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The CVMA Teacher of the Year Award is presented annually to a teacher at each of the Canadian veterinary colleges. The recipient, selected by veterinary students, is a teacher who inspired them most by their approach to the subject, teaching methods, and enthusiasm.
Meet the 2021 CVMA Teacher of the Year Award Recipients:
Dr. Carolyn Gara-Boivin
Dr. Carolyn Gara-Boivin, professor of clinical pathology at the Université de Montréal – Faculté de medicine vétérinaire (FMV), obtained her DVM from the FMV in 2007. She completed a residency in clinical pathology and a Master of Science degree in veterinary science in 2011 and 2013 respectively, at the FMV. She obtained her board certification from the American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 2012. Dr. Gara-Boivin was hired at the FMV as assistant professor in 2011, becoming an associate professor in 2017. As a veterinary clinical pathologist, Dr. Gara-Boivin’s expertise is in cytology, biochemistry, hematology, and urology. Her research interests include use of anticoagulants and new assays for coagulation monitoring, developing new tests and improving procedures for urology, comparing point of care instruments, as well as a newfound interest in aquatic animal hematology. One piece of advice to veterinary students and new graduates is: “Never stop learning. There are so many wonderful areas in veterinary medicine to explore!”
Dr. Lee Niel
Dr. Lee Niel, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College. She is the Col K. L. Campbell Chair in Companion Animal Welfare, and is affiliated with the University of Guelph’s Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare. Prior to starting her faculty position she completed her PhD at The University of British Columbia focused on animal behaviour and welfare, and her NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Toronto focused on behavioural neuroendocrinology. In her current role Dr. Niel teaches in various courses across Phases 1, 2, and 4 of the DVM program, with primary responsibility for veterinary student learning about companion animal behaviour and welfare. Her research group is focused on developing novel methods for assessing and improving cat, dog, and rabbit welfare, with a particular interest in understanding and preventing fear and aggression in the home and in veterinary clinical settings.
Dr. Niel’s advice to students is “Stay true to yourself – prioritise your own well-being by seeking out people and opportunities that meet your needs and are a good match for your own personal ethics and perspectives. You deserve to be happy and fulfilled, so don’t settle for less.”
Dr. Serge Chalhoub
Dr. Serge Chalhoub graduated from Bishop’s with a BSc. (Honours) in Biology, followed by graduating from the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program from the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire (FMV) of the Université de Montréal. He then went on to complete a one-year rotating small animal clinical internship at the same institution.
After working for two years as a general practitioner and emergency veterinarian in Montreal, Serge pursued a residency in small animal internal medicine at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. Once his residency completed, he stayed on as their first renal/hemodialysis fellow and then as a staff doctor.
Dr. Chalhoub has been a faculty member at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) since 2012 and currently holds the rank of tenured senior instructor. He was the recipient of the 2013 CVMA Teacher of the Year Award, the 2015 University of Calgary Team Teacher of the Year Award, and the 2017 Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award (considered the most prestigious teaching award for a veterinary faculty member in North America). He is the coordinator of a community outreach-service learning program (UCVM-CUPS Pet Health Clinic) for disadvantaged Calgarians and has authored and co-authored numerous scientific articles and book chapters on veterinary point of care ultrasound, renal and urinary medicine, and lectures around the world on these topics. He is a member of the National Issues Committee (NIC) of the CVMA and a Council Member for the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Chalhoub’s piece of advice for students, “Stay curious, stay strong, and always take care of yourselves. Do the right thing, and things will be right. You are all awesome.”
Dr. Cindy Shmon
Dr. Cindy Shmon is a Professor and the Chair of the Small Animal Department of Clinical Sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. A native of Saskatchewan, she received her DVM from the WCVM in 1984. She completed a rotating internship and DVSc in small animal surgery at the Ontario Veterinary College. After returning to Saskatoon to join the faculty in small animal surgery, she became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Teaching has always been a passion because of the rewards associated with seeing future veterinarians learn and grow in the profession, master technical skills, and then watch the developing confidence and self-satisfaction when they are performed well. To share in their journey from the initial unknown and the accompanying stress and anxiety to the “I’ve got it” or “I did it” moment and helping it happen is gratifying. Exploring different ways to share information and develop skills keeps things fun. Her advice to undergraduates and graduates would be to “keep an open mind and explore all parts of the profession as there are so many aspects that are interesting and exciting. When you find your passion, that’s where you want to take your career. When you love what you are doing, it never feels like work.”
Dr. Stephanie Landry
Dr. Stephanie Landry has been a lecturer in the department of companion animals at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) since 2019. A native of Saint John, NB, she attended McGill University, then graduated from AVC in 2010. Following graduation, she worked at a fast-paced small animal general practice in Ontario until an opportunity arose for her to return to her beloved Maritimes to teach at the AVC.
Dr. Landry has a passion for teaching clinical skills. She endeavors to get to know each student personally, and through these relationships has found success in helping them achieve growth in their clinical skillset. She finds the process of helping a student develop confidence and ability especially rewarding. She is also fortunate to work with some of the finest veterinary educators, and loves to collaborate with others.
Her advice for veterinary students is: Find the fun in learning! You will be lifelong learners in this career, and appreciating opportunities to learn something new is essential for professional growth and well-being. If you are feeling defeated, all it takes is a small mindset shift to reinvigorate yourself!