While Emily Verwers always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian, deciding to do so at her dad’s alma mater and attend the University of Illinois shaped her experiences and future career.
From Childhood Interest to College Reality
“I am one of those people who has always known that they wanted to be a veterinarian,” Verwers explained. “I still have notebooks at home from when I was little where I wrote down facts about animals that I found in library books and magazines.”
Verwers grew up with many family members in health professions, which inspired her. However, she always knew her passion lay with animals.
“Veterinary medicine allows me to combine my love of medicine with my passion for helping animals and people,” Verwers stated.
While completing her undergraduate degree in animal sciences at Purdue University, Verwers fell in love with working with large animals. After graduation, she knew it was time to start looking for a veterinary school.
“As I was applying for veterinary school, my dad called me and asked if I was applying to his school: he had attended the University of Illinois for undergrad,” Verwers explained. “I hadn’t been planning on it at that time, but then I started looking into the curriculum and thought it was perfect for me.”
Getting Involved, Hands-on Experiences
“Looking back, I have enjoyed each year of vet school more and more,” Verwers said. “I loved my time on clinics, getting to work with patients, fellow classmates, clients, faculty and staff. I tried to do whatever I could to get hands-on experience and I found my place at [the college] by getting involved.”
Throughout her time at the University of Illinois, Verwers participated in a variety of extracurricular activities and outside opportunities. She was a SAVMA delegate, AAVMC liaison, Wellness Committee member, and helped plan the 2023 SAVMA Symposium.
Although Verwers never worked in a private practice, she gained important experience in many other ways. She spent time in the Clinical Skills Learning Center and was active in a variety of clubs, such as the Shelter Medicine Club and Feline Club.
“I felt like I was behind my classmates who had worked in private practices and sought out as many opportunities as possible,” Verwers shared.
Verwers also left her mark on the college by starting the Unleashed Running and Walking Club.
“I saw we encourage students to exercise and take care of their physical health, but there were few opportunities to do so, so I started the club,” Verwers explained. “To get started, someone just needed a good pair of shoes and a water bottle. I pulled together the initial board, and they have ‘run’ with the idea from there!”
Sprinting through Professional Development
As graduation nears, Verwers has gained hands-on experience through the college’s professional development period, the final six weeks of study when senior students tailor their courses and experiences to their own needs.
“Each week of personal development has gone by faster and faster, but I am having a blast!” Verwers shared.
Her first three weeks encompassed the Business, Equine Techniques, and Advanced Equine Theriogenology courses, offered exclusively for soon-to-be graduates. She said the Business course helped her feel more prepared to be financially successful and the Equine Techniques course helped her grow her equine medicine-related skills. Her favorite experiences occurred in Advanced Equine Theriogenology.
“We spent the week traveling off campus with Dr. [Igor] Canisso and performing any reproduction-related services the farm needed. We performed uterine lavage, Caslick’s, artificial insemination, semen collection… You name it, we did it!” Verwers explained. “I watched my own growth throughout the week and felt so much more confident on reproductive cases by the end of it.”
Throughout her time in professional development rotations and her prior experiences at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Verwers has explored more of what she wants to pursue after graduation.
“I came into veterinary school considering a surgical internship and residency, but I found I was happiest when my day included some large animal work,” Verwers stated. “I love ambulatory calls, getting the chance to see animals on location, and the problem solving that comes with it.”
Grateful for Illinois Opportunities
After graduation, Verwers will be working at a single-doctor mixed animal practice in rural Iowa. In her position, she will see and treat a variety of animal species.
“In between my second and third year, then again fourth year, I externed for the practice where I will work at after school,” Verwers said. “I loved the people and culture of the clinic and could see myself there.”
She has also considered coming back to academia after discovering her love for teaching throughout her education.
“I am deeply grateful every day to be a veterinary student at the University of Illinois and am thankful for all of the opportunities it has afforded me. I found significant meaning in the connections I made with others here.”
By Haley Maser
