Building Relationships and Providing Excellent Care
Dr. Gayle Leith discusses taking opportunities to make a difference in the lives of clients and animals.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we asked some of our highly qualified faculty to share their experiences in veterinary medicine. Dr. Gayle Leith, DVM, MA, MS, ABVP-Equine Practice, is an Associate Professor of Practice and specializes in equine medicine. In addition to her teaching work, she practiced veterinary medicine for over 30 years. Dr. Leith’s breadth of experience in and passion for equine medicine has made her an outstanding professor and an astute veterinarian. Read her insights into her profession below.
What do you love about being in veterinary medicine?
GL: When people meet me and learn I am an equine veterinarian, their first comment is “You must really love horses!” I truly enjoyed building relationships with clients and their horses. Making a difference in a patient and client’s life is an invaluable opportunity. Horses and medicine have always fascinated me. During my daily practice, I had the opportunity to be a surgeon, internist, radiologist, businessperson, pathologist, teacher, client-counselor, and a patient quality-of-life advocate. Now as a professor at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, I can share my experiences, good and bad, with students.
Who inspired you to pursue this career path?
GL: My mom supported my decision to pursue veterinary medicine. She supported me and encouraged me despite the many obstacles I encountered in my path.
What was the most important career advice you received?
GL: I worked with 4 equine practitioners during my undergraduate years. I worked as a “horse holder” and Dr. Michael Steppe taught me how to restrain horses. I will never forget when he stated, “We will teach how to restrain a horse, if you cannot restrain the horse I most likely would not be able to restrain the horse either.” Additionally, in my veterinary school advisor Dr. Bill Crawford said, “you may have a hard time landing a position being a petite woman, but do not be discouraged.” I appreciated his honesty, which prepared me [against] being discouraged. Ramon Guerrero at Arizona Equine Medical and Surgical Centre helped me further hone my horse handling skills; his horse handling skills are second to none.