It was a shared dream to care for animals – and oddly similar studying styles – that brought Anna DeCan and Nolan Nansel together in the first year of Washington State University’s veterinary program.
Less than three months from earning their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, veterinary school and the challenges that come with it have only brought them closer together, as they will move back to practice in their home state of Montana after graduation and officially tie the knot May 30.
“It’s been incredibly helpful to come home at the end of the day to someone who understands exactly what the other is going through,” Nolan said. “We’ve supported each other through exams, long rotations, and stressful moments, and we help keep each other grounded and motivated.”
Their story began at Montana State University, where they both completed their undergraduate studies, as well as the first year of WSU’s DVM program. Although both Nolan and Anna both attended MSU during their undergraduate tenure, they didn’t meet until that first year of veterinary school in Bozeman.
Anna, a native of Florence, Montana, completed her undergraduate degree in organismal biology at MSU and is drawn to rural mixed practice as well, with an emphasis on small animal care and surgery.
Nolan, from Colstrip, Montana, earned his undergraduate degree in animal science at MSU and plans to pursue rural mixed-animal practice with a focus on large animal medicine, herd health, and heifer spaying.
Both students have gained hands-on experience that has helped shape their confidence as they move into the field.
“At WSU, we work closely with a wide variety of DVMs during our two-week clinical rotations and receive mentorship from veterinarians with diverse backgrounds and career paths. This allows us to approach cases from multiple perspectives and better define the kind of veterinarians we want to be after graduation,” Anna said.
Outside of veterinary medicine, they enjoy alpine skiing, boating, hiking, and cheering on the Cougs and Bobcats, often spending time with friends at their favorite “family dinners.” They also share their lives with West, a 7-year-old golden retriever, and are looking forward to welcoming a Labrador puppy after their wedding.