OVC and Lakehead Accelerate Veterinary Training Expansion with Key Leadership Appointment
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Lakehead University and the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) are advancing the next phase of the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP) with the appointment of Dr. Terri O’Sullivan as Program and Operations Advisor to the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies at Lakehead.
The CDVMP, a joint initiative between the two institutions, is designed to expand veterinary training capacity and help address the significant need for veterinary services in Northern Ontario.
“It’s a privilege to contribute to this important next stage in the implementation of the CDVMP,” said O’Sullivan, a professor in OVC’s Department of Population Medicine. “I am excited to work alongside colleagues at Lakehead and OVC as we help shape a program that will expand access to veterinary training and create long-term benefits for the veterinary profession, animal health, the agriculture sector, and communities across the North.”
“Dr. O’Sullivan brings a wealth of valuable knowledge and experience to this new role that will be a huge asset in helping OVC and Lakehead bring the CDVMP to realization,” said Dr. Todd Duffield, OVC’s Department of Population Medicine chair.
O’Sullivan will continue in her OVC faculty role while taking on a significant service commitment supporting CDVMP implementation and operational development at Lakehead, where she will also serve as External Adjunct Faculty in Lakehead’s Department of Veterinary Science. She will liaise directly with CDVMP leads at OVC to collaborate throughout the program rollout.
“Dr. O’Sullivan’s appointment marks an important step forward in the development of the CDVMP,” said Dr. Jeff Wichtel, OVC’s dean. “Her extensive experience in veterinary education will help ensure that this initiative delivers high‑quality training and meaningful impact for students and communities across Northern Ontario.”
Leadership of this next stage at Lakehead will be guided by Dr. Todd Randall, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies (FSES), who is also serving as Interim Chair of the Department of Veterinary Science. Under his direction, preparations are now underway to begin recruiting faculty and staff, establish operational frameworks, and build the academic and research capacity that will support program delivery.
“Dr. O’Sullivan’s experience in rural community veterinary practise, and longstanding leadership within veterinary education will be an important asset as Lakehead and OVC continue to advance this collaborative program,” said Randall. “Her advisory role will help support the operational planning and coordination needed to bring the CDVMP to life at Lakehead and strengthen veterinary training opportunities in Northern Ontario.”
O’Sullivan will work with leadership at Lakehead and OVC to support key aspects of CDVMP implementation, including operational planning, and coordination between the partner institutions, and preparation for the program’s first phase of delivery at Lakehead.