VMCVM Student Spotlight: Amelia Aiken

Amelia Aiken

Degree: DVM, 2026, Mixed Animal
Hometown: Johnstown, Pennsylvania

My undergraduate was in…
Animal & Nutritional Sciences at West Virginia University.

Best part of being a VMCVM student…
The people! I've built a community of friends, doctors, and future colleagues who I know I can call on at any time for advice and support, whether it be personal or professional.

The moment I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian/public health professional was…
I have wanted to work with animals since before I can remember. Somewhere on a VHS tape exists a video of me at my kindergarten graduation standing on stage saying that I want to be a veterinarian when I grow up. As I got older, I also fell in love with science, so it was a no-brainer that I should follow my heart which lead me straight to veterinary medicine.

My hidden talent...
Convincing my family and friends to adopt animals that need a forever home!

A person who has inspired me...
My unwavering supporter, role model, and best friend - my mom. She has always believed in me and told me that I can do anything I set my mind to even when I didn't believe in myself.

Biggest misconception about being a veterinarian/public health student…
That there won't be any spare time or energy for anything outside of class and studying as a vet student. Although we definitely have busy schedules with school, we also have 4 years to learn and grow in ways other than vet med. Whether it's picking up new hobbies, traveling, or activities with friends, it's important and possible to make time for fun. Work hard, play hard.

If I had a superpower, it would be...
To bring back the Oxford comma.

My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song...
Imma Be by Black Eyed Peas

The course project/study you're most excited about...
I am thrilled to have more clinical rotations coming up this fall. I'm excited to gain more hands on experiences and learn from the best so I can put it all together to help my patients and their families.

What excites me the most about the future of my industry...
One of the many reasons I love this field is because of the range that vets have. I'm excited to work with different species in different capacities, hopefully incorporating small animal surgery, horses, shelter medicine, and maybe some wildlife and exotics into my career.

Favorite way to end the day...
Watching Survivor with my dogs, of course.

Top of my bucket list...
Visiting more national parks.

How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I have two rescue pit bulls, Leila and Beatrice. Leila is the goofiest, best dog I could ever ask for and has been by my side through so much over the past 5 years. I am beyond lucky to have the Veterinary Teaching Hospital nearby (shout-out neurology!) to take care of my medical lemon.

Beatrice is a newer addition to my crew who I adopted when she was brought in as a stray with a pyometra. I recently foster failed the sweetest kitten, Eloise. I also have a horse named Molly. She's mostly retired these days, but it is the best study break to visit her and take her on long trail rides to unwind. I definitely couldn't do vet school without my girls!

Anything else to add?
“A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.” —Willy Wonka