1. What is your name and your profession?

Dr. Danielle Hill, Small Animal Veterinarian

2. What made you choose this line of work?

A lifelong love of animals, medicine, science, and the need to help others and make a contribution in life.

3. Has it been a long life dream?

Yes and no.  It is a great job but it has it's share of frustrations.  There are days that you wonder if you really accomplished anything at all.
 And there are days where you smile and think, I did alright.  I enjoy the animals and helping others.  I don't enjoy the grind,
the red tape, and the focus on economics.

4. Do you find any satisfaction in what you do?

When I can truly help a pet and its owner.  And interacting with my patients.

5. What kind of benefits do you receive? (Not insurance, vacation, etc.)

Getting to pet and love on animals.  To help people who need my assistance.  Making connections with people and pets.

6. Are there downfalls with this job?

Too many sometimes:  having to euthanize, having to not treat some pets because of financial issues, having too
many pets to see in a day and being stressed out.  Dealing with people who are not friendly and downright rude.

7. Is it a career or just a job?

It's a career in that I focused many years of my life, lots of energy, and a money to achieve my position. 
Also it is something I could do until retirement if I wished to.

8. Is there a historical(?) figure that you admire in your profession?

I really like the author James Herriot.  He delightfully managed to transcribe the humor and the pathos in this field down
on paper for many people to read and enjoy for years to come.

9. Where do you draw support from to remain where you are in your career?

From the animals and people that I help and knowing that I was able to accomplish something for them.  From petting
and kissing a kitten and a puppy before, during, and after an examination.

10. Could you share a special anecdote about you profession?

One day I was examining a patient and removing sutures from her spay incision and she jumped and laid me flat out on the
floor and started licking my face furiously.  She tackled me.   My glasses were covered in dog saliva.  I laughed so hard.

11. What are you responsibilities?

Examining pets, making diagnoses and recommendations for treatment.  Administering immunizations and prescribing treatments, and
 performing surgeries such as spays and neuters.  Sometimes having to put animals to sleep.  Acting as the advocate for
the pet to the client.  Client education on the proper care for the pet and education on public health issues.

12.  Did you receive special education for profession? Where?

I received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, and a Doctorate in
Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

13.  How long have you been doing this line of work and how has it changed since you�ve been with it?

Five years since May.  I have gotten more tired of certain aspects of my career and thought about exploring other arenas
for my qualifications.  But I still enjoy the pets.

14.  What are you goals in your career? 

To help animals and people to the best of my ability.  To strengthen the relationship between humans and animals with education and
provision for the best animal care possible.

Thank you, Danielle for sharing a piece of your life with us.