VMCVM Alumni Spotlight: Melani French
Melani French DVM '14
Associate Veterinarian at Clevengers Corner Veterinary Care, Amissville, Virginia
Best part of being a VMCVM alum...
The best part of being a VMCVM alum is being able to connect with colleagues & clients who have graduated from Virginia Tech. VMCVM has such a large presence where I work and it's always great to run into other alums at CE meetings, etc., and reminiscing on our time at VMCVM, changes that have occurred to campus buildings/curriculum, professors, etc.
Best advice I've gotten....
The best advice that I've gotten is that it is OK to say "no." Whether the "no" is to overbooking appointments, aggressive animals, unreasonable clients, etc., I have gotten better at saying "no" to protect my mental (and physical) health and to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue.
My hidden talent...
I have a few! I coach a middle school step team, I am a second-degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate, and I can play the violin.
A person who has inspired me...
A person who has inspired me is my mother. Now that she is retired, she has poured herself into community service within her neighborhood by volunteering at the local food bank as well as volunteering weekly for various community outreach events sponsored by our church. She also continues to make time for us to have family dinner every week, has started a passion job as a travel agent, and enjoys spending time with my son. She truly is the heart of our family!
Biggest misconception about my job or industry...
The biggest misconception about general practice veterinary medicine is that we play with puppies and kittens all day! We all get excited when we finally see a puppy/kitten for the day because we're usually dealing with sick patients, end-of-life care, or urgent care/emergency walk-ins!
Words of encouragement to a current veterinary college student...
I would encourage them not to focus so much on grades and focus more on the hands-on experience. I'm glad that students start working in clinics earlier in the curriculum now, because you learn so much more from being immersed in the clinical world than by memorizing PowerPoint slides.
Fondest college memory or tradition...
My fondest college memory was walking through the Lane Stadium tunnel for graduation and waving inflated palpation sleeves!
A cause I'm most passionate about...
A cause I'm most passionate about is working with youth. In the little bit of free time that I have, I enjoy coaching a middle school step team as well as volunteering in the nursery at my church. Many of my step team young ladies carry such heavy family burdens at home, and I enjoy being their creative outlet after school and watching them grow with teamwork and confidence.
Top of my bucket list...
One of the things at the top of my bucket list is to go on an African safari.
My favorite quote...
My favorite quote is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
Unfortunately, I just had to put my heart dog to sleep in March 2025 at the age of 14. Tanner was a shih tzu/Pomeranian mix that I got from a high school friend during my first year of vet school. He supported me through vet school, moving into a new place after graduation, marriage, and having my first child! Tanner and I were featured on a mural in the entry vestibule of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and on some travel/recruitment banners!
Anything else to add?
I currently work at Clevengers Corner Veterinary Care with four other VMCVM alumni! Our medical director is my classmate & good friend, and it has been so much fun working with her again. It feels like 4th year clinicals all over again, except we are the ones making decisions and accepting the responsibility!
