Fun fact: I got my license to pilot two-man bobsleds (Lake Placid, NY) while attending veterinary school. I still remember the looks I got from professors when I asked them if could take exams early so I could train! Several said, “You’re kidding, right?? And BTW, get out of my office”.

Favorite hobby: riding my Harley Davidson in National Parks.

Vet School: I received my DVM from Ohio State University, and I’m also board-certified in Canine and Feline Specialty Practice through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Diplomate, ABVP).

Funniest Client Experience: One of my clients recently slept downstairs by his Lab for a month on a mattress on the floor after a TPLO surgery so his dog didn't have to use any steps to go outside. So caring and dedicated, and sleep-deprived and happy to be that way!

Advice for new grads: Eat right, exercise, take your vitamins and learn how to do formless meditation, which really just means learning how to actively do nothing at some point during the day (seriously). Strive to keep your mind and body as healthy as possible, for as long as possible. We need both in top form to help others and to lead a life of service, both professionally and personally.

“As veterinarians, mentorship and teaching is something we ALL do every day, whether we realize it or not. The tone and quality of our speech, the look on our face, our body language, all are communicating to our clients and staff exactly how we’re showing up. As the fulcrum around which the care of our patients revolves, we have a duty and responsibility to model the best possible version of ourselves each and every day, and to continue to assimilate and apply new knowledge, whether we’re new graduates, or have decades of experience. And it’s a two-way street, for sure. There’s nothing like having a freshly-minted DVM/VMD around to reveal gaps in my own knowledge!

So, for me, mentorship is about honoring and acknowledging the gifts we all bring to the table. Really seeing and accepting those gifts takes hard work, open-mindedness, and a willingness to listen and change. If those elements are aligned, then the real magic happens – sudden leaps in understanding, ability, and insight occur in the moment.”

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