Local Veterinarian Shares an AVID Passion for Animals

APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. - March 2, 2022 - PRLog -- They say advice is best straight from the horse's mouth. Students in the Apache Junction Unified School District got the next best thing when local veterinarian, Dr. Heather Molander, an expert in equine medicine, discussed what it takes to be a veterinarian.

Dr. Molander was the first in a series of guest speakers who discuss career options with students in the district's Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. The AVID students are in the ninth, tenth and eleventh grade at Cactus Canyon Jr. High, 801 W. Southern Ave. and Apache Junction High School, 2525 S. Ironwood Dr. Both campuses are located in Apache Junction.

Dr. Molander, who works largely as a surgeon at the Banfield Animal Clinics in Mesa and Chandler, discussed her lifelong passion for animals, particularly horses, as well as the educational requirements to become a veterinarian.

"Her experience was particularly insightful because she shared how she had been discouraged from pursuing her career, but how she persevered and let her passion guide her to a career that she finds very rewarding and challenging," said Liz Savolt, the AVID instructor. "Dr. Molander added that even after nearly 23 years of practice her career continues to feed her inquisitive nature of "How can I learn to help?"

Dr. Molander shared with the AVID students that her interest in veterinary science was piqued when she was a young girl and her horse became injured and needed care. The simple question of "what would it take to learn how to stitch up a horse?" eventually led her to her career as a board certified veterinarian.

The AVID program encourages inquiry-based learning and helps students understand the importance of becoming college and career ready right now. The AVID curriculum covers writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading. AVID students also receive extensive help in preparing college applications and financial aid forms.

"The students asked some great questions about the challenges of her profession, her path to becoming a veterinarian, and how she handled the financial strain of pursuing post-secondary education," said Savolt.  "Dr. Molander provided great information and experiences that will help the AVID students understand the importance of becoming college and career ready right now."

For more information about AJUSD or visit www.ajusd.org.