DREAMCATCHER
Dr. Paula Johnson
Clinical Assistant Professor, Emergency and Critical Care, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, IN | BS (Chemistry Premed) 1990, Xavier University of New Orleans | DVM 1995, Louisiana State University | Diplomate American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
My Story
I was fortunate to have fantastic parents and grandparents that made sure that I had faith and believed in myself. They always told me there was nothing that I could not do. They provided me with so many opportunities and experiences such as visiting zoos, museums, nature centers, and spending time on my Grandfather’s farm during summers allowed me to have hands on experiences with animals. All these experiences influenced and shaped my desire to become a veterinarian.
My Struggles
I have encountered many challenges along the way. The biggest hurdles came in veterinary school and pursuing board certification. I was unsuccessful when I first started veterinary school and had to fall back a class. Upon completing my residency in emergency in critical care it took me many years to overcome and successfully pass the board certification examination to become a diplomate.
My Heroes
I am very blessed and fortunate to have had many heroes along the way. I am incredibly grateful for the support I have received. The most influential heroes in my life were my parents and my grandparents. They instilled in me the idea that nothing was impossible. They provided me with unwavering support throughout my life, even when they didn’t necessarily agree with me or were concerned about choices I was making. I have also been very favored by my multiple teachers and mentors along the way. They also have consistently provided me with unshakable support. They taught me to persevere and have faith in myself.
My Typical Day
My typical day usually starts with having rounds with veterinary residents, interns and students on the emergency and critical care service making morning assessments of hospitalized patients and establishing the daily plan for those patients. I spend a significant amount of time teaching whether on the clinic floor or didactic and laboratory teaching. Throughout the day I continue to oversee emergency cases that are presented to the emergency service. My days can be very busy and long but the rewards are many.
My Stressors
My biggest stressors come when I feel like my ability to do my best in any situation whether treating a patient, supporting or teaching our students, training interns and residents is compromised for some reason. My goal is to identify that reason and address it as soon as possible. I am a believer in providing support, encouragement, reassurance and strengthening people to be the best that they can be at whatever they are doing or whatever their dreams are.
My Why
I most appreciate the diversity of the field of veterinary medicine. Veterinary medicine provides me the opportunity to accomplish a broad range of goals including helping people, helping animals, along with teaching and mentoring others, helping them to be the best they can be and reach their goals.
