Sam Johnson

DVM Class of 2024

My undergraduate degree was in?

Animal Science at the University of Kentucky

The best part of being a VMCVM student is …

Being a student ambassador and sharing all the wonderful aspects and hard truths of being here with the new bright-eyed future veterinarians who come to see the school. 

The moment I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian was …

When I was 5 years old, and I told our family vet I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. She had to bend over the table to see me, but she told me to come work with her when I was 16, and I did. And now I have been there for eight years. 

My hidden talent...

Hidden even from me because I have no idea what my hidden talent is.

A person who has inspired me...

Dolly Parton, if I could meet anyone, it would be her. She is ever so talented while also being such a uniting figure, and she's never afraid to make fun of herself.

The biggest misconception about being a veterinarian student...

The biggest misconception about vet students is that for four years while you are here, vet school is the most important thing in your life. But really, it's all the other things like my family, my girlfriend, my friends, and my pets that are the most important, and they help to keep me motivated and not forget my passion.

If I had a superpower, it would be...

I wish I could speak any language.

My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song...

9 to 5 by Dolly Parton, it's about taking back control of your life, and I think that's something that vet students struggle with sometimes.

The course project/study you're most excited about...

Intro to Avian and Reptile Medicine

What excites me the most about the future of my industry...

The increasing diversity of our field (although slow) is helping to ensure that our clients and future veterinarians can see someone that looks like them in the field.

Favorite way to end the day...

The best way to end the day is on the days when you don't have morning classes the next day so you can stay up reading until you fall asleep.

Top of my bucket list...

Traveling to India for a Yoga and Meditation retreat.

How many pets do you have? Types?

I have three pets that live with me in Blacksburg, a six-month-old Cavalier puppy, a parrot named Mango, and a 35-pound Sulcata tortoise named Shelly.

Contact:

Andrew Mann
Director of Communications and Marketing