Naomie Macias is a licensed veterinary technologist in the Comparative Theriogenology Service at Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where no two days are ever the same. From stallion handling and small ruminant surgeries to managing reproductive emergencies and breeding services, Naomi thrives in the fast-paced, highly specialized world of animal reproduction. Originally from Carrollton, Texas, she earned a B.S. in biochemistry from the University of Texas at Austin and an associate’s degree in veterinary technology from Cedar Valley College. Since joining the Veterinary Teaching Hospital three years ago, she’s built a fulfilling career supporting students, clinicians, and animals across a wide variety of cases — while also sharing her home with a rescue-filled menagerie of geckos, fish, and two adventurous dogs, Taina and Coco.
What is your typical day like at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital?
There are really no typical days when it comes to comparative theriogenology, which is actually one of my favorite things about the service! Most days we see more than one species and for a multitude of different reasons. From breeding management, semen collection and cryopreservation, ovum pick-up in ruminants and equine, to emergencies like dystocias, c-sections, retained placentas, or vaginal/uterine prolapses. Working in theriogenology is kind of like a runway show, you start in scrubs and have multiple wardrobe changes between cases depending on what species we’re seeing.
What made you want to work in veterinary medicine?
I always dreamt about becoming a veterinarian as a kid but when COVID hit and I completed my bachelor’s degree, I realized I had no working experience in veterinary medicine. I applied to vet tech school to figure out if veterinary medicine was for me. Turns out I loved it as much as I thought I would, and after graduating in 2022, I was planning to apply to vet school. I was interested in working at the VTH to gain Washington residency prior to applying to vet school but I fell in love with working as a technician with the clinicians in therio (Drs. Tibary and Ciccarelli) and decided to stay a veterinary technician for a while.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
My favorite part of my job is stallion handling when I get to do it. Other than stallion handling, I really enjoy being a part of small ruminant surgeries. The most rewarding aspect of my job is when cases throughout the day run smoothly and the students and clinicians can work and learn without distractions. The clinicians like to say I can read their minds when it comes to appointments and materials they need, so it’s awesome when I know I didn’t miss a single thing.
What are your career goals?
If I could make more money in my current position, I would stay a veterinary technician at WSU for the rest of my life, but, unfortunately, in the current economy that’s not possible. So, in the next 5-10 years I’d like to become a veterinarian or stay a vet tech and work at a vet tech school training the future vet techs.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy playing volleyball, both indoor and grass. My dogs and I go on outdoor adventures and road trips when we can. I also enjoy playing video games, especially Overwatch and GTA5 with my friends from back home.
What advice would you give to pet owners?
There is nothing wrong with treating your pet like a baby but remember they are animals and proper husbandry and nutrition are important to keep your baby healthy!