I was probably about 17 when I knew I wanted to become a veterinarian. Growing up, I'd always had dogs and cats. My mom owned a chicken farm, so she had veterinarians come in regularly to help vaccinate them. The veterinarians let me work with them, and I thought it was exciting. That's what actually sparked my interest in veterinary medicine, their enthusiasm for the profession.

I grew up in Nigeria. A career in veterinary medicine wasn't really something parents encouraged their children to become. Most of the veterinarians in Nigeria either worked with food animals or for the government. So it was a profession that didn't bring in a lot of money. I lived in Nigeria until I was 19. I then settled in Oklahoma.

This is definitely the best job in the world. There is nothing more rewarding than having a really sick animal come into our facility and then sending them home all better a couple of days later. We're not just treating dogs and cats, but we're helping people too. I've been a critical care resident since 2007 and work between 70-100 hours per week.

I ended up doing two internships. They were both private practice internships, and interns don't make a lot of money. I most likely would not have been able to retain my membership if it hadn't been for AVMA's reduced dues for members who are pursuing an internship. The reduced dues are a great benefit and allow members to continue receiving the benefits of membership, like JAVMA.

I would definitely recommend this benefit to my friends and colleagues, especially those suffer from financial hardships. My AVMA membership is important to me, and, because they are willing to work with me during hard times, I know that I matter to the AVMA.

REDUCED DUES
AVMA members who are pursuing a full-time program of graduate study, postgraduate study, internship, or residency can apply to have their dues reduced to the level paid by recent graduates for a period of up to seven years during their AVMA member lifetime. For Dr. Odunayo, this helps her keep her membership benefits.