Work & Life
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Veterinarian dedicated to changing lives in Nicaragua
11/27/2019
Dr. Shelley Lenz uses training, medicine to empower impoverished region
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Lawmakers, DVMs expand care for pets of homeless people
11/11/2019
Recent initiatives aim to help vulnerable populations through their pets
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Survey finds diminished well-being in veterinarians globally
9/12/2019
WSAVA questionnaire respondents span six regions, include nurses/technicians
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UK veterinarians eye jobs lifeline as Brexit storm builds
9/9/2019
Government rule change to make hiring foreigners easier; concerns remain
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Postcard from Paradise
8/28/2019
A veterinarian reports revival after the Camp Fire
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How veterinary students view practice consolidation
8/5/2019
Top essay contest winner had a big-fish-eating-small-fish experience
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How a student-debt benefit nearly backfired
7/15/2019
Tenacious veterinarian nets apology from loan servicer
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Manhattan veterinarian goes extra mile for cats
5/29/2019
Runs one-of-a-kind, solo marathons to raise funds for senior rescue
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For killer whales in the Northwest, the doctor is in
5/2/2019
Veterinarians bring new perspective, skills to ecosystem conservation
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IRS revokes Abrams foundation charity status
4/8/2019
New troubles for veterinary-care nonprofit
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Wildlife cases pose challenge for Australia’s veterinarians
3/27/2019
Practitioner aims to improve resources, protocols
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The unique pressure of being a foreign-born veterinarian
2/11/2019
Learned adaptability and resilience can help a stressed-out profession
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175-year-old veterinary clinic in Detroit going strong
1/14/2019
Oldest known animal hospital in U.S. dates to horse-and-buggy era
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CDC study validates concerns about veterinary suicides
12/27/2018
Higher proportion of deaths by suicide found among U.S. veterinarians
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Veterinarians help relocate 100 mountain goats
11/20/2018
Undertaking demonstrates larger role for DVMs in wildlife conservation
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Never too late
4/20/2018
Beginning a veterinary career after 50
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Sexual harassment in veterinary medicine: Who cares?
2/9/2018
No group spearheads anti-harassment effort for the profession
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Survey: Majority of veterinarians don't recommend the profession
2/6/2018
Study finds younger practitioners struggling
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Alan Abrams: 'All I wanted to do was give back'
12/21/2017
Embattled CEO defends foundation as complaints mount
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In Britain, a shortage of veterinarians brews
12/12/2017
Brexit fallout already evident
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Banfield joins employer trend with offer to defray student debt
12/1/2017
Well-intentioned programs might be ill-advised for some borrowers, experts caution
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Looking for a unicorn
10/30/2017
Federal program matures amid high uncertainty
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AVMA Life might reinstate group medical insurance
10/23/2017
Trump executive order opens door, but process is lengthy
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Lost and found Harvey pets in new central listing
9/7/2017
Ohio veterinarian single-handedly collects entries
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Veterinarians seek adventure, perspective working abroad
5/23/2017
U.S. practitioners find many options among English-speaking countries
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How veterinarians handle aggressive patients
11/15/2016
Bites can be life-altering
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‘How could I get duped by these people?’
6/21/2016
Veterinarian spurred to handle own debt repayments
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Student borrowers susceptible to shady debt-relief pitches
6/20/2016
Veterinarians among vulnerable population
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Wrist pain: occupational hazard for veterinarians?
4/6/2016
Practitioners susceptible to hurting thumb tendon sheath
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Electronic stethoscopes aid veterinarians with hearing loss
3/22/2016
Iconic medical tool goes digital
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Veterinarians rally for uprooted colleague
11/12/2015
Somali practitioner-turned-refugee needs better prosthetic leg
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Veterinary documentary featured at film festivals
10/7/2015
New York Vet stars hospital-chain owner, community volunteer Dr. John Charos
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Violence in homeland forces veterinarian to start over
10/5/2015
Struggles from Somalia to Switzerland
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Sense or subterfuge?
