While majoring in animal science in undergraduate school, a veterinarian asked me to work for him. He played a large role in convincing me that veterinary medicine was my calling.

The biggest challenge for me was academics. I had a great GPA as an undergraduate, but I hadn't taken the required pre-veterinary courses. So after I graduated, I had to go back to school to take those pre-requisite courses. At that time, Texas A&M wanted each student to work towards a degree while you took the veterinary prerequisites. So I worked on a masters in poultry science. It was very challenging, to say the least, to try and fulfill all those science requirements for veterinary school and pursue a master's degree at the same time. And I had no idea what I'd do with a master's in poultry science!

When I sold my practice, I went to work for an animal health company. Believe it or not, it was because I was veterinarian and had a master's in poultry science, that I got a job in the animal health industry. I became a technical service veterinarian for a company that sold poultry vaccines.

Today, I teach at Stephen F. Austin in the agriculture department. I'm in charge of the poultry science program and I am also the pre-veterinary advisor. What I tell my students is that veterinary medicine is the finest profession on the face of the earth and that it affords you with limitless possibilities. From companion animal to food animal to exotic animal and from private practice to military to public policy, veterinary medicine is one of the few professions in the world where, if you ever got tired of doing something or felt bored in an endeavor, there is always something else you can do. And because of that, it's always kept my interest. I've always enjoyed going to work everyday.

Throughout my career, the AVMA has provided me with exceptional medical and malpractice insurance. And when I retire from this university before I turn 65, AVMA GHLIT will pick me back up and include me in their insurance program*. In this day and age, it is very big plus.
*Underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company (NY, NY 10010)

AVMA GHLIT
AVMA GHLIT provides insurance coverage for all stages of your life, even retirement. Dr. Cherry can count on AVMA insurance wherever life takes him.