Bridging disciplines: a path back to veterinary medicine // College of Veterinary Medicine

When Sarah Lira’s route to veterinary school took an unexpected detour through pharmacy, she didn’t give up — she gained a powerful new perspective. Now a first-year student at Mizzou’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Lira is combining her dual expertise to shape a future in animal care that’s as distinctive as her journey.

*Sarah Lira is a first-year veterinary student from Pueblo, Colorado.*

Published 4/15/25
Story contact: Nicholas Childress, CVMMarCom@missouri.edu
Photos by Karen Clifford

At the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), students arrive with a wide range of experiences — each bringing perspectives and skills that enrich the profession. Few embody that spirit more fully than first-year student Sarah Lira, whose path to Mizzou wound through pharmacy school and a veterinary pharmacy residency before bringing her back to her original dream. Lira’s story is a powerful example of the college’s commitment to fostering passionate, driven and persevering individuals — no matter where their journey begins.

Originally from Pueblo, Colorado, Lira had long dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. When her first application to veterinary school didn’t go as planned, she pivoted and pursued a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Midwestern University. That path led to a veterinary pharmacy residency at the University of Illinois. There, her exposure to clinical work reignited her passion for animal care. “Being in that environment and working closely with veterinarians, I realized that I wanted to come back to vet med,” Lira said. “I’m so excited to pursue my dream at Mizzou.”

Using her pharmacy expertise to enhance veterinary care

Lira’s background in pharmacy provides her with a specialized foundation in pharmacology — one that enhances her capabilities as a future veterinarian. She believes that her dual expertise allows her to approach veterinary care with a broader, more informed perspective.

“Having a pharmacy background has really shaped the way I approach veterinary medicine,” Lira said. “It’s like speaking a second language that helps bridge the gap between treatment and care, allowing me to create a specialized and tailored approach to meet each veterinary patient's needs." — “Having a pharmacy background has really shaped the way I approach veterinary medicine,” Lira said. “It’s like speaking a second language that helps bridge the gap between treatment and care, allowing me to create a specialized and tailored approach to meet each veterinary patient’s needs.”

“At the end of the day, my pharmacy knowledge is helping me be a better veterinarian,” she said. “Having a deep understanding of pharmacology gives me the ability to approach veterinary care with a more holistic perspective, especially when it comes to selecting and managing medications.”

Hands-on learning from the start

Lira said she chose Mizzou for its welcoming community and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience from day one. The CVM’s early integration of real-world learning into the curriculum has already allowed her to put her knowledge into practice.

“We’ve been able to go over to the Veterinary Health Center and get hands-on experience, even as first-year students,” she said. “Seeing things firsthand makes all the difference and sets Mizzou apart.”

She’s also found strong support through faculty and staff who are committed to helping students thrive. “The professors here genuinely care about us,” Lira said. “They make sure we have the resources we need to succeed.”

In addition to opportunities in the classroom, Lira is making the most of her time at Mizzou by getting involved in a wide range of student organizations and professional development opportunities. She is an active member of six student organizations, including the Mule Club and the Raptor Rehabilitation Project. She also serves as a class liaison to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and is a CVM student ambassador.

*Lira participates in the Mule Club, one of many opportunities she’s taken advantage of to work with large animals early in vet school.*

“Being a member of the mule team has been one of the most joyful and grounding parts of my experience so far,” Lira said. “There’s something truly special about working with the mules — their strength, unique personalities and the quiet trust they build with you over time.

“Being involved opens up so many opportunities,” she said. “Through these organizations, I’ve been able to perform ultrasounds on goats, gain hands-on experience with food animals and connect with industry professionals. These are experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

Filling the veterinary gap in her hometown

After graduation, Lira hopes to return to her hometown to practice mixed animal medicine — a much-needed service in southern Colorado, where veterinary shortages have left rural communities underserved.

“My hometown is really hurting as far as having enough veterinarians, and I want to go back and help fill that gap,” she said.

As she continues her education at Mizzou, Lira’s journey — shaped by perseverance, purpose and a distinctive blend of skills — reflects the CVM’s mission to prepare students who will lead, innovate and serve. With every step, she’s building a future that will benefit not only her patients, but the communities that need her most.