This veterinary student seeks to make a difference in the dairy industry and her community.
Maddie Brown was born and raised right here in Amarillo, Texas where she and her family have always provided a loving environment for animals. Since the age of 10 years old, she has dreamed of becoming a veterinarian.
“I have always had a heart for going above and beyond for animals,” Brown said.
While she has always loved her pets, Brown's passion for large animals developed while she was working on her undergraduate degree at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU). It was here she was able to gain a hands-on experience with cattle.
“During my time there, I got to look at many different aspects of the agricultural community and found my passion for agriculture,” Brown said.
Brown's love for the dairy industry continued to grow as she attended the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium in the summer of 2022. During this training, she was able to visit over 40 dairies and learn about their operation.
Brown is now in her second year at Texas Tech University's School of Veterinary Medicine pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine so she can help the dairy and agriculture industry. Let's get to know Maddie Brown through a series of questions.
What are you passionate about in veterinary medicine?
I am very passionate about dairy medicine, educating consumers about food safety, giving back to my community and spreading kindness in veterinary medicine. Burnout is a real issue and I want to spread positivity in the veterinary industry.
I also love to combine my two passions of helping animals and my faith in God by spreading the gospel around the school and participating in Christian Veterinary Fellowship club events. My goal one day is to go on a Christian veterinary mission trip and help those in true need.
What are some life experiences that led you to that passion?
One of the two biggest factors leading me towards my passion was my very first dairy science class at WTAMU and attending the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium. At the consortium I got an inside look to many different sectors of the industry and learned about the importance of every occupation on the farm and ranch.
Growing up in the Texas Panhandle, I understand the vital role that the dairy industry has in this area and why food safety is important. This is why I want to do everything I can to help the dairy and agriculture industry.
Since 2021, I have worked in a small animal urgent care clinic. While working there, I was able to understand the financial issues of today's society and why veterinarians get burnt out so easily. I also saw the need for lower cost options for clients. This experience has helped open my eyes to how I can better help my future clients.
My faith has always been important to me since I was little and I want to spread the gospel wherever I can. I have been on some mission trips and love to give back to others, while also teaching them about the bible. I hope to combine my veterinary skills, my faith and generosity to make in impact on my community.
What inspires you to pursue what you love to do every day?
A big push for me, especially wanting to go into food animal medicine, is getting to educate clients. I believe it is our job as veterinarians to educate consumers, since we serve both consumers and producers. I want to use my knowledge to better equip others and create good protocols.
My family and friends have been a huge support during my time in school, as well as getting many different hands-on experiences in classes. My faith also helps me stay strong and motivated throughout the year. Family, faith and clients are great reminders of the work I am doing and why I am doing it.
How do you plan to go back and help your community?
After graduation, I plan to work in a dairy practice or mixed animal practice with some dairy work. I plan to stay in the northern Texas and New Mexico area, but I am open to new ideas and experiences.
I would love to be a resource for my community when I am a practicing veterinarian by helping with 4-H and National FFA Organization events, sharing my experiences, and keeping up with the latest information and technology.
Why did you choose Texas Tech? 
I had a couple of options to choose from for veterinary school. I chose Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine because my values align with theirs and because I wanted to be a day one ready veterinarian. I wanted to be involved in the dairy industry and this is a wonderful place to establish relationships.
The faculty and staff are amazing and flexible. I chose this school because the agricultural beliefs and values are the type of community I want to be involved in and practice on a daily basis. I love the compassion and grit that resonates throughout the School of Veterinary Medicine.
What was your reaction when you got the call that you were accepted to Texas Tech University's School of Veterinary Medicine?
I had been waiting for a phone call the whole month and was on the edge of my seat, so when I finally got the call, I had all of my clinic staring at me through the doorway waiting for my response. I was crying tears of joy when I learned I was accepted to Texas Tech. It felt like all my dreams had come true.
After I ended the call, everyone was so happy for me. What I had worked so hard for had finally happened! The 10-year-old girl who took fake radiographs with her dog on top of the freezer would be so happy to hear her dream had become a reality.
How are you involved with the school?
It was important to me to get involved with the school early on. I am involved with the Christian Veterinary Fellowship club and serve as the secretary, where I help host bible studies and pray for others. Other activities and experiences include our companion animal club.
I also serve as a class liaison for our skills class and I'm involved in the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) quiz bowl team. Another thing I help with is when the school hosts interviews of the upcoming class. Finally, helping my fellow classmates is always important to me, whether that is sharing study material or quizzing each other.
What are your favorite things to do outside of school?
I love to craft and sing. I have an array of crafts from using my circuit machine to making quilts. I have been in choir since third grade and even got to sing with the Amarillo Symphony.
When I was in my teenage years, I found a love for dog agility. I trained my dog in the sport and still like to practice it during my off time.
Another one of my passions is hiking. I like to visit both national and state parks. I am a sucker for beautiful views of nature. My last adventure I went to Zion National Park and hiked Angels Landing. My next adventure is Glacier National Park this summer.