VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Deanna McCrudden
Deanna McCrudden
Small Animal Specialty Ward Supervisor, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
When did you join the veterinary college?
July 10, 1989
What is your role at the veterinary college?
Small Animal Specialty Ward Supervisor
The best part of being at VMCVM...
Working with such great people and enjoying the atmosphere of teamwork that the VTH has throughout the years. Over the 36 years, there have been some tough times, but there is always someone here who pulls me up.
Best advice I've gotten...
Be yourself, and don't hesitate to apologize if needed.
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline?
"The Chaos Coordinator is still on the job." As supervisor, there is always something new. You would think after so many years, I would have seen and heard it all.
A person who has inspired me...
My Dad,, he showed me what good work ethic will get you, and to be fair and always try your best.
Can you share a memorable experience or story from your time working with animals?
I don't know that I have a specific one since there are so many, such as anesthetizing a tiger and a leopard. Working with some great patients that come in and you can assist them with getting better.
What do you find most inspiring or fulfilling about working with students and helping them pursue their careers?
I enjoy working with the students and how they have enlightened my life through the years. I continue to learn from them, during the most recent years I figured out you cannot always work with the students the same way you did 30 years ago. Veterinary Medicine can be very rewarding, but it is also learning from the tough moments and how to improve it for the next time.
One misconception that all students seem to have is?
That they need to know it all, I have continued to learn something all throughout my 36 years of experience, and I think experience is how you continue to grow.
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 want that really sick patient, to let us know what they are truly feeling so we know the best way to treat them to get them better.
A cause I'm most passionate about...
In my younger years, I would go to different areas and assist with the Humane Society spay and neuter clinics. The people loved their animals, but did not have proper veterinary care near their location.
Favorite way to end the day...
If nice outside, sit and watch the deer and birds, then go inside and sit with my cats.
Top of my bucket list...
I have been fortunate to take many trips and do many things, so I don't really have a bucket list.
My favorite quote...
Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath and start again.
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I have four cats. Sophia is a 19-year-old white longhair, Delila is a 5-year-old black shorthair, Her sister is Carolina and is a Tortie longhair. I also have Picky Picky, she just showed up one day and lives outside and is the protector of the property. She is a Calico shorthair.
Anything else to add?
I also have a passion for teaching and assisting LVT students, helping them finish school and become LVTs. I want to make our profession a better career, with better pay and wellness, so more of us stay in veterinary medicine for a lot longer than the average LVT.