9/17/2015
Questions arise about halted veterinary contest
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Psychological stress affects nearly 1 in 10 veterinarians
8/12/2015
Researchers aim to reduce stigma, distress and suicide
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Student-loan advising company in trouble
3/12/2015
Graduate Leverage LLC accused of investor fraud
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Weak passwords persist despite recurring hacks
1/15/2015
Breaches affect community of users, not only individuals
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First canine Ebola quarantine met with good luck
11/17/2014
Texas veterinarians recount 16 days with Bentley
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Dr. Sophia Yin leaves legacy of compassion, insight
10/1/2014
Death of celebrated veterinary behaviorist brings shock, grief
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Seeing health links between mountain gorillas and people
7/31/2014
Veterinarian envisions photo documentary through lens of public health
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Dr. Murray Fowler's legacy lives in those he inspired
5/29/2014
Veterinarian who revolutionized zoo animal medicine dies at age 85
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A colleague’s suicide opens our Pandora’s box
3/10/2014
Tragedy spotlights vulnerabilities in veterinary profession
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Navigating student debt, income-based loan repayment
2/4/2014
Veterinarian shares experience, advice about dealing with government programs
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Variety, challenges characterize veterinary general practice
12/31/2013
Financial aspects are frustrating
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Unusual dog leads veterinarian on unusual path
11/26/2013
How a sick shar-pei puppy steered clinician to research
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Veterinarians find their personal contact information listed online
10/17/2013
Directory-maker acknowledges misstep
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Veterinarians concerned about phony service dogs
8/31/2013
Unscrupulous owners seek perks afforded to working animals
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Advising aspiring veterinarians: spur or deter?
8/1/2013
Financial clouds dim career outlook
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Returning to clinical work after leave takes practice
7/15/2013
Planning makes a critical difference
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Dr. Douglas Blood dies at 93
6/20/2013
Australian veterinarian revolutionized large animal medicine
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Human medical emergencies pose conundrum for veterinarians
6/7/2013
Many are unsure of their responsibility and liability
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Veterinarians see eye-to-eye to help kitten with birth defect
5/16/2013
Colleagues bridge distance to provide restorative eyelid surgery
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GHLIT to unveil private health insurance exchange
2/15/2013
Veterinarians carrying GHLIT medical coverage forced to find new plans
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Shift worker syndrome impacts some veterinarians
1/31/2013
Studies tie sleep deficiency to health consequences
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Free pet food offer brings deluge of requests
12/26/2012
All 10,000 pounds now spoken for
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Free pet food available by the ton
12/21/2012
Surplus from Hurricane Sandy relief sits in warehouse
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Veterinary clinic collects holiday donations for military dogs
12/19/2012
'Joy to the Woof' successful beyond expectations
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Is the doctor in?
12/5/2012
Veterinarians grapple with demand for extended hours
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‘The Incredible Dr. Pol’ asserts innocence despite board discipline
10/8/2012
Star of reality TV show placed on probation
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Veterinarians with disabilities: Practicing a full life
10/1/2012
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Catanzaro named Bustad recipient
8/6/2012
Coveted award honors veterinarians fostering human-animal bond
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Veterinarians care for colleagues one stitch at a time
7/31/2012
Knitters create afghans for those facing heart-wrenching hardship
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Dog breed genetic tests put to the test
7/10/2012
Science is solid but results aren’t precise
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Hospital chain headhunts for talent among veterinary practice staff
7/3/2012
Veterinarians debate ethics of Banfield's recruiting methods
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Remembering Rosenthal: 'People from all walks of life loved him'
5/24/2012
Celebrated oncologist emphasized academics, family, joy of living
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Pilot filmed for veterinary television show
5/16/2012
‘Super Vets’ would highlight veterinary capabilities
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Veterinarians ponder ideal number of daily appointments
5/7/2012
Personality, staff, community expectations shape preferences
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‘Why are vets so expensive?’
4/13/2012
Practitioner tackles sensitive question
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‘Special Direct Consolidation Loan’ offer confuses borrowers
3/19/2012
Limited offer exemplifies complexity of school-debt repayment options
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Veterinary clinic owner pays heavy price for military service
3/5/2012
Financial recovery elusive following deployment
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Memorial to honor dogs that perished in veterinary practice fire
2/29/2012
Veterinarian recalls chaos, sadness following devastation
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Heartwarming stories of healing boost spirits of veterinarians
12/21/2011
Good news welcomed in profession
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Veterinarian tells story of chaos, relief in tornado's aftermath
6/1/2011
Dr. Ben Leavens sets up makeshift ER while family is missing
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Russian veterinarian becomes impromptu seal expert
5/31/2011
Stranded pups show up three years in a row
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Veterinarians prone to suicide: fact or fiction?
