Type A, Slightly Uptight, and Exactly Who SAVMA Needed
Cayden Smith is a DVM candidate at Long Island University's Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine, SAVMA President-Elect, and one of Vet Candy's Rising Stars for 2026. From equestrian team captain to national student leader, Cayden talks about resilience, adaptability, finding purpose in veterinary medicine, and why rest before first semester matters more than getting a head start on physiology. Read her story.
This Vet Student Traded the Basketball Court for the Clinic Floor
Meet Phylicia McInnis, a second-year vet student at Virginia-Maryland CVM and Vet Candy Rising Star 2026 with her eyes on emergency medicine and her own clinic.
5 Mistakes Every New Vet Makes – And How to Avoid Them Like a Pro!
In the latest episode of Vet Candy IRL, host Dr. Shannon Gregoire tackles a topic that every new veterinarian can relate to: the 5 biggest mistakes veterinarians make in their first year—and how to sidestep them! This week, Dr. Shannon is joined by two incredible guests from Hometown Veterinary Partners: Dr. Dazjah Samuels, a 2024 Ross University grad, and Dr. Abi Maynard, a 2017 graduate from St. George’s University. Together, they dive into common pitfalls new vets face and share tips for navigating those early career challenges with confidence.
Abby Seeley is fierce, fearless, and unfiltered
Originally from Hershey, Pennsylvania, Abby Seeley is a third-year veterinary student at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School. Prior to entering the world of vet med, she attended Penn State University where she graduated with a B.S. in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences as well as a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science.
Stephanie Benedict is pursuing her passion
But also many creatures of the feathered variety, like chickens. However, did you know? Even though chickens are the most widespread and abundant domestic livestock in the world, both farmers and backyard hobbyists have a difficult time finding a veterinarian who specializes in poultry.That’s where Stephanie Benedict comes (or should we say, flaps?) to the rescue!