D.O.K. TCREIGH
Dr. Tramaine Creighton
Field Veterinary Medical Officer, USDA-APHIS, Veterinary Services, Alabama | DVM 2016, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
My Story
I’ve always wanted to do something within the science field. When I got to middle school, I thought that a career as a veterinarian would combine my love for animals and science. I then started volunteering at veterinary clinics during high school and continued to enjoy the work. As I progressed forward in my educational career, I learned about different aspects of veterinary medicine. One area I became exposed to was regulatory medicine, after receiving the Dr. Saul T. Wilson Scholarship in 2011. This allowed me the opportunity to intern with Veterinary Services and then transition to my current full-time position upon completion of veterinary school.
My Struggles
I questioned my identity a lot. I wanted to quit in first year second semester. No longer was I the “straight A student” of my undergraduate years. I started to feel a decline in my self-motivation. I questioned if this was for me. However, through the encouragement of friends and God’s word, I was able to continue forward throughout my educational journey.
My Heroes
I do not recall having a role model while growing up. There were always a community of friends, family, and church family that always affirmed my successes and encouraged me to continue forward in excellence, and that spurred me forward.
My Typical Day
Each day is different depending on what needs to be accomplished. Some days are filled with meetings, some days inspections, and some going to livestock markets. As a regulatory veterinarian, no day is equally the same. It is a flexible schedule that is dependent on the tasks at hand and your area of coverage. I cover 15 western Alabama counties and therefore, I am responsible for any disease investigations or program work in my section. Any upcoming deadlines would dictate my focus for a specific day and/or week. We also work as a state-federal team to accomplish the job(s) at hand.
My Stressors
Most of my stressors have been internal—not believing I’m able to accomplish a task or not feeling qualified to do something. Believing lies about myself has been the source of most of the stressors/anxieties that plagued me and led to a dissatisfaction at work. I’ve learned to set timelines that are realistic and achievable for myself. Often, I would think I should be able to accomplish a task in a lot shorter timeframe and as a result, those expectations that I put on myself led to frustration. As I learn more about myself, I learn what works and doesn’t work for me. This may mean starting earlier on a project/task if I need more time, or it may mean breaking it up into smaller chunks of time. I manage my stressors by recognizing the triggers. When I start to feel overwhelmed, I have to take a moment to regroup before going forward. It is also important for me to take breaks within the day and take the time to decompress at the end of the day. My day also goes a lot smoother when I have my ‘Jesus time’ in the mornings. My mindset is set and I can have peace throughout the day.
My Why
Engaging with people.
