As a member of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s oncology team, Justine Armentrout helps care for cancer patients while working closely with pet owners, students and specialists throughout the hospital. The role combines many of the things she enjoys most about veterinary medicine, including patient care, client relationships and collaboration across services.
Originally from Long Beach, California, Justine has worked in veterinary medicine since 2014, joined the Veterinary Teaching Hospital a year and a half ago and is currently completing the final semester of her veterinary technology degree. She and her husband moved to Pullman in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the Palouse, where they now share their home with three dogs, Aspen, Lentil and Rowan, and a cat named Max.
What is your typical day like at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital?
No day is the same, which is what I love about veterinary medicine. Oncology support staff rotate between radiation and medical oncology, working closely with clients and students while supporting cases throughout the hospital. Because our patients often require imaging and may also receive care from medicine, surgery and emergency and critical care services, we have the opportunity to collaborate with many different teams across the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Our days are busy, but very rewarding.
What made you want to work in veterinary medicine?
Vet med is my calling. I left it for a stint and regretted every minute I was working at a desk (I had promised myself when I was younger that I would never work a desk job, and then I ended up doing exactly that). I love staying active and moving around throughout my day, and truly feel like I am able to make a difference in the lives of my patients and their people.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I love being able to see tangible changes in the health and welfare of my patients and their families. I love all critters and really enjoy getting to build relationships with clients as we walk through their pets’ treatments together. Hearing that a patient is in remission is the best feeling.
What are your career goals?
I should be completing tech school very soon and am excited to finally get my license. I am looking into pursuing a VTS in behavior or physical rehabilitation when I am able to.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I spend a lot of my spare time running. I’ve completed over 23 half marathons (I’ve lost count) and one full marathon. I keep telling myself to sign up for another full but have a hard time finding the time to train. I also like to make art (mostly drawing and painting) and I read as much as I can. I consume books. My dogs are trained with choice-based, positive reinforcement training, and I frequently find myself going down the rabbit hole learning more about it, and love working with my dogs when I can.
What advice would you give to pet owners?
Enjoy every minute with your pets and be patient with them as they learn to navigate a human-centric world. Their lives are so short and every minute with them is a blessing!