From a young age, I’ve felt a deep connection to animals. Whether I was caring for my pets or volunteering at shelters, I always knew my life’s purpose was to help animals and improve their well-being. That passion has guided me through every step of my journey, shaping both who I am and the professional I aspire to be.

I began my academic career at Auburn University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in animal science. My time there gave me a strong foundation in animal health, biology, and critical thinking. I loved every moment—studying late into the night, gaining hands-on experience, and diving deeper into the science of animal care. Those experiences solidified my commitment to veterinary medicine and prepared me for the next chapter of my journey.

Now, as a DVM candidate at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, class of 2028, I am working to turn my passion into expertise. My interests have become more focused on small animal medicine and emergency care. There is something incredibly rewarding about being able to help animals in their most critical moments. Whether it’s stabilizing a patient in crisis or guiding a pet owner through a difficult decision, I strive to provide both technical excellence and compassionate support.

Veterinary school has been both challenging and deeply fulfilling. The rigorous coursework—mastering drug dosages, fluid therapy, anatomy, and more—has pushed me to grow academically and professionally. I thrive on understanding the intricacies of veterinary medicine, and the hands-on clinical experiences have been invaluable. Every long night of studying is worth it when I think about the impact I will one day make in the profession.

As an African American woman in a profession where diversity remains limited, I understand that there will be challenges. Representation matters, and I am proud to be part of a growing community of underrepresented professionals in veterinary medicine. I am ready to meet those challenges head-on, not just for myself but for those who come after me. I want to show others, especially young women and minorities, that they, too, can pursue their dreams in this profession and make a difference.

What truly drives me, however, is the connection I share with animals and their owners. I am passionate about providing not only the best medical care but also reassurance and empathy to the families who entrust me with their pets. Veterinary medicine, to me, is as much about communication and understanding as it is about science. I strive to ensure every client feels supported and informed.

I also take pride in supporting my peers. Whether it’s collaborating on challenging topics, breaking down complex concepts, or sharing study strategies, I enjoy fostering a sense of teamwork and helping those around me succeed. Veterinary medicine is a collective effort, and I believe that by uplifting one another, we can make a greater impact in the profession.

Looking ahead, I envision myself working in a fast-paced emergency hospital, where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and their families. I am drawn to the critical, high-stakes environment of emergency care and thrive under the pressure of solving complex problems. My goal is to combine my technical skills, compassion, and commitment to lifelong learning to provide the highest standard of care.

Veterinary medicine is not just a career for me, it is a calling. I am honored to be on this journey and look forward to contributing to the profession, breaking barriers, building connections with clients, and improving the lives of animals for years to come.

Maya Burgess is a veterinary student at Tuskegee University (Class of 2028) with a focus on small animal and emergency medicine. An Auburn University alum with a degree in animal science, they are dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine through knowledge, hands-on experience, and a commitment to animal well-being.

Articles

A dvm360 student ambassador shares their journey as a veterinary student, highlighting their experiences in the profession as an underrepresented student

My journey to becoming a veterinary professional

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently shared a new tool that connects trained veterinary first responders with state officials in need of their assistance during disasters and emergencies. This new resource—the veterinary first responder registry—expands upon the AVMA Axon Veterinary First Responder Certificate program, according to the organization.

The AVMA Veterinary First Responder Certificate program is designed to ensure that veterinarians and veterinary students are prepared to respond effectively to disasters and animal health emergencies. “The program serves as a framework for ensuring veterinarians and veterinary students have the knowledge and skills to serve as first responders,” wrote the AVMA in its program description.

Participants must complete a series of approved courses and educational materials that cover core competencies, including disaster preparedness and situational awareness with solutions to health concerns, biosecurity, euthanasia techniques, reporting and responding to zoonotic and foreign animal diseases, and more. Upon completion, learners must submit proof of completion to AVMA reviewers, and, pending approval, will receive an AVMA Veterinary First Responder certificate.

