This September, the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph will welcome its inaugural Northern Cohort 20 students from Northern Ontario embarking on their journey to become veterinarians through the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP), a groundbreaking partnership between the University of Guelph and Lakehead University.
This cohort is a milestone in a province-wide initiative to address the veterinary care shortage in Northern Ontario. Access to veterinary services for companion animals, farm animals, and in rural, remote and Indigenous communities is driving a growing animal health and welfare crisis across Northern Ontario.
Over the next four years, the northern students will train at OVC with the goal of returning to their home communities to deliver essential, accessible and culturally responsive veterinary care. The CDVMP is supported by $14.7 million in funding from the Government of Ontario earmarked for new infrastructure on each campus to support the delivery of the collaborative program.
"These students bring deep ties to Northern Ontario, a passion for service, and a commitment to improving animal health and welfare," says Dr. Jeff Wichtel, dean of the Ontario Veterinary College. "We're proud to support their journey and to be part of a long-term solution that strengthens veterinary capacity across the province."
The CDVMP combines OVC's internationally recognized veterinary education with Lakehead University's 60-year history of strengthening and supporting northern, rural, remote and Indigenous communities. Together, the institutions are breaking down barriers to education and building a talent pool of skilled professionals ready to serve the North.
"I am proud to see the first cohort of the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program begin their studies at the Ontario Veterinary College," says Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
"By supporting the new construction and expansion of the College's capacity, our government is helping more students from Northern Ontario get the training and education they need to launch rewarding careers in veterinary medicine, safeguarding animal health across the province and strengthening our economy."
Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, adds that veterinarians in Ontario's North play a vital role in keeping pets, businesses and livestock healthy.
"Our government is proud to welcome the first cohort of students in the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, which will equip students with the skills and training they need to deliver excellent animal care in Northern Ontario for decades to come."
Students will engage in experiential learning, collaborate with local veterinarians and complete specialized coursework tailored to northern practice. Graduates will earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Guelph.
While Lakehead University builds new infrastructure to support the program, the first two cohorts (2025 and 2026) will complete all four years at the Guelph campus. Beginning in 2027, it is expected that students will begin their studies at Lakehead's Thunder Bay campus and complete the program at OVC.
"Watching the inaugural Northern Cohort begin their veterinary studies at OVC this fall is a remarkable milestone," said Dr. Gillian Balfour, Provost and Vice-President, Academic at Lakehead University.
"Lakehead is proud and optimistic as we celebrate the start of a new school year one that promises real, positive change for people and animals across northern Ontario. We look forward to welcoming future cohorts to our new facilities in Thunder Bay."
The journey begins Sept. 2 with OVC's Orientation Week, culminating in the Professional Welcome Ceremony on Sept. 7, where each student will receive a blue lab coat and stethoscope marking the start of their DVM training.
Meet a few of the Northern Cohort students
Shanelle Berthier (Timmins) Shanelle studied at the University of Prince Edward Island and worked with the Atlantic Veterinary College Teaching Hospital and on a dairy farm. "I've seen the impacts of limited access to veterinary services firsthand," she says. "I want to bring my knowledge back to the North to enhance animal welfare and provide emergency services."
Paris Fuzy (Corbeil) Paris grew up around horses and farm animals and discovered her passion for rural mixed practice while studying Animal Biology at U of G's Ontario Agricultural College. "I'm excited to serve both large and small animals in the Nipissing District, where I grew up," she says.
Julia Heyder (Thunder Bay) A proud U of G graduate, Julia has years of experience in wildlife rehabilitation and a deep love for shelter medicine. "I want to provide accessible and affordable veterinary services to rural communities in Northwestern Ontario," she says. "I also hope to help address the stray animal population in underserved areas and contribute meaningfully to solving the veterinary care crisis in the North."
Aiden Lehto (Thunder Bay) Aiden is deeply rooted in his community and grew up enjoying the outdoors, hockey, and football. "I'm honoured to be part of the Northern Cohort at OVC," he says. "I'm excited to meet my classmates and continue my journey toward serving my community as a veterinarian." His dream is to return to Thunder Bay and open his own clinic.
Emily Van Rassel (Sudbury) Emily is a passionate advocate for northern students and the LGBTQ+ community. She values the northern landscape and close-knit communities and aims to amplify underrepresented voices in veterinary medicine while building strong relationships with clients and animals in her home region.
Building capacity for the North
The Northern Cohort is a cornerstone of the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, designed to recruit and train students from Northern Ontario who are committed to returning home to practise after graduating.
"These students are the future of veterinary care in the North," said Dr. Joanne Hewson, associate dean, students and academic at OVC. "Their stories reflect the resilience, compassion, and leadership that will shape the profession for years to come."
For more information about the CDVMP and the Northern Cohort, visit https://www.uoguelph.ca/dvm-expansion/