5/9/2011
Several studies suggest it’s true, but research in U.S. spotty
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Veterinarians and suicide: Personal stories from the edge of the precipice
5/9/2011
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Veterinarian, three others die at hands of Somalian pirates
2/22/2011
Dr. Robert Riggle is UC-Davis alumnus
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Renowned veterinarian Dr. Robert W. Kirk dies
1/20/2011
Veterinarian had worldwide impact on profession
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Veterinary student debt continues to climb
1/4/2011
Despite years of concern, solutions remain elusive
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Debt problem is everyone’s
1/4/2011
Most student loans financed by taxpayers
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Veterinarian saves cat; stranger saves cat's owner
12/30/2010
Tale of generous acts heartens spirits
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Work-life balance a tightrope for many veterinarians
11/30/2010
Practitioners battle burnout, stress
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Veterinarian's recipe for stone soup serves up aid, cooperation
11/30/2010
Pay-it-forward idea fosters collegiality within profession
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From treating dogs to transporting tigers: A military veterinarian's duty
11/16/2010
Life of military veterinarian is diverse
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Human bites veterinary clinic owner
11/3/2010
Victim takes it in stride
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Germ that causes cat scratch disease not necessarily mild
9/20/2010
Veterinary professionals at risk of Bartonella infections
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Just say 'no' to telephone solicitors
8/23/2010
Clinic owners describe latest scheme involving Discover, Legal Club of America
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With friends like these …
8/6/2010
The perils of Facebook; how to protect your practice
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Veterinarian plans to rebuild following clinic fire
7/19/2010
Smoke claims lives of pets in N.Y. practice
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Clinic security increases after technician’s rape, murder
6/29/2010
Veterinarians urge safety precautions in the face of the unimaginable
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"Click and treat" for staff appreciation
6/15/2010
Positive reinforcement improves employee morale
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Who’s on VIN?
6/4/2010
Online community debates merits of exclusivity; panel report clarifies access policies for non-veterinarians
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Balancing practice ownership, motherhood
5/7/2010
With women now a majority among veterinarians, stakes are high for entire profession
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Veterinarian struck, killed while aiding dog
4/19/2010
Police searching for driver involved in hit-and-run
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CSU professor remains in critical condition following accident
4/2/2010
Support pours in from community
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Memorial services help veterinarians, clients process grief
3/10/2010
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Bah Humbug? Veterinarians risk Scrooge label despite charitable acts
12/28/2009
Growing need for free care can conflict with business side of practice
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The kindness of strangers restores faith in human nature
11/16/2009
Anonymous donors help pay for emergency care
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Ed Eames, service dog advocate, dies in Fresno
11/13/2009
Death of educator, speaker leaves void in community
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Programs support senior pets, senior clients
9/16/2009
Efforts call attention to pets’ need for lifelong care
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Veterinarians Without Borders takes stock in Liberia
9/8/2009
Education, rabies vaccinations at the top of their list
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Giving back in Central America
7/24/2009
Medical mission to aid Honduras' impoverished headed by VIN member
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War hero, veterinarian dedicated his life to students, profession
7/17/2009
Dr. Erwin Small is remembered
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From bathtub to the Baltic Sea
6/12/2009
Rescued seal pup returns to the wild
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Veterinary charity highlighted by economic woes
3/30/2009
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Contest honors those who make house calls
2/25/2009
Winners include some who work with animal rescue, injured wildlife
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Veterinarian shrinks waistline, expands fan base
12/9/2008
Dr. Brian Spar commended for 'inspirational' life change
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Death of celebrated veterinary behaviorist brings shock, grief
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October 1, 2014
Christy Corp-Minamiji, DVM
 Photo courtesy of drsophiayin.com
Dr. Sophia Yin’s work in animal behavior guided fellow veterinarians and pet owners alike. Dr. Sophia Yin spoke for the voiceless. The renowned veterinary behaviorist’s own voice and work will outlive her sudden, tragic death.
On Sept. 29, Dr. Yin committed suicide. She was 48.
News of her death elicited an outpouring of sorrow in veterinary circles and expressions of profound admiration for Dr. Yin, a superstar in the animal-behavior arena. Whether they knew her personally or only knew of her, numerous veterinarians said Dr. Yin strongly influenced their practice.
Posting on a message board of the Veterinary Information Network, an online community for the profession, Dr. Maren Bell Jones summed up the feelings of many when she wrote, “I feel like I've lost a mentor from afar.”
A veterinarian in Missouri who trains working and performance dogs in her free time, Dr. Bell Jones said she uses handling techniques taught and popularized by Dr. Yin that minimize stress to the animals. She also routinely refers clients struggling with pet behavior problems to Dr. Yin’s “Learn to Earn” method of teaching good manners to dogs using consistency and rewards.
Losing Dr. Yin is “devastating … to both veterinary medicine and animal behavior and training,” Dr. Bell Jones said.
A prolific writer and speaker, Dr. Yin worked as an animal-behavior consultant in Northern California. She graduated from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. Her interest in animal behavior arose soon after.
