2023/24 Dave Wilson Memorial Scholarship winner

Aaron Gomes is this year’s recipient of the Dr. Dave Wilson Memorial Award  

The unexpected passing of Dr. Dave Wilson in 2021 left a profound impact on the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. To commemorate the legacy of our esteemed friend and colleague, we established the Dr. Dave Wilson Memorial Award at the University of Guelph. It is with great pleasure that we announce Aaron Gomes as this year’s recipient of the prestigious scholarship. 

“This award will enable me to follow in Dr. Wilson’s footsteps and continue my involvement in community health, while removing the financial burden that often comes with being a student,” says Aaron. 

A legacy of compassion 

The Dr. Dave Wilson Memorial Award is presented annually to a student in Ontario who has successfully completed Phase 3 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the Ontario Veterinary College. This exceptional individual is chosen by their peers for demonstrating outstanding compassion and a sincere interest in animals. 

Aaron, serving as the Co-Vice President of his class, an active member of the Community Outreach and Shelter Medicine Club, and a participant in the Kim and Stu Lang Community Health Partnership Program, is exceptionally well-suited for this scholarship. Additionally, he has intermittently dedicated his time to the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA as a wellness volunteer. 

“I have been fortunate to see and support the team as we provide excellent and accessible care to incoming animals with an emphasis on welfare and supporting the human-animal bond,” says Aaron. “I certainly consider recognition for the Dr. Dave Wilson Memorial Scholarship as an accomplishment in this area.” 

Looking ahead, Aaron plans to pursue general practice with a focus on dentistry. His long-term aspiration is to establish a private practice in a rural area, providing a broader range of services to communities where access to veterinary care may be limited. 

Read more about the Dr. Dave Wilson Memorial Award.    

About Dr. Dave Wilson  

Dr. Dave Wilson graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and MSc. in Clinical Toxicology. He started his career working in small animal/mixed private practice before joining the Ontario SPCA where he spent the last 18 years of his career. He worked through the ranks within the organization, managing an animal centre before eventually becoming the Senior Director of Shelter Health & Wellness.   

Watch a video about Dave’s commitment to animal welfare.