From the Classroom to the Aquarium
As she prepares to graduate, Dorothy Echols sees her years as a University of Illinois veterinary student as a time when she grew her passion for caring for a wide variety of animals.
“My lectures on zoo and wildlife species gave me a strong foundation, while my time at the Wildlife Medical Clinic helped me think like a clinician while exposing me to a variety of wildlife species,” Echols reflects.
Outside of the classroom, she also learned versatility by pivoting from wildlife to aquatic species through her externship at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California.
“My externship was a game-changer, showing me that I can work with aquatics as well,” Echols explained. “I have been able to work with many species already, rabbits, squirrels, sea otters, stingrays, and snowy owls. The sky is the limit!”
Turning Her Passion into a Career
“I’ve always had a deep passion for animals, and I wanted to be able to care for them in any capacity,” Echols shares. “After completing my master’s in biology with plans to pursue medical school, I decided to pursue my passion, which is animals!”
After graduation, Echols will be heading to the Arbor View Animal Hospital in Valparaiso, Indiana. There, she will have the opportunity to work with a variety of animals, including small animals, exotics, wildlife, and even some from the local zoo.
“My love for [animals] is so strong that I didn’t want to be limited by species or a lack of knowledge when it comes to providing care,” Echols explains. “It’s an exciting next step, and I can’t wait to get started!”
Dreams for the Future
As a goal-oriented individual and proud mother of a two-year-old, she knows how to manage her priorities and maintain a positive work-life balance for herself and her daughter. This has allowed Echols to set her sights on making a difference throughout her career.
“I’m a really driven advocate for One Health initiatives and support the idea of interspecies wellness, because I believe the health of humans, animals, and the environment are all connected,” Echols explains. “My hope is to be able to give back to minority and low-income communities to provide the education and awareness for regular veterinary care.”
She also plans to pursue ownership and relief work, as well as public speaking opportunities in the near future.
“Being in Champaign as a native Chicagoan has provided me with valuable insights into navigating conversations with rural communities, offering me a broader understanding as a Black woman,” Echols shares. “All of these experiences have given me the confidence to continue learning and growing as a veterinarian, and I’m excited to keep building on what I’ve learned.”
By Haley Maser
