My first encounter with specialty medicine was at the age of nine. I vividly remember my mother rushing me to the emergency room due to severe tremors, an abnormal gait, and debilitating headaches. Following a brain MRI, the doctor informed us that immediate surgery was necessary. I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, characterized by excess fluid on the brain, caused by a slow-growing tumor obstructing the fluid's path. Unfortunately, due to its location, the tumor could not be removed. Instead, a shunt was inserted to redirect the fluid from my brain into my abdomen. Witnessing the dedication of the nurses and doctors who cared for me during this time profoundly influenced my life's purpose, sparking my decision to pursue a career in medicine. During my recovery, my grandmother brought me in to work with her at an animal shelter to focus on something positive, which ignited my early interest in animals; however, I soon realized the challenges I would face in pursuing a professional career in veterinary medicine. Seeking exposure, I engaged in various jobs and volunteer opportunities within the veterinary field: at Grabill Veterinary Clinic, I gained insight into mixed practice; Boiler Vet Camp provided me with firsthand experience in surgery within a university setting; and working with Purdue's Oncology and Radiation Oncology teams offered me a glimpse into specialty medicine. However, it wasn't until I relocated from small-town Indiana to Chicago and joined the neurology team at MedVet Chicago that I truly discovered my calling. It was here that a dynamic triad comprising my own neurological issues, a curiosity for medicine, and a deep love for animals emerged. Under the guidance of four veterinary neurologists, I had the opportunity to learn from each, gaining insights into four different approaches to medicine. This experience fueled my desire to work in a specialty where I could fulfill a variety of roles. As a neurosurgical assistant, I ensured smooth surgical procedures and facilitated fast recovery times to provide optimal care to patients. Often extending beyond my scheduled shifts, my dedication was acknowledged, leading to my promotion from a non-certified veterinary technician to Doctor Coordinator. While supporting clients and patients, I also mentored new team members, refining my leadership and organizational skills and fostering a cohesive team environment. Through these experiences, I learned that not all neurological cases have positive outcomes. I consider myself fortunate, but I am also acutely aware of the emotional demands of this profession. Witnessing cases with promising outlooks take tragic turns has been both sobering and humbling. However, the resilience displayed by families who unite to do everything for their pets, with the unwavering support of the veterinary team, is nothing short of inspiring. It fuels my determination to contribute to advancing veterinary medicine and global health. To achieve this goal, I am committed to becoming a veterinarian. As a result of my perseverance, I have been accepted into Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. This fall, I will begin my first year as a veterinary student,

At the age of nine, I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus caused by a tectal glioma brain tumor blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. I remember the fear in my mother’s eyes, the rush to the emergency room, and the sterile chill of the hospital as I was wheeled into surgery. That moment changed the trajectory of my life. While the tumor was not cancerous, the experience placed me alongside so many other children who battle brain conditions whose childhoods are interrupted by surgeries, uncertainty, and recovery. The physical pain was one part of it, but the aftermath lingered far beyond the scars. My cognitive processing was affected, leading to challenges in school that I didn’t fully understand at the time. I struggled in silence, often feeling behind my peers and unsure of my capabilities. I wasn’t told about accommodations that could support me. Yet, despite this, I pushed forward. What could have been the end of a dream instead became the root of my purpose. My experience as a pediatric brain tumor survivor inspired me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, specifically in neurology. I know what it feels like to place your life in someone else’s hands, to endure the wait for answers, and to live with the uncertainty of a diagnosis. These experiences helped me empathize with others facing medical challenges. I want to bring that same level of understanding and compassion to the animal patients and families I serve. As a veterinary technician at a specialty hospital, I work directly with neurologists and neurosurgeons. I help guide clients through difficult diagnoses, treatment plans, and post-operative care. I see my younger self in so many of the patients we treat: the ones recovering from craniotomies, the ones relearning how to walk, and the ones whose families are hoping for just a little more time. I will be starting veterinary school in Fall 2025 with a mission to become a veterinary neurologist. I want to be a source of hope, just like the neurosurgeon who saved my life. My academic goals are to continue building on my education in veterinary science and neuroscience, while also advocating for inclusivity and mental health in medicine. My personal journey has given me a unique perspective that allows me to connect with clients and patients. Being a brain tumor survivor has never been a limitation. It’s been a constant reminder that I am capable of overcoming anything. It is the root of my perseverance, the source of my empathy, and the reason I continue to strive for excellence in all that I do.

In three years, I see myself practicing as a veterinary neurologist. My goal is to work in a specialty hospital where I can contribute to innovative, compassionate care, while also mentoring aspiring veterinarians and advocating for underserved communities. I am especially passionate about increasing accessibility to veterinary care and uplifting BIPOC voices in medicine. With a strong foundation in veterinary neurology and a commitment to empathy-driven care, I hope to be a leader who bridges the gap between complex medical treatment and human connection. A formative moment in my journey came during my time volunteering at PAWS Chicago, where I met a fearful dog named Rani. She had recently been brought in as a stray and exhibited classic signs of fear. She avoided eye contact, held her body rigid, and softly growled when approached. Many interpreted her behavior as aggression, but I recognized it as fear. I knew that in order to gain her trust, I needed to communicate in a way that respected her boundaries. Instead of approaching Rani directly, I sat at a distance with my body turned slightly away to reduce any perceived threat. I avoided eye contact and let her observe me in her own time. Slowly, she began to inch closer, sniffing the space around me. I offered her treats as positive reinforcement whenever she displayed calm behaviors, such as relaxing her posture or glancing in my direction. Over the course of several sessions, Rani's behavior began to shift and she would wag her tail tentatively and eventually allowed me to gently pet her. What stood out most in this experience was how Rani taught me the power of patience, empathy, and body language in veterinary care. She reminded me that animals are constantly communicating with us and we just have to listen with more than our ears. As someone who aspires to specialize in a field where many patients are non-verbal or neurologically impaired, these lessons in interpretation and trust-building are invaluable. Rani’s transformation left a strong impact on me. She was eventually adopted by a loving family, and knowing I played a role in helping her feel safe enough to make that transition is something I carry with pride. Her story fuels my passion for the human-animal bond and reminds me why I chose this path. Betsy V Brown’s dedication to animals and belief in nurturing future veterinarians resonates deeply with me. I hope to honor her legacy by continuing to serve animals with the same heart and purpose she exemplified, and by paying it forward to those who will follow in our footsteps.