Once participants have earned the certificate, they will be added to the veterinary first responder registry, which will allow authorized state officials to reach out to them and inform them of opportunities to assist. Certificate holders who prefer not to be included in the registry can opt to have their information withheld.

Only veterinarians and veterinary students who have completed the AVMA First Responder Certificate program can be included in the registry. Requirements can be met through approved veterinary colleges and coursework from the AVMA, according to the organization.

“The Veterinarian’s Oath” pledges all veterinarians to use our scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society,” wrote the AVMA in the release.

 “Serving as a veterinary first responder is one way in which we are able to do so. So is joining the AVMA, which empowers the Association to create and maintain tools that aid this work, like the first responder registry and the certificate program.”

 met with the team at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in New Jersey and talked about things veterinary teams can 

 with their clients regarding disaster preparation for their pets.

“If you have to evacuate because there's a fire coming, with cats, especially, that can be hard to do. So, having their crate or their carrier of some kind out fairly frequently, so they get used to it. Put bedding in there, put treats in there. So, [that] they know it's kind of a safe space and if you have to put them in there, it's not going to be a big shock,” said Karen Roach, RVT, VTS (ECC), a team trainer at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital, in an interview with 

“If you have animals that you can't just throw in your car, you might need to just let them loose. Let them get out of the way on their own and find them later. I know we don't often microchip our horses and goats, but that might not be a bad idea—to have some kind of [identification] on if you have those kind of pets or livestock,” she continued.

 from emergency care experts to help prepare clients and veterinary teams for disaster situations. The report includes information on disaster preparation, pet emergency kits, and what to do during a disaster, including how to provide emergency care, with a focus on situations involving fires.

Additional resources from the AVMA for veterinarian and animal owner disaster preparation and response can be found at avma.org/Disaster.

Our oath in action: New AVMA tool supports disaster response. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. January 8, 2025. Accessed January 15, 2025. 

https://www.avma.org/blog/our-oath-action-new-avma-tool-supports-disaster-response?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-blog

Veterinary First Responder Certificate Program. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed January 15, 2025. 

https://axon.avma.org/local/catalog/view/product.php?productid=198

Roach K, Coppock Crossley K. Preparing animals for emergency evacuation. 

. January 8, 2025. Accessed January 15, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/preparing-animals-for-emergency-evacuation

Coppock Crossley K. Tips to help prepare clients and the veterinary team for a disaster situation. 

. January 10, 2025. Accessed January 15, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/tips-to-help-prepare-clients-and-the-veterinary-team-for-a-disaster-situation

Veterinary professionals and students who complete an AVMA first responder certificate program will gain access to the veterinary first responder registry

New AVMA tool connects veterinary responders with state officials during emergencies

On this week's episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, sat down with Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, to provide listeners more information on leptospirosis (lepto). Through the episode, Lee and Christman debunk myths surrounding the vaccinations and how almost everyone, including dogs and cats, are at risk for lepto, the issues with prevalence data, and how crucial testing for lepto really is to not only protect pets, but public health as well.

Let's chat a little bit about the prevalence of lepto. What do we know about the prevalence?

his is one of the most common questions that I get asked when speaking on lepto. And you know, a lot of times I'll ask the audience like, how often do you test? And it as time goes on, I'm getting a lot more people saying, 'oh, fairly regularly, to weekly to daily,' but I still get a lot of people that go, 'oh, well, we don't test because we don't see it here.' It's like, well, if you don't test, you probably wouldn't see it. But it becomes an issue of because we've been kind of trained that maybe we're not in a lepto area and we're not testing, and then we go, Well, maybe I, maybe I should rethink this, right? We've all thought that. And if you're listening to this podcast, you probably thought, gosh, maybe let me look it up. 

And if you look at any of the prevalence data, you're like, Well, I don't know. Should I be vaccinating? The problem is, is that we make up that data. Additionally, in veterinary medicine, we virtually don't have prevalence data. When you take a look at a lot of the prevalence maps, there is not true prevalence data within that. 

