The next generation of veterinary medicine isn’t waiting for graduation or credentials to start making an impact—they’re already doing it. Fueled by their passion, excitement, and curiosity, these future leaders are carving out time between their classes and exams to make a difference, give back, and share their knowledge and skills with those in need.
I am consistently blown away by these talented students and proud to showcase their amazing generosity, insights, and experiences on the Ready, Vet, Go blog.
The Ready, Vet, Go Student Liaison Program
The student liaison program was formed to ensure our mentors and our course content provide today’s vet students with relevant information and support. In return for their feedback, insights, and efforts to spread the word about Ready, Vet, Go and the power of veterinary mentorship, these hand-selected students receive automatic program enrollment on graduation, along with access to exclusive content, events, and opportunities.
Changemakers: Student liaison spotlight
Here’s a glimpse at how some of our student liaisons, whose careers are only beginning, are giving back!
(RVG student liaison Cassie and the UAZ Street Medicine Club)
Direct impact
Katherine “Cassie” Daigle, University of Arizona CVM, Class of 2027, recently gave her time and skills to care for local pets in underserved communities as part of the UAZ CVM Street Medicine Club, a student-led organization providing basic services to those in need.
Cassie writes: “I spent the afternoon volunteering with @uazstreetmedclub for a low-cost spay and neuter clinic. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have a direct and profound impact on the animal population in our area.”
(RVG student liaison Sharleen and the UF Project HEAL team in Puerto Rico)
Going home, giving back
Many vet students go home during the summer, but Sharleen Vargas Godoy, University of Florida CVM, Class of 2026, had an extra special trip.
Sharleen writes: “We were able to bring UF Project HEAL to La Isla del Encanto, Puerto Rico, where a group of 21 veterinary students and four veterinarians conducted free high-volume spay, neuter, and vaccination clinics. We spayed/neutered approximately 80 animals and gave over 240 free veterinary care. It was such an honor to have the opportunity to go back to my home island and give back to the amazing communities once I saw my passion for veterinary medicine grow and develop.”
Not one to rest on her laurels, Sharleen recently returned from a 10-day veterinary mission trip with UF Project HEAL to Ecuador, where the team performed more amazing work. “We vaccinated, dewormed, and sterilized over 900 animals,” Sharleen says. “Words cannot express how grateful I am for this opportunity. It is such a beautiful country filled with great people.”
(Kathy represents Ready, Vet, Go and supports the mission of mentorship.)
Supporting future veterinarians
Katherine “Kathy” Ramirez Lopez, Western University of Health Sciences, Class of 2026, has been giving back since she was an undergrad and served in several student-run clinics that provided free veterinary care to underserved communities. These experiences opened her eyes to the impact of veterinary care beyond the confines of the clinic. Now, as a veterinary student, Kathy is already supporting future veterinarians—and the mission of mentorship (yay!)—as a pre-vet mentor.
Kathy writes: “As a first-generation graduate student, I dedicate time to community outreach by speaking at various undergraduate institutions. I engage with pre-vet clubs, sharing my journey to becoming a veterinarian. My inspiration to mentor pre-vets comes from how lost I felt as a pre-vet student, always wishing for guidance. Now, I aim to be the mentor I once needed.”
Kathy is already seeing the fruits of her labor, as former pre-vet mentees, now first-year veterinary students, continue to connect with her.
“Sometimes, all it takes for them to believe they can succeed is to see themselves in someone who is already in the field,” Kathy says. “Veterinary professionals should make an effort to mentor students whenever possible, as it can have a lasting impact on their journey.”
(Jacqueline with her first surgical patient)
Ensuring more tail-wagging tomorrows
Giving back doesn’t have to be extracurricular. For Ready, Vet, Go student liaison Jacqueline Sanchez, UC Davis CVM, Class of 2025, saving lives is part of her daily routine.
Jacqueline writes: “[I] performed my first surgery on this handsome boy who is up for adoption at Tehama County Animal Shelter!” Here’s to the first of many lives you’ll transform, Jacqueline!
During your early career, you can easily feel that you’re not equipped to make a difference, but if you have a heart for service and a passion for pets and pet parents, you have everything you need. Start where you are, using what you have, and I promise you’ll be amazed by what you can do!
Special thanks to our Ready, Vet, Go student liaisons for sharing their stories and images. We can’t wait to see what you do next!
Ready, Vet, Go Veterinary Mentorship is an innovative online program and community that helps new and early career veterinarians build confidence, gain independence, and experience greater joy. Visit our FAQ page to learn more about what we offer or get in touch with our team.