Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer
Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation

1. Why did you become a veterinarian?

I’ve always had an interest in anatomy and physiology but was never drawn to study human medicine. As is the case for most people who become veterinarians, I had a natural affinity for animals at an early age. And so, my interest in working with animals and my interests in anatomy and physiology melded and focused me into pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

2. What made you want to work for CVM?

I first heard about CVM from a friend who’d also applied to work here. I was looking for another veterinary career other than clinical medicine. I had practiced for five years and was trying to find a way to still use my veterinary degree but not in a clinical setting. After hearing about CVM and then studying up on the organization through the FDA/CVM website, I decided that working here would be a perfect opportunity to still utilize my veterinary skills and experiences without the pressures and stresses that come along with practicing clinical medicine.

3. What is the best thing about being a veterinarian for CVM?

I enjoy having an impact on the approval process for the drugs used in veterinary medicine. I enjoy helping to ensure that they are safe and effective before they are marketed for use in a clinical setting.

4. What does the veterinary profession mean to you?

To me, the veterinary profession is integral to maintaining the human-animal bond and all the benefits, both physical and emotional, that come along with that bond. Whether it be in the clinic or on the farm, veterinarians play an important role in helping to keep our animal populations safe and healthy.

5. What is your most memorable moment as a veterinarian?

For me, it would be walking across the stage to receive my degree after finishing vet school. There were definitely highs and lows during my clinical practice years, as well as my time at CVM, but that moment, actually graduating, was the culmination of so much hard work and dedication that it felt great to finally achieve my goal.