PROFESSOR DOG-GIRL
Dr. Susan Tornquist
Lois Bates Acheson Dean, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University | DVM 1985, Colorado State University | MS, University of New Mexico, PhD 1996, Washington State University | Diplomate American College of Veterinary Pathologists 1995
My Story
I chose a career in the veterinary profession because of an interest in medicine and thinking animals were much more interesting than people. I naively also thought I could work outdoors a lot (not so much the case since I became a clinical pathologist and then administrator).
My Struggles
I struggled with an expensive education which was relatively less expensive way back when I went through the program.
My Heroes
MLK Jr and Mahatma Ghandi- I was actively anti-war and believed in pacifism and consensus-building. That is somewhat helpful (not always!) in being an administrator.
My Typical Day
Many meetings with a variety of people, reading and thinking, and I still read cytologies in the lab and teach for certain weeks of the month.
My Stressors
Problem solving is sometimes fun and sometimes, well, a problem. I need exercise, my dog, and outdoors to cope. And my baby granddaughter when I can see her.
My Why
It’s important work. People honor and respect that.