VMCVM Alumni Spotlight: Allen Messenger '09, DVM '13, MPH '19

Allen Messenger '09, DVM '13, MPH '19

DACVPM, DACLAM

Attending Veterinarian, Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center

How VMCVM equipped me for the 'real world'...
Well rounded veterinary clinical education as well as a great perspective on problem solving and dealing with difficult situations.

Best part of being a VMCVM alum...
Great excuse to come back and visit Blacksburg, my favorite place I have ever lived.

Best advice I've gotten....
Sometimes doing something is better than not even trying to do anything at all.

How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline...
U.S Army Lab Animal Vet Ensures the Welfare of DoD Animals

My hidden talent...
Gardening

A person who has inspired me...
My father

What did you learn at the college that you never thought you would benefit from?
How to be tactful with my peers when disagreeing during a complex problem. In other words, how to deal with other veterinarians with whom you may have a professional disagreement with.

Biggest misconception about my job or industry...
That I do not get to practice any veterinary medicine. I probably worked on more animals during my lab animal residency than any other time in my career.

Words of encouragement to a current veterinary college student...
Do you best in every course and try to maintain an open mind. There is a whole lot more to being a veterinarian than just seeing sick dogs and cats, if you want there to be.

Fondest college memory or tradition...
Playing cards after exams in the cafeteria and arguing about the test.

A cause I'm most passionate about... The most formative experience I've had...
Ensuring the public knows the importance of animals in research, testing, training, and evaluation and also the large amount of regulation that goes into animal use.

Top of my bucket list...
Visit every single U.S. National Park.

My favorite quote...
"Plans are nothing, planning is everything." 
-Dwight D. Eisenhower

Being a VMCVM alumnus means...
Representing a diverse and successful brand of veterinarians from a uniquely American part of the country.