For students studying veterinary medicine, the best way to learn is by first-hand experience. Each year, OVMA provides funds to member practices in Ohio to host summer externs interested in food animal medicine, including ovine, swine, ovine, poultry, and aquaculture veterinary medicine.
OVMA Student Members in their first, second or third year of veterinary school are eligible to apply for the Food Animal Externship. OVMA also requires that student applicants be in good academic standing and provide a brief evaluation of their experience following the program.
OVMA hosts regular on-campus lectures (often with lunch or dinner!) and wet labs that are free for student members.
Past lectures have included:
The Midwest Veterinary Conference (MVC), hosted by the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, is the largest state-hosted veterinary convention in North America—and it's held right here in Columbus!
Bringing together highly regarded experts from around the world and hundreds of industry vendors over a four-day learning extravaganza, the MVC is a national-caliber conference that draws nearly 6,500 veterinary professionals and students each year.
Having an understanding of what's going on in the veterinary world outside the four walls of the classroom will give you a head start on your future career. Keep up on current events in the veterinary profession, both in Ohio and across the country, with these OVMA publications:
The MVC is a prime networking opportunity! Each year, the Conference draws upwards of 6,500 veterinary professionals in all areas of veterinary medicine, from coast to coast and beyond. You can take advantage of opportunities to connect with your future colleagues, including:
Search for student and post-graduation opportunities in the OVMA's online classifieds.
Whether you have a question or want to make a suggestion, the OVMA staff is here to listen! We can connect you with members in your field of interest, answer questions about "the real world," and help put your ideas in motion.
Our membership database is at your fingertips! Trying to find a poultry veterinarian in northwest Ohio? Trying to get in touch with a member you met at a recent event? All members have access to the OMVA Member Directory in the online Members Only Center.
Are you a natural-born leader? Do you like telling your classmates about fun ways they can get more involved in their future profession? Can you rally support and build enthusiasm for OVMA and its events? If so, consider applying to become the OVMA student Representative for your class.
Becoming an OVMA Student Rep is more than just free membership! You'll help us generate ideas for and organize student events, have opportunities to network with Ohio's veterinary leaders, get first dibs on premium events, and more.
In 2011, OVMA created a new initiative aimed at raising money for student scholarships and programs. 5 for 5 for the Future set aside $5 from every MVC registration to a student scholarship fund. The program was so successful that after the initial five-year period ended, OVMA renewed the initiative.
Only OVMA Student Members are eligible to receive scholarships from the 5 for 5 fund.
Created exclusively for OVMA members, the Power of 10 Program includes a series of seminars to develop and enhance the leader that lives inside you. You'll also learn more about how your Association works for you and how you can become actively engaged in the organization—benefiting not only you, but your colleagues and the profession as a whole.