My parents tell a story about me when I was in elementary school, telling my teacher I would grow up to be a veterinarian. I have always loved animals (to my mother's displeasure when it came to snakes!) So, it should come as no surprise as I chose veterinary medicine as my career.
I grew up in Glendora, CA where I worked at a small animal hospital in Covina over the summers while going to UCSD for a bachelor degree in general biology. While working with Dr.
How I became a veterinarian: I think it had something to do with my dad saying "that girl's going to be a vet", every time he saw me light up in the presence of a dog, cat, calf, lamb, piglet, tank of fish, etc.
I have wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. Even before I can remember, my Mom tells me that I wandered towards any dog I saw at the park. I was always sneaking lizards, baby birds, and the occasional stray kitten home, and trying to "save" them.
Dr. Jennifer Osborne is a Northern California native. She began her journey into veterinary medicine at the age of 15. She initially started by working as a kennel attendant in a veterinary practice, then moved up to a veterinary assistant prior to going to college.
Dr. Akashi is an Orange County native who developed a love for animals by watching countless hours of Animal Planet at an early age. She volunteered at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific for four years, and soon after began working at an animal hospital.
Dr. Marissa Robertson grew up down the street from Newport Harbor Animal Hospital and had the pleasure of bringing her many pets here while she was growing up. At the age of 17, she started shadowing some of the doctors and quickly fell in love with veterinary medicine.
Growing up in Livermore, California, Dr. Alexandria Clifton knew she wanted to be a veterinarian at a very young age. She got involved with her high school’s ROP program which allowed her to obtain her first job as a kennel tech in a veterinary hospital!
Update: After 22 years at NHAH and over 40 years of practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Wade has retired and is thoroughly treasuring all of the memories.