NMVMA Early Career Members
Back in New Mexico and always learning
Dr. Nicole Kenote is glad to be back in New Mexico. Before veterinary school, she worked here as a veterinary technician. Now a veterinarian with VEG ER for Pets, she has been practicing in the state for about a year.
Animals, science, and a place to explore
A love of animals and science first drew Dr. Kenote to veterinary medicine. The profession brought those interests together while giving her the chance to work with people and their pets.
She enjoys the variety of the work and the opportunity to keep learning. In New Mexico, she also values the community, the state’s cultures, and the many places to explore when she is off duty.
You don’t need every answer
Her advice for veterinarians starting their careers is reassuring: it is okay not to know every answer.
“What is important is to know who you can call for help”
Dr. Nicole Kenote
That might mean a colleague, a friend, or a mentor. It can also mean knowing where to look for information, whether in a reference book or a veterinary forum.
She also sees NMVMA as a source of professional connections and practical resources: continuing education, information about practicing in New Mexico and owning a business, and opportunities to learn from colleagues.
A wish for the next generation
Dr. Kenote hopes the next generation of veterinarians will face less student loan debt. She sees more affordable education as a way to give graduates greater freedom to pursue their interests, choose work that suits them, and make time to volunteer in their communities.
Off duty: exploring and a cat named Blush
Traveling and exploring new places are favorite ways to spend time away from work. Cats are her favorite animals, and one has been a particularly steady companion: Blush, her 17-year-old cat, has been with her through undergraduate, graduate, and veterinary school.
- An alternate career? Owning a cat café.
- Coffee or tea? Both. She also enjoys flavored sparkling water.