Hanna McKee is not your typical veterinarian. A mixed animal practitioner with a strong focus on equine medicine, Hanna’s journey has taken her from the rolling hills of Connecticut to the majestic Rocky Mountains of Colorado, where she now serves the diverse needs of both small and large animals. With both her Bachelor’s in Equine Science and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine earned from Colorado State University, Hanna has a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for horses that has guided her path.

But Hanna’s journey didn’t start out like many aspiring veterinarians. As a child, she underwent multiple orthopedic surgeries, which initially sparked her dream of becoming an equine orthopedic surgeon. "I always thought I'd become a surgeon," Hanna reflects. "But a pivotal conversation during my last year of vet school made me rethink everything." During a simple dinner with a mentor, Hanna was asked why she truly wanted to be a surgeon. This sparked months of self-reflection, eventually leading Hanna to the realization that her passion wasn’t tied to surgery itself, but rather to working with horses in any capacity. This epiphany shifted her focus to mixed animal medicine with an equine emphasis—a decision that has allowed her to enjoy the variety and fulfillment that come with general practice.

Tackling the Veterinary Industry’s Biggest Challenge

For Hanna, the biggest issue facing the veterinary industry today is the dwindling interest in large animal medicine, especially equine care. "Only 5% of new graduates go into equine medicine, and after five years, half of them either switch to small animal practice or leave the field altogether," she notes. This alarming statistic has serious implications for horse owners, as access to care diminishes. Hanna identifies three key challenges behind this decline: financial barriers for students interested in equine medicine, discouraging experiences during vet school, and the burnout that plagues young professionals once they enter the field.

She is determined to address these challenges head-on. Hanna's mission is clear: to inspire more individuals to pursue equine medicine and to improve the culture within the industry. Through her business, The Equinnection, she aims to expose students of all backgrounds to the world of equine medicine, creating opportunities for hands-on experiences. Hanna is particularly passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion within the field, citing organizations like Ebony Horsewoman and the Compton Cowboys as inspirations for her long-term vision of creating a nonprofit that provides equine veterinary opportunities to underrepresented communities.

Advice to Her Younger Self—and Others

Looking back on her journey, Hanna’s advice to her younger self is simple but profound: "Slow down and enjoy the moment." Like many driven individuals, she often found herself too focused on the next achievement, never taking the time to appreciate her accomplishments along the way. Now, as a practicing veterinarian, she has learned the importance of work-life balance, allowing herself time to enjoy life outside of work and cherish the little things.

For those considering specialization, Hanna has some key advice drawn from her own experiences. "Before deciding on a specialty, reflect on why you want to specialize," she says. "Sometimes we get caught up in titles or roles without thinking about whether the day-to-day realities align with what we truly enjoy." For Hanna, her mentor’s question—"Do you enjoy surgery, or do you enjoy the role of being a surgeon?"—was a game-changer, and she encourages students to think deeply about their motivations.

A Hero Close to Home

When it comes to personal inspiration, Hanna doesn’t have to look far. Raised by a single mother, Hanna’s relationship with her mom closely resembles that of Rory and Lorelai from Gilmore Girls. "My mom has worked her way to the top in her career and sacrificed everything to support me," Hanna shares. "She’s been my rock through every high and low, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her." Her mother’s resilience and dedication have not only shaped Hanna’s career, but also her commitment to helping others, especially those who face obstacles in pursuing their dreams.

Looking Forward

As Hanna McKee continues to grow her career and her business, she remains laser-focused on her mission to inspire the next generation of equine veterinarians. Through her work, social media presence, and The Equinnection, she is committed to making a difference, not just for horses, but for the students who will one day carry the torch in equine medicine.

Hanna’s journey is one of passion, reflection, and purpose. Her story serves as a reminder that while career paths may shift, staying true to your core passions can lead to the most fulfilling outcomes—both for the animals you care for and the people you inspire along the way.