Malik Torres

Degree: DVM, 2027, Small Animal
Hometown: Harlem, New York

My undergraduate was in…
Biology, Chemistry and Philosophy at CUNY City College of New York

Animal Science at Cornell University

Best part of being a VMCVM student…
All the different hats you get to wear. I think a common misconception is that anyone enrolled in a medically based curriculum will graduated a pursue a career in clinical practice. During my time here at VMCVM I have been fortunate enough to see all the amazing career trajectories you can take with a DVM degree. I have spent time in the clinic, I was a participant in the summer research program, and I was even able to deliver lectures to undergraduate students so that I could get a feel for what a career in academia might be like should I pursue it. Above all else, I really enjoy being a part of this amazing community of students, faculty and staff and I feel like that are making this 4-year journey one to remember.

The moment I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian/public health professional was…
I have loved animals for as long as I can remember. Despite growing up in NYC I kept a ton of pets and was always fascinated by animals and their unique behaviors. It wasn’t until I got to high school and started working in hospitals that I developed a love for medicine and decided that my life would be best spent trying to heal animals, strengthen the human animal bond, and contribute to medical advancement to the best of my ability.

My hidden talent...
I don’t think I have a hidden talent, however, I do enjoy drawing and painting. I’m also an adrenaline junkie, so skydiving is one of my favorite pastimes. I also have an eclectic taste in music and used to DJ a bit as an undergrad.

A person who has inspired me...
There are so many people who have and continue to inspire me daily. Off the top of my head, my siblings, grandmother and my late mother all played pivotal roles in pushing me and helping me accomplish all that I have up until this point. I would also like to acknowledge my mentor, Dr. Jonathan Goodwin, for believing in me, providing excellent mentorship and really nurturing and affirming my love for veterinary cardiology. I also want to acknowledge all my classmates and fellow students, not everyone is fortunate enough to get into vet school, so I’m truly honored to be here alongside you all. Finally, I want to thank everyone at the college; you all keep VMCVM running, and without you guys, I wouldn’t be here today.

Biggest misconception about being a veterinarian/public health student…
That you’re a student and nothing more while in vet school. Although the program is very rigorous and being a student is essentially a full-time job, you will grow as a person and experience so many cool things during your vet school journey, which is nothing short of exciting in my opinion. I look forward to seeing what each day will bring.

If I had a superpower, it would be...
I can't choose one, so I’m going to choose three.

Teleportation: I believe that vet school is a congregation of a bunch of type A people who are always pressed for time, so being able to go anywhere at a moments notice would be awesome.

I would like the ability to communicate with anyone and any species. I feel that one of our biggest shortcomings as humans is our about to and how we communicate. So if we could just take a step back and understand what people are feeling and why we could accomplish so much more and go a lot further together. Also being able to communicate with any species would make me a pretty sick veterinarian and would take a lot of guessing out of the work we do.

Electricity: Because power outages suck and electricity is really expensive. If I had access to unknotted electricity it would all be free.

My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song...
Remember the Name by Fort Minor.

When the chips are down, you should remember, believe in yourself and your ability to achieve.

The course project/study you're most excited about…
I’m really set on being a cardiologist, so I’m excited to get out there, procure an internship, followed by a residency, and try my best to heal all the animals that need it.

What excites me the most about the future of my industry...
I’ve worked in veterinary medicine for 13 years now and the field has changed so much in the last decade alone. I’m excited to see all the new cutting-edge therapies and modalities that will emerge and I’m also excited to graduate and apply all the knowledge that my mentors and educators have dedicated their time to impart to me and see how it all fits together. That being said, I’m grateful for all the seasoned veterinarians out there who I view as having a wealth of knowledge. Just because we are looking toward the future doesn’t mean we should fully let go of the past, so I’m sure all of us fledgling veterinarians will continue to lean on you.

Favorite way to end the day...
Taking a nap, listening to music, eating good food or grabbing a drink with friends. I am also a big fan of video games, anime, and sports, so I enjoy those things as well.

Top of my bucket list...
I would love to visit Japan one day. The only concern is that if I go, I may love it so much and decide to stay. I would also like to skydive in all 50 states.

How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I have 2 small dogs. I have a 14-year-old Havanese named Cashmere and a 12-year-old shih tzu mix named Madison. They are two high-energy, food-driven girls who really enjoy the outdoors despite being two old ladies from the city.

Anything else to add?
If you haven’t heard it today, you’re doing amazing!!

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