As a child, Hassan Hanna frequently visited Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo. When his mom witnessed the excitement that beamed through him as he raced from exhibit to exhibit, she knew then, according to Hanna, that he was meant to pursue veterinary medicine — and so did he.
“If you flip to my fourth-grade yearbook, you’ll see I proudly wrote that I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up,” Hanna said. “From a young age, I felt a deep connection to animals, and as I grew older and developed a love for science and medicine, veterinary medicine naturally became the perfect blend of both passions.”
Later, he joined the ZooMonitor volunteer program at Lincoln Park Zoo and volunteered at PAWS Chicago, exploring the human-animal-environment connection that fascinated him.
Past to Present
Before entering veterinary school, Hanna studied theatre arts at DePaul University in Chicago. The values he learned there — creativity, inclusivity, empathy, and boldness — came with him to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
During Hanna’s veterinary studies, the Wildlife Medical Clinic nurtured his passion for wildlife medicine by providing hands-on experiences beside world-renowned wildlife veterinarians. He found incredible mentors and professors in the hospital’s zoological medicine service, including Drs. Michelle Borsdorf, Judilee Marrow, Sam Sander, and Will Sander. Dr. Stephany Lewis, director of the Wildlife Medical Clinic, became an exceptional mentor and lifelong friend to Hanna.
“Being part of the Wildlife Medical Clinic was truly a dream come true,” Hanna said. “From triaging injured animals to experiencing the joy of releasing rehabilitated wildlife and facing the difficult but necessary reality of humane euthanasia, I learned what it means to practice compassionate, high-quality medicine.”
During his clinical year, Hanna pursued wildlife-focused externships at the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network, The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, Tufts Wildlife Clinic, and the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute.
Next Step
Simultaneously, Hanna began applying for small animal rotating internships and wildlife specialty internships. He was soon selected for the Partners for Wildlife program, a one-year wildlife specialty internship jointly operated by Washington State University and the Progressive Animal Welfare Society.
“My long-term goal is to pursue a career in wildlife medicine, with a focus on rehabilitation and population health,” Hanna said. “I’m passionate about contributing to conservation efforts and protecting the incredible species we share this planet with. It still feels surreal that I get to take this next step.”
‘The Most Transformative Experience’
Hanna recognizes that he has grown personally and professionally throughout his time at the college. Beyond his studies, Hanna took on leadership roles to foster community and connection within the veterinary world, both locally and beyond.
“Veterinary school has been the most transformative experience of my life,” Hanna said. “These four years will test your resilience, but they will also help you grow, not just as a doctor but as a person. Be the kind of doctor who uplifts others, spreads positivity, and reminds the world how incredible veterinary professionals truly are.”
He also enters his veterinary career with pride in his cultural heritage.
“I’m Middle Eastern, and representation in veterinary medicine still has a long way to go,” Hanna said. “There aren’t many people in this field who look like me, and that makes it even more important to share my story. I’m honored to represent my community and to show that we belong in every space, including this one.”
Hanna feels that, having achieved his dream, he now wishes to make the world a better place for everyone.
“I strive to leave every place I go a little better than I found it,” Hanna said.
By Chloe Barbarise
