I was eight years old when I knew I wanted to become a veterinarian. My parents questioned my interest, but were always supportive. I was, however, a city slicker with an interest in food animal practice, and that, believe it or not, is not so unusual. When I applied to veterinary school, I focused on bovine medicine. While in school, I did as much food animal work as possible, even taking on extra rotations my fourth year. I was interested in food science, public health and food safety. Almost 30 years later, that is still what keeps my interest.

I am proud to be a veterinarian. It goes back to the oath I took and making sure that our nation's food supply is the safest in the world. My goal is to help make food production economically feasible, so that producers can make a living off of it.

The AVMA -- I am part of them and they are a part of me. It's teamwork. The AVMA represents food animals but also all of the other practice areas in veterinary medicine. I am just one piece of the pie.

I just completed the Beef Quality Assurance program in Kentucky and the AVMA Web site was invaluable for things like the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia and the information on the judicious therapeutic use of antimicrobials. They were both easy to find on the Web site and definitely beneficial for Beef Quality Assurance program and for future reference.

PROVIDING GUIDELINES
The AVMA offers a variety of resources on topics such as euthanasia and judicious therapeutic use of antimicrobials - all accessible for free on our Web site.