Future veterinarian overcomes adversity to pursue her passion for animal welfare at UTCVM
Where are you from, and how did your journey lead to you pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM)?
I am from a small town called Corozal in Puerto Rico. Growing up, I was constantly exposed to the challenges of animal overpopulation and neglect that are prevalent across the island. Limited government support for animal welfare programs, economic hardship, and a lack of education on proper animal care are ongoing issues that continue to affect my community.
These experiences motivated me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and become part of the solution. I wanted to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality medical care to animals while also promoting community education and responsible pet ownership. From a young age, I knew I wanted to create lasting change in my hometown by improving access to veterinary care and helping build a stronger foundation for animal welfare in Puerto Rico. I now look forward to becoming licensed and being able to formally begin making plans to contribute to meaningful and lasting change in my community.
Can you describe a typical day in your life as a student at UTCVM?
As a senior student, my schedule changes approximately every two weeks depending on my current rotation. Right now, I am on my internal medicine rotation. Although this rotation has its challenges, it has been one of my favorites so far. Our week is divided into “appointment days” and “transfer days.”
On appointment days, the workflow is generally more structured. The day before, I am assigned or select a case to see the next morning. I prepare by reviewing the patient’s medical history, reading through previous records, and developing a list of differential diagnoses and potential diagnostic plans. The following day, I examine my patient, discuss my findings and plan with the house officer and clinician, and then continue with any necessary diagnostics or treatments.
Transfer days, on the other hand, are more unpredictable. Around 3 a.m., we receive the transfer list to see if any patients from the emergency service have been transferred to the internal medicine service. I typically arrive at the hospital by 6 a.m. to perform morning treatments and assess my patients. From there, the day follows a similar pattern to appointment days: reviewing cases, formulating plans, and providing patient care. Depending on whether my patients remain hospitalized overnight, I usually finish my day between 5 and 6 p.m.
What has been your most memorable or rewarding experience at UTCVM so far?
I have had many memorable experiences at UTCVM, but the one that I will always treasure, and that has had the greatest impact on my career, was being selected as the recipient of the Ingram Scholarship. This scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards given to a UT veterinary student, and receiving it was an incredibly meaningful moment for me.
It represented more than just financial support; it was a recognition of my hard work, perseverance, and dedication throughout my academic journey. Knowing that my efforts, resilience, and commitment to the field were acknowledged by the faculty and donors reaffirmed my motivation to continue striving for excellence. This achievement strengthened my confidence and reminded me of the importance of perseverance and integrity in pursuing my professional goals. It also inspired me to one day give back to future veterinary students in the same way this scholarship has supported me.
What subjects within veterinary medicine interest you the most, and why?
When I first applied to vet school, I was certain that I wanted to pursue cardiology. My passion for this specialty hasn’t changed, as I’m fascinated by the complexity of the heart and how its function impacts the entire body. At the same time, I’m currently focused on gaining broad experience in small animal and exotic medicine, as I want to work as a general practitioner first and see where that path takes me before committing to a specialty residency. I’m excited by the variety and challenges that general practice offers, from treating a wide range of species to managing diverse cases. In the future, I hope to continue learning and deepening my expertise in cardiology, potentially making cardiac diseases one of the areas I excel in. For now, my focus is on becoming a well-rounded, skilled veterinarian who can provide excellent care across small animals and exotic species.
Can you describe any out-of-the-classroom learning opportunities you’ve had during your time as a veterinary student and the impact they had on your education?
Working as a veterinary technician during the summers throughout vet school has been one of the most valuable learning opportunities I’ve had outside the classroom. This experience has allowed me to directly apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained in lectures and labs to real clinical situations. I’ve been able to assist in appointments, work through challenging cases, and even participate in several surgical procedures. Beyond the medical aspects, this experience has helped me strengthen my communication skills; whether it’s discussing cases with veterinarians or explaining treatment plans to clients. Having the chance to learn side by side with so many skilled and supportive veterinarians has also given me a deeper appreciation for teamwork, mentorship, and the day-to-day realities of veterinary practice. It’s truly reinforced my confidence and passion for the field.
How did your experience as a licensed veterinary technician prepare you for your studies and influence your goals as a future veterinarian?
