"I would like my students to understand the bigger picture and practice critical thinking. I would like them to have a global view of things before narrowing it down."
Years at 雏鸟视频: December 2014 to present
Research Interests: Ruminant gastrointestinal diseases and immunology
What is the most rewarding part of being a member of the 雏鸟视频 faculty?
I enjoy working for an organization that cares about educating students as well as the faculty and staff鈥檚 well-being. I enjoy coming to work because there is a culture of kindness that is nurtured by everyone, including the University and college administrators. Everyone feels and acts like they belong, because they do.
How do you engage students in the learning process?
I remind veterinary students that they are veterinarians in training, so they should think of themselves and act as veterinarians. That also means taking responsibility for making clinical decisions, as well as practicing medical procedures under supervision. As their supervisor on clinical rotations, I must give them freedom to practice while being patient and present so that I can give them advice and feedback, while not compromising the welfare of our patients.
What do you hope students learn from your classes?
I would like my students to understand the bigger picture and practice critical thinking. I would like them to have a global view of things before narrowing it down. They must always ask themselves, 鈥淲hy?鈥 Why do certain diseases present in a certain way, why do patients develop particular clinical signs, why do we choose certain treatment options, and so forth.
What lessons would you like students to take with them in their professional careers?
It鈥檚 important to be good at practicing veterinary medicine, but it鈥檚 even more important to be kind. Treat people with kindness and help make the world a better place.
What about your profession should people know more about?
It is humbling to be trusted by the owners to provide veterinary care to their animals, and we do not take it for granted. I would ask people to be kind to their veterinarians, even when at times we get unfavorable outcomes despite our best efforts.
Anything to add?
鈥淲hen given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.鈥 - Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
