Texas Equine Veterinary Association

| Shem Oliver, DVM, DACVS | The equine and equine veterinarian community is such a tight-knit group and I think I utter the phrase, "What a small world!" on a weekly basis. For instance, I worked for a famous cutting horse trainer in high school named Larry Reeder and when a horse needed surgery, I drove it across the plains of Eastern New Mexico to Dr. Bo Brock in La Mesa, Texas for the needed surgery. Dr. Brock was one of the founders of the Texas Equine Veterinary Association (TEVA). Growing up in New Mexico, there were not very many veterinarians and they covered large swaths of the plains. We saw our veterinarian Dr. David Orton only a few times a year for pregnancy checking cows, testing bulls, and the occasional sick or injured horse. On a large cow-calf ranch we used horses to work all of our cattle and as well compete in calf roping and team roping. Growing up in that environment, it was a tough way to make a living in the desert, so we had to be conscientious of money spent on veterinary care so my father was a great steward of our animals. Not only was it his job as a rancher but we also felt that it was a mandate by God. In Proverbs 12:10 it says, "The righteous care for the needs of their animals," and Proverbs 27:23 "Be sure to know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;" so my father and our family lived this. Taking care of animals teaches us so many things; patience, love, heartbreak, joy, and all the emotions in between but it also gives us perspective on life. It is never easy but it is one of the greatest joys as well. Growing up on that ranch instilled in me purpose, trustworthiness, work ethic, and countless other virtues. For animals to thrive, they need someone with a purpose, need someone who is trustworthy to take care of their needs, and someone with work ethic to be there daily for these needs. Many people wanted to be a veterinarian ever since they were little, but I am here to say if you are late to the party on wanting to be a veterinarian, my story is for you. I only applied to veterinary school because I found out that an animal nutritionist sat behind a computer formulating rations and not tending the cattle. I also did not get into veterinary school on my first try but the work ethic instilled by my raising told me not to give up. So, if you are reading this and the right door has not opened yet, be patient and then get prepared to run through it when the door opens. This is the story of the rest of my career. Once in vet school, I was just preparing for that door to open so I could run through it. Internships, residencies, and jobs will open when the right fit for your story comes available but you must be prepared for the opportunity. I trained on legs from necropsy, visited clinics on holiday breaks, and did as much hands on as I could do during my career. Being prepared and honest have allowed me to run through the open doors that God has opened for me. I can't be remiss to mention people that have fought for me to get in these positions maybe even when they shouldn't have. Dr. Brent Hague and Dr. Mike Major basically held Texas A&M hostage to get me a residency position. I am forever grateful to them and then the excellent training that the Aggies gave me as well. Going back to the colic surgery with Terry Bradshaw in attendance, I still look back and wonder why me? Am I good enough? Many veterinarians have the imposter 12 | TELLING OUR STORY

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