Northern Ontario faces a longstanding and worsening shortage of veterinary care, leaving many rural, remote and Indigenous communities with limited access to routine and emergency services. This gap affects animal welfare, community well-being and the veterinarians who must cover vast regions with little support.
The Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP) – a groundbreaking partnership between the University of Guelph and Lakehead University – combines the Ontario Veterinary College’s internationally recognized veterinary education with Lakehead University’s 60-year commitment to northern, rural, remote and Indigenous communities. Together, they are expanding access to education and building a skilled workforce ready to serve the North.
Supported by up to $20.2 million from the Government of Ontario for new campus infrastructure and operational funding at U of G and Lakehead, and by $20 million through the philanthropy of Kim and Stu Lang’s Angel Gabriel Foundation, the CDVMP advances a practical, homegrown solution: recruiting and training students from Northern Ontario to work in the communities that need them most.
A growing pathway built for the North
OVC was recently ranked the number one veterinary school in Canada, and the fourth best in the world for its renowned veterinary science, research and education.
The CDVMP expands OVC’s class size by 20 students each year, with a focus on recruiting students from Northern Ontario and those familiar with the region’s distinct needs. The first northern cohort began their studies at OVC at U of G in fall 2025, and both they and the 2026 cohort will complete all four years in Guelph. Once Lakehead’s facilities are ready, future students will start their DVM training in Thunder Bay before moving to Guelph for their final clinical years at OVC.
Graduates receive comprehensive training in both companion and farm animal medicine, equipping them to practice mixed large and small animal veterinary medicine. This prepares them to treat household pets, livestock, and wildlife cases that are commonly encountered in Northern Ontario. In doing so, they help support pet owners, farmers and large‑animal producers in rural, remote and Indigenous communities where access to veterinary services is limited.
“To have people who have the same experiences, have been through the same struggles that the northern communities face with veterinary medicine – it’s really helpful knowing that I’m not alone and that there are others who are sharing these challenges and we can work together to fix them,” said Shanelle Berthier from Timmins, ON. Berthier began her journey at OVC in fall 2025 as part of the CDVMP’s inaugural northern cohort.
“These are our future coworkers,” Berthier added. “We will all be back in the North soon, helping each other with different cases and reaching out for support.”
Julia Heyder of Thunder Bay, who grew up on a hobby farm, said OVC has opened her eyes to the many avenues of veterinary practice, including emergency medicine, which she describes as a “luxury” in the North. She called the CDVMP a “monumental first step” toward bringing desperately needed care to Northern Ontario.
Hands-on training for day one readiness
A key priority of OVC is ensuring CDVMP students receive robust medical and surgical skills training to thrive across diverse practice settings. New plans for a state-of-the-art Medical and Surgical Learning Centre (MSLC) at the University of Guelph will be central to delivering that experience—expanding hands-on learning in surgery, medicine, dentistry and clinical skills so students build confidence and competence at every stage.
The MSLC will also become the new home of the Kim and Stu Lang Community Healthcare Partnership Program (CHPP), founded in 2019, deepening OVC’s collaboration with community partners including First Nations communities, Humane Societies, Ontario SPCA and other animal care organizations. These partnerships are essential to student learning and help ensure OVC remains aligned with the evolving needs of veterinary care.
“Both our students and the veterinary profession have been clear about what they need from us: graduates who are confident, competent, and well prepared for practice on day one,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wichtel, OVC’s dean.
“This modern learning environment will significantly strengthen how our students develop clinical confidence and competency.”
“The Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program creates a future where geography is no longer a barrier to veterinary education for students in the North,” explained Dr. Gillian Siddall, president and vice-chancellor of Lakehead University. “By training future veterinarians in the North, we’re not only opening doors for local students and improving access to animal healthcare services, we’re also strengthening the economic well-being of the region itself.”
Philanthropic partnership powering progress
The evolution of the CDVMP—and its growing impact—has been made possible through the steady, thoughtful support of Kim and Stu Lang, whose commitment to improving access to veterinary care spans many years. To date, the Langs have contributed $20 million to support the CDVMP and its students, enabling OVC and Lakehead to expand training capacity, enhance community-based learning, and build the infrastructure needed to prepare graduates for the realities of northern practice.
Last year, the Langs provided $10 million to Lakehead University to build Gakina Awesiinyag, an animal education facility whose name means “All Animals (Place For)” in Anishinaabemowin. The facility will be a cornerstone for early year CDVMP training and community engagement.
Most recently, the Langs made a $10 million grant to OVC Pet Trust to support construction of the MSLC. This grant brings OVC to 75% of its fundraising goal, enabling OVC to move forward with its construction plans.
“We are deeply grateful to Kim and Stu Lang for their extraordinary partnership with the University of Guelph as we advance our mission to Improve Life,” said Dr. Rene Van Acker, U of G president and vice-chancellor.
“Their remarkable gift strengthens U of G’s capacity to educate the next generation of veterinarians and to expand access to care for communities across Ontario. It enhances the environment in which our students learn and helps ensure our graduates leave the University of Guelph prepared to make an immediate and meaningful contribution. Kim and Stu Lang’s vision and generosity will have lasting impact for our students, the veterinary profession, and the communities we serve.”
A passion for animal welfare – and community
A dedicated member of the OVC Pet Trust advisory board since 2009, Kim Lang has championed innovative ideas, including programs that support people who cannot afford veterinary care. She has long believed that centering community veterinary medicine within OVC’s curriculum would both help animals in underserved communities and support those who love them.
“Stu and I are animal lovers and know how stressful it is to have a sick or injured animal,” said Kim Lang. “And, to not have access to care for that animal would be devastating. We are thrilled to support a program which promises to make a lasting difference in access to veterinary care throughout Ontario’s underserved communities.”
Support the Medical and Surgical Learning Centre
If you would like to support the MSLC or other OVC Pet Trust initiatives, opportunities for partnership and philanthropy are available.
About OVC Pet Trust
Since 1986, OVC Pet Trust has supported innovative discoveries, health care and education that improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of pets. Learn more at PetTrust.ca.