SUGAR-HSIEH-GLIDER
Dr. Brisa Hsieh
Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine | BS (Animal Science) 2005, University of California Davis | DVM 2009, Kansas State University | DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
My Story
My decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine was influenced by a combination of my academic strengths, personal interests, and early experiences in the field.
Despite facing challenges in reading and writing during high school, I discovered a natural talent for math and science. I found these subjects not only enjoyable but also fascinating, sparking a curiosity about how the body functions and physiology.
Alongside my academic strengths, I sought a career that would offer variety, excitement, and continuous challenges. I gravitated towards environments where I could engage in dynamic problem-solving and encounter new experiences on a regular basis. Veterinary medicine was the perfect combination!
My passion for veterinary medicine was further solidified when I took on my first job in high school, working at a veterinary hospital. This firsthand experience provided invaluable insights into the field and confirmed my determination to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Ultimately, my decision to enter this profession was driven by a desire to combine my academic strengths with my love for animals, leading me to embark on this fulfilling and rewarding journey.
My Struggles
My path to becoming a veterinarian was marked by academic challenges, particularly related to reading comprehension and test-taking skills. Despite excelling in math and science courses, I faced a persistent fear of not being smart enough and struggled to maintain satisfactory grades in my general education courses during college. Poor reading comprehension compounded my difficulties, as I found it challenging to retain information despite attending class, completing my working and studying diligently.
Fortunately, my passion for veterinary medicine drove me to persevere despite these obstacles. While my grades in general education courses were less than ideal, I focused on excelling in my major courses, where my strengths in math and science shone through. This allowed me to maintain the minimum GPA required for veterinary school applications.
The challenges persisted into veterinary school, where I still struggled with reading comprehension and severe test anxiety in the preclinical years. However, things began to make much more sense when I transitioned to clinical rotations. Finally, everything clicked for me as I was able to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life clinical scenarios, and I found myself excelling in this hands-on environment.
Looking back, I am thankful for these challenges as I realize it makes me a much better professor as I am able to relate to some of my students and the struggles that they may be going through.
My Heroes
One of my greatest heroes and role models growing up was Lucille Ball. I was captivated by her talent and humor while watching ‘I Love Lucy,’ and I admired her seemingly boundless ability to entertain. As I grew up and delved deeper into her life story, I discovered a woman of remarkable resilience and determination.
Lucille Ball wasn’t just a comedic icon; she was a trailblazer who shattered barriers and defied expectations. She made television history as the first pregnant woman to be featured on screen, challenging societal norms and paving the way for greater representation in the media. Her tenacity and refusal to accept “No” for an answer resonated deeply with me.
Moreover, Lucille Ball’s journey from humble beginnings to stardom underscored the power of dedication and hard work in achieving one’s dreams. Despite facing numerous setbacks and obstacles, she persevered with grace and determination, leaving an indelible legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Lucille Ball embodies resilience, courage, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. Her example serves as a constant reminder that with dedication and perseverance, possibilities are endless.
My Typical Day
Every day is different!! That’s why I love this career! But every day does start the same. First and foremost, I am a mom. So I always start the day by taking care of my son and daughter and then feeding the dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and fish. Then most days I start working on course material or reviewing student’s work. If I am teaching a course, then I may start the day in the classroom, with my students. I also help in labs on occasion. A couple days a month I see patients in the clinic. Each day is truly unique and I love that I get to work from home, on campus, or even in the veterinary hospital a few days a month. I absolutely love seeing the excitement of veterinary medicine through the eyes of my students.
My Stressors
One of the biggest stressors in my life revolves around managing my mental and physical health. Shortly after completing my residency, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, which has required me to adopt a careful balance between my professional and personal responsibilities and self-care. Learning to listen to my body and recognizing when to rest has been an ongoing challenge, particularly in a career as demanding and fast-paced as veterinary medicine.
In addition to my physical health challenges, I also battle anxiety, which has intensified with age. Recently, I received a diagnosis of ADHD, shedding light on the difficulties I faced during my academic journey. However, rather than viewing these challenges as setbacks, I see them as integral parts of my story, shaping me into the educator and mentor I am today.
Despite the hurdles I face, I approach each day with a sense of purpose and determination. I strive to use my experiences to not only better understand my own limitations but also to empathize with and support others who may be facing similar struggles. By sharing my journey openly with my students, I hope to create a safe and supportive environment where they feel empowered to navigate their own challenges and embrace their unique strengths.
Ultimately, I believe that every obstacle I encounter serves as an opportunity for growth and learning. If I can inspire even one person to persevere in the face of adversity, then the journey becomes infinitely worthwhile.
My Why
What I love most about being a veterinarian is the incredible variety and flexibility it offers. From my days as a small animal internist to my current role as a professor, I have had the privilege of experiencing a wide range of professional opportunities and interactions.
One of the greatest joys of my career has been the diverse array of people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, from fellow veterinarians to dedicated pet owners. Each encounter has enriched my understanding of veterinary medicine and deepened my appreciation for the human-animal bond.
Of course, at the heart of it all are the patients. Their resilience and ability for unconditional love never cease to inspire me, and I am grateful for the privilege of caring for them each day.
Equally rewarding is the opportunity to mentor and guide the next generation of veterinarians as a professor. I never imagined myself in a teaching role, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else. The fulfillment I get from sharing my knowledge and experiences with my students is truly fulfilling.
