For six students graduating from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine this month, their education in shelter medicine was a roadmap to the kind of career they’ve always envisioned: community-centered and compassionate.

Each of these graduating seniors has earned the Certificate in Shelter Medicine, completing rigorous coursework, hands-on training, externships, and specialized rotations. Along the way, they also earned some of the field’s most prestigious awards.

Taylor Adams: Award for Excellence in Shelter Medicine

The Award for Excellence in Shelter Medicine is given to a senior student who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to improvement of the lives of sheltered and homeless animals through the study and advancement of shelter medicine. This year, Taylor Adams is that student.

Taylor always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian, but it was a gap year spent working at Jacksonville Humane Society that helped her identify her true calling.

“I fell in love with the impact shelter medicine can have, not just through adoption, but by helping families keep their pets, preventing surrender, and supporting the community in ways I hadn’t imagined,” she said.

After graduation, Taylor is heading to Gulf Coast Humane Society in Fort Myers, where she’ll practice both shelter medicine and accessible care. Her decision to work there was shaped by her training in the UF Shelter Medicine Program and her desire to be part of a shelter committed to doing even more.

“I came straight off the Shelter Consultation Clerkship, so I was already in the mindset of assessing systems and identifying improvements,” she said. “When I visited GCHS, I asked about daily rounds, playgroups, workflows. They saw that I was serious about helping their shelter continue to evolve.”

Taylor credits the certificate program with giving her the practical tools she’ll need in her day-to-day work managing population health, preventing disease transmission, and supporting animal wellbeing on a systems level.

“I could talk all day about how much the Shelter Medicine Program has impacted me,” she said. “It helped me become the kind of veterinarian I always wanted to be.”

Rosebud Award Winners

The Rosebud Award, named in honor of the anonymous donors’ beloved cat, recognizes senior students who are passionate about shelter medicine and committed to building a career in the field. This year’s recipients are already putting their values into action in shelters and communities across the country.

Emily Stone

Emily is joining Gulf Coast Humane Society in Fort Myers, where she’ll practice shelter medicine, community medicine, and high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN).

“It was difficult to find a position that allowed me to do all three with strong mentorship,” she said. “The certificate program helped prepare me for this—and helped me see how these areas are deeply connected.”

Molly McMahon

Molly will begin her career at Summerville Pet Clinic in South Carolina, working under UF Shelter Medicine alum Dr. Angele Bice.

“My goal is to become a shelter medical director,” she said. “I’m excited to work with a mentor who shares that mission and has deep roots in her community.”

Shelby Brown

Shelby is heading west to join Planned Pethood International in Colorado, where he’ll support both local outreach and international programs.

“Through the externships, I was reminded why I wanted to become a veterinarian in the first place,” he said. “I want to keep traveling and doing outreach for the rest of my career.”

Giselle La Hoz

Giselle has accepted a position with the ASPCA Community Medicine Clinic in Miami. Her externships and rotations deepened her commitment to access to care.

“The program taught me to be creative, collaborative, and to meet people where they are,” she said. “That approach will shape everything I do.”

Doris Day/Terry Melcher Shelter Medicine Award

The Doris Day/Terry Melcher Award is given by the Doris Day Animal Foundation in memory of Day’s son, Terry Melcher. It is awarded to students pursuing education in veterinary shelter medicine and helping disadvantaged pet populations.

For Ashley Riggio, receiving the award was an honor, but joining the team at Patty Baker Humane Society Naples is the real reward. The organization operates three shelter locations, a mobile veterinary unit, and a public clinic offering access to care across the community.

“I’m proud to be joining such a dedicated and compassionate team,” Ashley said. “The Shelter Medicine Program gave me the chance to practice and refine my skills through rotations like the Veterinary Community Outreach Program (VCOP), which I loved so much I took it twice.”

She graduates ready to do what she came to vet school to do: serve the animals and people who need her most.

Congratulations to all of the 2025 award recipients. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make!