VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Christa White
Christa White
Licensed Veterinary Technician, Ophthalmology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
When did you join the veterinary college?
I joined the VTH in December of 2012.
What is your role at the veterinary college?
I am an LVT in the ophthalmology department.
The best part of being at VMCVM...
The best part about working in the VMCVM is working with technicians and doctors from different backgrounds who carry different skillsets. We are always supporting each other, and everyone is happy to teach others about their specific department.
Best advice I've gotten...
Don't worry about the things you can't control. (I am still working on this!).
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline?
Controlled chaos is the name of the game.
My hidden talent...
My hidden talent is that I can cook. I learn new recipes and will work on them until I have perfected them, or at least until my wife says that it's better than a restaurant.
A person who has inspired me...
One person that I can always look to for inspiration or support would be a fellow technician here at the VMCVM, Terry Wnorowski. She has always been a great technician, but her life experiences and positive outlook have made her a go-to when I am looking for advice.
Can you share a memorable experience or story from your time working with animals?
Although this is not just one experience, the most memorable/meaningful part of my job is gaining the trust of fearful animals. It is common that I work with animals whose owners are worried for our safety because of the patient's fearful demeanor. When I can gain the trust and affection of the most fearful patient, my day is made! I never forget the patients who love to see me even though they have a history of 'not loving' veterinary visits.
What do you find most inspiring or fulfilling about working with students and helping them pursue their careers?
The most fulfilling part of working with students is watching their confidence grow as they expand their knowledge base on skillset in ophthalmology. Ophthalmology is a difficult subject for many students, so it is always rewarding to find different ways of teaching to make the subject make sense to them.
One misconception that all students seem to have is?
Students seem to think that once they pass their licensing exam, they are set for their future. One of the most important assets to have in veterinary medicine is the ability to constantly learn and apply new knowledge into their everyday practices. This starts in vet school, but if students want to be a great doctor, they will be motivated to learn and improve throughout their whole career.
If I had a superpower, it would be...
If I had a superpower, it would be to talk to animals. It would make my job easier, and hikes a lot more interesting!.
A cause I'm most passionate about...
I am most passionate about human rights. I want to live in a world where everyone can feel comfortable to be themselves without fear of judgement or persecution.
Favorite way to end the day...
The best way to end my day is to cook a great dinner without doing dishes followed by snuggling up with my dogs and wife in a quiet house and nothing to worry about.
Top of my bucket list...
I want to travel to see endangered animals in their natural habitats.
My favorite quote...
You will never see a hearse with a trailer hitch.
If you could communicate with animals for a day, what would you ask them?
I would ask them how humans affect their lives and what we can do to change that for the better.
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I have 3 dogs (rottweiler, standard poodle, and mutt) and 1 cat indoors. Outside, I have 3 horses, 2 pigs, 2 goats, and a few chickens. We are living the hobby farm life!