What inspired you to become a Board-certified veterinary specialist?
From the start of my veterinary career, I was driven to pursue a specialty to advance patient care. While I initially considered orthopedic surgery, my clinical rotations revealed that internal medicine was my true calling. Its complexity and diagnostic challenges inspired me, and becoming Board-certified allowed me to deepen my expertise and share that knowledge through teaching and mentorship.
Are there any resources or pieces of advice that helped you along the way?
Yes! One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received was to take one thing at a time. The path to becoming Board-certified can feel overwhelming because there are so many steps, from mastering clinical skills to preparing for rigorous exams. Breaking the process down into manageable goals helped me stay focused and motivated.
Is there a story or experience that stands out in your mind that reaffirmed your decision to work in specialty veterinary medicine?
There isn’t just one story, there are countless experiences that have touched my heart and reaffirmed my decision every day. Working in this field brings a full spectrum of emotions: sadness, joy, worry, and even laughter. Each case is unique and often challenging, but what stands out is the sense of purpose behind every decision and every treatment plan. At the end of the day, I can say with confidence that I gave my best to every patient and provided the highest level of care possible. Those moments seeing a critically ill patient recover or supporting a family through a difficult diagnosis remind me why I chose this path.
What is something you wish the general public knew about veterinary specialists?
I wish people understood the level of training and expertise required to become a veterinary specialist. After earning a veterinary degree, we complete years of additional training through internships and residencies, followed by arduous Board examinations. This ensures we can manage complex cases and provide the highest standard of care. I also wish more people realized how challenging our work can be because, unlike human medicine, our patients can’t tell us what’s wrong. I once had a client say, “Being a veterinarian isn’t like being a human doctor,” and I chuckled and said, “You’re absolutely right.” We often rely on our knowledge, diagnostic skills, and experience to piece together the problem and find the right solution to save a life. It’s a combination of science, critical thinking, and compassion that makes this profession so unique.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
Transitioning from private practice to academia has been a rewarding and eye-opening experience. In private practice, I loved working directly with patients and their families, guiding them through the journey from diagnosis to recovery. Those moments were often challenging but deeply fulfilling because I could see the immediate impact of my care. In academia, the focus shifts from individual patients to shaping the future of the profession. I now have the privilege of sharing the knowledge and skills I gained in practice with veterinary students, helping them build confidence and competence. Watching students grow and knowing that I’m contributing to the next generation of veterinarians is just as meaningful as treating patients. It’s a different kind of impact, but one that feels incredibly rewarding.
What do you consider one of your career successes? How did you achieve it?
By far, obtaining my Diplomate status is my proudest achievement. The journey was not easy. After completing my residency and passing my boards, I went through a very difficult period where my mental health suffered significantly. It’s hard to admit, but I almost became a statistic in a profession that faces high rates of burnout and mental health challenges. I made the decision to prioritize my well-being, even if it meant putting my goals on hold for a time. After years of hard work and personal growth, I was finally able to achieve Diplomate status a milestone that represents not only professional excellence but also resilience and perseverance. It’s something I am deeply proud of because it reflects both my commitment to veterinary medicine and my determination to overcome adversity.
What do you consider a challenge you’ve faced in your career? How did you overcome it?
One of the greatest challenges I faced was maintaining my mental health after completing my residency and passing my Board exams. The pressure and demands of the process were overwhelming, and I reached a point where I had to step back and prioritize my well-being. To overcome this, I focused on self-care and sought the support I needed, even if it meant putting my professional goals on hold for a time. That decision allowed me to heal and regain balance. This experience reinforced the importance of mental health awareness in our field and the need to support one another through these challenges.
What is something unique about your career, or career path?
What makes my career path unique is the balance between two worlds private practice and academia. Every stage has been inspiring and has pushed me to be the best version of myself. I truly miss the direct connection with patients and families in private practice, where every case carried its own challenges and rewards. At this point in my life, I find immense fulfillment in teaching. Sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years with students is my way of paying it forward. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing their excitement when they finally grasp concepts they once feared especially in areas like Small Animal Internal Medicine. Watching that transformation reminds me why I chose this path and how meaningful it is to help shape the future of our profession.
