VetPAC Impact 2024–2025
“As we celebrate 15 years of VetPAC, I am proud to reflect on the center’s achievements driven by innovative advising and defined by student-centered growth.Through record student engagement in competitive internships, networking opportunities and educational activities, our impact continues to grow greatly.”
Dr. Trivedi, Director, VetPAC
INTERNSHIPS
VetPAC Internship
25
Interns
19
Interns
The VetPAC interns played a vital role in organizing key annual events, such as the Fall Seminar Series and First Year Orientation. Interns assisted with VetCAMP application review and made a meaningful impact on the pre-vet community— supporting 50 peers through one-on-one mentoring, strengthening program visibility through outreach and open house attendance, and enhancing the overall student experience by leading key academic and networking initiatives. A highlight of the year was the successful return of the Annual Networking Event, after hosting APVMA in 2024.
Shelter Medicine Internship
In collaboration with Wake County Animal Center (WCAC) and Orange County Animal Services (OCAS), this internship offered students practical experience in shelter animal care, behavior, and veterinary practices, providing over 50 hours of veterinary experience. Interns worked closely with animal care technicians, veterinary health care technicians, program coordinators, and shelter veterinarians, assisting with tasks such as physical exams, deworming, microchipping, vaccinations, and surgical preparation. This opportunity gave interns valuable insights into shelter husbandry and the veterinary care of shelter animals.
Museum Medicine Internship
7
Interns
At the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Museum Medicine interns worked under the guidance of Dr. Dan Dombrowski and the Veterinary Sciences staff to support the care and maintenance of the museum’s Living Collection, which includes reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates. Interns gained hands-on experience in the husbandry and medical management of exotic species and assisted with clinical sample collection for laboratory analysis. Interns strengthened their public speaking skills through the Museum’s Window on Animal Health exhibit, where they engaged with visitors during live veterinary procedures.
Intern
Feline Health Internship
Partnering with OCAS, one intern supported animal care efforts during the busy summer kitten season. Working alongside animal health care technicians, veterinary technicians, and the foster coordinator, the intern assisted with intake and processing, medical treatments, and foster communications. They also contributed to a range of clinical activities including microchipping, administering medications, surgical preparation, and assisting with feline spay and neuter procedures. This immersive experience provided a deeper understanding of feline health management in a shelter setting and an introduction to careers in veterinary and animal welfare fields.
Canine College Internship
Interns
This internship provided students with introductory experience in laboratory animal care at the NC State’s CVM. Interns worked with purposebred research dogs, providing socialization, enrichment, and training while learning about lab animal husbandry and canine handling techniques. Throughout the internship, interns worked with caretakers, enrichment specialists, and veterinarians and completed a semester long research project. In Fall 2024, interns surveyed recent adopters to evaluate the program and improve adoption transitions. In Spring 2025, they researched canine memory and social cue response, presenting at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Participating in the VetPAC Leadership Internship has been a truly formative experience, enriching my growth as both a dedicated student and an emerging leader. I have refined essential skills in communication, leadership, and organization through professional development, public speaking, mentorship, and event coordination.
Riley Partin VetPAC Intern, 2024-25
My experience in the VetPAC Leadership Internship has been profoundly impactful, offering professional and personal growth beyond knowledge of the veterinary medicine world. Through coordinating events, public speaking, and mentorship I have developed and refined skills that have empowered me to become a confident leader.
Barnette VetPAC Intern, 2024-25
Payton
OUTREACH
Spend a Day at State (SADAS)
104 Students Hosted
323
Students
In partnership with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), VetPAC interns assisted with informational sessions for high school students interested in veterinary medicine. During these sessions, visitors learn about VetPAC resources and events, NC State CVM admissions, and programs such as VetCAMP. Following the presentation, a Q&A provides visitors with the opportunity to ask questions about pre-vet courses, internships, and other opportunities at NC State. Attendees received an informational packet with materials like a VetPAC brochure, annual impact report and useful prevet tips for prospective students.
Open House Attendance
VetPAC hosted informational booths at both the University Open House in the fall and the College of Veterinary Medicine Open House in the spring. These events provided visitors and prospective students with opportunities to explore the wide range of pre-vet resources available at NC State. During the open houses, VetPAC staff and interns showcased a variety of resources, including internships, study abroad opportunities, and peer advising for current students, as well as SADAS sessions and VetCAMP applications for high school students.
VetCAMP is a career exploration program designed for high school students with an interest in veterinary medicine. Throughout each week, 82 campers participated in hands-on activities, including experiences at the educational units, a small animal basics and suture lab, and attending an anatomy and physiology lecture followed by dissections of the heart and brain. Campers were introduced to student life at NC State through a tour of campus and the opportunity to stay in university dorms for the duration of the week. Campers also contributed to the community by donating 140 lbs. of food to the Feed the Pack Pantry and creating 80 “Adopt Me” bandanas, which were donated to WCAC and OCAS. Our Virtual VetCAMP option provided 90 campers with flexible, engaging experiences with online labs, self-guided dissections, and live sessions with veterinary professionals.
EVENTS
VetPAC Fall Seminar Series
156 Attendees
“Unique Career Pathways in Veterinary Medicine”
This year’s theme, “Unique Career Pathways in Veterinary Medicine,” connected students with diverse veterinary professionals, including a hospice veterinarian, military veterinarian, veterinary consultant, and veterinary pharmacist. Each shared insights into their career journeys, daily responsibilities, and hands-on opportunities for pre-vet students. They emphasized the importance of passion, adaptability, and embracing change. The series encouraged students to explore the wide range of pathways within veterinary medicine, while honing their networking skills and deepening their understanding of the profession’s dynamic nature.
