Since joining Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital almost one year ago as a small animal orthopedic surgical technician, Vivian Weisbarth has played a key role in preparing patients and operating rooms for surgery, supporting veterinary students, and helping animals return to active, pain-free lives. A Wapato, Washington, native and WSU alumna, Weisbarth earned her B.S. in general biology in 2022 before completing her associate’s degree in veterinary technology at Yakima Valley College in 2024. She currently lives in Pullman, and while they don’t live on the Palouse, she says she has a loving support system made up of her mother, stepfather, brother, and two chihuahua puppies who are back home in Wapato.
What is your typical day like at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital?
A typical day for me begins at 7 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. I start my days by making sure any appointments we see have radiology appointments scheduled for the day. On Mondays and Wednesdays, we call these our “receiving days,” where we see anywhere from new consultations, recheck appointments to planned surgeries for the next day. Throughout the day, I am available to help bring our patients down to radiology with the fourth-year veterinary students, help with blood draws, restraining, etc. Once the intaking day is over, I make sure I have pulled any and all equipment we may need for surgeries the next day and set up any operating rooms that will be used. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we call these our “surgery days.” I make sure that our patients get to anesthesia on time, assist anesthesia with any premeds, inducing, etc. I also prep and surgically clip our patients before we proceed with surgery. Once the day is rolling, I then help with the other ORs/surgery services if they need their rooms to be opened, turning over an OR for the next patient, to even helping prep patients for the other surgery services.
What made you want to work in veterinary medicine?
I think I’ve always wanted to work in veterinary medicine but initially struggled with what exactly I wanted to do. I first thought about being a veterinarian but ultimately the idea of being a veterinary technician just seemed right. I would say the interest in animals started at a young age. Even though I only ever had dogs growing up, I always had family and family-friends who had horses and other large animals that piqued my interest. What made me interested in working at the VTH probably stemmed from my time at WSU. I always thought the VTH was amazing and when I finally got to be there for my technician’s program externships, I immediately knew this was a place I wanted to work at.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I think my favorite thing about my job is getting to work with all the special animals that come in through Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Granted, I didn’t know much about orthopedics as a whole, but the longer I’ve been in this position, the more I appreciate the type of surgeries we get to perform. I think the most rewarding aspect of my job is not only being able to help the fourth-year veterinary students get interested in orthopedics, but seeing the patients come back for rechecks and just seeing how they feel much happier to walk and run after our surgeries. It’s the most rewarding feeling in my opinion.
What are your career goals?
My career goals are hopefully to get my Veterinary Technician Specialty in surgery. I love working at the VTH and I have no plans to leave so getting that specialty would be really nice.
What do you like to do outside of work?
When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. Growing up we spent almost every weekend with each other, whether it was swimming, family barbecues, etc. But now, I currently like to spend my time at home, watching a movie or a good tv show. Lately, I’ve liked to read, but my problem is finishing a book before I start another one!
What advice would you give to pet owners?
The advice I would give to pet owners is if you believe something is wrong with your pet, seek help! It’s always so hard to get treatment for your pets if things are caught too late. And lastly, vaccinate your pets!