Volunteer Spotlight: Becca McDonald

Photo of a person named Becca McDonald
How long have you volunteered with NOMV?

Since June 2017

What is your role(s) with NOMV?

Moderator

What's your professional role?

I’m a DVM, a proud SGU grad of 2008. Right now I am a busy bee behind the scenes for a company in the Pet Insurance industry. Prior to my current position I worked in clinical roles in teaching, corporate and private practices.

What's your favorite thing about volunteering for NOMV? 

Seeing the variety of experiences and experience within our profession and within the NOMV Admin & Mod Team, and using that range of knowledge to help others in need.

Why do you volunteer for NOMV?

Initially I started as a way to help others and stay ‘useful’ in the profession after we had our first child. We had just moved to a pretty remote spot where we had no family to help, we had a newborn and my husband was working very long hours, so going back to work seemed difficult to say the least. I was feeling isolated and sad about my lack of options after putting so much effort into my career all my life, and NOMV had helped pick me up a few times. I wanted to return the favor.

Once I found my stride with balancing family needs and was blessed enough to get a position in industry that allowed me a good work life balance I remained dedicated to continuing to set aside time to volunteer as a way to give back and support fellow Vets.

What's a fun fact about you?

Due to some pretty obvious difficulties organizing an economical international wedding (I’m British, my husband is American – he was still in training at this time) we eloped and immediately afterwards went skydiving to celebrate ‘taking the plunge’. Our parents were not impressed!

Where are you located?

Texas

Why are you committed to the NOMV mission?

Because this profession is struggling. Too many Vets or Vet support staff are stretched to breaking point or beyond. I believe it takes people actually INSIDE the profession, who are familiar with the situations, to listen & help address the issues.

What goals do you have for the future of your profession?

Personally I would like to see a time when a resource like NOMV isn’t necessary. When Vets and their staff are treated with the respect due to a medical professional, paid appropriately (or at least have a more manageable student loan burden), and we can retain those who put so so so much time, money and effort into getting their degree. Lets find a way to save that initial appeal.

What are your aspirations within NOMV?

As I continue to learn & grown I would love to be able to be considered for a board position in the future….once I have a few more grey hairs & have earned it.