VMCVM Faculty Spotlight: Rebecca Persons
Rebecca Persons DVM '20
Interim Hospitalist, Animal Cancer Care and Research Center
Clinical Instructor of Community Practice at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital
When did you join the veterinary college?
2020
The best part of being a faculty is?
Working with amazing students on a daily basis. I enjoy watching our student doctors achieve their goals and grow over the course of four years. They truly shine once they reach the clinic and start putting all the pieces together with real cases.
Best advice I've gotten...
After a particularly challenging case a mentor of mine gave me a small card with a quote on it from Nelson Mandela, "I never lose. I win or learn." They told me to keep that card with me (they had carried it around for years after someone had given it to them). I periodically take this card out and re-read it when working through anything difficult.
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline?
"From Treating Cancer to Emergency and Critical Care, Rebecca Persons Does It All" Or "Serving Many Aspects of the VTH and ACCRC, a General Practitioner Fills Multiple Roles"
My hidden talent...
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts and am well versed in a variety of mediums. My hobby is taking photos of friends and family members with elderly, beloved pets before they've crossed the Rainbow Bridge. This allows them peace and gives them a positive memory with their pets.
A person who has inspired me...
The chief of CPRAC, Jenny Marin, is a wonderful friend, mentor, and an inspiration. She is an incredibly talented veterinarian and one of the most patient people I've ever met. Jenny manages to juggle a variety of roles while still mentoring the students, staff and colleagues in CPRAC. I learn from her every day that I work with her and look up to her in so many ways.
Words of encouragement to a current veterinary college student...
You are doing excellent work right now! I know it is difficult and challenging, but I see how far you all have come and look forward to watching you grow. Hang in there and I promise it will be worth it!
One misconception that all students seem to have is?
Clinicians and faculty are "all knowing." We actually learn from our students and are surprised by them often. Students bring fresh perspectives and fantastic ideas to the table.
If I had a superpower, it would be...
Slowing down time when I'm with friends and family. I cherish the wonderful people in my life and wish I could spend more time with them!
This excites me the most about the future of my industry...
The focus on self care and self compassion. We love our industry and have a great deal of empathy for our patients and clients. Learning how to care for oneself in the role of a constant caregiver can be challenging, but veterinary medicine is encouraging and teaching us how to take care of ourselves and one another. I've learned so much about yoga, meditation, even veterinary wellness retreats. I am so excited that we are moving in a great direction!
A cause I'm most passionate about...
Palliative, Hospice and End of Life care for patients. I strive to give patients a "good death" and avoid pain and suffering of patients and clients. I find it important and imperative to have heartfelt conversations with clients while guiding them as they make difficult decisions. I feel strongly that we can improve end of life care for our patients while caring about our clients needs as well.
Favorite way to end the day...
Coming home to my husband, two cats and dog and unwinding at the end of the day. I love cooking and trying new recipes, the more exotic the better! I find it relaxing create a beautiful meal and explore a variety of dishes.
Top of my bucket list...
Traveling through Greece. I love its history, culture and the Mediterranean aesthetic.
My favorite quote...
“We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it as not as dreadful as it appears, discovering that we have the strength to stare it down.” Eleanor Roosevelt
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
Wolverine, a 10-year-old tuxedo cat who rules the house (he has two bells on his collar so everyone knows he's coming). Artemis, a 4-year-old, sweet and brilliant German Shepherd who is up for anything. Wilbur, my heart cat. Wolverine's much smaller, nervous, little brother, also a tuxedo boy, who is my constant shadow and never allows me to be alone.
Anything else to add?
This spotlight wouldn't be complete without expressing my gratitude, thanks and love to my amazing husband JB. He is my constant support, encouragement, and the most amazing human in my life. I am grateful for him everyday.
