Sophia Schuder has been named to receive the Excellence in Primary Care Award sponsored by the American Animal Hospital Association. The Class of 2022 student is completing her doctor of veterinary medicine degree at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Duluth, Minn., native says her final year of vet school was the most rewarding, especially her clinical rotations in primary care and community-based medicine. “I was able to significantly improve my client communication and patient handling skills.”

Schuder’s nomination by the Lewis Small Animal Hospital’s primary care team noted that she “embodies the standards of AAHA accredited practice. She is thoughtful in her approach and seeks the most current recommendations for practice in all areas, including wellness, prevention, behavior, nutrition, pain management, and record-keeping. Working with Sophie over her four years of veterinary school has been a pleasure. In the clinic she is an exceptional team player, working well with the whole team. During her fourth year clinical rotations, Sophie could be counted on to handle her cases as the doctor and provide up-to-date recommendations and treatment plans and outstanding communication with clients.”

Schuder reports she is especially passionate about preventive medicine, client education, animal behavior, surgery, and end-of-life care. “After graduation, I will be moving to Gainesville, Fla., where I will be working as a small animal general practitioner at Countryside Animal Hospital,” Schuder says. “I am excited for the adventure of living and working in Florida, but at the same time Minnesota holds a very special place in my heart, and I know I will return to practice here in the state in the long term.”

Winning awards has been a regular part of Schuder’s time at the College. She received the Dana Mangi award in her first year in recognition of her personality and passion for helping both animals and owners. In her third year, she received the Sime Family Scholarship, which is awarded to deserving Minnesota students interested in small animal practice. And that same year she was inducted into the Society of Phi Zeta Kappa, an honor awarded to veterinary students who placed academically in the top 10 percent of their class. In her final year, she received a scholarship from the Minneapolis Kennel Club.