VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Robyn Fox

Robyn Fox

Licensed Veterinary Technician and Clinical Research Coordinator, Veterinary Teaching Hospital

When did you join the veterinary college?
I began my journey in 2003 as a part time pharmacy technician and have worked in 6 other departments since then.

What is your role at the veterinary college?
I am an LVT and the Clinical Research Coordinator.

The best part of being at VMCVM...
I was really able to grow as a veterinary technician here thanks to the support of amazing mentors. I've also worked alongside some of the most amazing and compassionate veterinarians and veterinary students over my many years here.

Best advice I've gotten...
Teamwork makes the dream work! It's a corny phrase but it has always been true.

How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline?
Veteran veterinary technician works behind the scenes to help make innovative treatments a reality for patients and their families.

My hidden talent...
I love to sketch my patients and have broadened that to watercolor paintings.

A person who has inspired me...
Dr. Kathy Cooney has been a tremendous champion for veterinary technicians and leads the way in the "Good Death Revolution" through her Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy.

Can you share a memorable experience or story from your time working with animals?
There are too many to count over 25+ years. I can name a few extra special species I've helped with: an alligator (it lived in the Community Practice lab for several days and we fed it fish), a black bear cub, a hummingbird, a porcupine (which turned out to be a wet groundhog when it arrived) an iguana, and I assisted with two pig dentals. There are many canine and feline patients that I knew for years working in Community Practice and they will always hold a special place in my heart.

What do you find most inspiring or fulfilling about working with students and helping them pursue their careers?
While I don't work directly with students everyday anymore, I loved showing every student the same level of kindness and watching their face light up when my encouragement helped them accomplish something they hadn't been able to do before. A little kindness goes a long way.

One misconception that all students seem to have is?
That they need to do it all when they get out of vet school. That is a way to burn yourself out. Utilize your technicians and assistants -- insert corny phrase from above about teamwork.

If I had a superpower, it would be...
Being in two places at once, so much to do, so little time.

If you could magically grant an animal the ability to talk, which one would you choose and what do you think it would say?
My cat Luke. He's very strange and I'd love to have a long conversation about why he keeps chewing through charging cables and eating my son's homework.

A cause I'm most passionate about...
Compassionate End of Life care: Every moment matters and the human animal bond lasts until their last breath and beyond.

Favorite way to end the day...
Cuddling under a blanket reading a book to my son with a cat or dog on my lap.

Top of my bucket list...
Hawaii, never been but would love to go.

My favorite quote...
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you others can see Him."
-C.S. Lewis

If you could communicate with animals for a day, what would you ask them?
Can you teach me to love unconditionally?

How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
In order of age:

• Maggie, 10-year-old mixed canine. She is derpy, sweet, a bit smelly due to her beard, and a wonderful big sister to our new puppy.
• Luke, 6-year-old Tuxedo cat. He is very handsome, hates dogs, has an affinity for paper and cords and sucks his tail.
• Winx, a 4-year-old one-eyed gray cat. She loves food more than anything else, purrs very loudly, and plays well with everyone.
• Milo, a 7-month-old chihuahua mix (thank you Dr. Freeman). He brings loads of energy and mischief to our lives but is also the sweetest puppy ever and loves lap cuddles, playing with Maggie and Winx, and running zoomies around the yard.
• We have four chickens as well- Sparkles, Sky, Ziggy, and Echo. They love being free range, eating bugs, pooping everywhere and running from Milo.
• I'll also include my 8-year-old son Dylan because he says he is part cat. He has as much energy as Milo and loves his cats and chickens, he sides with Luke on the dogs.

Anything else to add?
I love talking about my new role in clinical research and am always happy to answer questions and shed light on any of the clinical trials you want to know more about. I work with an amazing team of faculty and other research professionals who make the job exciting. If you can't find me I'm usually in the bowels of the basement near MDL running anesthesia for our histotripsy trials (ask me about histotripsy!).