‘I hope to live up to the name of Dr. Langelier’

Dr. Ken Langelier (DVM’81) was in Saskatoon to proudly watch his granddaughter and her classmates receive personalized white lab coats from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and stethoscopes from their home provinces’ veterinary medical associations. Rory is one of 90 first-year students enrolled in the WCVM’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.

“My grandfather has had one of the most inspiring careers of anyone I have ever known,” said Rory, who will carry on his legacy as a veterinarian. “Being welcomed by him is something I have waited for my entire life. I know I have big shoes to fill, but I hope to live up to the name of Dr. Langelier.”

The ceremony’s significance isn’t lost on Ken who graduated from the WCVM in 1981 and looks forward to returning to his alma mater.

“I will live vicariously with Rory as she goes through veterinary school,” said Ken. “Even seeing her at the college brings back a flood of memories of when I went to the WCVM.”

Ken particularly values the lasting impact of WCVM professors such as Drs. Joanne Parent and Otto Radostits whose guidance and advice have influenced his practice style and philosophy throughout his veterinary career.

For over 40 years, Ken has treated primarily dogs, cats and exotic species at VCA Island Animal Hospital in Nanaimo. In addition, he has worked on various wildlife research projects, and he is the principal veterinarian in animal cruelty cases investigated by Vancouver Island SPCA.

“When Rory applied to the veterinary college, I was not surprised,” said Ken. “I have enjoyed my career as a veterinarian for over 43 years, and I still feel passionate about the work I do. I knew she had the same passion I did.”

Rory, who grew up in Saskatoon, Sask., was 12 when her early interests in small animals and wildlife prompted her to start volunteering at Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. She particularly enjoyed the opportunity to work with so many different species and cases.

“Wildlife rehabilitators wear so many different hats, and that makes the job interesting,” said Rory, who developed a special interest in pigeons. “It’s also working with the public and being a pillar for the environment. We actively educate the public about safe environmental practices. It is such an important service for our province, and it has really been rewarding work.”

In addition to her interest in animals, Rory developed a passion for dancing at a young age. She particularly enjoys hip-hop because of its unique history and its strong community — she met her best friend through dance, and her interest has continued over the years.

Although Rory and her grandfather have lived in different provinces, she credits him with supporting her and guiding her as she set out to realize her goal of a veterinary career. In addition to focusing on developing good study habits, she gained experience working with animals by volunteering at two small animal veterinary clinics.

She also spent a month working alongside Ken at his clinic where she had the chance to observe his interactions with patients and clients while assisting him with various cases involving small animals, exotic species and wildlife.

Her grandfather particularly enjoyed their discussions around the table at the end of the day—opportunities for him to provide a realistic perspective of veterinary medicine, including its challenges and demands.

Ken believes it’s important for Rory to view the profession through an objective lens. But he also points out the many positive aspects of his career, including the diversity of patients, the opportunities for learning and travelling through continuing education lectures, and the satisfaction of seeing justice done in animal cruelty cases.

Ken takes pride in his involvement in animal advocacy projects that have resulted in outcomes such as an end to wild animal acts and to ear cropping and tail docking in British Columbia. His efforts earned him the Order of British Columbia and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s Humane Award.

“I have enjoyed our profession profoundly and still remain passionate about it,” said Ken. “I hope to remain in practice for some time, but I can hardly wait for another Dr. Langelier to graduate from WCVM to whom I can pass the baton.”

Once she graduates, Rory plans to work with small animals, exotic pets and wildlife, and she anticipates that her grandfather will continue to offer support and advice wherever she goes.

“He [my grandfather] is endlessly generous when it comes to supporting me and he has been a true role model in my life,” said Rory. “He inspires passion in me not only through words, but by living a remarkable life and being a wonderful human being.”