Born to Be a Veterinarian

This storybook tells the story of a veterinarian’s journey from childhood to fatherhood and his pursuit of becoming a veterinarian. This book is dedicated to Dr. William H. Waddell, a 1935 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania College of Vet Med and the first African American member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The storybook is read by Dr. Courtney Campbell on Vet Candy’s Facebook page online.

Being one of those experts, Dr. Courtney Campbell, DVM, DACVS-SA is a veterinary surgeon and is also host and producer of a Vet Candy series. He’s also the recipient of the 2020 Global Pet Expo’s media personality of the year award. He spoke about COVID-19 and pets to Zinaejah Ozier in June 2020 as part of our parent company Germinder + Associates Power of Pink Initiative. Goodnewsforpets.com is reposting the book feature as part of the celebration of Global Pet Expo’s Digital Access’ recent conclusion and Dr. Courtney’s 2020 award.

In further speaking to Ozier last year, Dr. Campbell said, “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for conducting such a great interview and posting about it. I am immensely grateful. I think it came out great. I always see areas where I could have done better but I will work on that for next time. What I thought you did wonderfully, was flow from question to question without any interruption. You seem like you’re really confident and it shows.” He gave Zinaejah more background about the book:

“The storybook idea was definitely something that Dr. Jill Lopez and I thought of as a way to inspire young kids to pursue paths in veterinary science related fields. The storybook is specific in its reference to becoming a veterinarian but it is really a way to tap into a young child’s imagination and creative vision to pursue careers helping animals in general.

Another powerful impetus to create the storybook was to provide imagery of professionals who look like them. When there is representation at the earliest, most formative periods in their lives, it can have a big impact for the remainder of a child’s life.

The book was originally launched in September for National Read a Book Day. However, this book was called “I Was Born to Be a Veterinarian” which tells the story of a veterinarian’s journey from childhood to motherhood and her pursuit of becoming a veterinarian.  The bilingual storybook features text in both English and Spanish.

That version is dedicated to Dr. Marta Sanchez-Emden, who herself is a mother of two boys and owner of Animal Health and Rehab Center in Miami. Dr. Marta says that the book is helpful for parents teaching their children about different career paths. Dr. Marta, who is of Hispanic descent, notes that the book “is also meant to show children from all backgrounds and cultures that veterinary sciences are available to them also.”

Dr. Marta’s first child was born in her second year of veterinary school and completing vet school is something that Dr. Marta still remembers as a “challenging but rewarding time.” According to her, the book “I was Born to be a Veterinarian” brought back memories of why she became a vet, as well as the difficulty, and joy, of being a parent while in school.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to read the storybook to their children, which can be downloaded at myvetcandy.com/story.

About Vet Candy

Vet Candy is an innovative digital hub focused on veterinary professionals. Vet Candy makes vet life easier by delivering scientific news, clinical updates, and lifestyle advice. Sign up for free at myvetcandy.com and follow us @myvetcandy on social.

Source: Dr. Courtney Campbell and  MarketersMedia

Originally published June 26, 2020.