VetCat Graduation Stories: Delaney Maddix
Celebrating our VetCat Journeys: Where They Are Going
After three years in Arizona, Delaney Maddix is ready to return to her roots in the Midwest. "My plans following graduation are moving back to the Midwest, specifically Columbus, OH," she shares. While she appreciated her time in Arizona, the allure of family and the changing seasons back home has drawn her back. "It was nice to experience Arizona for the last three years, but I miss my family and the seasonal changes back home. It’s a smidge too hot for me year round out here."
Career Path and Influences
Delaney's journey through veterinary school shaped her career path in unexpected ways. Initially aiming to be a mixed animal veterinarian, her clinical year experiences steered her towards small animal medicine. "Going into veterinary school, I was striving to be a mixed animal veterinarian. I thoroughly enjoyed learning and experiencing all aspects of veterinary medicine," she explains. However, after witnessing the demands of large animal medicine, she realized it wasn't the right fit for her. "My 5'3" self could only handle the 1200-pound animals for so long, lol."
Small animal medicine, on the other hand, felt like home. Delaney found fulfillment in the client interactions and problem-solving aspects of this field. "I enjoy conversing with clients and doing everything I can to meet their needs while solving the case. Receiving positive feedback from OSVs (On-Site Veterinarians) throughout my clinical year further solidified my choice to pursue small animal medicine."
As Delaney prepares to start her career at a small animal general practice and urgent care clinic in Columbus, she’s thrilled to have achieved a significant milestone. "I am now able to settle down in one place, go home to loved ones, and enjoy my career. That was a goal of mine that I have proudly achieved."
Reflections on Clinical Year
Delaney’s clinical year provided invaluable experiences that will ease her transition into her new role. "Altogether, clinical year was such a great experience. I was able to travel across the country, mainly the East Coast, and see a variety of clinical operations," she recalls. The diversity of clinics and practices she encountered helped her develop a versatile skill set. "I feel having the ability to experience different clinics is going to make it ‘easier’ for me to assimilate into my new job following graduation."
Advice for First-Year Students
Delaney offers a piece of simple yet impactful advice for incoming veterinary students: "Make your bed every morning." While it may seem trivial, she emphasizes its importance for mental health and daily success. "A lot of discussion in academia and the workplace revolves around mental health, and that is one of the core benefits that stems from making your bed every morning."
Looking Ahead
As Delaney Maddix embarks on her career as a small animal veterinarian, she is excited to apply the skills and knowledge she gained throughout her educational journey. With her focus on client communication and love for small animal medicine, she’s well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio.