Dr. Spencer Graham, a recent veterinary graduate, shares his inspiring journey from student to professional at a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner, The Pet Hospital at Poplar at Messey. Motivated by his childhood dog Max, Dr. Graham navigates the challenges of transitioning from vet school to clinical practice. He highlights the supportive community at Thrive, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, work-life balance, and personal growth. Dr. Graham's story showcases how a nurturing professional environment can help new veterinarians thrive, make a difference in animal care, and find fulfillment in their careers while maintaining their passion and well-being.
We caught up with him after his first week as an extern at The Pet Hospital, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner.
The "Why" Behind the White Coat:
Q: What inspired you to become a vet?
DR. GRAHAM: I grew up with dogs and always felt a special connection with them. When I was about nine or ten, we adopted a big, lovable puppy named Max who became my best friend. Unfortunately, Max got really sick, and watching him suffer from heartworms and Lyme disease without being able to help was tough. That helplessness motivated me to pursue veterinary medicine. I didn't want anyone else to feel as helpless as I did. Max was my reason why, and he solidified my decision to become a vet.
From Campus to Clinic: The First Days as an Extern
Q: You just finished your first week as an extern at Thrive. How did it go?
DR. GRAHAM: The first week was everything I had always hoped for and what I wanted coming out of vet school, but I don't think I was ever really prepared for the responsibility. I had some nervous jitters, even had a couple of nightmares about showing up late. But once I saw my first couple of appointments, I really started to hit my stride. It was a lot more fast-paced than vet school, but I'm glad I had that experience. It showed me that I can handle what's coming and I'm excited for the future.
Q: What were you most anxious about coming out of vet school, and how do you feel about it now?
DR. GRAHAM: I was most anxious about the small things like making mistakes in front of owners, and client communication. These are the things that worried me the most because they seem basic but can be quite challenging. However, after talking with my technicians and getting positive feedback, I feel more confident.
The Thrive Journey: From Student to Professional
Q: Can you share a bit about your journey with Thrive? How did it all start?
DR. GRAHAM: Funny enough, my journey with Thrive started even before vet school. I shadowed at a practice during my senior year of high school, which eventually partnered with Thrive. When I got into vet school, I joined the student rep program to build connections within Thrive. During this time, I met amazing people from Thrive’s University Relations team, like Dr. Murphy and Megan, who really showed me the commitment and opportunities within Thrive. Everyone I've met through Thrive has been approachable and willing to help, which is invaluable.
Q: How did your experience as a student ambassador shape your goals and aspirations?
DR. GRAHAM Being a student ambassador with Thrive showed me that there are like-minded people dedicated to their careers and goals. It also provided me with invaluable support and mentorship from professionals like Dr. Murphy. This experience reinforced my aspirations of potentially starting my own practice or even running for AVMA office. It’s great to have a support system that truly wants the best for you and is willing to help you achieve your goals.
Q: What attracted you to join Thrive and become a full time Thriver?
DR. GRAHAM: Thrive's mission and dedication to creating a supportive and good working environment for everyone attracted me. Knowing that the company takes care of its support staff and provides benefits for everyone involved was important. Meeting people through the student rep program and seeing the direction Thrive wants to go made me feel aligned with their goals. Thrive offers a vast network and opportunities for anyone with different aspirations. It’s a great place for new grads and vet students, with a good reputation in the industry.
Memorable Experiences and Moments with Mentors
Q: Can you share a memorable experience from your time as a student or now as an extern?
DR. GRAHAM: One memorable case was with a Dachshund mix named Casca during my internal medicine rotation. She had acute kidney disease and was quite sick, but over a week, she improved greatly. Seeing her go from being depressed and sick to chasing a tennis ball in the discharge room was incredibly rewarding. Her owners even joked that Casca was excited to see her "boyfriend" Spencer - the owners were so grateful, and it really highlighted why I love this profession.
Q: Who has been one of your biggest supporters or mentors throughout your journey?
DR. GRAHAM: My parents have always been incredibly supportive, encouraging me even when I doubted myself. In the veterinary field, Dr. Chat, who first allowed me to shadow at his clinic, and Dr. Bruno, my primary doctor back in Georgia, have been pivotal. They pushed me, taught me, and have always been there to offer advice. Recently, Dr. Murphy from Thrive has been a great mentor, providing support both personally and professionally. For instance, during my first week at the clinic, I had a particularly tough day. I didn't even have to reach out; Dr. Murphy texted me saying, "Hey, I heard you had a tough day. What's going on? Do you need to talk about it?" Having that kind of support is incredibly important.
The Clinic Vibe: Superheroes in Scrubs
Q: How would you describe your hospital, The Pet Hospitals at Poplar at Massey? What's the vibe?
DR. GRAHAM: The vibe at my hospital is great. Everyone gets along well, and there's a lot of collaboration. The doctors have their unique strengths, and we support each other. The technicians and assistants are experienced and dedicated, making the environment fast paced but supportive. We have a cohesive unit where everyone can talk and support each other, making it a great place to work.
Q: If your team was a group of superheroes, who would they be?
DR. GRAHAM: I'd say we're like the Avengers. We have different skill sets and personalities, but we're all committed to one goal and work well together as a team
Life Outside the Clinic: Hobbies and Balance
Q: What are your hobbies outside of work?
DR. GRAHAM: I love fishing for its peace and serenity, golf for the mental toughness it builds, reading, playing video games, and going to the gym. Dr. Murphy has always emphasized the importance of finding hobbies and balancing work with personal interests. He's a great example of someone who has many hobbies and encourages others to do the same. These hobbies help me maintain a balance and enjoy life outside of work.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring vet students?
DR. GRAHAM: Learn to adapt to failure. You’re not going to be perfect, and you will make mistakes. It’s important to prioritize learning how to handle these mistakes and not let them discourage you. It’s a part of the learning process and will make you a better vet in the long run. Also, remember to find balance in your life. Pursuing veterinary medicine is demanding, but it’s important to take care of yourself and enjoy the journey. The support system at Thrive really helps with that.’
Community and Impact: Making a Difference in Pet Well-Being
Q: What does being a part of the Thrive community mean to you?
DR. GRAHAM: Being part of the Thrive community means being in a group dedicated to improving the lives of everyone in the profession while fulfilling the goal of taking care of animals. Thrive prioritizes taking care of yourself, finding hobbies, and maintaining a work-life balance. This supportive environment is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Q: How do you hope to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners through your work at Thrive?
DR. GRAHAM: I hope to make a difference by being approachable and trustworthy, ensuring owners know I’m there to help. I want to educate them and work together as a team to make the best decisions for their pets. It’s about building trust and showing that I truly care about their animals. I believe that my role is to be there for both the pet and the owner, guiding them through decisions with honesty and compassion. I want my clients to feel like they can rely on me, not just as a vet, but as a partner in their pet's health journey.
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