Dr. Kyra Larrabee // Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Larrabee is a graduate from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine and currently practices as a rural mixed animal veterinarian at Gray County Veterinary Clinic.
I can't thank Meghan enough for her time, friendship, and vulnerability to share her thoughts with TTV. Meghan's answers regarding her experience in veterinary school, mental health challenges, and more are available below below. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact TheTurquoiseVet@gamil.com.
- Why did you initially want to be a part of veterinary medicine? *
- As most individuals in vet med, I consider myself an early identifier. I initially wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals and I couldn't imagine being anything else!
- What are your goals post graduation as a new graduate? (i.e. SA GP, LA GP, SA ER, Therio, etc.) *
- I graduated during COVID and I currently work as a rural mixed animal veterinarian.
- Why is mental health important to you? *
- If you aren't taking care of yourself, how can you expect to take care of your work, family and friends to the best of your ability. I wholeheartedly believe that the work you put into yourself shows through you.
- What skills have you implemented into your daily routine to mitigate stress, anxiety, depression, etc.*
- I make it a priority to go to the gym or get outside for at least an hour of my day. This has become such an important part of my life that I "want" to go workout rather than I "have to go workout. I also really focus on trying to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
- How does the administration at your school approach mental health? Is it a priority? Do they offer resources? *
- OSU-CVM offered professionals that you could schedule visits and check-ins with.
- Did you feel prepared as a pre-veterinary student going to veterinary school? If you could go back, what would you change about your preparation? *
- I personally don't know if anyone is truly prepared for that first year of veterinary school! My colleagues and I still look back and think "Holy cow, how in the world did we manage to survive while studying for 16+ hours a day!?"
- What advice do you have for someone interested in diving in deep into this industry? *
- Surround yourself with people who will pick you up and encourage you because we all have doubts and sometimes we are our worst critics.
- What advice do you have for someone struggling with mental health? *
- Reach out and talk to someone! We all have troubles in our own different ways so to me this is a judgement-free zone.
- How has your vet school experience helped make you prioritize your needs and wants as a future veterinarian? (i.e., practice environment, sign-on bonus, prioritizing work-life balance, etc.)*
- Going to several different preceptors and externships during school helped shaped the views I had going into private practice. I knew I wanted to work for a practice that utilizes their technicians, shares on-call schedule, has available diagnostics, and values mentorship. I know it sounds like a "unicorn" job, but trust me, it's possible!
- Do you have any additional information that you would like to share that pertains to mental health & vet med advocation?
- Being that it is Mental Health Awareness Month, remember, your job does not define you nor does it need to be your whole life! I often have to remind myself of this simple thought because it's easy to drown yourself in your work because we are passionate about it and we want our patients and clients to be happy and healthy. It's okay to focus on yourself to make sure you're giving those around you your best self!
Resources:
- Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine: https://vetmed.okstate.edu/programs-and-admissions/dvm-program.html
