Molly Mettler: A Dedicated Veterinarian Shaping the Future of Veterinary Medicine

Molly Mettler is a passionate and accomplished veterinarian who has combined her strong medical expertise with a technological background to contribute significantly to the veterinary industry and the community at large. Her journey is marked by dedication to animal health, leadership in student organizations, and a commitment to advancing veterinary care through hands-on experience and education.

Early Education and Foundations

Molly’s educational journey began at Da Vinci Science High School, where she graduated with a remarkable GPA of 4.46. During her high school years, she actively engaged in robotics and leadership roles, serving as the CAD Lead and Marketing Lead for the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team. She also held leadership positions in community service organizations, including Vice President of Interact and Co-President of Bright Life. These early experiences helped lay the groundwork for her exceptional leadership skills and technical aptitude.

University of California, Davis – Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

Following high school, Molly attended the University of California, Davis, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. UC Davis is renowned for its strong agricultural and veterinary programs, and during her time there, Molly further refined her passion for veterinary medicine.

While pursuing her undergraduate degree from 2015 to 2019, Molly was heavily involved in extracurricular activities that nurtured her interest in animal welfare and veterinary science. She served as the Event & Media Lead for the Aggie Animal Rescue Club and was an active member of Pre-Vets Supporting Diversity as well as the Vet-Aide Club. These experiences exposed her to real-world animal care situations and expanded her understanding of the veterinary field.

Earning the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at UC Davis

Molly Mettler’s veterinary career culminated with her acceptance into the prestigious UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree between 2020 and 2024. UC Davis is one of the top veterinary schools in the United States, emphasizing clinical excellence, research, and community engagement.

Leadership Roles at UC Davis Veterinary School

During her veterinary studies, Molly demonstrated outstanding leadership and initiative. She was elected President of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) for the 2022-2023 academic year, a role in which she advocated for student interests, organized events, and fostered professional development among her peers.

In addition to SAVMA, she served as President of the Orphan Kitten Project, reflecting her deep commitment to animal rescue and welfare beyond traditional clinical settings. Her leadership roles illustrated a potent blend of compassion, organizational skills, and dedication to veterinary medicine.

Hands-On Experience: Emergency and Critical Care Student Technician

Molly gained valuable clinical experience as an Emergency and Critical Care Student Technician at UC Davis from April 2021 to May 2023. In this role, she worked closely with veterinarians and veterinary technicians to assist with medical procedures, restrain animals safely, maintain detailed medical records, and triage emergency patients.

One of the crucial aspects of her work was acting as the early liaison between clients and emergency staff, providing compassionate communication and helping stabilize patients during critical moments. This experience sharpened her clinical skills and deepened her understanding of emergency veterinary medicine, an area that demands both medical knowledge and emotional resilience.

Additional Professional Experience

Before and during her veterinary education, Molly accrued diverse experience across multiple veterinary hospitals and community programs, enhancing her practical skills and exposure to various animal care settings.

Centre-Sinai Animal Hospital

In 2018, Molly worked as a Student Assistant at the Centre-Sinai Animal Hospital in Los Angeles. She shadowed the lead veterinarian during examinations and assisted veterinary technicians in monitoring animals, restraining them when needed, recording vital signs, and maintaining cleanliness in the hospital. This hands-on role provided early exposure to clinical practices and client interaction in a bustling urban veterinary environment.

Culver-Palms Animal Hospital

Simultaneously, Molly worked at Culver-Palms Animal Hospital, where she assisted in a range of duties including animal monitoring, medicating, grooming, and cleaning kennels and equipment. This position enhanced her ability to work as part of a veterinary team, ensuring animals received comprehensive care and the hospital environment met high standards of sanitation.

National Student Leadership Conference – PennVet

In the summer of 2019, Molly participated as a Team and Residential Advisor at the National Student Leadership Conference at PennVet (University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine). She mentored and led over 200 high school students interested in veterinary medicine, facilitating workshops on suturing, injections, surgical preparedness, dissections, and bird handling.

This role showcased her ability to inspire and educate future generations of veterinary professionals while honing her own communication and teaching skills.

UC Davis Horse Barn Internship

In 2017, Molly interned at the UC Davis Horse Barn, where she contributed to the health and well-being of horses through grooming, bathing, and maintaining the cleanliness of stables, with special attention to pregnant mares. This internship gave her valuable insights into equine management and the unique veterinary challenges associated with large animals.

Technology Background and Work at SpaceX

Apart from her veterinary pursuits, Molly has a strong foundation in technology and information systems, which she has leveraged to enhance her efficiency and problem-solving skills in veterinary practice.

Between 2013 and 2016, she held two positions at SpaceX, a cutting-edge aerospace company in Hawthorne, California. Starting as an Information Technology Intern and later working as an Information Technology Logistics Technician, she supported engineers, executives, and mechanics by resolving technological issues and improving departmental workflows.

Her technology skills also extended into her university years, where, from 2015 to 2022, she worked as a Student Information Technology Desktop Support Technician at UC Davis. Here, she configured and troubleshooted hardware and software issues for faculty and students, ensuring the smooth operation of academic and research activities.

This blend of technology and veterinary medicine uniquely positions Molly to contribute to innovations in veterinary care, from electronic medical records to diagnostic tools and telemedicine.

Honours and Awards

Throughout her academic career, Molly has received numerous accolades recognizing her academic excellence, leadership, and community service.

• Dean’s List (2017-2019): Molly earned a place on the Dean’s List at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for maintaining a grade point average in the upper 16% of her cohort.
• Second Lieutenant Warren R. Salz Memorial Scholarship (2015): Awarded for demonstrated leadership, financial need, and community involvement as an entering freshman pursuing an agricultural major.
• Kayne Foundation Scholarship Recipient (2015): Selected as part of the inaugural class of first-generation college students, receiving career development and leadership training over three years.
• Honoree at the 19th Annual Alumni Awards, South Bay Work Investment Board (2015): Recognized for her contributions and potential in her community.
• Award for Work at SpaceX: Recognized for her contributions as an IT technician supporting complex aerospace operations.

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Conclusion

Molly Mettler represents a new generation of veterinarians who combine clinical expertise with leadership and technological savvy. Her comprehensive educational background, practical experience in emergency and critical care, and commitment to community involvement demonstrate a holistic approach to veterinary medicine.

Her ability to balance hands-on animal care with technology, leadership roles, and educational mentorship shows great promise for her future contributions to the veterinary field. As she embarks on her professional career, Molly Mettler is well-prepared to make meaningful impacts in both clinical settings and broader veterinary advancements.