Alumni Spotlight: Jaclyn Clement (DVM '11)

Jaclyn Clement (DVM '11)

Partner/Managing Veterinarian at Peaks View Animal Hospital in Lynchburg, VA

How VMCVM equipped me for the 'real world'...

My time at the VMCVM equipped me for the real world by introducing me to a very unique, talented group of individuals both between my classmates, faculty, and staff. I had the privilege of learning under some of the countries most skilled veterinarians and staff both in the classroom and clinical setting, allowing me the opportunity to learn the best, yet most practical approaches to the practice of veterinary medicine. Not only did I learn from the faculty and staff at the college, I also learned a tremendous amount from my classmates whose vast life experiences provided such valuable insight into true real world experiences.

Best part of being a VMCVM alum...

The best part of being a VMCVM alum is returning to Blacksburg and feeling like I'm home again. Although the college is ever changing, there is nothing like the beauty and life of coming back to campus.

Best advice I've gotten....

The best advice I have ever gotten was to never let anyone stop you from achieving your dreams. Although maybe a bit cliche, I have lived by this advice my entire life, pushing through obstacles along the way and never giving up on my dreams.

How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline...

Hmmmmmm.... that's a tough one.. Although I'd like to think that it would go something like this:

Veterinarian brings joy and life to a profession in distress — an article I would hope to be written about an unwavering love and desire to ease the tensions and daily burnout of our profession by bringing joy, happiness, and new life to each day.

My hidden talent...

My hidden talent — I was a competitive roller speed skater on five-wheel inlines and quads. Even having won a National Title some time ago. Although I'm not sure how I would do on them these days.

A person who has inspired me...

Dr. Bonnie Smith.. a legend and an amazing mentor to hundreds of practicing veterinarians.

What did you learn at the college that you never thought you would benefit from?

I learned to handle life's failures and rise above them. A natural perfectionist, being in an ever-changing profession came with its challenges. However, with its challenges, came the success and excitement of being able to succeed and learn from each experience.

Biggest misconception about my job or industry...

The biggest misconception about my job or industry is that we are compensated equally to our human medical counterparts. I hope that as our profession continues to serve our communities and country, we can move forward with our nurse initiative and continue to provide better student loan debt relief, competitive interest rates, and higher salaries for our veterinary staff.

Words of encouragement to a current veterinary college student...

Do not be consumed by the work, instead, take an active role in your education and learn to enjoy every aspect of the profession. Become self-motivated, work to become a better communicator, and be sure you can become an advocate for yourself. When you graduate you will enter into a fantastic profession that will rely on you a great deal. Take these four years to prepare yourself for the world ahead of you and gain experiences while you are still in school. Some of your best contacts for the future are made in your present, so be sure to take advantage of this time.

A cause I'm most passionate about... The most formative experience I've had...

A cause I'm most passionate about is reigniting the passion without the compassion fatigue in our profession. Becoming a positive leader and directing my team to become better for not only our patients, but for themselves, their families, and our community.

Top of my bucket list...

The top of my bucket list is to visit the Maldives... someday!

My favorite quote...

Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring - St. Catherine of Siena

Being a VMCVM alumnus means...

Being a small part of paving the way for the future of veterinary medicine.