Artistic talents of undergraduate vet students showcased

Exceptional quality of entries for student art competition

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Art of a Vet Student 2022 winners
Art of a Vet Student 2022 winners and their artwork

The winners of the School’s annual art competition for undergraduate veterinary students have been announced. 

The ‘Art of a Vet Student’ competition highlights the creative talents of our undergraduates, allowing them to express what being a vet means to them. 

Students interpret the theme in whatever way they wish, producing artwork in a wide array of mediums, including photography, line drawing, paint, needlework and poetry.  

Winning artwork 

First prize went to final year student Ireny Barsoum with her entry 'Perserverance.' Ireny described her piece as a portrayal of the struggle that each vet student goes through lifting themselves and their sick patients up. She says that to be able to reach their goals, students must first climb through various hurdles, including working with species they may have struggled with or been afraid of, all while carrying their tools and pets with them. 

I feel that art is a nice escape from reality. When I draw, it can be for 10 minutes or 4 hours straight, you just get lost in it. Veterinary medicine is amazing and challenging and keeps you on your toes. I find art and medicine balance each other out well.

Ireny Barsoum 
Art of Vet Student competition first place winner

Second place went to Michelle Davidson, a third year (GEP 2) student, for her submission 'True Friendship' - handmade leather student card holders with hand-drawn animals, which she gifted to her friends. 

There is a sense of freedom and mindfulness I get when curating different art projects. I love creating art based on the influences around me, so naturally, a lot of animals make their way into my creative expression. I also really enjoy creating art with a purpose that can be treasured for years to come!

Michelle Davidson 
Art of Vet Student competition second place winner

Third place went to second year student James Beards for his submission 'Isla Canis'- a map showing the inner workings of the animal body. 

Art allows me to put my fascination and interest for animals and biology in a form that I can share to inspire others. I plan to continue spreading my passion for veterinary through creating animated videos in my art style to teach and encourage future vets like myself!

James Beards 
Art of Vet Student competition third place winner

Annual competition 

The ‘Art of a Vet Student’ competition, which has been running annually since 2013, is organised by the School and the Dick Vet Student Union. A panel of staff and students judge the entries each year and the winning entries are printed and displayed in the School building. 

I am always so impressed with what talent we have out there in our vet community and this year has been no exception.

Dr Jessie Paterson
Senior Lecturer in Student Learning 

Related links 

Link to this year's entries on Padlet 

About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies  

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than eight hundred staff and almost fourteen hundred students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos.  

The School comprises:  

The Roslin Institute  

The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems  

The Roslin Innovation Centre  

The Hospital for Small Animals  

Equine Veterinary Services  

Farm Animal Services  

Easter Bush Pathology  

The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education  

We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge.