Road to Graduation | Dorothy De Dios-Milner

For Dorothy De Dios-Milner, graduating veterinary school isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a moment that reflects the faith, encouragement, and support of her entire family. A first-generation college graduate and the first doctor in her family, Dorothy sees this achievement not as hers alone, but as a shared victory for everyone who supported her along the way.

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As she looks ahead, Dorothy has a clear plan for the next step in her career.

“I plan to start out in small animal general practice, but I eventually hope to expand into mixed animal and pocket pet medicine as a general practitioner, while remaining open to new opportunities throughout my career.”

Dorothy won’t be going far from home. She’s secured a position that allows her to start her veterinary journey in a familiar community.

“I'm thrilled to be working as an associate veterinarian at a small animal general practice in Mesa, Arizona.”

Her decision to pursue veterinary medicine was shaped by a unique path. She didn't always know she'd end up in this field, but one opportunity after another helped guide her.

“I didn’t really know what career path I wanted to follow when I graduated from high school. Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to join a science cohort in community college. Through this experience, I learned about the various paths available to me, and it was during this time that I first seriously considered pursuing a veterinary education. This program not only gave me the space to dream of higher education but also equipped me with the tools to begin the journey by encouraging me to stay curious and open minded, think critically, and believe in my potential to succeed in a challenging field.

Different experiences during and after my undergraduate years, like volunteering at the Arizona Humane Society and working as a veterinary assistant/technician in a small animal setting, helped me learn more about the profession and reaffirmed that I was pursuing the right path for me.

During vet school, I’ve been exposed to different aspects of veterinary medicine that I hadn’t encountered before. This sparked an interest in working with animals beyond the small animal world, particularly as I’ve come to recognize how important preventative medicine is across all areas of practice.”

That passion for preventative care is what excites her most about the future.

“Really just helping educate pet owners and supporting them in giving their pets the best life possible. Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for preventative medicine, and I look forward to helping equip owners with the knowledge and tools they need to care for their pets to the best of their ability. One thing I’ve learned is that every family and every pet is unique, and one of my main goals is to help pet owners make informed choices that work best for their individual circumstances.”

Throughout her clinical year, Dorothy had the opportunity to develop key skills that have prepared her to step confidently into her new role.

“My clinical year exposed me to a wide range of situations that I believe have prepared me to be ‘day one ready.’ From developing hands-on surgical skills to managing cases under the guidance of experienced veterinarians, I was able to grow both technically and professionally.

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My clinical experiences in both specialty and general practice settings allowed me to see how many commonly encountered conditions, such as endocrine diseases or life-threatening emergencies like urinary obstruction in male cats, can present differently in each patient. Through these experiences, I also had the opportunity to expand my clinical skills, such as learning ultrasound techniques and placing a urinary catheter in an obstructed male cat, while learning from knowledgeable specialists. Lastly, my experiences, particularly in a specialty setting, helped me gain a better understanding of how to prepare my clients for what to expect when a specialist becomes involved.”

Her upcoming role feels like a natural extension of that training—one that began during her clinical rotation at the very hospital where she’ll soon be practicing.

“I accepted a position at a site where I did one of my clinical rotations. One of my big deciding factors was that I was trusted to manage cases independently, while also having the support and reassurance of the other doctors on staff when needed. I was given valuable opportunities to practice and improve my surgical skills, which helped build my confidence in that area. This rotation in particular helped strengthen my client communication skills, and just overall increased my confidence in the exam room and surgical suite. Additionally, the support staff was incredibly encouraging, creating a great environment to learn and grow.”

As she reflects on the meaning of graduation, Dorothy is filled with gratitude—for her family, and for the ways they carried her through this journey.

“Graduating as the first doctor in my family is a very meaningful accomplishment that reflects not only my personal determination but also the importance of family support in overcoming something as challenging as this journey. Their faith in me became a source of strength, especially during moments of self-doubt. I remember calling my brother early on in this journey, uncertain if I was on the right path and considering other options. He reassured me that I could do it, and that I had come too far to give up now. I also remember the times I’d call my mom before difficult exams and she would simply tell me: ‘you can do it, I believe in you.’ And after long, exhausting days at school or in the clinic, my husband was always there to listen and support me. As a first-generation college student, this accomplishment is not just mine, it's something I share with both sides of my family. I hope to serve as an example for younger family members, showing them that their dreams are possible, no matter how unattainable they may seem. I want them to know that I’ll be there to support and guide them, just as my family was there for me.”

For other future veterinary students—especially those who may feel uncertain or alone—Dorothy has this message:

“Believe in yourself, sí se puede! Change is scary; moving away from home is scary; pursuing a college education is not easy. There will be times when you’ll have to make sacrifices, like being far from family. But know that you’re making them proud and that they’re rooting for you, whether they’re an hour away, a few states away, or in another country. You are creating paths for others to follow, and when the path feels too lonely, remember that many of us have been in your shoes and would be more than happy to support you. Just reach out.”

And to her fellow students just beginning their veterinary education, she shares one final piece of wisdom:

“Trust the process! There will be days when the material doesn’t make sense or you will feel defeated, but it will all come together… I promise! As time goes on, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve learned and how much you’ve grown. By the time clinical year arrives, you’ll start putting everything into practice and will continue to grow from there. Also, don’t be so hard on yourself. Allow yourself to be wrong, that’s where real growth happens. Mistakes are part of the learning process, and every challenge is an opportunity to become a better student and better clinician.”

Congratulations, Dorothy—we can't wait to see the impact you'll make in veterinary medicine and beyond.