Dr. Michelle Ward, Washington, United States
Age: 48
School: Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2009
Place of Employment: Riverview Animal Clinic and Self Employed
Q: Tell us about yourself and your experience with animals?
A: I work in a mainly small animal practice. I see a few exotics now and then. With my own part-time practice, I see some wildlife and some farm animals too. My road to veterinary school started when I was 28 and I graduated from veterinary school 14 years later. I had lots of time to experience the veterinary field from research, to teaching, to mixed animal, and finally equine only practice.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: I ride snowmobiles! Also, I am addicted to potstickers.
Q: What do you love about World Vets?
A: It’s great to meet other volunteers who have the same crazy passion to travel, work with animals, and meet new people. World Vets brings us all together to share our gifts and talents with others less fortunate.
Q: What motivates you to volunteer with World Vets?
A: The trips are exciting and challenging because you never know what situations you might be thrown into to get the clinic setup and keep it running. I enjoy volunteering for a great organization in which I have seen the difference we can make, one animal at a time.
Q: What was your favorite World Vets moment?
A: I have at least one special moment on every trip. Probably my favorite was my first trip to Belize. We had some time to visit the school and talk with the children about our free clinic. When I shared the stethoscope with the kids is when you see that you have made a connection and that they get the message that the animal in front of them is a living, breathing, pain-feeling creature. I have shared this moment many times with children all around the world of all ages. The heartbeat is something tangible that they hear and grasp our message of compassion and kindness toward animals. They now know to take the sick ones to the doctor instead of tying them up and leaving them.
World Vets simply could not operate without our amazing volunteers and cannot thank them enough. Click here to join the World Vets volunteer team!