Dr. Leia Chung's Incredible Transformation: From NYC Barista to Philadelphia's Newest Vet!
After years of dedication and perseverance, Dr. Leia Chung has reached a significant milestone in her life. A 2024 graduate of Cornell Veterinary College, Dr. Leia is now working at a private practice in Philadelphia, where she fulfills her dream of providing compassionate and accessible care to pets and their families. Her journey to becoming a veterinarian is a story of passion, determination, and a deep love for animals.
Discovering Her True Calling
Dr. Leia's path to veterinary medicine wasn't always clear. Initially, she was set on becoming a human doctor, believing it was the best way to fulfill her desire to practice medicine. However, everything changed during her sophomore year of high school when she volunteered at an animal shelter. "The easiest career decision I’ve ever made was switching from the human medical profession to veterinary medicine," Dr. Leia recalls. "It was at the shelter that I came to appreciate and love the human-animal bond. Since then, I’ve never looked back."
The Early Days
Before embarking on her veterinary journey, Dr. Leia made her first dollar as a barista in New York City while attending her first year of college at New York University. "I loved the hustle and bustle of that small café and all the wonderful people I met during my shifts," she says. "My favorite part of the job was that it allowed me to explore my creative side through making decorations and artwork for the café."
Managing Stress and Staying Grounded
The road to becoming a veterinarian is undoubtedly challenging, filled with long hours and intense study. Dr. Leia has developed ways to manage stress and maintain her well-being. "I clear my head after a stressful day by doing activities that don’t require much mental effort," she explains. "Sometimes I’ll just watch TV until I fall asleep or embroider while listening to my favorite podcast. When the weather is nice, I love to go outside to swim and hike. I’m also a fan of breweries and wineries where I can sip, lounge, soak in the scenery, and chat and laugh with my friends."
Words of Wisdom
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Leia has valuable advice for her younger self and others pursuing their dreams. "I would tell my younger self to trust the process. Life is designed to set you back before you reach your goals. It’s important not to take yourself too seriously and to give yourself grace when things don’t work out the way you wanted them to. As long as you are trying your best, a few bad grades or missed opportunities shouldn’t deter you from your goal. I firmly believe that if something doesn’t work out, it was never meant to be."
Looking Ahead
Now, as a practicing veterinarian in Philadelphia, Dr. Leia is committed to making a difference in her community. "In five years, I intend to be a well-rounded general practice veterinarian who empowers families to seek medical care for their pets, regardless of socioeconomic background," she shares. "I’ve started this process by joining a private practice that is passionate about affordable care. Becoming a veterinarian was never about the money for me, and it shouldn’t be a concern for dedicated families. Over the next five years, I want to gain as much experience as I can and engage in continuing education to find new techniques and algorithms to work within a wide variety of client circumstances. If pet owners are willing to spend time and effort on their pet’s health, I will try my very best to meet them halfway."
Dr. Leia Chung’s journey is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the impact that dedicated professionals can have on their communities. Her story inspires both her colleagues and the families she serves, showing that with determination and heart, dreams can indeed become reality.
What else is Dr. Leia up to these days? She’s helping with Vet Candy’s free 12 week NAVLE Prep course - coming August 1st!
