Leadership, Problem-Solving, and Professionalism

During my time as a veterinary technician, I have grown significantly as a leader and problem solver. Managing overnight hospital operations requires strong communication, quick decision-making, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. I handle emergency cases, guide newer staff through challenging procedures, and ensure that hospitalized patients receive consistent, high-quality care.

One of the most impactful aspects of my leadership role has been identifying gaps in training and helping create structured solutions. Over time, I realized that new technicians needed clearer expectations and more guided practice, so I began revamping our training schedule to include weekly goals, written competency checklists, and communication templates. This experience taught me how to build systems rather than just respond to problems, a mindset that I will carry into research environments where organization and standardization are key.

Working in veterinary medicine has also sharpened my ability to think critically and act quickly. Clinical situations often require interpreting incomplete information, prioritizing tasks, and collaborating across roles. These problem-solving skills directly translate to research, where the answers aren’t always clear and troubleshooting is an everyday activity.

This leadership experience reinforced my desire to pursue research that improves clinical outcomes. Understanding the challenges faced by technicians, veterinarians, and patients motivates me to contribute to scientific innovations that truly make a difference.