In today’s post, we wanted to give you a chance to get to know one of our staff members. Stephanie Wieczorek, a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) here at LIBEVC, shared her story and explained why she decided to become an LVT.
Why did I become an LVT?
I was asked to write a post about why I decided to become a veterinary technician.
The question caught me by surprise because while many people ask if I will be a veterinarian someday, I rarely get asked why I became a veterinary technician. Was there a pivotal moment that led me down this path, or did I have some inkling as I grew up and was exposed to the field?
It probably comes as no surprise that growing up I had an interest in animals. Large or small,
furred or scaled, land-dwelling or deep sea divers – no species was spared from my curiosity. I
grew up, fortunately, when animal documentaries were at their height. Between Animal Plant,
Discovery Channel and National Geographic, I had a plethora of shows at my disposal to sate
my thirst for knowledge of the world.
I was constantly told: ‘Wow you must really love animals.’ And it was true. I grew up surrounded by a variety of species: dogs, cats, freshwater fish, budgies, lovebirds, and lizards. I didn’t discriminate against any of them and loved them all equally.
I received a Bachelor’s Degree in urban ecology and believed I was on the right track. I had planned to pursue a Master’s Degree in the field. At the time, I was working at a veterinary clinic at my first job. The environment in the clinic was the polar opposite of what I had expected, and I found myself reconsidering whether I was dedicating myself to the right field.
There was one moment that was a turning point; it was a rather sudden and traumatic one. A 6-week-old kitten named Frankie had been brought into the clinic in a dire state and it moved me. The doctors on her case worked tirelessly to help her and I was there to assist in any way that I could. I was her nurse in that moment, doing what I could to help heal her and ease any pain and discomfort. She was a fighter, stitched together and having gone through an incredible amount of trauma. While Frankie didn’t make it, unfortunately, her tough spirit was what inspired me to pursue animal medicine as a career.
After much consideration, I enrolled in a veterinary technology program at Mercy College. Having worked in a veterinary clinic, I felt that I was venturing in the direction of where I wanted
to dedicate my career. Animal medicine deeply interested me and becoming an animal nurse fulfilled my passions of working closely with animals while caring for their health and wellbeing.
For many years, I worked in a dog and cat practice but I was looking for a change of pace and the opportunity to challenge myself. That was when I applied to work at Long Island Bird and Exotics Veterinary Clinic. Here, I have had the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge as I interact with a variety of species that I feel privileged to get to work with. Most small animal practices aren’t equipped or comfortable treating or handling the animals that we see every day. I’m constantly learning alongside the talented staff, and I love caring for the pets in the LIBEVC family.