From Broadway Dreams to Veterinary Medicine: The Journey of Gabrielle Acquaviva

Gabrielle Acquaviva is well on her way to becoming a veterinary dermatologist at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, but her story is one of passion, persistence, and taking the risks that most people shy away from. Born and raised in New Jersey, Gabrielle’s journey to veterinary school has been anything but conventional. From the stage to the clinic, her path has been shaped by both a love for the arts and a fierce desire to help animals, proving that dreams can take many shapes along the way.

Chasing Two Passions: Veterinary Medicine and the Arts

What if Gabrielle Acquaviva hadn't chosen veterinary medicine? According to her, she would have been chasing the spotlight in acting or music. “Singing has been a part of my life forever,” she reveals. Music remains one of her favorite ways to relieve stress, and she admits that balancing veterinary school with her creative outlet is key to keeping her mental well-being intact. The energy and joy that come from performing—whether singing or acting—help her unwind from the high-stakes environment of veterinary school.

While her academic and career aspirations took her to a different stage, Gabrielle’s love for music is something that still plays a central role in her life. “If I wasn’t diving into the world of veterinary medicine, I’d probably be chasing the spotlight,” she laughs, but acknowledges that her path in veterinary medicine was driven by a deeper calling to make a tangible impact on animals’ lives. Today, she’s balancing her two passions—helping animals and indulging in the occasional song or performance when the mood strikes. For Gabrielle, staying connected to her creativity has helped her navigate the intensity of the veterinary journey.

Overcoming Career Obstacles: The Hard Decisions That Paid Off

Gabrielle's path to veterinary school was not without its obstacles. One of the most difficult decisions she made early in her career was leaving her first veterinary job. Initially starting as a receptionist, Gabrielle was promised assistant training, but that promise was never fulfilled. “It was a constant tug-of-war between staying for experience and wanting to learn real skills,” she recalls. The promise of training eventually turned into a dead-end, and Gabrielle had to decide whether to stay for the sake of experience or seek a more fulfilling opportunity.

After much deliberation, she took the leap of faith and left for a dermatology clinic. That move proved to be life-changing. “It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my career,” she says. “I finally got the training I craved and felt valued for the first time in a clinic.” It was a pivotal moment in her career that shaped her long-term goals of specializing in veterinary dermatology. Gabrielle’s story is a testament to the importance of trusting your instincts, even when it feels like you’re stepping away from something familiar. Sometimes, the biggest rewards come when you take a leap into the unknown.

LSU: A No-Brainer Decision

When it came to choosing a veterinary school, Gabrielle’s decision was clear: LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. “It’s a top-tier school, and when I got accepted, it felt like the universe was giving me a big green light,” she says. The moment Gabrielle visited the LSU campus, she knew it was where she belonged. “The community, the resources, and the environment were exactly what I needed to nurture my passion for veterinary medicine,” she explains. For Gabrielle, attending LSU wasn’t just a choice—it felt like a sign that everything was aligning in her life. The university has provided her with everything she needs to develop her skills, from world-class faculty to cutting-edge facilities. And, most importantly, it’s helping her achieve her dream of specializing in veterinary dermatology.

From Waitressing to Vet School: The Unexpected Skills That Shaped Her Career

Before entering the world of veterinary medicine, Gabrielle made her first dollar waitressing through high school and college. “Serving tables is a crash course in people skills,” she says. Little did she know that those years in the service industry would shape her future as a veterinarian. The skills she learned while interacting with customers—how to communicate effectively under pressure, manage time, and stay calm in challenging situations—have proved invaluable in her veterinary career. “If you’re someone who’ll work closely with others, I can’t recommend it enough,” she advises.

Her experience waitressing prepared her to handle high-pressure situations, something that is common in veterinary medicine. Whether it's comforting anxious pet owners or making quick decisions in emergency situations, Gabrielle believes that the ability to manage people is just as important as handling animals. She credits her time as a waitress with providing the foundation for the strong interpersonal skills that have helped her succeed in vet school and beyond.