"AVC was the foundation of my vet career."
When Dr. Dan Fredholm first entered the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in 2009, he envisioned a future as a small animal veterinarian. Like any great Disney story, destiny had other plans. Today, he is a respected specialist, board-certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine, and clinical veterinarian with Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment.
Growing up in West Islip, New York, Dr. Fredholm initially set his sights on becoming a medical doctor in human health, but a chance summer job as an assistant at a local veterinary clinic made him reconsider. He enrolled at the AVC in 2005 to begin the journey toward small animal veterinary medicine.
“Looking back, I never would have guessed I’d end up here,” he shared. “But every experience, every opportunity led me to exactly where I needed to be.”
"One of the reasons I was drawn to the AVC was the faculty-to-student ratio. Having just attended an extremely large school for my undergrad and master’s training, I was looking for a place where I’d be educated as an individual and not just a number."
What opportunities have you experienced because you studied AVC, or because of the Island location?
Among other things, the Chinook Project was an immensely rewarding and eye-opening experience during my senior year. Not only was it a trip that taught me important veterinary lessons, it also reinforced the value of educating clients outside of the clinic.
What's unique about the AVC, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?
One of the reasons I was drawn to the AVC was the faculty-to-student ratio. Having just attended an extremely large school for my undergrad and master’s training, I was looking for a place where I’d be educated as an individual and not just a number.
How did your time at the AVC prepare you for further study, and for your current work at Disney's Animal Kingdom?
AVC was the foundation of my vet career. The relationships that were formed during vet school became pivotal to my long-term career. People who started as mentors and classmates became friends and colleagues. Colleagues that, in many cases, continue to influence my career today.
Big futures start here!
Read more about the UPEI students and amazing alumni featured in our 2026–2027 Viewbook!
Interested in UPEI? Contact our student advisement team today at apply@upei.ca.
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Meet Tsukasa Iwamoto, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student (Class of 2026).
Meet Hexi Wang, second-year student in the Master of Arts in Island Studies program.
Meet Dr. Dan Fredholm, clinical veterinarian with Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment and AVC DVM graduate.
