VMCVM Faculty Spotlight: Mark Freeman
Mark Freeman
Clinical Associate Professor, Small Animal Community Practice
When did you join the veterinary college?
2012
The best part of being a faculty is?
The best part of being faculty is the opportunity to watch young people grow in their knowledge and confidence, and see them learn to trust their knowledge and skills. I tell them almost daily, you know more than you think you do, and then help them prove it.
Best advice I've gotten...
The best advice I've gotten came during my second year of vet school. An instructor told the class, "For every abnormality you miss because you didn't know, there will be 10 you missed because you didn't look." I've embraced that concept throughout my career.
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline?
Clinician strives to provide compassionate care to pets, and empathic care to owners.
My hidden talent...
I'm not sure it is a hidden talent, as I do share it with others, but I sing with a regional chorus, and love it! Sharing music with other singers, and with appreciative audiences is very uplifting.
A person who has inspired me...
There are far too many to name, but those instructors during my vet school years who took the time to actually talk to, and engage with me, were the ones I admired most and try to emulate.
Words of encouragement to a current veterinary college student...
There will come a day when you will feel confident and competent, I promise.
One misconception that all students seem to have is?
That there is only one right way to do something.
If I had a superpower, it would be...
The ability to allow people to see the world through the eyes of others. Everyone is unique.
This excites me the most about the future of my industry...
The potential for our profession to be more proactive with embracing the spectrum of care concept.
A cause I'm most passionate about...
Equality.
Favorite way to end the day...
With a good book.
Top of my bucket list...
Traveling the world.
My favorite quote...
"If you don't have anything nice to say about somebody, come sit by me!"
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
Oh my, I currently have 17 animals - 2 cats and 15 dogs. They are my best companions and best friends. The majority of them are either rescues, or the offspring of rescues. They start and end my days in the best possible way, and their love is unconditional. All my dogs put together MIGHT equal a large Labrador.
Anything else to add?
I've been fortunate in my career. I get to practice veterinary medicine, which I truly love, and get to teach eager students, which I love equally. I feel not many get those kinds of opportunities.
