Dr. Maria Sabio-Solacito, used to refer to herself as a misfit. Born and raised in the Philippines, she grew up feeling that she never quite fit in. Born into a family of lawyers, she decided to become a veterinarian just to be different. After graduating from the University of the Philippines, she took on several jobs but never seem to find her rightful place. In 1999, she migrated to Los Angeles and worked as a Registered Veterinary Technician. She later earned her US veterinary license and completed clinical training at Purdue University in Indiana. Currently, she serves as a shelter veterinarian for the nation's largest animal control agency. It is clear to see the passion and optimism in Dr. Solacito’s eyes when she talks about her job, her vision and her hopes for veterinarians in animal sheltering. Click to read more about Dr. Solacito.
Q: What factors influenced your decision to pursue veterinary medicine as a career?
A: The appeal to go into veterinary medicine to me was to be different. I was born into a family of lawyers and I did not feel that I fit in that mold. I learned about veterinary medicine from a HS classmate in the Philippines who was born and raised in the US. She wanted to be a doctor of dogs and cats. And I thought that was interesting.
Q: What did you like about attending Purdue University's veterinary school?
A: I actually attended the University of the Philippines to get my DVM. When I came to the US and I decide to pursue getting my license to practice here, I signed up with Purdue’s Academic Review Program, a program to help foreign graduates like me to study for the board exams. After successfully clearing the NAVLE, I had to complete my Clinical Year Evaluation, also at Purdue University. I am very grateful to Purdue for the education, training and challenge I experienced in my two years. Purdue had provided me solid clinical training that made me a better veterinarian. I like the diversity, and yet very welcoming and accepting atmosphere at the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Q: What would be an interview question you would ask an applicant applying to veterinary school?
A: I would like to ask each applicant “What difference do you think you will make in this world by being a veterinarian?”
A: The appeal to go into veterinary medicine to me was to be different. I was born into a family of lawyers and I did not feel that I fit in that mold. I learned about veterinary medicine from a HS classmate in the Philippines who was born and raised in the US. She wanted to be a doctor of dogs and cats. And I thought that was interesting.
Q: What did you like about attending Purdue University's veterinary school?
A: I actually attended the University of the Philippines to get my DVM. When I came to the US and I decide to pursue getting my license to practice here, I signed up with Purdue’s Academic Review Program, a program to help foreign graduates like me to study for the board exams. After successfully clearing the NAVLE, I had to complete my Clinical Year Evaluation, also at Purdue University. I am very grateful to Purdue for the education, training and challenge I experienced in my two years. Purdue had provided me solid clinical training that made me a better veterinarian. I like the diversity, and yet very welcoming and accepting atmosphere at the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Q: What would be an interview question you would ask an applicant applying to veterinary school?
A: I would like to ask each applicant “What difference do you think you will make in this world by being a veterinarian?”
Q: How did you make yourself stand out as an applicant to veterinary school?
A: Before applying for the Purdue programs, I worked as an RVT at a specialty hospital in West Los Angeles. I believe that my immersion in the “working world” of veterinary medicine gave me an edge because I was able to express a better understanding of the profession, small animal practice in particular, and able to convey my desire to work within the standards I grew accustomed to.
Q: What are you passionate about in terms of your specialty in shelter medicine?
A: Everything! I am passionate about the fact that shelter medicine provides care for the disadvantaged and makes an impact in society. I am passionate about the resilience of my colleagues in this field to make a difference despite all the challenges. I am passionate about our unspoken mission to educate and change the animal sheltering industry. Ultimately, I see shelter medicine as an opportunity to make this world a little better.
Q: What do you want the attendees to leave with after your presentation at the conference this October?
A: I would like to share these guiding principles that I turn to regularly:
Don't miss the opportunity to meet Dr. Solacito in person on Saturday, October 10 of the conference featuring a presentation on Veterinary Leadership Outside of Practice. To register for the conference, click here.
A: Before applying for the Purdue programs, I worked as an RVT at a specialty hospital in West Los Angeles. I believe that my immersion in the “working world” of veterinary medicine gave me an edge because I was able to express a better understanding of the profession, small animal practice in particular, and able to convey my desire to work within the standards I grew accustomed to.
Q: What are you passionate about in terms of your specialty in shelter medicine?
A: Everything! I am passionate about the fact that shelter medicine provides care for the disadvantaged and makes an impact in society. I am passionate about the resilience of my colleagues in this field to make a difference despite all the challenges. I am passionate about our unspoken mission to educate and change the animal sheltering industry. Ultimately, I see shelter medicine as an opportunity to make this world a little better.
Q: What do you want the attendees to leave with after your presentation at the conference this October?
A: I would like to share these guiding principles that I turn to regularly:
- We are the change we seek. To see change we have start with ourselves
- In the end, we are only entitled to what we were willing to give.
- Seek your purpose not just your passion.
Don't miss the opportunity to meet Dr. Solacito in person on Saturday, October 10 of the conference featuring a presentation on Veterinary Leadership Outside of Practice. To register for the conference, click here.