For example, CAPC maps, which are some of the most amazing things out there. I love that tool. It is just amazing. However, to know that from again, my specialty is a lot of biostatistics, there is no true prevalence or incidence data within that prevalence map. And what it is, it's more of test positivity, so it's what is being sent, and what's the percentage of there. So they're good data, but we don't have the prevalence. The key of the vaccines is really then, well, you know, should we or should we not? How do I know?

Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, provides listeners with more information on Leptospirosis, including whether or not vaccinations are dangerous for patients.

Get in the know with Lepto

The establishment and growth of new veterinary clinics and facilities enhance pet care by improving access to medical services, enabling pet owners to obtain timely treatment for their animals. These expansions not only lead to better health outcomes for pets but also raise awareness about animal welfare and preventive care in the community. Furthermore, the growth of veterinary facilities boosts local economies by generating employment opportunities and supporting related businesses.

Below are 3 new veterinary facilities opening in the United States:

Lovet Pet Health Care interior. (Photo courtesy of Lovet Pet Health Care)

Lovet Pet Health Care has opened its flagship veterinary hospital in Chicago's West Loop, a neighborhood in Illinois. Offering a new approach to accessible and comprehensive pet care, the facility provides free exam fees, same-day appointments, and flexible payment options to help ease the financial costs of veterinary care, according to a news release.

 The new facility features advanced technology and equipment. Additionally, the hospital partnered with Aracadis, an international architecture firm, to institute a low stress hospital layout and design for pets, clients, and staff.

"Lovet's goal is to ensure that pet parents never have to choose between their pet's health and financial stability," said Courtney Gruber, president of Lovet, in a news release.

 "With pilot initiatives like always offering free exam fees and flexible payment options through Lovet Pay, we're breaking down barriers to care and creating a supportive experience for pets and their families. We're excited to debut this approach with our Chicago flagship hospital, setting a new standard for accessible, convenient, and comprehensive veterinary care."

Cat Tales Feline Health Center (California)

Cat Tales Feline Health Center in Davis, California, opened the doors to its clinic at 6060 West Covell Boulevard. The center was founded by Julie Cole, DVM, DACT, PhD, and Chris “Shac” Shacoski, DVM, and offers specialized veterinary care exclusively for cats. Cat Friendly and Fear Free-certified, the center consists of a veterinary team with cat-care credentials and a partnership with UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. The new facility offers a variety of services, including behavior/lifestyle counseling, dentistry, diagnostics, medical boarding, nutrition counseling, surgery, wellness and preventive care, and personalized care plans.

“After spending years working in and visiting traditional veterinary practices, I’ve seen the critical need for a peaceful, calm experience for cats,” Cole said in a news release.

 “Most existing practices are noisy, and their approach doesn’t effectively address cats’ anxiety. Everything we do at Cat Tales is designed with cats—and the people who love them—in mind. From the colors of the walls to the quiet atmosphere and the specialized cat-focused training our team undergoes, we strive to provide a place where both cats and their owners can feel as comfortable as possible.”

A new Chewy Vet Care location in Austin, Texas at 4700 W Guadalupe Street, Building A, Suite A-1 is now open. The new location, like Chewy Vet Care’s other locations, provides a full range of services, including routine check-ups, urgent care, surgery, rabies vaccination, dental cleaning, nail trimming, and more.

The new location also includes separate waiting areas specifically designed for shy or anxious animal patients. Clients can also access an online pet portal with a personalized care plan. The portal also allows clients to track prescriptions, receive reminders from the veterinary team as well as round-the-clock remote health guidance, and more.

