Staff Spotlight: McKinley Mullins
December 15, 2023
McKinley Mullins
Special Service Client Liaison in Surgical Oncology
When did you join the veterinary college?
April 2022
What is your role at the veterinary college?
Special Service Client Liaison in Surgical Oncology. I coordinate with clients and other departments, handle a lot of financials, request and organize clinical diagnostics and results, and get hands-on with patients and in the OR when needed.
The best part of being at VMCVM...
My team, in and out of Surgical Oncology. I’ve made such a solid group of friends/teammates in the college who have my back (personal and professional). The connections I’ve made here are the best part of my job.
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline?
This is actually a running joke, because my role evolved so quickly and I took on so many jobs that it’s hard to clearly define my work. The phrases “the glue of the team” and “help wherever it’s needed” are tossed around often.
A person who has inspired me...
Brittany Ciepluch. We shared our “first days” (my actual first day, her first day back from maternity leave), and how a woman can be so kind, gorgeous, AND brilliant enough to jump right back into the OR after time off amazes me!
Can you share a memorable experience or story from your time working with animals?
There are so many. Like I said, my favorite part of this job is the connections I get to make. There have been multiple clients and pets that have made an impact on me that won’t be forgotten any time soon.
What do you find most inspiring or fulfilling about working with students and helping them pursue their careers?
I have the privilege of being more “on level” with the students, so I get to see a side of them that they don’t show to their faculty. I love helping them push through these problems and gain confidence in their last experience before they graduate and face the world on their own.
A cause I'm most passionate about...
Oncology. Never in a million years did I picture myself working with cancer. I even was a little sad when I was told I was being placed in Surgical Oncology. Little did I know it’s absolutely where I belong. The subject is so fascinating, and the vulnerable state that pets and clients come to us in is so special. Cancer is a terrible disease, but what an honor to be part of something that makes those battling it feel just a bit better.
Favorite way to end the day...
Snuggling my pups in bed with a book.
Top of my bucket list...
A safari. A REAL safari. I’m talking camp in a tent in the middle of the Sahara while the lions circle me on safari.
My favorite quote...
“Beware, for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.” - Maya Angelou
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I have two dogs at home - Roxy (yellow lab, 7) and Copper (hound mix, 3). They are my world and my best friends. I also have a thoroughbred named Archie. I can credit my passion for vet med to him!
