UC Davis to Host National Veterinary Student Symposium in 2025

For the first time in more than a decade, the UC Davis chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) is bringing the SAVMA Symposium back to campus. Last held at UC Davis in 2011, this 3-day event is hosted annually at alternating veterinary schools and is open to all SAVMA members. The national conference is the only one of its kind, organized by veterinary students for veterinary students. Symposium events on March 21-23, 2025, will be held at the School of Veterinary Medicine as well as the university’s U Center arena. Registration for the Symposium beings November 4, 2024.

Students from around the world are brought together to learn more about the exciting research and work being done by the host school, to gain practical skills in wet labs, to socialize with fellow students, and to explore the surrounding areas.

“We expect to have more than 1,000 veterinary students from around the world attend the 2025 SAVMA Symposium,” said Dr. Karl Jandrey, Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Programs. “This event is the only and largest student-run and student-focused event for DVM scholars. I am so proud of our student leaders who have planned this event – they have shown tremendous maturity, skill, and organizational prowess.”

The event will feature approximately 70 lectures presented by SVM faculty and representatives from various areas of the veterinary industry.

“From fish zoonoses to emergency response and everything in between, there will be a topic for everyone,” said second-year DVM student Morgan Lunn, co-general manager of the Symposium. “Students will also be able to choose from two dozen wet labs covering a wide range of species and led by faculty members who are leaders in their fields. We’ll also be hosting day trips to San Francisco and Lake Tahoe to give attendees the opportunity to experience a taste of what our beautiful state of California has to offer.”

The SAVMA House of Delegates and Presidents conduct their biannual meetings at this Symposium and the annual AVMA Convention. At these meetings, they discuss current topics in veterinary education, elect the national SAVMA board, and approve grant funding for student grants and scholarships available through SAVMA.

An exhibit hall featuring more than 80 vendors will be held in the U Center arena. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with these vendors to learn more about the products, internships, or other opportunities that they offer. Sponsors will host various events throughout the long weekend including lectures, wet labs, competitions, and social events in downtown Davis.

“The student competitions are always some of the most exciting components of the weekend,” said second-year SVM student Haley Konoval, co-general manager of the Symposium. “These include both academic and athletic events. Historically, the bovine palpation competition has been a major draw for students to attend, and we expect the same this year. This competition allows students to test their knowledge and reproduction palpation skills under the supervision of a board-certified theriogenologist.”

After a full day of learning, attendees will have the opportunity to socialize and network with their classmates and colleagues. To showcase a UC Davis tradition, a “TG” (short for “Thank Goodness, It’s Friday” celebration) will be hosted on Hutchinson Field on Friday, March 21. This event will feature food, various games and activities, and a performance by Dr. Sarah Boston, a veterinary comedian. The Closing Ceremonies will take place at the university’s Mondavi Center on March 23 with the keynote address by Dr. Temple Grandin, a prominent academic and author of more than 60 scientific papers on animal behavior.

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The student planning team has been working hard to ensure that this will be a “legen-dairy” symposium. Hosting an event of this scale is truly a team effort and volunteers are greatly appreciated. If you would like to get involved or have any questions/recommendations, please contact gmsavmasymposium2025@gmail.com.