POLISH FALCON
Michael P. Lent
Medical Director, Pantano Animal Clinic (part of Lakefield Veterinary Group), Tucson, AZ | Past President, Arizona VMA | Served on Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board | AVMA alternate delegate for Arizona | Advisory Board Co-chair, National Association of Black Veterinarians | Certificate of Diversity & Inclusion In Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University | AB 1987, Bowdoin College | DVM 1991, Purdue University
My Story
I always loved animals growing up and did well in science. My father worked as a salesman selling sutures for Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson) in New Jersey after retiring from the Marine Corps, so I was always exposed to medical literature and samples he would bring home. And my mother was great with and loved dogs, so we always had one. I was lucky enough we had a family friend, who coached me in baseball and basketball, who was a veterinarian, Dr. John North. I started shadowing him when I was 10 years old and he is a great mentor who encouraged me all along the way and I still occasionally call for advice.
My Struggles
I originally wasn’t accepted to Purdue, but didn’t understand why. So I called up the admissions office to discuss it and it turns out they had mistakenly put my application in with out of state residents, when I was an Indiana resident. I ended up getting in. When I speak to students, I always tell them, like I was told growing up –if you think or see something is wrong, speak up—you can help change it.
My Heroes
My mother was the granddaughter of Polish immigrants who spoke no English, came through Ellis Island and were factory workers. She was the first person in her family to attend college and obtain a degree. She taught special education for 20 years and was the kindest, most positive, and outgoing person I have ever met. My father is the son of a New Jersey zinc miner and joined the Marines to pay for college; he later served in Vietnam. He taught me the value of resilience and to have courage in your convictions
My Typical Day
Appointments all day some days, healthy/sick, behavioral and nutritional consults. Surgery and dentistry in the mornings other days, often with our CO2 laser.
My Stressors
Work/life balance and trying to fit everything into one day, help as many animals and people as possible. Learning to say no once in a while. Working out, practicing Krav Maga (it’s cathartic to spar and grapple with people 20-30 years younger than I am—they call me 50Lent at the Krav gym), hiking, and fishing with my family. Anything outdoors—skiing, rafting, kayaking. Meditating.
My Why
All the wonderful life opportunities and experiences it’s allowed me to have making a living doing something I love. I’ve been very lucky to meet great, lifelong friends and travel in different roles to interesting places like Nicaragua and Cuba. I’ve never been bored.
