Rachel Dorney is the clinical coordinator for Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery service.
When did you begin working at the College of Veterinary Medicine?
I began working at the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016 as extra help in the Small Animal ICU while I completed my Associates in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology at Parkland College.
Describe your role at the college.
Currently, I am the clinical coordinator for the Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery service. My role primarily is trying to keep our service running by helping support our students, interns, house officers and especially our faculty on a day-to-day basis. I strive to improve and expand our service to its greatest potential all while also ensuring the students are learning in a supportive environment. I also serve as the head liaison for referring veterinarians and clients in our service.
Have you held any previous titles or responsibilities at the college?
I am the primary founder and an executive mentor of the Illini Kitten Club at the University. I get to work closely with our first- through third-year veterinary students on the importance of neonatal and pediatric care.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The patients. It goes without being said that none of us would really be doing this if it was not for the love of our patients and the difference, we get the make in their lives and their families. Tail wags and purrs still bring a smile to my face every day.
In close second though is the long-lasting relationships I am lucky enough to build with our vet students and house officers. Seeing them grow into the amazing doctors they become really makes me proud of what I do.
Complete this sentence: My most memorable day at work was…
…the day they announced the students wouldn’t be coming in during Covid. It was such a shock not having the students at the hospital. The halls were eerily empty and quiet, which was great at first, but they were quickly missed.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my “free time” it is mom’s life, doing the best I can to bug my teenage son. He will never understand how cool I really am. We spend a lot of time in nature or at home working on DIY projects. I also love to craft, anything creative I can do with my hands interests me.
What is something your co-workers may be surprised to know about you?
I have a dog, Loki. I am very well known as the kitten/cat lady of U of I (a title worn proudly) but our almost 14-year-old rat terrier mutt often gets forgotten about or never mentioned at all.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
Traveling to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary in Hawaii or to travel across Europe feeding street cats Churu’s with my husband.
Do you have a favorite restaurant or place in the Champaign/Urbana area?
That is the toughest question yet. I really love locally owned restaurants like Watsons, Seven Saints, Hopscotch, and The Space. I like the feeling of supporting our CU community businesses.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Talking to my work-wife. Working in Vet Med can have a lot of highs and lows and having someone in your corner to help support you during the lows and to raise you higher during the highs is essential to keep going in this field. She is my other brain cell and I would literally be lost in the hospital without her some days.
Do you have any pets?
Our permanent residents are Loki (14-year old rat terrier), Gatsby (14-year-old domestic shorthair- perfection), Roo (10-year-old domestic shorthair tiny spicy pepper), Catrick Swayze and Noodle (3-year old domestic shorthair – brothers with different mothers). We have a kitten rescue room set up in our home for any emergency foster situations so we can help kittens in need.
