VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Karson Sluss

Karson Sluss

Radiologic Technologist, Veterinary Teaching Hospital

When did you join the veterinary college?
October 2021

What is your role at the veterinary college?
I am a Radiologic Technologist.

The best part of being at VMCVM...
Not many people in the X-ray field can say they have done what we do, day in and day out. I really enjoy being able to teach future veterinarians about radiology as a whole and how to keep themselves and their staff safe.

Best advice I've gotten...
One cannot grow without pain or fear. One cannot improve without it. Suffering drives us to achieve great things.

How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline?
"It's what's inside that counts"

My hidden talent...
Only those in my family or close to me have heard me sing, they say I am pretty good but I am not very confident in that.

A person who has inspired me...
My parents, they've always worked for my sister and I to have everything we need and more. They are my pillars of strength. They are my guide and give me the courage to battle obstacles in life. My parents have made me understand what life is about and how to find that little ray of happiness in difficult situations. What I am today and what I will become in future involves the support and affection of my parents. They have made me disciplined, dedicated and sincere. I'll never be able to repay them for all they have done and continue to do for me.

Can you share a memorable experience or story from your time working with animals?
Being on-call for the Christmas of 2022, it was my first major holiday on call by myself and got called in everyday of that holiday weekend for back dogs with Victoria (anesthesia technician), Dr. Parker, and Dr. Vezza. Although none of us wanted to be in the hospital at the time, we all made it an enjoyable weekend. I would do it over again and again if I could. 

What do you find most inspiring or fulfilling about working with students and helping them pursue their careers?
I find that the students continue to challenge me as a technologist with the questions they ask. I like to think I am helping them as much as they are helping me. The friendships I continue to build with students, residents, and interns are some that I will have for the rest of my life and I am so appreciative of that.

One misconception that all students seem to have is?
We expect them to know everything.

We want you to ask the how and why's. We are here to help you learn, please ask all the questions even if you think it's a 'dumb' one, someone else will also benefit from that question.

If I had a superpower, it would be...
Teleport wherever I wanna go with a snap of my fingers

If you could magically grant an animal the ability to talk, which one would you choose and what do you think it would say?
My dog Knox, he always talks and I would just love to see what he would say. I think it would be a constant "Throw the ball Mom!!!!". OR if it is past 5 p.m. he would be begging for food like he's never been fed a day in his life, that boy will remind you when it is dinner time.

A cause I'm most passionate about...
More recently I have grown passionate in rescue, I would adopt all the dogs if I could truthfully.

Favorite way to end the day...
With my fiancé and two dogs on a walk in the cool evening breeze.

Top of my bucket list...
Visit all of the U.S. national parks.

My favorite quote...
"Settling for crumbs doesn't keep you fed, it keeps you starving"

If you could communicate with animals for a day, what would you ask them?
I would ask those that have been abandoned and rescued what they have been through. Since rescuing my boy this past year, it has taught me how important it is to know an animal's past. Although it has been such a struggle to know what his triggers may be, it has been so so rewarding.

How many pets/animals live at home? 
I have two heeler mixed breeds.

Knox, we have had since he was 10 weeks old from an accidental litter. He is very much a heeler, loves to talk and play ball as long as you will allow. He is not very loving until it's time to go to bed and then he wants all the cuddles.

Jax, we rescued in April 2024 from a shelter. He is the opposite of his brother and loves to lay around and be all in your personal space. He is the sweetest boy and wants all the attention.