VMCVM Student Spotlight: Cecelia Ivey

Cecelia Ivey

Degree: DVM, 2025, Equine
Hometown: Petersburg, Virginia

My undergraduate was in…
I received a bachelor of science in biology.

Best part of being a VMCVM student…
The best part of being a VMCVM student is being able to experience and participate in cases with amazing people that you may never see outside of a specialty hospital.

The moment I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian/public health professional was…
The earliest I can recall was when I was 6 years old and began riding horses, but my mom is my best friend and role model and she is a small animal veterinarian so I grew up loving animals and veterinary medicine.

My hidden talent...
Is making my cranky horse even more cranky.

A person who has inspired me...
My mother is an amazing veterinarian and I hope I am half the veterinarian she is one day.

Biggest misconception about being a veterinarian/public health student…
Is that you only have time to study. It is important to participate in the other activities in life that bring you joy and make memories.

If I had a superpower, it would be...
Understanding animals talk to better treat them.

My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song...
"Boot Scootin’ Boogie" by Brooks and Dunn

The course project/study you're most excited about...
I am very excited to better my assessment of colic in the horse as that is a key skill of every general practice equine veterinarian.

What excites me the most about the future of my industry...
The fact that you can be a veterinarian anywhere right now. I don’t have to worry about moving with my fiancé in the Army because I can take my job wherever he needs to go.

Favorite way to end the day...
Watching television and eating ice cream.

Top of my bucket list...
Go to Ireland.

How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I have one horse named Calculated Risk (Risky). He is almost 21, an off the track thoroughbred, spoiled rotten, loves children and small animals, and sometimes tolerates me. He is the love of my life.

Anything else to add?
Hold those you love close because they help you every step of the way.