Early every year part of the California Thoroughbred Foundation’s mission to support veterinary students focused on the Thoroughbreds manifests itself in the choice of a third-year student at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona. It is an honor to interview these extraordinary nominees, and the vote is always very close. Our choice this year is Julissa Hoogeveen.
The first Thoroughbred that Hoogeveen owned as a young girl suffered from navicular disease. She vowed then and there to dedicate her career to unraveling this lameness. Her stellar undergraduate and veterinary studies have put her on the Dean’s List year after year and garnered many additional scholastic awards. Work with her research mentor at Western University includes the histologic study of the distal limb, most extensively, the distal sesamoidean impar ligament. Tis study is the first step in determining the significance of the impar ligament in relation to navicular syndrome.
Hoogeveen has become a certified veterinary acupuncturist to help manage chronic and acute pain in horses. Her studies at the Chi Institute opened her eyes to the rapidly growing career of integrative equine medicine.
Our recipient graduated with honors from Hofstra University. At Western University she has served in leadership roles, starting as executive president of the Student Government Association. Her research covers six extensive laboratory and research projects. Hoogeveen has been a veterinary assistant or technician in animal hospitals. As an assistant trainer, she has achieved the U.S. Equestrian Federation silver medal status in dressage. She volunteers consistently with humane societies, horse and special events in California and Honduras