According to the biographical sketch on her website, “once out in private practice, she quickly realized that more pets were euthanized due to behavior problems than medical ones. She went back to school to study animal behavior, and earned her Master’s in Animal Science in 2001 from UC Davis, where she studied vocal communication in dogs and worked on behavior modification in horses, giraffes, ostriches and chickens.”
The biography goes on to explain: “She found that because pets don’t understand spoken language, they rely on body language plus desired or undesired consequences in order to learn. This means that humans must be aware of their movement and actions because every move they make while interacting with the pet influences the animal’s behavior and perception of them.”
This recognition became Dr. Yin’s life’s work. She had a broad reach, using videos and books to share her philosophy and techniques with pet owners and veterinary professionals alike. Amazon.com shows five titles to her credit: How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves; Perfect Puppy in 7 Days; The Small Animal Veterinary Nerdbook; Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs and Cats: Techniques for Developing Patients Who Love Their Visits; and Teaching Fido to Learn.
Her website shows a full calendar of speaking engagements scheduled through October 2015 for events taking place across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Despite her celebrity, Dr. Yin wasn’t given to grandstanding. Dr. Carl Singer, a 1995 UC Davis veterinary school alumnus, remembers Dr. Yin as a friend and fellow student. He describes her as “the most quietly impressive veterinarian I have known.”
Via email, Dr. Singer reminisced about meeting Dr. Yin for lunch even some years after graduation. "This was something many of us as classmates talked about doing but Sophia actually showed up,” he said.
“The ‘quiet’ aspect was just who she was,” Dr. Singer continued. “Anything that she did or shared was not about attention to herself but ... that what she had to say was important.”
In VIN message-board post, Dr. Singer observed: “We, her colleagues, wanted to know what made the animals tick ... physiologically. She went beyond that, and started with what they felt and thought, how they reacted, in order to understand them the best and approach them on their terms.”
Dr. Fiia Jokela, a private practice veterinarian, clinic owner in Indiana and one-time continuing-education student of Dr. Yin’s, said her compassion extended to humans, too. “You felt safe admitting your ignorance around Sophia,” Dr. Jokela said. “And you blossomed under her guidance and discovered you could join in with her to change the world!”
Not only that, Dr. Jokela said, “She absolutely changed the world for so many.”
Before learning from Dr. Yin, Dr. Jokela said she knew nothing about veterinary behavior. “I felt ashamed when clients asked for help and I did not know what to say,” she admitted. “Sophia brought behavior medicine to everyday practice and made it accessible to every veterinarian ….”
Sophie Liu, a second-year student at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, remembered Dr. Yin as a mentor whose warmth and generosity helped shape her developing career.
In an email to the VIN News Service, Ms. Liu wrote: “She was the type of person who — upon receiving a random e-mail by an awkward, nervous teenager (me) — eagerly invited me to her office in Davis, California, and immediately swept me up into her work.
“I was an aimless 16-year-old with an inkling of fondness for animal behavior and a horribly aggressive dog… I had nothing to offer her but uncertainty and failure. I was nobody with nothing. But Sophia graciously took me up, assigned me to projects, encouraged me to debate concepts with her, and pushed me to view medicine and behavior in ways I'd never dreamed of.”
Ms. Liu described Dr. Yin as demanding yet unwaveringly supportive: “Sophia pushed me — sometimes to the brink of frustration and tears — but she always rejoiced with a wide smile and twinkling eyes when I finally arrived at the correct answer… She believed in me, supported me, and guided me — especially as I contemplated giving up, especially as I made mistakes …"
Illustrating how Dr. Yin’s influence is likely to persist into the future, Ms. Liu said: “I have lost my friend, my mentor, and my inspiration. Continuing to do this work and to continue her legacy — without her — is painful beyond words, and I only hope that I can rekindle that spark for behavior medicine that Sophia lit in me.”
Editor's note: A special Rounds session, "Dealing With Your and Your Colleagues' Stress and Depression," is scheduled for the VIN community at 9 p.m. Eastern on October 5. Dr. James Wilson, a friend and mentor to Dr. Yin, will open the session with a few words, and social worker Susan Cohen will lead the discussion. Veterinarians who are not VIN members may view a transcript after the session by emailing paul@vin.com.
VIN News Service commentaries are opinion pieces presenting insights, personal experiences and/or perspectives on topical issues by members of the veterinary community. To submit a commentary for consideration, email news@vin.com.
Information and opinions expressed in letters to the editor are those of the author and are independent of the VIN News Service. Letters may be edited for style. We do not verify their content for accuracy.
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