Celebrating Women’s History Month with Dr. Kimmerlein, Dr. Sheafor and Dr. Chin

In honor of Women's History Month, VCA is proudly celebrating the accomplishments of three incredible women in veterinary medicine: Dr. Anne Kimmerlein, DVM and epidemiologist; Dr. Sarah Sheafor, DVM and oncologist at VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency; and Dr. Michele Chin, DVM, intern and extern director at VCA Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center. This conversation highlights their inspiring backgrounds, passions, and experiences within the field of science.

What inspired you to pursue science?

• Dr. Kimmerlein: I came to science in a bit of a roundabout way. I always knew I wanted to be a veterinarian, and, in order to be one, I knew I needed to study science. Luckily, the more I studied science, the more I fell in love with the discipline itself.
• Dr. Sheafor: I liked solving puzzles and understanding why and how things worked. I liked helping people and other animals. And, while I also loved literature and history, I was pretty sure that I couldn’t make a good living in those fields.
• Dr. Chin: From a young age, I’ve always had a deep love for animals. My passion began in third grade when a pigeon flew into our classroom window that I nursed back to health. This experience sparked my lifelong desire to help animals. During my time at North Hollywood High School, I further developed my interest by enrolling in the school’s Zoo Magnet program. Through courses like animal behavior, I had the opportunity to observe and learn directly from animals which allowed me to deepen my understanding of animal care and behavior, while also making a positive impact on their lives.

What was the most rewarding experience in your veterinary career?

• Dr. Kimmerlein: The most rewarding experiences in my veterinary career are when I can help educate someone. This can look like helping one of our house officers understand the statistics behind their research, or helping a pet owner understand why a particular vaccine is important for their pet’s health. As VCA’s Veterinary epidemiologist, I am so fortunate to be in a position where I can use my love of science to support and educate our doctors, hospital teams, and the community.
• Dr. Sheafor: Building the multispecialty/emergency hospital that provides the best collaborative care for my patients. I want to work in a hospital where I’m happy bringing my own pets; where I can be certain that my patients always get the best diagnostics and care; and where I feel fulfilled as a clinician-scientist-teacher.
• Dr. Chin: I feel rewarded every time I step into a classroom to teach children about animals, responsible pet ownership, and what it truly takes to be a veterinarian. If I can inspire just one person to pursue their dreams, it makes everything worthwhile.

What is your true passion when it comes to science and how did it lead you to the world of veterinary science?

• Dr. Kimmerlein: I really love the research process. I like starting out with a question to which we don’t know the answer and brainstorming ways that we could set up research studies to try to answer it. My favorite part is when we’ve collected all the data in a big spreadsheet, and I get to start the statistical analysis. It is so gratifying seeing all that hard work turn into tangible results that we can then use to enhance and improve the veterinary care we provide our patients.
• Dr. Sheafor: Medicine was the aspect of science that I liked the most, and I decided that human medicine was simply too easy. Veterinary medicine would provide much more of a challenge.
• Dr. Chin: My true passion for science stems from problem-solving and applying that knowledge to help animals in need. The joy of caring for a beloved family pet in an emergency and getting them back home to their family is immeasurable.

Who were your role models that encouraged you to pursue science?

• Dr. Kimmerlein: I have been so lucky to work with some amazing women veterinarians who have now become my friends. Their courage and tenacity in this field has paved the way for female veterinarians and scientists like me.
• Dr. Chin: In high school, I also volunteered at a small animal practice, where I had the chance to witness the incredible work of these dedicated ladies. Watching these veterinarians and technicians with such passion for their work inspired me to continue pursuing my goals of becoming a veterinarian.

Do you have any advice for girls or women who are interested in pursuing science?

• Dr. Kimmerlein: My advice to girls and women interested in pursuing science would be to stick with it, even when things are tough. From extra hours spent in labs and studying during school, to the need for continual learning and adaptation in the workforce, a career in science can be challenging. Whether practicing veterinarians or laboratory researchers, scientists need to not only be able to communicate with their colleagues but also translate their findings and understanding to a broader, non-scientific audience. Melding all these skills together is not easy, but when you see your work positively affects others, it’s the best feeling in the world.
• Dr. Sheafor: Don’t listen to the people who will tell you that you cannot do it. As you enter this field, I advise using any comments you hear as motivation and encouragement to keep pursing veterinary medicine, and then specialty veterinary medicine.
• Dr. Chin: It’s essential to seek out hands-on experience. I encourage volunteering at local practices.. Observing veterinarians in real-time provides invaluable insight into their work and allows you to ask questions, which helps guide future career decisions. Excelling academically is also important as it opens doors to these kinds of opportunities. Additionally, there are numerous summer programs for high school students at colleges and veterinary schools which build connections in the field.