Cutest Pet

Submitted by Allena Radford University of Missouri

PHCOC 2025-2026 Underserved Areas Award Winner

Alexa Marie Torres Oliveras

As a veterinary student, it is incredibly meaningful to step outside of my studies and volunteer at

community outreach events. My participation in outreach events with Pima Animal Care Center

(PACC) has allowed me to grow not only as a future veterinarian, but also as a person. Although I

am not originally from Arizona, I have come to feel connected to the community I serve. Every

time I volunteer, I feel that I am also serving my community back home in Puerto Rico by

representing my roots and bringing pride to where I come from.

Working alongside dedicated veterinarians, veterinary staff, technicians, volunteers, and my

classmates has been a beautiful experience. These events have allowed me to assist with patient

care, gain hands-on experience, and learn from veterinarians who are committed to making

veterinary care more accessible to families who may otherwise face barriers to receiving it.

One experience that particularly stood out to me involved a Rottweiler that was presented for

evaluation. The veterinarian working that day asked for my professional opinion on what we

should do first. In that moment, I felt that I was beginning to be seen not only as a student, but as a

future colleague. It made me realize how far I had come in my veterinary education. I

recommended performing a 4DX test, considering the prevalence of vector-borne diseases in the

area. The test ultimately came back positive for Ehrlichia, and the patient was started on

appropriate treatment. I was later updated that the dog was responding well to doxycycline. Being

included in the patient's care and receiving that follow-up meant a great deal to me and reinforced

the importance of speaking up and trusting my developing clinical knowledge.

Beyond the medical experience, these outreach events have taught me the importance of

accessible veterinary care and the deep bond between people and their animals. I have met

individuals experiencing housing insecurity who continue to do everything they can to care for

their pets. Seeing the love and effort they put into their animals has reminded me that access to

veterinary care can be a critical part of supporting both pets and the people who depend on them.

These experiences have also taught me the importance of cultural humility. Many of the

community members we serve come from tribal lands or nearby Indigenous communities. I have

been fortunate enough to learn from them and appreciate traditions that are different from my

own. During one event, I asked a community member about a necklace she was wearing, and she

explained that it was made from moth cocoons and held cultural and traditional significance.

Small interactions like this have encouraged me to remain curious, respectful, and willing to learn

from every community I serve.

These experiences have reinforced my desire to incorporate community service and accessible

veterinary care into my future career. I am grateful to the veterinarians, technicians, veterinary

staff, volunteers, classmates, and community members who make these events possible. Most

importantly, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn not only about veterinary medicine, but also

from the people and communities I hope to serve.

Photography

The Beauty of Thailand

Submitted by Jenna Strong Texas A&M University 

TVG Kitchen

Submitted by Rhea Amatya Colorado State University

Creative Corner

Submitted by Angelina Sapienza University of Florida