Veterinary Medical School: Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Graduation Year: 2011
Background: I did my undergraduate and master’s degree studies in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Iowa, then went on to complete my DVM at Iowa State University. Following veterinary school I knew I wanted to work with dairy cattle – so I moved to Wisconsin! I’ve been practicing primarily dairy production medicine and also working with cow-calf producers at a large animal exclusive practice in Mondovi, Wis., since graduation.
Value of WVMA Membership: Organized veterinary medicine groups such as the WVMA, AVMA, regional veterinary groups and specialty/species-specific groups (i.e. AABP) provide great value to practicing veterinarians. There are the obvious benefits like continuing education, but I think the real value in being a WVMA member is from the leverage it provides in advancing the profession. I highly value knowing that our collective voices can be organized and heard in front of the legislature and policy makers.
Most Memorable Part of Veterinary Career: There are always lots of great stories to tell as a veterinarian, but I think the most memorable thing has been seeing farms get better over time. I’ve been able to work with one farm in particular most of my career and watched their bulk tanks fill up, reproduction get better and milk quality improve greatly, in addition to seeing them move into a new parlor over the last 6 years. It’s great to be a part of helping farmers improve their operations and better their bottom lines.
Advice for Current Veterinary Students: Graduation isn’t the end of your education, it’s just the start. Your four years in veterinary school are a great foundation, but to truly excel as a veterinarian, you’re going to have to continually stretch yourself and learn new skills.
Veterinary Medicine Outreach: I was able to participate in a short-term mission trip with Christian Veterinary Mission. The trip allowed me to work with several local dairy producers in the Dominican Republic. In addition, I have had the opportunity to present at a few local meetings with beef producer groups.
Additional Comments: I love the work we get to do as veterinarians. It’s given me some unique opportunities to translate my background in engineering to on-farm improvements by stepping out of the traditional veterinarian role. While what we’re asked/expected to do as veterinarians may change, we’re always going to have an important role to play in animal agriculture. Half of the fun is figuring out how we need to adapt to the future and gaining the new skills necessary to continue to be the experts our clients rely on.