NMDA Veterinary Diagnostic Services | 15 years practicing in New Mexico
For Dr. John Ragsdale, veterinary medicine grew naturally out of early life on a small farm, where caring for animals was part of daily life. That foundation eventually led him to veterinary pathology, a path he chose during his necropsy rotation in veterinary school when he discovered how much he valued gathering and interpreting the information needed to make a diagnosis.
As a diagnostic pathologist with NMDA Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Dr. Ragsdale says two things stand out most about practicing in New Mexico. First, the variety of cases keeps him alert and engaged. Second, he values the opportunity to help veterinary colleagues solve diagnostic challenges for their clients.
Looking ahead, he hopes the next generation of veterinarians will face fewer financial constraints and fewer workforce shortages than current and previous generations have experienced. He believes NMVMA should continue representing all veterinarians in New Mexico and serving as a strong voice on issues that affect the profession statewide.
His advice to those entering the field is simple and important: take more time for yourself and focus on personal wellness. That is the kind of wisdom that tends to come from lived experience, and it lands.
His personal philosophy also sounds exactly like something a pathologist would say: “You won’t ever find a lesion unless you look for it.”
Quick hits
- Favorite animal: Pig
- Outside of work: Reading
- Fuel of choice: Coffee
- If not veterinary medicine: Human anatomic pathology
Want to be featured in an NMVMA Member Spotlight?
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