

Vet Candy Magazine July Issue: Dr. Audrey Shen is Redefining What It Means to Be a Veterinarian
Welcome to the July issue of Vet Candy Magazine, where we’re not just reporting on the industry—we’re celebrating the game-changers who are rewriting the rules of what veterinary medicine can be. And this month, no one embodies that spirit more than our cover star, Dr. Audrey Shen. Brought to you by Zoetis, maker of Solensia for Cats!

Is Your Job Hurting Your Mental Health?
It’s no secret—millennials are feeling the pressure. A recent survey found that 45% of millennials say their job negatively affects their mental health, and the veterinary world is no exception. Long hours, emotional cases, student debt, and the ever-present pressure to be perfect have created the perfect storm for burnout. But now, two bold voices are stepping up to challenge the silence.

Senate Passes Sweeping Changes to Student Loans—Here’s What It Means for Future Veterinarians
Under the reconciliation bill passed by the Senate, veterinary students would face a lifetime cap of $100,000 on federal student loans, significantly limiting their access to financial aid. This new cap replaces the current system, where students can borrow up to $20,500 annually in unsubsidized Stafford Loans and cover the remaining cost of attendance through Graduate PLUS Loans, which have no formal cap. Importantly, the bill reserves a higher $200,000 borrowing limit only for medical and law students, excluding veterinary students from that group. With the average cost of veterinary education ranging from $250,000 to over $400,000, this change would leave a substantial funding gap that students would need to fill with private loans, which typically carry higher interest rates and fewer borrower protections. If enacted, this policy could make veterinary education significantly less accessible and financially riskier for aspiring veterinarians.

NC State Vet Student Dasia Harris is Breaking Barriers in Veterinary Medicine—One Honest Post at a Time
Second-year veterinary student Dasia Harris of NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is using her Southern roots, military experience, and online voice to inspire future veterinarians and make the field more inclusive. Through her leadership, resilience, and authentic storytelling, she’s redefining what success in veterinary medicine looks like.

ACVIM Announces 2025 Recognition Award Recipients Honoring Excellence in Veterinary Internal Medicine
The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) has named its 2025 Recognition Award winners, celebrating veterinary specialists who have demonstrated exceptional service, research, and leadership across neurology, cardiology, oncology, and equine medicine.

New DNA Discovery Links SLAMF1 Gene to Canine Atopic Dermatitis in French Bulldogs and Boxers
A groundbreaking study by Wisdom Panel scientists has identified a genetic variant in the SLAMF1 gene that increases the risk of atopic dermatitis in French Bulldogs and Boxers, opening the door for targeted breeding and future treatments.