Lovet Pet Health Care launches flagship veterinary hospital in Chicago, rebrands AZPetVet locations in Greater Phoenix area under same name. News release. Lovet Pet Health Care. January 15, 2025. Accessed January 15, 2025. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lovet-pet-health-care-launches-flagship-veterinary-hospital-in-chicago-rebrands-azpetvet-locations-in-greater-phoenix-area-under-same-name-302351215.html

Cat Tales Feline Health Center opens in Davis, California. News release. December 19, 2024. Accessed January 15, 2025. [email]

Hey, Austin, Texas find us in your neighborhood. Chewy Vet Care. Accessed January 15, 2025. 

https://www.chewy.com/vet-care/clinics/austin-tx/the-triangle

Take a look at these 3 veterinary centers newly opened or coming soon

Clinic center: New feline health center, and more

Since the launch of semaglutide weight loss medications, like Ozempic, Pet Poison Helpline has seen multiple cases where a client accidentally administered their diabetic pet the semaglutide weight loss medication rather than their insulin. Because of this, Pet Poison Helpline is warning clients of the dangers Ozempic and other semaglutide weight loss medications can have on pets.

"If you're not paying close attention, Ozempic can be easily confused with insulin," said Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, a senior veterinary toxicologist and director of Veterinary Medicine at Pet Poison Helpline, in an organizational release.

"While some insulin for pets is administered using an autoinjector pen, most is administered using insulin syringes. Because of the explosion of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, however, people have become very familiar with seeing the new autoinjector pens. Since people often store these medications together in the refrigerator, mixing up medications can easily happen and have dire consequences."

For calls to Pet Poison Helpline, almost 50% involve human medications, over the counter and prescription.

 In order, the top 10 medications they receive calls about are:

To help raise awareness, Pet Poison Helpline shared the case of a Siberian husky from Oregon. The canine was accidentally administered multiple doses of Ozempic by a pet sitter instead of her insulin. The pet was lethargic and vomiting when the owner returned and was brought to a local hospital. Once at the hospital, she was treated for hypoglycemia before the team made the realization that she had been received multiple doses of Ozempic instead of insulin. The patient remained at the hospital for 2 days for both hypoglycemia and supportive care before making a full recovery.

A similar scenario happened to a cat named Mario, who was being cared for by a family member. When Mario’s owner returned home, the cat was "nearly comatose" and they discovered that earlier in the week he had been administered at least one dose of Ozempic instead of insulin, but could have received more. He was brought to an emergency clinic and was severely hypoglycemic and dehydrated. He was treated with dextrose, IV fluids, and aggressive nursing care.

"Many people worry about leaving their pet when they go on vacation," explained Schmid.

 "If you're planning to leave your pet with a person who does not normally care for that particular pet, it is critical that you carefully go through all of your pet's medications with them, and thoroughly explain how they are administered. That includes any special food or treats. It is also ideal to move human medication out of sight, so it is not mistaken for the pet's medication."

 not all exposures are accidental injections with pets finding these administration pens and chewing on them, which leads to them ingesting some of its content. Schmid warns pet owners to never leave any medications where pets, or small children, can find them. She also recommends pet owners keep their medications separate from their pet’s medication to prevent any accidental ingestions, on both ends.

Are Pets Being Poisoned with Ozempic?. News Release. Pet Poison Helpline. January 15, 2025. Accessed January 15, 2025. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/are-pets-being-poisoned-with-ozempic-302350961.html

Human Medications Are Poisonous To Pets. Pet Poison Helpline. Accessed January 15, 2025. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/basics/top-10-human-medications-poisonous-to-pets/

Veterinary toxicologists are warning clients about the dangers of accidental exposure to semaglutide weight loss medications

Protecting patients from Ozempic exposure

A study conducted by a group of researchers at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) has revealed that household dogs are an overlooked transmission source for zoonotic pathogens like nontyphoidal 

. According to the study's authors, given the close contact between dogs and humans, along with the use of “critically important” antibiotics in companion animal medicine, household dogs pose a risk for spreading antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella.

bacteria have adapted to survive antibiotic treatment, the public health concern associated with these antibiotic-resistant bacteria has grown in recent years, according to a Penn State report.

through contact with infected people or animals, such as coming into accidental contact with feces when stroking a pet or touching a person’s hand. Ingesting food contaminated with the bacteria is another route of infection.

infections in dogs can be clinical, Erika Ganda, PhD, DVM, BBA, assistant professor of food animal microbiome at Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, and team leader for the study, explained that numerous studies have reported 

isolation from clinically healthy dogs, according to Penn State.

