2026 Road to Graduation: Mackenzie Eschberger
How years of discovery shaped a future small animal practitioner
For Mackenzie Eschberger, the path through veterinary school has been one of discovery, ultimately leading her back to the Southwest she's come to call home.
Now preparing to graduate in August, Mackenzie is stepping into her next chapter as a small-animal general practitioner in North Scottsdale. It's a role that feels like a natural fit after a clinical year that took her across the country and deepened her understanding of what kind of veterinarian she wants to be.
"Throughout vet school, and especially during my clinical year, I was exposed to a wide variety of species, cases, and areas of medicine," she said. "That exposure helped me refine my interests and ultimately confirmed my passion for companion animal medicine."
That clinical year proved to be a defining stretch of her training. Rotating through hospitals in different parts of the United States, Eschberger gained not only hands-on experience but a broader perspective on veterinary practice as a whole.
"I had the opportunity to work in different hospitals across the United States, which gave me insight into how different teams function and how patient care can look in many different settings," she said. "Getting hands-on experience in these environments helped me grow in both confidence and clinical skills, and it played a major role in shaping the veterinarian I am becoming."
Originally from Michigan, Eschberger found herself drawn to stay in Arizona long after her studies brought her here, a choice driven as much by lifestyle as by career opportunity.
"I ultimately chose to stay in Arizona because of the incredible year-round weather and the endless opportunities to spend time outdoors," she said. "Hiking and exploring the beauty of Arizona have become something I truly value, and I'm excited to continue building my life and career here."
As she prepares to walk across the graduation stage, Eschberger has a message for the students just beginning their own journeys.
"Take in every moment, both the challenging and rewarding ones, because it truly goes by faster than you expect," she said. "Lean on your classmates, support each other, and trust the knowledge and skills you're building along the way. Before you know it, you'll be the one preparing for graduation too."