Being a licensed veterinary technician before vet school has been invaluable in shaping both my preparation and perspective. My experience provided me with a strong foundation in clinical skills, client communication, and teamwork within a veterinary setting. It allowed me to understand the daily realities of patient care and the importance of collaboration between veterinarians, technicians, and clients to achieve the best outcomes.
Working closely with veterinarians also gave me a deeper appreciation for the decision-making process behind each case. Every workday reinforced that this was the field I was meant to be in and fueled my desire to expand my medical knowledge and take on greater responsibility in patient care. This experience not only made me more confident entering vet school but also strengthened my goal of becoming a well-rounded veterinarian who values and empowers the entire veterinary team.
As one of your class’s Wellness Chairs, why do you think promoting wellness and mental health among veterinary students is so important?
As one of my class’s Wellness Chairs, I believe promoting wellness and mental health among veterinary students is absolutely critical. Veterinary medicine is consistently ranked among the careers with the highest rates of burnout and suicide, which makes supporting one another’s mental health essential. When the opportunity to serve as a Wellness Chair arose, I embraced it wholeheartedly.
Moving to Tennessee was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I didn’t come here by choice; it was the result of a natural disaster and my determination to continue my education. I faced significant obstacles, including a language barrier, cultural isolation, and being far from my family. There were moments when I questioned whether I had made the right decision, and my mental health was undoubtedly tested. However, I persevered, staying committed to my goals.
That experience gave me a deep, personal understanding of how vital mental health is; it can be the factor that makes or breaks you. With this perspective, I felt uniquely equipped to support my classmates through the challenges of veterinary school. I have cherished every opportunity to organize wellness activities, provide resources, or simply offer a listening ear to a classmate in need. Being able to contribute to a supportive community has not only helped others but also reinforced my own resilience and commitment to fostering mental health within our profession.
What do you think makes UTCVM stand out from other veterinary programs?
What makes UTCVM stand out to me is the fact that it’s the school where many of my mentors studied and trained. Seeing the kind of veterinarians they’ve become; knowledgeable, compassionate, and confident in their skills, has always made me admire the quality of education and mentorship that comes from this program. Their experiences at UTCVM shaped not only their clinical abilities but also their approach to patient care and client communication, which I deeply value. Knowing that I’m following in their footsteps and learning in the same environment that helped mold them into the veterinarians I look up to makes UTCVM feel especially meaningful to me.
What are some of the greatest challenges and rewards of being a veterinary medicine student?
One of the greatest challenges of being a veterinary student is learning to balance the academic workload with self-care and personal life. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but this journey has taught me how to prioritize, stay organized, and seek support when needed. The biggest reward, however, is seeing how all the hard work pays off; whether it’s understanding a complex case, making life-saving decisions for my patients, or realizing how much I’ve grown since my first year. Every small success reminds me why I chose this profession in the first place.
Looking ahead, what are your professional aspirations after graduation, and how do you hope to make an impact in veterinary medicine?
After graduation, I hope to become a well-rounded and compassionate practitioner who never loses sight of why we enter this profession: to help animals and the people who love them. I aspire to be the kind of veterinarian who makes every client feel comfortable, heard, and confident in the care their pets receive. One of my biggest goals is to make an impact within the Hispanic community. I’ve noticed that many Hispanic pet owners in the United States lack access to proper veterinary education and resources, often due to language and cultural barriers. I want to be part of changing that. Whether it’s through community outreach, bilingual client education, or creating resources in Spanish, I hope to help bridge that gap. If I can contribute even a small part to improving communication and access to care for Hispanic families, I believe it could spark broader change and inspire similar efforts in other communities as well.
What do you like to do outside of school and/or what is a fun fact about yourself that your fellow students and professors may not know?
Outside of school, I love to travel and spend time with my loved ones. I visit my family in Puerto Rico as often as I can; it helps me stay connected to home and recharge from the demands of vet school. I also enjoy working out, hiking, and watching movies, but one of my favorite hobbies is cooking, especially Puerto Rican food. I haven’t had as much time for it lately, but whenever I do, I love sharing those dishes with friends. One of the things I’m most proud of outside of vet school is teaching my fiancé all about my culture; everything from speaking Spanish and enjoying Puerto Rican cuisine to dancing and, of course, talking loud! It’s been so special to share those parts of myself with him. And a fun fact about me is that I have 51 cousins! Yes, I come from a very big family, and I absolutely love it.
