Dr. Corina Collins makes her own rules

Dr. Corina Collins has many ways to destress.

She loves listening to music, practicing yoga, watching HGTV, and jumping the very tricky Double Dutch after a hectic day.

In fact, she is something of an expert at helping people feel better…and pets, too!

After graduating with a bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Tuskegee University and later attending Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, this veterinarian wanted to learn more about holistic healing. So, Chi University was the next logical step.

“My easiest career decision was becoming a veterinarian,” Dr. Corina explains. “The second easiest decision was becoming certified in veterinary acupuncture.”

Vet Candy had the opportunity to speak with this positive role model. Introducing, the vet with the gentle touch, Dr. Corina Collins!

Going Through the Seasons of Life

Determination. Ambition. Resourcefulness.

These are the three qualities that got Dr. Collins to where she is today. Her mission in life is clear: be a role model and mentor for those from diverse backgrounds who are interested in veterinary medicine and share information that will help them in their journey.

It’s an admirable goal.

Especially considering that for Corina, it was the journey of becoming a veterinarian that she credits as being most lifechanging.

“Now the road here was a bumpy one,” she admits. “However, I can enjoy life, learn new things about medicine, and establish relationships within the veterinary community. I have met some of my best friends by being in the veterinary industry. Not to mention, I was able to accomplish my lifelong dream.”

Indeed, we need more people to dream big. With a soaring demand for veterinarians, it’s estimated that the United States could be short 41,000 veterinarians by 2030 – wow.

As she points out, the vet med world relies upon mentorship and development of veterinary technician interns, assistants, and new graduate veterinarians to stay robust.

Luckily, we’ve got amazing veterinarians such as Dr. Collins showing us the way!

RELATED: Dr. Corina Collins on 21 Questions with Dr. Jill, listen now!

The Biggest Problems Facing the Veterinary Field Today

In addition to mentorship, Dr. Collins sees two big problems in veterinary medicine.

First, a lack of diversity.

Secondly, low wages for support staff.

She’s not wrong.

Currently, the veterinary profession does not reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. While this has improved since the bombshell 2013 report that 96.5% of vets at the time in the US were white, the stats are still stubbornly high at 90%, as cited by the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Furthermore, people entering the workforce are often disappointed (and let’s be honest…shocked) by job posting salaries. The average salary for a veterinary technician is just $19.19 per hour.  

Dr. Corina acknowledges this problem.  

“I believe that there is an overall lack of diversity in the industry and that our support staff (veterinary nurses/technicians/assistants) are not paid enough for their talents and skill set,” she says.

The good news is, thoughtful leaders like Dr. Corina Collins are speaking up about the issues. She has opened her arms to welcome (and be a positive role model to) future veterinarians everywhere.

We sure are thankful!