CAPTAIN UPSIDE

Dr. Mia Cary

CEO & Change Agent, Cary Consulting | CEO, Pride Veterinary Medical Community (PrideVMC) | DVM 1999, University of Florida

VetaHumanz Live! Podcast

Dr. Cary was featured in Episode 23 of the VetaHumanz Live! Podcast. Listen now.

My Story

After completing my undergraduate degree in biology/chemistry I participated in a variety of marine mammal research projects over a six year period. I loved all of the projects and people I was lucky enough to work with and decided furthering my education would set me up to lead my own research projects. With that in mind my initial plan when applying to veterinary school was to enroll in a joint DVM/PhD program. Fast forward through a few bumps and hiccups, and I landed in University of Florida’s DVM/PhD program with a manatee biology and behavior research focus. I quickly fell in love with clinical medicine however, and in the second year of the program I discontinued the research/PhD portion of my education and focused solely on veterinary clinical medicine.

My Struggles

In the early 1990s Alaska residents could apply for a federally funded WICHE program that provided in-state tuition to a variety of veterinary schools for qualifying Alaska residents. I was lucky enough to not only be awarded that funding but also to have been accepted to three veterinary schools. After analyzing my options I decided on Colorado State University and was SO excited to get started. Two weeks before moving from Barrow, AK to Fort Collins, CO I received a letter that the WICHE program had been discontinued. I could still attend CSU but would have to pay out-of-state tuition. I was already in debt and did not want to take on this much additional debt burden. Instead I moved to Gainesville, FL (because UF also had a strong DVM/PhD program), worked for a year as a veterinary technician, applied and was accepted to start UF CVM the following year. Being a white cis-gendered heterosexual with a strong, supportive, and loving family – my road to becoming a veterinarian included many opportunities.

My Heroes

My mother, sister, and grandmother were my role models and heroes growing up. They were (my mom and grandma) and are (my sister) strong, independent, get it done women. Watching how they managed through challenges led to my ‘cup-is-refillable, no means no right now but not forever, impatient optimistic’ attitude and approach to living.

My Typical Day

My current typical day involves a whole lot of Zoom. Meetings with clients, coaching sessions, presentations, and workshop facilitation events are all currently virtual. I anticipate getting back on the road this fall and am looking forward to traveling again.

My Stressors

My main current stressor is making sure I bring in enough income as an entrepreneur to do my part in supporting the financial future of my family. I manage this stressor by keeping an open dialogue with my husband about where we are, where we want to go, and how we want to get there. Another current stressor is the loss of my mother without being able to properly say goodbye. A wonderful mental health professional helped me through the significant insomnia that initially accompanied this loss. I lean heavily on my sister and my husband when the sadness hits. They rock.

My Why

I am impressed by the variety of careers that a veterinarian can engage with. The power of our pet’s unconditional love always makes me strive to be a better human, being able to support the human-animal bond is a privilege. I also love the people in vet med – what a bunch of caring human beings.

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