SPRING 2026
L to R: Dr. Gillian Muir, Kelsey Drinkall, Joel Bilyk and Dr. Steve Manning. Christina Weese
AN ENLIGHTENING AWARD Recipients of a new Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) student award receive a unique prize: the funds they need to attend a well-known horse health conference in British Columbia. The annual Delta Equine Seminar is a two-day continuing education (CE) event that’s been hosted by B.C. equine veterinarians for more than 50 years. Joel Bilyk of Nanaimo, B.C., and Kelsey Drinkall of Chetwynd, B.C., became the first recipients of the Delta Equine Seminar Award during the WCVM’s annual fall awards program in October 2025.
The new award recognizes WCVM students who have demonstrated interest and aptitude in equine care during the first two years of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. A month after receiving the award, Bilyk and Drinkall returned to their home province to attend the 52nd edition of the seminar, which took place from Nov. 3-4 in Langley, B.C. As award recipients, the students received complimentary registration and $2,000 each to cover travel expenses.
By WCVM Today
The Delta Equine Seminar regularly attracts world-class speakers who deliver insightful presentations and practical takeaway messages for veterinarians. Past speakers have covered a range of topics including lameness, areas of medicine and surgery, dentistry and dermatology. Bilyk and Drinkall both agree that the chance to talk with speakers and attendees helped them gain clarity into equine practice and connections with their veterinary community. For Bilyk, the experience reaffirmed his desire to CONTINUED