Piper Palmgren and pet dog pose in front of a blooming rose bush.

We're putting our student ambassadors in the limelight. Students from all four years of veterinary classes bring their expertise and experience to bear in helping you learn more about the DVM program and the student experience here at the Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. 

Piper Palmgren | About Me

I’m Piper, and I am in my fourth year of veterinary school. I moved out to Oregon from Florida after falling in love with everything Oregon and Oregon State University have to offer. I have a master’s degree from the University of Florida in Veterinary Forensics and am known for having lots of hobbies and experiences relating to vet med. Such as: being a beekeeper, having managed a homestead, interning at a marine mammal pathology lab, working with seabirds and wildlife rehabilitation, growing up around horses and loving to work with large animals. I’m always happy to chat about vet school, life and how to make the most of your time at the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. Welcome! You can contact me at palmgrep@oregonstate.edu.

Q&A

Why did you want to become a student ambassador?

I wanted to become a student ambassador after attending multiple info sessions and events with the ambassador team at the time. They were all so kind, welcoming and full of information. They helped me to feel confident about my decision to attend Oregon State and made me feel at home. I wanted to be able to do that for other prospective and incoming students. I also love working with the community and inspiring young people to pursue veterinary medicine. Being an ambassador has allowed me to participate in multiple community outreach events with individuals of all ages and share my passion for veterinary medicine. 

What tip/advice would you offer to future students?

Approach veterinary school with an open mind, a positive attitude and get outside of your comfort zone. Some of my favorite experiences and memories have been working with species that I did not have prior experience with, performing procedures I had never done before or learning about topics that were not my original area of interest. It is amazing how much you will grow as an individual and a veterinary professional when you have this mindset. You truly do get out of veterinary school what you put into it. 

What’s your favorite experience/memory of vet school so far?

My favorite veterinary school experience has been working with the on-call C-section team through our theriogenology service here at Oregon State. Resuscitation of neonates is an exciting and rewarding experience that has given me a lot of confidence in myself as a veterinary professional. I've loved teaching other students about neonatal resuscitation and various techniques that can be used during the resuscitation process. I am proud to say that during my time here I have been involved in over 30 C-sections so far with various species and will continue to participate until I graduate.