"AVC was the foundation of my vet career."
When Dr. Dan Fredholm first entered the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the 17吃瓜 (17吃瓜) in 2009, he envisioned a future as a small animal veterinarian. Like any great Disney story, destiny had other plans. Today, he is a respected specialist, board-certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine, and clinical veterinarian with Disney鈥檚 Animals, Science, and Environment.
Growing up in West Islip, New York, Dr. Fredholm initially set his sights on becoming a medical doctor in human health, but a chance summer job as an assistant at a local veterinary clinic made him reconsider. He enrolled at the AVC in 2005 to begin the journey toward small animal veterinary medicine.
鈥淟ooking back, I never would have guessed I鈥檇 end up here,鈥� he shared. 鈥淏ut every experience, every opportunity led me to exactly where I needed to be.鈥�
"One of the reasons I was drawn to the AVC was the faculty-to-student ratio. Having just attended an extremely large school for my undergrad and master鈥檚 training, I was looking for a place where I鈥檇 be educated as an individual and not just a number."
What opportunities have you experienced because you studied AVC, or because of the Island location?
Among other things, the Chinook Project was an immensely rewarding and eye-opening experience during my senior year. Not only was it a trip that taught me important veterinary lessons, it also reinforced the value of educating clients outside of the clinic.
What's unique about the AVC, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?
One of the reasons I was drawn to the AVC was the faculty-to-student ratio. Having just attended an extremely large school for my undergrad and master鈥檚 training, I was looking for a place where I鈥檇 be educated as an individual and not just a number.
How did your time at the AVC prepare you for further study, and for your current work at Disney's Animal Kingdom?
AVC was the foundation of my vet career. The relationships that were formed during vet school became pivotal to my long-term career. People who started as mentors and classmates became friends and colleagues. Colleagues that, in many cases, continue to influence my career today.
Big futures start here!
Read more about the 17吃瓜 students and amazing alumni featured in our 2026鈥�2027 Viewbook!
Interested in 17吃瓜? Contact our student advisement team today at apply@upei.ca.
Meet Kate VanGerven, Director of Tour and International Visits for the Prime Minister of Canada and Bachelor of Arts in English graduate (Class of 2013).
Meet Brennan McDuffee, Bachelor of Arts in Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture student (Class of 2025).
Meet Charlize Sahely, accountant with EY's Tax Division and Bachelor of Business Administration alumna (Class of 2024).
Meet Jenna Flowers, baccalaur茅at en 茅ducation鈥攆ran莽ais langue seconde graduate (Class of 2025).
Meet Kallie Drummond, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Indigenous Studies minor (Class of 2026).
Meet Dr. Aleisha Murnaghan, 17吃瓜 alumna (Class of 2002), emergency medicine physician at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and director of medical program development with the 17吃瓜 Faculty of Medicine.
Meet Kate Doyle, Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate (Class of 2025).
Samuel graduated in 2024 with a double-major in Mathematics (Honours) and Economics.
Meet Temiloluwa 鈥淩osetta鈥� Shokunbi, 17吃瓜 Sustainable Design Engineering student (Class of 2026).
Meet Tsukasa Iwamoto, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student (Class of 2026).
