Ashley Oppermann, a University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine (UW SVM) Class of 2025 student, was elected by her peers to serve a two-year term on the WVMA Executive Board.
Oppermann completed her undergraduate work at UW-Parkside, earning a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and bioinformatics. She’s always had a love for animals, and that care and compassion are what ultimately led her to apply to
veterinary medical school.
“I first became interested in veterinary medicine in high school, when I had an opportunity to shadow an equine veterinarian and observe surgeries,” Oppermann says. “It wasn’t until after I completed my undergraduate degree and began to pursue a PhD that I realized my heart was set on becoming a veterinarian. I developed my interest in small animal medicine while working at Hallett Veterinary Hospital in Oconomowoc.”
As a WVMA Executive Board member, Oppermann wants to learn more about how veterinary medical policies are made. She also wants to take advantage of the many networking opportunities that come with the position.
“I am excited about being an active part of planning events and finding solutions to the challenges that veterinary students face,” she says.
Besides the WVMA, Oppermann is involved with the student AVMA (SAVMA), where she currently serves as vice president-elect, and the Veterinary Business Management Association, where she was elected to serve as the Business Certificate Program coordinator beginning in January 2023.
“I want to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible during my time at the SVM, whether it be through the clinic I am employed at or through clubs and classwork,” Oppermann says.
Oppermann currently resides in Hartford, Wisconsin, with her husband and 2 ½-year-old daughter. Her current focus is on small animal general practice with the possibility of pursuing a specialty or academia, but she is keeping her options open.
“I was exposed to so many opportunities and possibilities during my first year at the SVM, so we’ll see where the next several years take me,” she says.