This January, second-year veterinary student Kayla Niel traveled to Chicago to attend the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference. The three-day event gave participants the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through interactive workshops, keynotes, and networking events. The interactive workshops focused on the importance of effective communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. Niel was one of 30 students selected from veterinary medical colleges across the country.

“This was a great chance for me to get outside of my comfort zone,” said Niel. “The workshops gave me a chance to practice the key leadership and communication skills we’d been learning.”

Niel is simultaneously working toward her DVM and a Master of Science in Food Safety. She is the president of the One Health Club, as well as the secretary of the Equine Club. She plans to work in large animal medicine, though the Veterinary Leadership Conference also sparked political interest for her.

“The conference also included the winter session of the AVMA House of Delegates and political action committee meetings. During these meetings, we discussed the importance of veterinary medical professionals in politics,” said Niel. “It opened my eyes to different career pathways, and reaffirmed my decision to get my DVM and Masters in Food Safety. With both, I can protect animals and humans.” 

This was the first year that students were integrated into the conference, and Niel hopes that more will be able to participate next year.

“I would encourage every student to apply,” said Niel. “The conference increased my confidence in my leadership abilities, and I want others to have the same experience.”