For their proficiency in cancer care, fourth-year DVM students Caitlyn Callaghan and Courtney Labé have been named the College of Veterinary Medicine’s (CVM) selections for the Bob Rosenthal Senior Award for Proficiency in Clinical Oncology.

The award is bestowed by the Veterinary Cancer Society (VCS), which provides veterinary schools throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico with the chance to nominate one outstanding senior veterinary student. These students have demonstrated exceptional proficiency in caring for veterinary oncology patients and shown remarkable aptitude in the field of clinical oncology during their final year.

The Oncology Service team felt strongly that both Callaghan and Labé were both deserving of the award.

Dr. Antonella Borgatti, professor of oncology, praised both students in statements reflecting the team’s reasonings for selecting them as award recipients. 

“Caitlyn has a fun and laid-back personality. She always has a smile on her face. She is brave, resilient, adventurous, and extremely curious,” Borgatti says. “Her can-do attitude creates a positive atmosphere all around her and she’s always willing to take on big challenges that most of her peers would find insurmountable. She is highly intelligent and tenacious. She is a joy to work with both in the lab and clinical settings."

During her time at CVM, Callaghan has been involved with the CVM Student Council as a class representative and as president. She’s also been a student representative for Hill’s Pet Nutrition. 

Labé has served as president, community service chair, and a senior mentor for the CVM student chapter of Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment—also known as VOICE— and has participated in the Veterinary Summer Scholars. 

“Courtney is incredibly smart while remaining humble and collegial. She has an impeccable work ethic and is driven by intense curiosity,” Borgatti says. “Her insight and problem-solving ability far exceed those of highly performing students at her level. She is a joy to work with both in the lab and clinical settings.”

Callaghan and Labé are both research assistants in Perlman Professor of Oncology and Comparative Medicine Dr. Jaime Modiano’s research lab and were invited to present their own research posters at the VCS annual conference in 2024. In addition to the award, they receive a complimentary membership in VCS and complimentary registration to an upcoming annual conference.