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Q: What do you enjoy most about working with exotic animals?A. It%u2019s truly an art. You%u2019re constantly creating gadgets and tools to help these animals survive. They look prehistoric%u2014like smaller versions of dinosaurs and creatures from a time we can only read about. Building any bond with these animals takes patience and is a humbling experience.Q: How do you balance your professional and personal passions, like bodybuilding and fitness?A. Honestly, it%u2019s a constant battle of discipline and routine. Sometimes the snacks win! But it really comes down to having more good days than bad days and focusing on your %u201cwhy.%u201d Your %u201cwhy%u201d is what gets you up every day with a goal to do it all over again tomorro to be healthy and feel good about yourself%u2014whatever that looks like for you. Q: What%u2019s next for you in your veterinary medicine and fitness journey?A. I%u2019m currently training as a bikini bodybuilder and working toward earning my pro card next year. At the same time, I recently opened my own veterinary practice to provide affordable alternative therapies for pets and their owners. My goal is to maintain good mental health and self-care habits that will create longevity for myself while continuing to educate the community on the human-animal bond.Q: What advice would you give to aspiring veterinarians, especially those from underrepresented communities?A. You can%u2019t be what you can%u2019t see. As a veterinarian, it%u2019s my duty to create opportunities for underprivileged communities to see and dream. My story may be traumatic, but many of theirs are too. Seeing someone like me make a difference and take a different path despite a similar background is the best seed I can plant.MOSTMAGAZINEAs a student-athlete, you build character and dis- cipline. You don%u2019t wait for things to happen%u2014you make them happen. IG:@ dr.bthatsmeMOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 63 83