There are two things that I have always known about myself: that I wanted to be a veterinarian and I wanted to be a mom.  I feel very lucky to be able to be both.  

I work in small animal general practice and truly cannot imagine doing anything else.  I seemed to be born with a deep love of animals that only grew stronger with age.  In fact, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian despite not having any pets growing up.  (Although I suspect having younger twin brothers provided at least as much mischief in the house as any dog could have.)  I am also mama to a two and a half year old little boy and a six month old baby girl.  I am fortunate to have learned from the world’s best mom; she made raising four kids look easy and has endless love and warmth to give.  The grace with which she raised my siblings and I is something I aspire to.  Now, as I navigate life raising my own little ones, I am learning just how all-consuming parenthood is and how difficult it can be to find time for much else.

I was initially reluctant to take on the position of SCVMA President.  Before kids, I would have had little hesitancy in accepting the role.  However, it feels like my to-do list is endless these days.  Between work and home, some days I feel pulled in so many directions that the thought of making one more decision is exhausting.  While considering the position, I questioned if I had the bandwidth to take on one more thing.  Could I do right by the association and its members knowing how busy I am in this season of my life?  Would I feel guilty taking time away from my children?  Can my husband handle the bedtime routines by himself when I’m at meetings?  I struggled with answers to these questions and more.  I thought through the recent past presidents hoping to think of someone with a similar situation to tell me how easily it could all be done!

Since you’re reading this, it should come as no surprise that I decided to go for it.  Did I find a way to add more hours to the day?  Unfortunately, no.  Am I certain my husband can handle a few nights of solo parenting? Also, no.  But I am grateful for the opportunity to be a servant leader and willing to give it my best.  And while being President of the SCVMA far from qualifies as “self-care,” I do think it is important for my family and myself that I carve out time for me.  As a new mom, there are times that my sense of self has become muddled and I look forward to having something to do that does not involve my kiddos.

I also hope to show my kids that it is important to keep growing personally and professionally.  When I joined the SCVMA as a new graduate, I did so because I thought that it was something you just did.  Becoming involved with the Board was never on my radar and now I look forward to representing the nation’s largest regional veterinary medical association. Assuming I make it through the year unscathed, it is my wish that others will feel encouraged to explore organized veterinary medicine earlier in their careers.  I can’t guarantee it will be easy, but it will be worth it.  I hope I can be the one to tell other moms with a DVM that it can be done!

Megan Nowell, DVM

SCVMA President