Student Chapter)

The student chapter of the AHVMA introduces students to holistic veterinary medicine which considers the whole patient, environment, disease pattern, and relationship of the pet with the owner, in developing a treatment protocol using a wide range of therapies for healing the patient. These therapies include modern drugs, surgery, diagnostics, nutritional therapy, behavior modification, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and veterinary chiropractic.

President:
Mary Kate Bennett (2008)

Treasurer:
Eva Fung

Advisors:
Alison Barnhill

AHVMA-American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association

AVSAB (Behavior Club)

President:
Elizabeth Wormley (2011)

Treasurer:
Naida Osborne (2011)

Advisors:
Alison Barnhill

Canine Club

The Canine Club's main objectives are to bring forward and present information that cannot be presented within the formal realm of veterinary medicine. The clubs presents students with various facets of canine work and experiences of what is in store for the canine practitioner and canine practice.

President:
Raven Klone

Treasurer:
Brittany Slater

Advisors:
Jim Noxon
Elizabeth May

Committee for International Veterinary Opportunities (CIVO)

CIVO is working to help more students experience global veterinary medicine abroad by working in conjunction with the College’s Office of Outreach and Operations.  CIVO meetings consist mainly of information sessions on upcoming international opportunities for students.  Current opportunities include experiences in South Africa, China, Costa Rica, Jordan and the Galapagos.  For more information and application instructions, please click here.

Organization contact: civo@iastate.edu

President:
Brady Boyle

Treasurer:
Cassie Thompson

Advisors:
Katie Davidson
Jane Galyon

CVF - Christian Veterinary Fellowship

Being in the veterinary profession demands much of a person’s time, and it can be easy to forget what is really important in our lives. Christian Veterinary Fellowship gives students, faculty and staff the opportunity to put things into perspective. Through weekly meetings, Bible study, prayer support, and social activities, those involved grow closer in a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. All are welcome. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone will hear my voice and open the door, I will dwell with them and they with me.” Revelation 3:20

President:Danielle Wolfe (2007)

Treasurer:Shelley Kranz (2007)

Advisors:
David Wong, Tim Day

ISU Feral Cat Alliance

The ISU Feral Cat Alliance (FCA) is a student organization that is dedicated to providing central Iowa communities with assistance in humanely controlling feral cat populations. The goal of our TNR program is to humanely control the number of feral cats in Iowa by stopping the birth of kittens while decreasing the spread of disease in the population.

Our organization participates in a trap, neuter, and return program (TNR) where colonies of feral cats are trapped humanely by their caretakers then transported to our facility to be surgically sterilized and vaccinated. The cats are then returned to their caretakers to be released back into their territory.

The FCA is composed of student and faculty volunteers from ISU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to providing a valuable community service the student volunteers gain valuable hands-on experience under the guidance of veterinarians and technicians. Together we can do our part to help control pet overpopulation.

Hill's Pet Nutrition Program

Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. donates over 4 million dollars annually worth of pet food to Veterinary Colleges nationwide. Over $100,000 of this is given to Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine for the Hill's College Feeding Program. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.'s primary objective in providing this program to the students, faculty, and staff of the College of Veterinary Medicine is education.

Eligibility for the Hill's College Feeding Program is limited to students, faculty, and staff of the College Veterinary Medicine; only currently enrolled veterinary students not including pre-veterinary students.

website: http://vetmed.iastate.edu/hills-pet-nutrition-program

OTS (Omega Tau Sigma)

Forget everything you have ever known about fraternities! Omega Tau Sigma is like no other fraternity you have known. OTS is the professional veterinary fraternity that is represented at Iowa State University and fifteen other veterinary schools around the country and Canada. Every year, there is a nation-wide convention for OTS members at the Grand Council. The mission of OTS is to provide unique opportunities to students at the College of Veterinary Medicine in three separate areas. The first and most important is friendship. Even in a professional fraternity, the critical element is the fun, camaraderie, and teamwork that develop between colleagues and classmates. The second is action in the community. Omega Tau Sigma prides itself on the opportunities provided for personal development through service and participation in the community. A few of our events include the annual blood drive as well as a bone marrow drive, the children’s Easter egg hunt, and our annual golf tournament for the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Ames. There is so much more to veterinary school than long hours in the classroom and through our activities in the community, we help develop future leaders. The third area of emphasis for OTS is social. No fraternity (or college curriculum) would be complete without a quality social outlet. Omega Tau Sigma provides this in the fullest measure whether it is our Friday After Class gatherings, holiday dinner, parties or annual fall hayride. The reasons for joining OTS are as diverse as our membership.

