- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2013
- International Veterinary Medicine Certificate, 2013
Current Occupation: General Practice and Emergency Doctor, New England Animal Medical Center, West Bridgewater, MA
Previous Occupations: Associate Veterinarian, Newton Animal Hospital, Newton, Massachusetts; Veterinarian and On-site Project Manager, Humane Society International, Grand Baie, Mauritius; Relief Veterinarian, Canines, Cats and Critters, Red Hook, Saint Thomas, United States Virgin Islands; Veterinary Intern, New England Animal Medical Center, West Bridgewater, MA
Tufts-Affiliated Activities: Tufts University Veterinary Alumni Association, President (2017-present); Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Board of Advisors (2017-present); International Alumni-Student Service Program, Program Developer and Mentor (2018-present)
Other Professional/Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association, Advisory Board and Chairperson of the Nominating Committee (2018-present), Member (2013-present); American Veterinary Medical Association, Member (2013-present); Merrimac River Feral Rescue Society & Commonwealth Cats Inc., Volunteer Veterinary Surgeon (2016–present); Project Samaná, Volunteer Veterinarian (2016)
Tufts Family: Karen A. Holmes, V04
Candidate Statement: Time, Talent & Treasure. I believe that we all have been given unique gifts and resources entrusted to us to make this world a better place. As a veterinary student, I was blessed to discover these values permeating through the educational opportunities available to me at Cummings. I recognize that this spirit is also present at the University level. This recognition of mutual values in all areas of the greater Tufts University has motivated me to extend my involvement beyond Cummings’.
Currently at Cummings, I am helping develop a program called the International Alumni-Student Service Program. There are several goals of this program: increase alumni engagement through novel mentorship opportunities; collaborate with local professionals and students; provide medical help for under-served populations; increase clinical competency of our graduating students; and help provide a unique perspective for program participants.
As a member of the Tufts University Alumni Council, I would help facilitate this type of activity beyond veterinary medicine, and into the One Health realm. Can you envision Tufts alumni -- from all the various disciplines -- mentoring students in service projects? I dream of collaborative efforts between veterinarians, human physicians, dentists, and social workers acting collectively to address the health of populations. I visualize a gathering of a diverse population of alumni to promote the livability and health of habitats. What if in addition to having “Travel and Learn” opportunities, we had “Travel and Serve” opportunities?!
Whether in Medford, Chinatown, Grafton, or on the other side of the world, there is so much good we can do with our time, talent, and treasures. Tufts University provides us with a vehicle to make this work more impactful. Thank you for considering me as a partner in this work.
