MPH, DVM
I am interested in serving on the Board of Directors to broaden my participation in the profession. I am a 2017 Ross University graduate currently offering small animal relief services in Western Washington since 2020. I also have a side interest in fish medicine. I have a Master in Public Health and am an advocate for preventative medicine. I decided to focus on the DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) committee first since I was new to Washington. It has been a very educational and supportive experience to learn more about intersectionality and the experiences of other veterinarians. I also believe in the “paying it forward” mentality. I would like to see the profession continue to evolve with technology and medical improvements.
As a relief veterinarian at emergency hospitals, general practices, and animal shelters, I get to build relationships with many team members at different hospitals. Even though I may only be at a hospital temporarily, I try to remember everyone’s names and help newer staff members improve their skills too. In addition, I am open to learning new techniques, medical therapies, and have adapted to many different medical record programs. I enjoy consulting colleagues on interesting or complicated cases. More specifically, I would like to help promote more diversity and provide support to coworkers, especially veterinary assistants who often do not have as much education or experience in veterinary medicine.
Irene is a 2017 Ross University graduate who has been working as a small animal relief veterinarian primarily in Western Washington since 2020. She especially enjoys tackling shelter, urgent care, and emergency cases; in addition to a dabbling interest in fish medicine. She also appreciates sharing knowledge with students whether they are assistants, technicians, or future veterinarians; she believes in the‚ Äúpaying it forward‚Äù mentality. She would like to see the profession continue to evolve with technology and medical improvements. She has been part of the WSVMA‚Äôs DEI committee since inception in 2021. It has been an eye-opening experience and now she would like to increase her involvement in professional development more. Irene is a first generation Asian-American who is the only veterinarian on both sides of her family. In addition, Irene has a Masters in Veterinary Public Health and would like to advocate for more preventative medicine and more diverse staff backgrounds. Studies have also shown that owners feel more comfortable with doctors that they can relate to. Health communication is an integral part of taking care of the animal patients. She would like to be considered as a reliable veterinarian, continually improve on being a better listener and stay in this career for a long time. During her free time, she likes to travel on a budget, visit national parks, play board games, and take her cat on walks in the stroller. Thank you for your consideration.
I would continue to be a present person of color in the DEI committee. Ultimately, I would also like to see more diverse staff backgrounds. It is common knowledge that a more diverse environment is usually more productive. How can we make this a desirable and‚ sustainable‚ career field for all positions in a hospital? This does not mean denying‚ non-minority‚ people jobs. The profession is so short staffed, it can handle hiring everyone interested in the field, whoever is willing to learn, and whoever loves communicating with people and animals. More diversity may also make the staff potlucks more interesting.
Washington State
Veterinary Medical Association
23515 NE Novelty Hill Rd.
STE B221-337
Redmond, WA 98053
Toll Free: (800) 399-7862
Phone: (425) 396-3191
Fax: (425) 396-3192
Ⓒ 2024 Washington State Veterinary Medical Association