President:Seth Vredenburg (2010)

Treasurer:Samantha Mazzucola (2011)

Advisors: Amanda Fales-Williams, Kevan Flaming

Link to website: http://www.stuorg.iastate.edu/ots-kappa/index.php

RSR-Recreation and Stress Relief

President:
Brian Adams (2011)

Treasurer:
Nick Rappa (2011)

Advisors: Lisa Brinkley
Sara Hall

ACVP- American College of Veterinary Pathologists (Student Chapter)

The goals of this organization are to provide connections between the students and the members of the ACVP, as well as provide a welcome and fun environment into the area of veterinary pathology through meetings, speakers, case reports and hands-on wetlabs. It is our hope that we can not only interest and encourage you in the field of veterinary pathology, but also supplement your veterinary education here at Iowa State.

President:Abbey Patterson (2007)

Treasurer:Heidi Gabel (2007)

Advisors: Amanda Fales-Williams, Mark Ackermann

SCAVMA

The Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association is the premiere professional student organization within the College of Veterinary Medicine -- an organization that links students to a vast assortment of professional and social activities.

We are an affiliate of the national association, the AVMA. As such, we are connected to a national organization that represents all veterinarians and the profession. At the same time, we function with an umbrella-like structure to coordinate with a diverse assortment of special interest organizations that have student chapters here at the College.

SCAVMA offers students training in organization and leadership. Our purpose is also to bind the student body into an active organization and, through leadership training, make each member better qualified to participate in professional organizations after graduation. All veterinary students are encouraged to become active SCAVMA members. Our monthly chapter meetings serve to promote the professional development of members, as well as to broaden students' comprehension of the diverse scope of veterinary medicine.

SCAVMA offers opportunities for student involvement in different aspects of veterinary medicine. Members of SCAVMA are encouraged to join and lead other organizations established within our college. Each organization offers insight into a different aspect of veterinary medicine, as well as an opportunity to explore the social side of professional school. Below, browse through our listing of diverse CVM Student Organizations.

SCAVMA Scamper: http://vetmed.iastate.edu/academics/student-organizations-and-club/scavma-scamper    

SCAVMA Auxiliary

SCAVMA Auxiliary is comprised of spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends, roommates and other loved ones of ISU Vet Students.   The Auxiliary offer support for the Vet School and its students.  The organization enjoys camaraderie of others in the same position through fun activities such as hayrides, tailgate parties, gues speakers, demonstrations and much more.  This is a family friendly organization and children are welcome!

President:          Lindsey Adams (Brian Adams, 2011)    lindsey.jo.adams@gmail.com

Vice-President:  Janey Boogerd (Matt Boogerd, 2011)    mjboogerd@yahoo.com

Secretary:          Mike Carley (Danelle Carley, 2011)    mcarley@iowatelecom.net

Treasurer:          Anne Yoder  (Colin Yoder, 2011)    yoder_anne@yahoo.com

Membership:      Lisa Smit  (AJ Smit, 2011)   lsmit@iastate.edu

Sales:                Carrie Behlke (Eric Behlke, 2010)  carrie@theshowcircuit.com

                          Katie Hunter (Greg Hunter, 2012) johnnycola03@yahoo.com

 

Student Chapter of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (SCVECCS)

This organization strives to bring students information and experiences in critical care and emergency medicine that they may not get from the curriculum. In addition to hearing interesting speakers, students use wet labs to get hands-on experience in critical care procedures. Some volunteers are listed as "first responders" to aid animals in the event of a disaster. This new club was formed in 1997 but its rapid membership growth reflects student interest in the field of emergency medicine.

President:Jenny Schutte (2008)

Treasurer: Rachel Pinney (2008)

Advisor: Elizabeth Streeter, Karl Bolser

National Association: http://www.veccs.org/sveccs

Society for Theriogenology Club

President:Jennifer McGivern (2007)

Treasurer:Denise Benvenuto (2007)

Advisors: Larry Evans, Steve Hopkins

V-SMART Veterinary Student Mixed Animal Recruitment Team

V-SMART Website

President:
Kim Soenksen (2007)

Treasurer:
Curt Nelson (2007)

Advisors:
Locke Karriker
Pat Halbur

Veterinary Public Health Club

The Veterinary Public Health Club provides a network for veterinary students interested in public health and those involved in the DVM/MPH concurrent program through ISU and the University of Iowa. The Club serves as an information source for career opportunities, MPH class scheduling, practicum guidance, and an avenue for exposure to the various facets of the field of public health through monthly meetings and various speakers.

President:
Claire Dorniden (2010) - dorn0089@iastate.edu

Vice President:
Nicole Seda (2011) - nseda@iastate.edu

Treasurer:
Hayley Springer (2010) - hrs131@iastate.edu

Secretary:
Megan Keplinger (2011) - megatron@iastate.edu

Advisors:
James Roth - jaroth@iastate.edu
Danelle A Bickett-Weddle - dbweddle@iastate.edu