From Scooping Ice Cream to Saving Lives: Michelle McCorkell’s Path to Veterinary Greatness!
Western University’s Michelle McCorkell, Class of 2025, is paving her way to veterinary greatness. Not only is she achieving the top scores in Vet Candy’s NAVLE prep program, but her vision for the future goes far beyond just clinical work. With her sights set on veterinary research, Michelle is blending science, compassion, and personal experience to leave a lasting impact on both animals and the profession. But her journey is as diverse as it is inspiring, combining her passions for music, advocacy, and a drive for change.
From Stage Dreams to Stethoscopes
For Michelle, life has always been a balance between her two loves: music and animals. “Ever since I was a little kid, my two dreams were to become either a veterinarian or a singer,” she recalls. Music has been a constant in her life—playing the violin since third grade, using it as a creative outlet while tackling the rigors of vet school. While veterinary medicine won her heart, music remains her soulful escape.
Blazing a Trail in Veterinary Research
Michelle’s love for animals naturally led her to veterinary medicine, but it was her curiosity that drove her toward research. “The hardest career decision I’ve made was choosing between a lab animal residency and going into general practice after graduation,” she shares. In the end, research captured her imagination—offering her a chance to solve problems and make a difference on a larger scale. Beyond the science, she’s committed to reshaping the veterinary profession by advocating for mental health and creating healthier work environments.
Strength, Compassion, and Resilience
Michelle attributes her success to **determination, motivation, and compassion**. She lives by the advice that’s carried her through challenging moments: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” Vet school is demanding, and she’s learned that leaning on others—whether it’s friends, mentors, or colleagues—can be the key to pushing through.
Her journey is deeply personal as well. After losing her mother at a young age, Michelle was struck by how precious time truly is. “It made me realize how short life is,” she reflects. That life-changing moment fueled her mission to live fully, pursue her dreams, and never let fear hold her back.
Recharging and Embracing Adventure
Outside of her studies, Michelle finds peace hiking with her dog Loki or powering through a Peloton ride. She’s an adventurer at heart, and her pre-vet trip to South Africa was one that shifted her perspective forever. “It opened my eyes to how connected we all are,” she says, reflecting on the cultural exchange and the lessons she brought back to the U.S.
Books like *The Great Gatsby* and *The Count of Monte Cristo* have also had a profound impact on her, giving her new ways to look at life’s challenges and victories.
The Next Chapter
Where does Michelle see herself in five years? As a confident, compassionate veterinarian, making a difference in the research field while mentoring the next generation of vet students. Mental health advocacy remains a driving force for her, as she aims to create positive, supportive environments for future vets to thrive in.
Michelle McCorkell’s journey is a testament to how resilience, passion, and an openness to new experiences can lead to incredible success. As she continues her path toward veterinary research, one thing is clear: she’s just getting started.
Follow Michelle as she redefines the future of veterinary medicine—one groundbreaking discovery at a time.
