The VIN Foundation, part of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), has announced the winners of its first annual Solutions for the Profession Competition. This essay competition offered veterinary students a chance to submit solutions to the common issues facing the profession. Veterinary student debt and mental health were the two most common issues addressed. The winners were awarded cash prizes that they put toward educational expenses. “This competition provides an opportunity for veterinary students to participate in helping to solve some of the pressing issues in our profession. It is invigorating to read so many good solutions to the issues we are facing,” said VIN Foundation's Board Chairman, Dr. Richard Headley. “I am honored the VIN Foundation is able to shed light on how we can collaborate to positively impact the profession for future generations." The winners included: First place: Hanum Wensil-Strown, a student at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, for her essay on the veterinary debt situation. Second place: Shannon Finn, a student at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Canada, for her essay on mental health issues in the veterinary profession. Third place: Alexandra Ripperger, a student at the University of Minnesota, for her essay on gender inequality. The VIN Foundation will announce the second annual competition later this year. Learn more about the VIN Foundation programs at their website.
