How SAVMA Leaders Like Zach, Max, Tara, and Kyle Are Shaping Vet Med with Passion and Authenticity! 🐾

How SAVMA Leaders Like Zach, Max, Tara, and Kyle Are Shaping Vet Med with Passion and Authenticity! 🐾

Veterinary medicine is more than just treating animals—it’s about leadership, passion, and community. The future of our profession is in great hands, thanks to the remarkable SAVMA leaders who are bringing their authentic selves to the table. Today, I’m shining a light on four dynamic individuals—Dr. Zach Tooley, Dr. Max Paulson, Tara Barron, and Kyle Frett—who are already making waves as they shape the future of vet med with their unique talents, hearts, and visions.

But it’s more than just their leadership that matters. Listening to and understanding today’s vet students and recent graduates is crucial for the long-term sustainability of organizations like AVMA. These leaders, with their passion for community, mental health, and diversity, are a reminder that veterinary students are the future of the profession—and their voices are critical to ensuring the success and relevance of the AVMA and other industry organizations.

 

Dr. Zach Tooley: Wrestling His Way to Leadership 💪

🎓 School: University of Wisconsin-Madison
🏅 Focus: Military Veterinary Medicine

Zach’s journey started with a slam—literally! This wrestling champ found his true calling not on the mat but in the world of veterinary medicine. “Wrestling taught me teamwork,” Zach says. “Now I want to build that same team spirit in our profession.” From small animal practice to the Army Veterinary Corps, Zach’s dedication to leadership and teamwork is unstoppable. His advice? “It’s already a great profession. We just need to continue growing together!”

💬 Fun Fact: Zach’s wrestling spirit fuels his desire to advocate for student wellbeing and create a strong community. Look out, world—he’s coming in with a takedown! 🏋️‍♂️

 

Dr. Max Paulson: Leading Through Vulnerability and Strength 🎭🐸

🎓 School: University of Illinois
🎯 Focus: Veterinary Oncology

Max didn’t expect to be a SAVMA President, but here then there he was—leading with heart and authenticity! His background in theater taught him the value of community and vulnerability, qualities he brings to every leadership role. “Veterinary students need to feel supported,” Max says. “We all have something to give back!” As an advocate for diversity, equity, and mental health, Max is dedicated to ensuring every student can shine.

💬 Fun Quote: “Lead through vulnerability—it’s what makes us strong!” Plus, his three frogs—Beef, Angus, and Gonzo—totally agree! 🐸🐸🐸

 

Tara Barron: A Business Leader with a Heart for Students 💼❤️

🎓 School: Lincoln Memorial University
💼 Focus: Business and Workload

Tara’s path to veterinary school took a pit stop in the corporate world, but that only strengthened her resolve! “I realized I’m smart enough to follow my passion,” Tara says. Now, she’s all about teamwork and gratitude, helping veterinary students thrive through strong support systems. Her mission? To create balance in the student experience and ensure future veterinarians find joy and fulfillment in their careers.

💬 Favorite Quote: “You can’t be upset when a dog’s in your lap!” (Thanks, Oreo! 🐕)

 

Kyle Jorel Frett: Island Dreams to Equine Surgery 🌴🐴

🎓 School: Tuskegee University
🏇 Focus: Equine Surgery

Born and raised in the stunning British Virgin Islands, Kyle’s journey from Tortola to Tuskegee University is inspiring. As SAVMA President-Elect, Kyle balances multiple leadership roles while pursuing his dream of becoming an equine orthopedic surgeon. His passion lies in advocacy and organized leadership, aiming to make a significant impact on the veterinary profession. Kyle’s dedication to leadership and surgery is driven by his desire to give back to the community and create lasting change in areas where improvement is needed.

💬 Life Motto: “Never stop being you. The opportunities you have are what others dream of—cherish them.” 🌟

 

Why Listening to Vet Students Matters for the Future of AVMA 🚀

These current and past SAVMA leaders aren’t just passionate students—they represent the future of the veterinary profession. Listening to their voices and understanding their needs is essential for organizations like AVMA to thrive. By investing in students, AVMA not only builds its membership base but also ensures that the profession evolves in a way that meets the changing needs of future veterinarians.

For AVMA, supporting leaders like Zach, Max, Tara, and Kyle isn’t just about today’s membership—it’s about creating a profession that remains sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking for years to come. Students are the next generation of veterinary leaders, and their passion, diversity, and ideas will shape the future of veterinary medicine.

 

Join the Journey: What Can You Do to Help Shape Vet Med?

SAVMA is about more than just student leadership—it’s about growing a community that lifts each other up and makes positive changes for future generations. Whether you’re already part of the veterinary world or just starting, these SAVMA leaders are living proof that your voice matters and you can make a difference.

So, are you ready to join them on this exciting journey? Let’s shape the future of vet med—together! 🐾