Dr. Tomeshia Hubbard has an eye for beautiful things.

In fact, if she wasn’t a veterinarian, she probably would have gone on to become a fashion model. That’s how much she enjoys clothing, putting together different colors and designs, and standing out in a crowd!

But when it comes to animal care, beauty is more than skin deep.

As a veterinarian who specializes in dermatology, Dr. Hubbard knows this better than anyone. She is the professional worried pet owners turn to when their cat or dog comes down with a case of itchy skin, ear diseases, allergies, and so on.

Got a skin problem?

Call Dr. Hubbard.

Dr. Tomeshia Hubbard is on fire: running a veterinary dermatology practice, tackling student debt, and her dearly loved little dog, Neno.

Best Career Advice She Ever Received

Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. Tomeshia Hubbard received her bachelor’s degree in biology from Talladega College in 1998 and later acquired her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002.

Add to that another 3-year veterinary dermatology residency at the Atlanta Veterinary Skin and Allergy Clinic, and it’s no wonder she rose to become Assistant Professor of Veterinary Dermatology at Tuskegee University.

Integrity, determination, a persistence helped get her there.

However, when it comes to the most influential career advice she ever received, Dr. Hubbard shares these following words:

“Choose a career you truly love and can’t live without,” she recalls being told. “I don’t see veterinary dermatology as work, I see it as having fun. It is so rewarding to see my patients improve and to see their owner’s faces when their pet’s skin and ear problems are resolved.”

Certainly, doing what you love is important.

Nevertheless, that’s not to say veterinarians don’t also have stressful days. To clear her head, Tomeshia appreciates comfy pajamas, dinner in bed, and watching a movie. Ideally, with her sweet dog Neno by her side.

Sounds pretty relaxing to us!

The Biggest Problem Facing the Veterinary Field in 2022 and Beyond? Skyrocketing Debt

Did you know?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, student debt is outpacing income for new graduates at a speed of 4.5. That, combined with the rising cost of living and rampant inflation, means a veterinarian’s salary doesn’t go nearly as far as it once did, especially if you owe money.

Though she sees patients at her privately owned, referral-based, veterinary dermatology practice (the Alabama Veterinary Allergy and Dermatology Service) Dr. Tomeshia Hubbard still emphasizes with young veterinarian graduates just starting out in the field.

She explains, “Most students graduating from veterinary school have over $200,000 in debt and usually have a starting salary of $65,000 or less. This causes severe anxiety for many students. There needs to be more access to scholarship funds and grants for veterinary students.”

And with pet ownership increasing, the demand for vets is only bound to grow.

Thankfully, there are mentors out there willing to share their experiences and stories to help new grads land on their feet. Whether it’s by talking to her fellow veterinarian colleagues, clients, or students, Dr. Tomeshia Hubbard is always willing to share her dermatology expertise.

No doubt, her animal patients (and us humans, too) truly appreciate it!

Stats from the AVMA