Pre-Vet First Year Orientation
70 Attendees
224 Attendees
86 Speakers
VetPAC’s 7th annual First Year Orientation welcomed first-year and transfer students, offering vital information and resources as they begin their pre-vet journey. Dr. Shweta Trivedi introduced VetPAC’s mission and the various opportunities available through the center, followed by guidance from the CVM admissions team on becoming a competitive VMCAS applicant. Students attended workshops—Career Mapping or Pre-Veterinary Opportunities, led by former VetPAC interns. Attendees received an information packet with a VetPAC brochure, Impact Report, and general prevet planning materials.
VetPAC Annual Networking Event
The 14th Annual Networking Event returned to Talley Student Union with record-breaking attendance— pre-vet students connected with 86 professionals from over 50 organizations. Attendees engaged with local clinics, emergency and mobile veterinarians, industry and government representatives, NC State’s Educational Units, CVM faculty, and DVM students. Admissions teams from a range of veterinary schools including NC State, LMU, Ross, and St. George’s shared application insights. A raffle encouraged interaction, while a photo livestream allowed attendees to share their favorite moments.
ACADEMIC PREPARATION
ANS 395: Wildlife Conservation Management in Costa Rica
24
Students
Admitted
The Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Management study abroad program, launched in Summer 2024, offered students a hands-on experience in wildlife care and conservation. Students worked at a rescue center dedicated to rehabilitating unreleasable animals and assisted with the care of a variety of species, including sloths, coatis, kinkajous, armadillos, capuchin monkeys, macaws, owls, turtles, and lizards. Under the guidance of Dr. Shweta Trivedi and Loop Abroad veterinarians, they engaged in labs and lectures that broadened their understanding of wildlife rehabilitation. The program highlighted the daily challenges of conservation efforts and the critical role veterinarians play. Ten students opted to extend their experience by participating in a Dolphin Research week, where they engaged in hands-on research of wild dolphins and sharks in Golfo Dulce, learning research methods, tracking dolphin behavior, and contributing to data analysis and necropsy labs.
ANS 395: Introduction to Animal Behavior and Veterinary Physiotherapy in UK
18
Students Admitted
98 Students Admitted
Hosted at Harper Adams University in Shropshire, UK, this two-week study abroad course offered students a chance to explore veterinary physiotherapy and animal behavior. The first week focused on veterinary physiotherapy, including lectures and labs on anatomy, biomechanics, manual therapies, and hydrotherapeutic techniques. The second week introduced students to the principles of companion animal, farm animal, and exotic animal behavior. Students gained hands-on experience working with a variety of species, including dogs, horses, dairy cattle, pigs, rats, gerbils, and snakes. The program also included excursions to the Cotswolds, Central London, and Wales.
ANS 281: Professional Development of Pre-Veterinary Track Students
The professional development course taught pre-vet students how to become a competitive veterinary school applicant and introduced them to the breadth of the veterinary field. Students explored the application process and learned how to strengthen their materials through diverse experiences, strong personal statements, and effective eLORs. Guest speakers shared insights from various specialties, including Dr. Marnie Metzler (Lab Animal Medicine), Dr. Gregory Lewbart (Exotic Animal Medicine), and Dr. Danielle Myzk (Large Animal Medicine). The semester concluded with Sophia Jodka, a current Colorado State DVM/MPH student, who discussed her dual degree path, and representatives from the VIN Foundation, who provided guidance on financial planning for veterinary school.
CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE
2025 American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association
VetPAC supported 15 NC State students attendance to the APVMA Symposium at Lincoln Memorial University. Students took part in hands-on labs and lectures on topics like bovine dystocia, ligament injuries, exotic species, ultrasound, bandaging, sutures, and dissections. Students networked with CVM admissions representatives from U.S. and international colleges. Dr. Trivedi presented on the holistic vet school review process. Hannah Jewett received the APVMA Scholarship and Madelyn Young was elected as Public Relations Chair of the National APVMA Executive Board.
North Carolina Veterinary Conference (NCVC)
To promote professional development and networking, VetPAC provided 13 interns with the opportunity to attend the North Carolina Veterinary Conference (NCVC) in Raleigh, NC. At the conference, interns networked with veterinary professionals at the VetPAC booth and attended lectures led by veterinarians, researchers and veterinary professors. Interns attended sessions covering small animal, large animal, food animal, exotics, and veterinary pharmacy. Interns completed written reflections on their experiences, highlighting the professionals they interacted with, the lectures they attended, and the knowledge they gained from the conference.
SOCIAL MEDIA
68 Subscribers
VetPAC YouTube
Launched in Fall 2020, the VetPAC YouTube channel is an advising and advertising resource for students and prospective families interested in learning more about VetPAC opportunities.
YouTube Videos
> VMCAS: Achievements Section (96 views)
> VMCAS: GPA Requirements (103 views)
> VetPAC Spotlight Series: Katerina Slaughter (47 views)
> APVMA 2024 Symposium (22 views)
> Picking a Vet School (44 views)
> VetPAC’s Museum Medicine Fall 2024 Presentation (12 views)
> VetPAC’s Museum Medicine Spring 2025 Presentation (9 views)
698 Students
Total Pre-Veterinary Students in VetPAC
107 Followers
1,001 Followers
300 Followers
VetCAMP LinkedIn @Veterinary Professions Advising Center (VetPAC)
VetPAC Instagram @ncsu_vetpac
VetCAMP Instagram @ncsu_vetcamp
AWARDS & HONORS
APVMA Executive E-Board: Public Relations Chair
Madelyn Young
APVMA Scholarship ($500)
Hannah Jewett