VetCat Graduation Stories: Melinda Pazel

Third-year University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine VetCats have built and honed their professional expertise throughout their educational journey. Over their time in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, they have developed their professional and clinical skills through simulation, hands-on learning, and student-centered classroom time. 

Students in their third and final year enact their knowledge in clinical settings, where they develop their professional "horse sense" and begin to discover clinical settings they can envision themselves thriving.

Melinda Pazel, set to graduate in August, has accepted a small animal veterinarian position in Tucson. We chatted with her to learn more about her experiences and what comes next.

Hitting the "Jackpot"

For Melinda, accepting this position was an informed choice that she can be confident in. While completing her clinical rotations, she discovered that Jackpot was an excellent environment for growing. She highlighted their focus on excellent medical care and client communication alongside a supportive network of professionals. Her clinical experience here reflected their commitment to quality care, and she is eager to join this team this fall.

Where will you be working and what will be your role?

MP: I have accepted a position at Jackpot Veterinary Center here in Tucson, and will be the sixth small animal veterinarian to join their team this fall.

How did your clinical experience at Jackpot prepare you to work here? 

MP: During my clinical rotation at Jackpot, I learned a lot of what it means to be a clinician: I learned how to make decisions on diagnostics and treatments, how to write up thorough medical records, and how to effectively communicate with clients and staff.

Their positive atmosphere and attentiveness to providing high-quality medicine and service created an optimal environment to develop my current skills and learn new ones. I have partaken in many cases that I will now be prepared for post-graduation. I got to do more advanced surgeries, watch therapies have a positive impact on patients, and was given the freedom to explore practicing medicine while still having a solid support system to rely on for help when I needed it.

Advice for First-Year Students

Equipped with experience, Melinda knows what a first-year student must remember for success. She shared her thoughts about what to concentrate on in the first year of veterinary school.

What advice would you give to incoming first-year students?

MP: My advice for incoming first-year students would be to enjoy the summer before school starts. Be ready to adapt and to be fluid. Be ready to change the way you do things, both in the classroom and in the clinic. Work hard in the first year; if you understand the organ system classes well enough, the second and third years come easier. This program is what you make of it; you get what you put into it!