Victoria Elise Kichler

Victoria, better known as Tori, did not have a clear career path during college. A photojournalism and studio art double major from the University of Miami, she did not fall in love with animal care until she got her first dog at age 20. Tori started her interest in animal nutrition, wanting the best possible care for all pets, and worked in various dog boutiques in Miami. After realizing that there were many medical concerns that could be present in diet care, she began volunteering as a veterinary technician assistant. Tori was hired a few months later as a veterinary technician and realized that she didn’t want to spend her life in any other profession. Her quest for scientific knowledge and continuous education made her realize that being a veterinarian would be her goal. She finished the prerequisites necessary for veterinary school at Florida International University and was accepted to the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Class of 2017.

Tori worked at Westfield Veterinary Hospital before vet school started and currently continues to work there once a week. She chose to participate in the IVS Mentorship program because she prefers hands-on learning to didactic teaching, as evidenced by how she got interested in the veterinary field. Tori enjoyed furthering her education during the program, learning new skills, and practicing those with which she needed help. The critical care techniques will prove beneficial in any type of veterinary medicine as emergencies can always happen. Asking questions and learning how to make diagnoses and medication dosages during her time will be helpful during her career. Tori is interested in acupuncture, animal nutrition, and surgery. She hopes to work again with IVS in the future.