Young fan meets hero, Dr. Aimie Doyle, at AVC Vet Camp

When participants of the Dr. Tim Ogilvie AVC Vet Camp arrive at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island, they anticipate meeting animals. For one camper, Sophie, the ultimate excitement was meeting her hero, Dr. Aimie Doyle, a professor and large animal surgeon at AVC.

“I’m a huge fan! I saw her on TV,” she told the counselors as soon as she arrived.

The high school student from Maine is a devoted viewer of the National Geographic show, “Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet,” starring the AVC alumna. Dr. Doyle and Dr. Oakley were classmates at AVC. Dr. Doyle appeared on the show for four seasons and continues to offer consultation services for Dr. Oakley.

Sophie had long admired Dr. Doyle’s work on the show, making her attendance at the vet camp a dream come true. Throughout the week, she immersed herself in learning veterinary skills just like she saw on television. From conducting lameness exams on horses to understanding the intricacies of large animal care, Sophie was unwavering in her enthusiasm as she envisioned her hero’s real-world experiences.

On the camp's final day, Sophie’s dream came true when the counselors arranged a meet-and-greet with Dr. Doyle, leaving her inspired and grateful. Their conversation ranged from Sophie's favorite show moments to Dr. Doyle's real-life veterinary adventures.

“She talked to me about her experience with Dr. Oakley, and I even brought up an episode of the show in which she said, ‘Not to ruin anything for you, but it was a lot less dramatic in real life.’ I’m really glad I got to meet her.”

“I’m always happy to take the time to talk to young kids who have seen me on the show and aspire to be veterinarians themselves,” said Dr. Doyle. “I’ve had some great mentors and role models along the way who encouraged me, and I am more than happy if I can be that person to someone else.”

For Sophie, the experience was transformative. Returning home with newfound admiration for veterinarians, she eagerly awaits the final season of “Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet,” cherishing the memory of meeting her hero.

“I’m so glad I got to meet Dr. Doyle. She was kind and sweet, and she just inspired me to keep going!”

Applications for the 2024 season of AVC Vet Camp are open until March 18. The AVC encourages students in grades 7–12 to seize the opportunity to explore their passion for veterinary medicine and, perhaps, meet their own heroes along the way.

To apply, visit https://www.upei.ca/avcsummerprograms/vetcamp/apply