Martina is a 25-year-old Veterinary Medical Doctor who recently graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School, and is now doing her residency here in Atlanta. We had so much fun shooting her session on Sunday! She is such a blessing to be around, and with her bubbly personality her smile lights up the room wherever she goes. There is never a dull moment with her, and I am proud to call her family. During my interview with Martina, I asked her to share a some remarks about her journey.
Why did you decide to go into veterinary medicine?
Initially I thought I wanted to go into human medicine, but after shadowing in different practices I knew it wasn't enough for me - I wanted something that really got me excited to make as my career. I knew I wanted to be in medicine, and veterinary medicine seemed to just fall into place as I began working at different places and shadowing various fields of medicine. It was something that continuously engaged me and kept me excited - and at that point I hadn't even applied to vet school yet! But shadowing and working at zoos, small animal hospitals, hippotherapy centers, and other places really helped to ensure that working with animals is what I wanted.
What were some of the challenges, if any, throughout your journey?
There were a lot of challenges going through veterinary school - and one of the biggest I felt was imposter syndrome - I continuously felt like I wasn't good enough to be where I was, or that I didn't have the ability to get through. Yet, I was in vet school, I was getting through it well, and I ended up matching at my top choice for residency afterward. It's something I still feel now in my new job but confidence in a career like this is always developing; I'm continuously learning and it helps to look back and see what I've already achieved to help me keep that self-doubt down.
What advice would you give to those looking to go into this profession?
Veterinary medicine is a small term used for a career with vast opportunities. There are so many different places to build a career - from small animal general practice, to exotics, government work, or research like myself (just to name a few). It's not always easy to see what opportunities there are but they are out there - so do your research and see what fits what you want to do.
Advice for people who have always thought of being a "pet" doctor - I will say loving animals isn't enough to become a veterinarian - taking logical rather than emotional action for different cases, knowing that you're always going to be working with people (they're the owners!), and acknowledging that you can't save every animal are just a few things to consider. I love what I do and so far I wouldn't change it; I just think people who want a career in this field of medicine should be realistic about what they can handle.
