Published on
Story contact: Deidra Ashley, CVMMarCom@missouri.edu
Photo by Karen Clifford
City life in St. Louis rarely brought Anna Divin close to livestock, but time at her grandparents’ farm opened the door to a future in veterinary medicine. That spark grew into a lasting passion, and today, as a fourth-year student at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Divin is preparing for her dream career in mixed-animal practice through Mizzou’s hands-on training, supportive faculty and countless opportunities to get involved along the way.
Read on for a Q&A with Divin about her Mizzou CVM experience.
Why did you choose Mizzou for veterinary school?
I’d always planned on becoming a veterinarian, so the real decision was where to go. Mizzou stood out because of its reputation and the fact that it was closer to home and more affordable than some of my other options. On top of that, I knew veterinarians who had gone through the program, and they spoke really highly of their experience.
What has your experience like so far?
It has been great and has gone by so quickly! I love the 2+2 program because it gives you an extra year of hands-on experience and exposes you to nearly every area of veterinary medicine. That variety keeps the work exciting, keeps you engaged and helps you discover what part of the profession inspires you most.
In addition to my coursework, I found ways to get practical experience through student clubs — from Dr. Rivero taking us out to trim alpaca feet in my first year to Dr. Morris spending time teaching food animal skills and many other hands-on activities. There are so many opportunities outside the classroom; there really is something for everyone.
What opportunities outside of campus have helped prepare you for your career?
My externships have helped supplement what I’m learning at the CVM. I’ve done mixed-animal work throughout Missouri and Texas and have had the opportunity to focus on specialties like ophthalmology and dental/oral surgery.
At Mizzou, you see academic medicine at its best — people bring us cases when they’re stumped, and you get to learn from complex situations. Externships complement that by showing how veterinary medicine is carried out in everyday practice. Experiencing both has given me a more complete picture of the profession.
What stands out to you about the faculty and clinicians at Mizzou?
They’re incredible. They’re such a big resource of knowledge, and they’re so willing to donate their time. Whether it’s guiding us through clinics or leading our clubs, you can tell they genuinely want you to succeed. That’s been one of the best parts of being here.
What advice would you give to future veterinary students?
Don’t limit yourself. Take advantage of every opportunity offered, even if it is new and unfamiliar. The Mizzou CVM will give back to you what you put into it — and at the end of four years, it will all be worthwhile.