How did your interest in veterinary medicine begin?
I have loved working with animals since I was little. I've always had horses and dogs and been involved with their care. Because of all the experiences with the animals, we've always had something going on with them, and I've been inspired by every veterinarian I've worked with and how much they have done for my animals. I knew that I always wanted to be involved in that field.
How did volunteering become a part of your life?
I started volunteering when I was really young because I had a fourth-grade teacher who took us to the local nursing home every Wednesday. We would read, sing, and play games with the residents. She instilled in us the importance of giving back, no matter where we were in life or what our knowledge base was. There was always something we could do to help.
What impact does volunteering have on your professional life?
Veterinary medicine can be really hard, challenging, and sometimes painful. Volunteering gives a sense of joy and passion. It makes the hard days more incredible because it's a chance to do something positive. It refills my cup and offers a renewed sense of purpose.
Why did you choose to work at Columbia Pike Animal Hospital?
One of the main reasons I chose Columbia Pike was because Dr. Hall is very supportive of volunteer medicine. He provides three volunteer days, which is essentially a week to do anything, and he supports that by covering expenses like flights to Ukraine and medications. Locally, he sends us to rescue centers and provides low-cost spays and neuters for organizations like the ASPCA.
What is your experience with Wolf Trap?
Each interested veterinarian gets to go to Wolf Trap for a month, paid for by Columbia Pike. We learn about high-volume spays and neuters, shelter medicine, and get to volunteer. It has helped us form a partnership with them, and many of us continue to go back to support them because we love giving back to the community. It's an amazing group to work with.
What is the importance of support in the veterinary field?
Veterinarians have always been there to support and care for me, not just for my animals but also for me as a person. It's important to understand the whole picture and to give back as a veterinarian. People have done so much for me, and now I want to do the same for others. That's my "why"—to push that forward and support others as I have been supported.
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