 Because humans and canine companions are often in close proximity, a major concern is the increased risk of 

The study used current biosurveillance infrastructure to investigate antimicrobial-resistant 

and the zoonotic potential of nontyphoidal 

 isolated from dogs and humans. Researchers analyzed strains from the FDA’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, identifying 87 cases of nontyphoidal 

 from domestic dogs between May 2017 and March 2023. 

Consequently, the team matched these cases with strains isolated from humans from the National Institute of Health’s National Center for Biotechnology Information database and found 77 suspected zoonotic cases, consisting of 164 strains, collected from 17 US states.

The strains from dogs were diverse, consisting of a range of serovars—distinct variations of 

 Most strains were “clinically relevant to human health.”

“All strains possessed [antimicrobial-resistant] determinants for drug classes deemed critically or highly important by the World Health Organization. We identified sixteen [nontyphoidal 

] isolates from humans closely related to ≥1 of six dog-associated strains,” wrote the study’s authors.

“Collectively, our data emphasize the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and sustained biosurveillance beyond human and agriculture-associated veterinary medicine, using a ‘One Health’ framework, that accounts for all transmission points—including companion animals. One Health is an approach that recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment,” Sophia Kenney, a student in the molecular, cellular and integrative biosciences doctoral program and in the department of animal science, leader of the study, said in the report.

As Kenney explained in the report, antimicrobial stewardship in companion animal veterinary medicine is essential for combating antimicrobial resistance within the One Health framework.

 “Especially with Salmonella, we think about the role of agriculture and transmission—we think about eggs, we think about beef. But the thing is, we don't let cows sleep in our beds or lick our faces, but we do dogs,” she said.

 “We have this close bond with companion animals in general, and we have a really close interface with dogs. So, we asked the question: What's the role of companion animals in transmission of zoonotic disease like Salmonella, since they can get it. Salmonella infections in dogs are not common but we’re aware of foodborne outbreaks related to pet treats or from contact with contaminated pet food and improper food handling.”

The chances of infection can increase from improper food handling, food contamination, and other related pet-management decisions.

 Most recently, the puppy food Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix 2 lb bag was voluntarily 

 A report about a litter of sick puppies led the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to uncover the contamination.

According to the researchers, a greater awareness of the risks pet dogs pose in spreading antimicrobial-resistant 

, as well as proper hygiene could help reduce the likelihood of cross-species infections, the Penn State report noted.

“…simple hygiene practices such as hand washing are needed to protect both our furry friends and ourselves—our dogs are family but even the healthiest pup can carry Salmonella,” study coauthor Nkuchia M’ikanatha, lead epidemiologist for the Pennsylvania Department of Health and an affiliated researcher in Penn State’s department of food science said in the report.

"Salmonella is a quintessential human microbe, its presence intertwined with our history since the dawn of agriculture. Emerging research suggests this pathogen may have shadowed humanity for some 10,000 years, coinciding with the rise of animal domestication. With nearly 40% of Pennsylvania households and over half of the United States homes including dogs, we must respect the enduring threat of Salmonella and remain vigilant in preventing its spread within our families,” he continued.

Kenney SM, M’ikanatha NM, Ganda E. Antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic potential of nontyphoidal 

. Published online November 15, 2024. doi:10.1111/zph.13174

Mulhollem J. Pet dogs often overlooked as spreader of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella. Penn State University. December 23, 2024. Accessed January 14, 2025. 

https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/pet-dogs-often-overlooked-spreader-antimicrobial-resistant-salmonella

Voluntary recall is issued for puppy food. dvm360

December 4, 2024. Accessed January 14, 2025.

Greater awareness of this risk and proper hygiene are crucial, Penn State researchers emphasize