For Rebecca Walker, working with animals is more than a job.

It’s a calling.

Originally from Kodiak Island, Rebecca has over fifteen years of experience working primarily in small animal facilities. In her current role as Lead Technician at Tier 1 Veterinary Medical Center, Walker knows it takes perseverance, integrity, collaboration, and teamwork to make a veterinary animal hospital run smoothly.

Luckily, she has got these qualities in spades!

Today, Rebecca shares the best career advice she ever received and answers some interesting questions from the perspective of a vet med professional.

Knowledge is Power

In addition to her daily duties, Rebecca Walker considers herself a lifelong learner. She is always thinking about next steps. Rehabilitation and pain management are two areas of educational interest. When asked about career advice, Rebecca recalls being told the following.

“Investing in your brain is the best investment you can make and never a waste of money,” she explains. “Knowledge is power.”

Likewise, the easiest career decision she ever made also had to do with education. In Rebecca’s case, it was studying to become a Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional (CFVP).

Additional Q & A

Who do you admire and why?

The technician in charge of my veterinary technician program at Portland Community College, Dolores Galindo. She was classy, compassionate, courageous, supportive, and a pioneer as the first LVT to sit on the Oregon State Veterinary Medical Board.

How did you make your first dollar?

My first job was as a dishwasher at the only Mexican restaurant on Kodiak Island (that I still think has the best tasting food between here and Florida).

How I clear my head after a stressful day?

Go for a run.

What should everyone try once in their lifetime?

Horse archery.

Books that left a lasting impression on you?

The Power of One by Bryce Courtney.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Travel.

If you were not a vet tech, what would you be?

Echocardiographer.

Of course, being from Alaska, it’s no surprise that Rebecca also loves the great outdoors! When not at the hospital, you can find her sharpening her aim through mounted archery, hanging out with her husband, or snuggling with her doodle-mutt named Beaker and cat Bonsai.