VMCVM Alumni Spotlight: Erin O'Leary
Erin O'Leary '92, DVM '04
Founder/Chief Medical Officer: Heal House Call Veterinarian in North Carolina
How VMCVM equipped me for the 'real world'...
VMCVM had some of the best professors I have ever encountered. I felt supported, made great friendships and relationships, and learned critical thinking skills to work through my patient's cases. Very thankful for my experience there.
Best part of being a VMCVM alum...
Always know I have an amazing source of support, resources and fantastic people when I need them. I also love having a place I feel comfortable referring pet parents, pre vet students and my colleagues to when the need arises. Very proud of the teaching hospital there.
Best advice I've gotten....
It's trite but balancing work and home life and maintaining strong relationships is the key to a happy life.
My hidden talent...
Overthinking :)
A person who has inspired me...
Lynn Brammer!!!!
What did you learn at the college that you never thought you would benefit from?
I don't know that it would surprise me to benefit from this but that you HAVE to have a good sense of humor about things.
Biggest misconception about my job or industry...
The emotional toll that working with sweet animals can take.
Words of encouragement to a current veterinary college student...
Make sure you strengthen your support system, your mental health, your clarity on how you want to spend your days at work. We are part of an amazing field but you have to make sure that you are at your best so you can give your best to your patients.
Fondest college memory or tradition...
Punking Dr. Lieb. :)
A cause I'm most passionate about... The most formative experience I've had...
I am the most passionate about animals being treated with love and care.
Going on a Remote Access Medical trip to a reservation in between my second and third year. Seeing what you can do with limited resources and being on the front line with people who love their pets and want to do right by them.
Top of my bucket list...
Christmas Markets in Europe.
My favorite quote...
"You did the best you could with what you knew at the time."
Being a VMCVM alumnus means...
Blacksburg is the best!
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I always wanted a basset hound then learning about bassets in vet school I was adamant I would never get a basset hound. One very self-possessed one came in via BROOD during my fourth year for an elbow surgery and he ended up not only in my home but also in my heart and I have been hooked on the breed ever since. I am currently down to one sweet basset hound, who came with the name Houdini at 6 months and I am still unclear on what he did to earn the name.
Anything else to add?
I really appreciate the wonderful people at VMCVM, was a wonderful experience and I love my former classmates and the education I received.
