VetCat Graduation Stories: Camila Rocha
Celebrating our VetCat Journeys: Where They Are Going
As third-year students at The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine wind down their time in veterinary school, they are making plans and reflecting on the experiences that have brought them here. After three years of learning, developing clinical and professional skills, and working in teams, these doctoral candidates are ready to enter the career field as day-one-ready veterinarians.
Students like Camila Rocha are obtaining jobs and internships and blazing new paths in their families. A first-generation student, Camila is thrilled to walk across the stage at graduation and show her family all their support has meant to her. After graduation, Camila will begin working at Happy Pet Veterinary Hospital, and in October she will begin an emergency medicine internship in her hometown in New Jersey. We asked Camila to share about her personal graduation journey.
Aspiration and Achievement
Camila’s experiences, both as a veterinary technician and as a student, have uniquely shaped her path toward emergency medicine. Her work before veterinary school showed her which area of medicine she hoped to enter, and her clinical year at Arizona showed her a variety of teams and management styles. This experience is helpful in selecting and making the most of future workplaces.
What are your plans for after graduation?
CR: Immediately after graduation, I will be working as a part-time veterinarian at Happy Pet Veterinary Hospital. This is a very busy general practice that takes urgent care appointments. My path here was quite simple. I used to be a technician here, came for a clinical rotation and now will be working here. I love this hospital and the owner, as they are a private practice who allowed me to grow in every way possible, [from] learning technician skills to [becoming] a great doctor.
Starting in October, my plans are to be a part of Veterinary Emergency Group’s new emergency doctor program. I will be practicing with them in New Jersey (my hometown), and I will be an intern for the next 6 months. I will be absorbing and learning as much as I can about practicing emergency medicine.
How did your experiences influence your career path?
CR: My educational experience prior to veterinary medicine was in working as a veterinary technician in emergency medicine. This inspired my desire to learn as much as I can about practicing emergency medicine. My rotations through emergency departments showed me the multiple ways departments can run and how vital emergency doctors are to every hospital. My journey to my general practice really started when I was there for my clinical rotation. This doctor allowed me to take the role of the doctor and truly showed me how it would be if I worked there.
Clinical year really showed me that there are different types of general practices and you have to find one that fits your needs and desires.
How did your clinical experience at Happy Pet Veterinary Hospital prepare you to work there?
CR: She let me truly practice as a doctor and see cases with her help. This gave me the confidence and ability to know that I would be prepared to be a general practitioner right out of school.
Reflecting on her Path
Camila embraced her aspirations and chose to engage in a rigorous program to pursue her goals. Almost finished with her educational journey, Camila reflected on her family ties and advised future veterinary students, highlighting the importance of making the most of the educational opportunities available.
What does your upcoming graduation mean to you and your family?
CR: I am a first-generation student for my immediate family and this means a great deal to them. My parents and I immigrated from Colombia when I was just two years old and for them to see me graduate with my doctorate in veterinary medicine is a huge accomplishment for them as well. They came to this country to give me a better opportunity at accomplishing my dreams and I hope this makes them proud.
What advice would you give to a first-year student?
CR: My advice to a first-year student is to make the most out of your time in veterinary school. Our program is dependent on what you put into it that's what you'll get out of it. Applying yourself in your courses will give you the most up-to-date knowledge in your clinical rotations and let you shine.