Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Abreu.
Hi Gabriel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Miami and always had a pull towards animals and teaching. Deciding between the two seemed impossible but I decided to go into animal care, and eventually veterinary medicine. I started working as a kennel technician after moving to Orlando and attending the University of Central Florida, I quickly was trained into a veterinary assistant. During that time, I took a class at Jungle Adventures, A Real Florida Animal Park. After the class, I was hired to assist with the shows and animal care. I was lucky enough to get into veterinary school at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Upon completion of my schooling, I returned to Central Florida and began working at Halifax Veterinary Center as an Associate Veterinarian. I had kept in touch with the management at Jungle Adventures and was asked if I would like to help teach the class, that I had once taken, and gladly accepted. I also became one of the veterinarians on duty for Jungle Adventures. Since, I have been invited to the University of Central Florida and Daytona State College by various clubs to lecture.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would explain it as more of a winding road. I have always been a work horse which has made a busy schedule and difficult cases a joy. Some days, I work 10 hours in the clinic, drive an hour to teach, teach for 2 hours, and drive an hour home. Some may see this is a burden, but I LOVE IT. It has given me the chance to do the two things that I love, veterinary medicine and teach.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an Associate Veterinarian at Halifax Vet Center, I am able to practice holistic medicine. I try to never look at just a patient’s symptoms but them as a whole as well as their owners. Being trained in Eastern and Western veterinary medicine, I enjoy “using all of the tools in the tool box.” I know the importance of prescription medications but also value using alternative therapies such as acupuncture and herbals. I also allow shadowing opportunities which give students a chance to see what a day in veterinary medicine entails and give them hours in the field. Overall, I am known for my communication and the time I take to explain cases. Client’s coming into the practice know that when they come to see me with their furry family member, they have my full attention until all of their questions are answered.
At the Jungle Adventures’ class, I have the opportunity to teach about the animals at the park as well as common ailments and husbandry issues. I also run a suture lab where I go over common suture patterns and when they are used. While at Jungle Adventures, I am also doing regular exams on the animals and verifying supplementations, diets, and husbandry. I am proud of the the effort that the staff at Jungle Adventures puts in to ensure that all of the animals at their facility receive the best care possible.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Practicing medicine is just that, PRACTICING. There is rarely one right way to approach a case. Every case should be used as a learning experience, even if everything goes as planned. Furthermore, never be afraid or embarrassed to research a topic. Medicine is constantly changing and evolving, its our job as doctors and educators to do our best to stay up to date.
