VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Carmen McBride
Carmen McBride
Licensed Veterinary Technician-Anethesia, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
When did you join the veterinary college?
2017
What is your role at the veterinary college?
II am a licensed veterinary technician in the anesthesia department. Anesthesia is considered a support service within the college, meaning we get to work directly with every other department in the hospital. We work with a wide range of species from dogs and cats to horses and exotics, which is one of the things I love most about my job.
The best part of being at VMCVM...
My coworkers in anesthesia are the absolute best. They make even the hardest days more fun and I can always rely on them for help and they take fantastic care of our patients.
Best advice I've gotten...
Never be afraid to say "I don't know" and try to learn something new every day.
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline?
LVT puts multiple animals to sleep.....and then wakes them all up!
My hidden talent...
The ability to fall asleep very quickly.
A person who has inspired me...
My mom. She is the best mom and grandmother and I aspire to be more like her.
Can you share a memorable experience or story from your time working with animals?
I love alpacas, they are one of my favorite animals to work with. One night I was called in for a C-section on an alpaca that had been in labor for hours with no progression and the baby was beginning to show signs of distress. We all worked very efficiently to get the mom into surgery and get the baby out quickly. We were concerned for the baby during surgery because he was showing signs of distress when they arrived at the VTH but once he was out he started spitting and yelling! He had such a little personality immediately, I will never forget him. The mom did wonderful in recovery and took to the baby right away and they both left the hospital a few days later perfectly healthy. This case was so rewarding because they both did so well and getting to be a part of the team that got them both through surgery was extremely memorable.
What do you find most inspiring or fulfilling about working with students and helping them pursue their careers?
When I see that lightbulb moment when something I'm teaching them finally clicks. That is the best part of working with students.
One misconception that all students seem to have is?
Anesthesia is scary is the most common thing that I hear. It definitely can be intimidating but it doesn't have to be scary! Once the students understand the drugs and take the time to learn the concepts they almost always change their minds and love the anesthesia rotation.
If I had a superpower, it would be...
To pause time at certain moments.
If you could magically grant an animal the ability to talk, which one would you choose and what do you think it would say?
I would choose Merle, my German shorthaired pointer. But as much as I love him and would be curious I don't think he has a lot going on other than throw the ball and let's run!
Favorite way to end the day...
Snuggles with my son.
Top of my bucket list...
To travel the world as much as possible.
My favorite quote...
It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.
- Jane Austen
If you could communicate with animals for a day, what would you ask them?
I think we can communicate with animals already, we just have to pay attention to what they are telling us.
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
We have a lovable, goofy 4-year-old GSP, Merle.
Two cats, Sebastian, a grumpy old guy, and June a very cuddly petite girl.
We also have five chickens, Reba, Loretta, Lynn, Gretchen, and Jolene.
