What inspired you to work in veterinary medicine?

Initially I was taking zoology classes because I wanted to work as a zookeeper or at least with zoo animals. After research I realized how competitive that field was and decided on a different route but still with animals. No regrets.

What do I love most about my job and veterinary medicine?

First and foremost I love working with animals. Being not only a voice, but an advocate, for those who can’t speak for themselves or those that are not quite understood. Secondly, I absolutely love the medical side. Each case is different and I see it like a big puzzle or riddle. Finding the right treatments that work for each patient. I love being able to see the progress over time and the final result of them being all healed.

How do I continue to grow in the field?

I may know and have experienced a lot but I am humble enough to still learn more. I also use my knowledge to help others. By teaching others it reinforces what I already know and sometimes they might ask me a question that I don’t fully have the answer to. When that happens I have to do my own learning and research it. In this field there is a lot of teamwork and we can always learn from each other.

What is the most rewarding part working at Freddie’s?

The relationships that have been built with clients and among the staff. I have worked at places where the team didn’t mesh well together and going into work was dreadful. Here I have no problem showing up with a positive attitude because I know the staff all works great together and are a family… I have also worked in places where the clientele had a negative view of the hospital and it didn’t sit well with me. Being at a facility where the clients appreciate us and constantly being told how much they love us gives me a sense of pride.