ABC Veterinary Assistant Program
Student of the Month
October 2014

Elizabeth Alonso

Elizabeth Alonso, who lives in Clarksville, Tennessee, is a very motivated student who has dedicated herself completely to the program and her studies. Elizabeth did her externship at St. Bethlehem Animal Clinic and, shortly thereafter, she applied and got hired to work full-time at Murphy Road Animal Hospital. From there, Elizabeth plans to continue her education and become a Registered Veterinary Technician.

• What prompted you to become a veterinary assistant? Was there a specific event, circumstance or person who inspired you to pursue this career?

My husband, who is in the military, and I were moving from Georgia to Tennessee, and I decided it was time for a career change. I went from human medicine, working at a neurology clinic for almost 10 years, to a Patient Services Coordinator to veterinary medicine. My husband and I are huge animal lovers, and I’ve always said if there were circumstances where I could change careers, I would take it. Fortunately, I’ve had the support of my husband during this transition.

• What was/is the biggest challenge you faced during your externship and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was dealing with my emotions during a euthanasia process. Regardless, the veterinarians were all very supportive. They allowed me to show my emotions, which was actually very helpful for the owners during their last moments with their pets.

• What has been your most rewarding moment during your externship?

My most rewarding moment was having my first parvovirus patient make a full recovery. She came in very sick and was hospitalized for about eight days. I had to hand-feed her for five of those days. I found out she was released the day after I completed my externship.

• Describe a humorous moment you witnessed or took part in while working at your externship location.

A humorous moment occurred when dealing with a very unhappy feline. She just did not want to go in the kennel for boarding. The technician I was assisting finally got her in the kennel and the feline gave her a nice love tap to let her know she was not happy. Luckily, no one was injured with her paw taps because she was de-clawed.

• How did you hear about the ABC program and what convinced you to become certified?

I found ABC by researching online for a Certified Veterinary Assistant program. I wanted the certification because my husband is in the military. We have a tendency to move around frequently. Since we will be moving to another state again at some point, I wanted a foundation to build on. This is a career I can take with me to any state I move to.