Amazing Alumnus: Caleb Frankel

Dr. Caleb Frankel, a 2004 graduate from the Department of Animal & Avian Sciences at the University of Maryland, is currently an emergency veterinarian who treats small animals at two hospitals near Philadelphia. He recently launched a website that combines technological resources for veterinarians, technicians and veterinary students across the country.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) caught up with Frankel to learn more about what he’s been up to since leaving UMD and to ask for some advice for current AGNR students:

Q1) How did your studies at UMD prepare you for veterinary school?

Frankel: I’m a proud 2004 animal sciences graduate. I’m also one of these stubborn (dorky) students who never once changed my major at Maryland. For me, animal science was my link to the large animal experiences I never received in my upbringing. Although I don’t use those skills directly in my job as a small animal emergency veterinarian, success in veterinary school was very dependent on being comfortable with all species big and small. Experiences like the lamb-watching course, the Campus Farm, and being exposed to top-notch researchers were all invaluable as I moved forward in my path towards becoming a veterinarian.

Q2) What advice would you give to students looking for internship opportunities similar to yours?

Frankel: Veterinary school admission is and always will be heavily dependent on your pre-veterinary experiences. This is mostly to demonstrate your understanding of the diversity of our profession and your dedication towards the extensive veterinary studies ahead of you.

As for internships, I was very interested in gaining diverse experiences so I sought mentors in all aspects of veterinary medicine. I focused heavily on working with vets and animals in areas I had no previous experience. I spent time with zoo veterinarians, equine veterinarians, and farm animal veterinarians. I also dabbled in some small animal experiences while at Maryland. Almost every experience I secured was somehow the result of a cold-call or email exchange. Be bold and reach out to people. What do you have to lose?

Q3) When did you begin your veterinary school applications and how did you decide which schools to apply to?

Frankel: I first applied to veterinary school when I was a junior at Maryland. I applied to three schools at that time in an attempt to skip my last year of undergraduate studies. I ended up gaining admission to one school. I was thrilled but after much soul searching, I turned down admission to veterinary school that year. At that time, many people in my life were not happy with this decision. In their defense, who turns down admission to vet school? In hindsight, it was the best thing I could have done for myself.

My final year at Maryland was very important for both my academic and personal growth and I wouldn’t have traded it for anything. I also got into many more schools and ultimately attended the University of Pennsylvania because of it. During that last year at Maryland that I almost skipped, I also happened to start dating my future wife. It’s funny how things work out sometimes.

Q4) You combined your passion for technology and veterinary science with your VMD Technology website. What advice would you give to students looking for ways to combine their career interests and hobbies?

Frankel: If you asked me 10 years ago if I would be running a website for veterinarians visited by thousands of people worldwide, I would have called you crazy! One of my favorite aspects of veterinary medicine is the tremendous opportunities that exist if you are passionate about what you do. I happened to find a niche – using technology to improve the care I provide. I started experimenting with these kinds of “techy” ways in my undergraduate and veterinary studies and from there I found that many people were interested in the unique ways I used technology.

So this summer I started www.vmdtechnology.com as a resource for veterinarians, technicians, and veterinary students (*and pre-veterinary students). It’s been a really great experience and we’ll see where it takes me.

I’m not the first, nor will I be the last, veterinary professional to combine my personal interests with my life as a veterinarian. Follow your passions and don’t give up on things you are good at – you never know where they’ll lead!

Go Terps!