Fourth-year student Kyli Chen is set to serve the veterinary needs of the Rio Grande Valley where she grew up.
Kyli Chen can hardly believe on May 18 she will walk across the stage to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree as part of the inaugural class at Texas Tech University’s School of Veterinary Medicine. As many of her classmates would agree, it was no easy task, but all of her grit and determination are about to pay dividends.
Chen grew up in deep south Texas in the Rio Grande Valley area where she was raised in a close-knit community that instilled in her the values of hard work, service and connection. Her family was rooted in the healthcare industry, so for Chen, she was naturally drawn to the fascination of medicine and the idea of helping others.
“Living in the Valley also gave me a unique perspective on the challenges that rural and regional communities face – particularly when it comes to accessing medical and veterinary care,” Chen said. “I saw firsthand how families often had to wait weeks for appointments or drive hours to receive veterinary services. These experiences stayed with me and became a major influence in my decision to pursue veterinary medicine.”
She found herself volunteering and eventually working at a local mixed animal veterinary clinic during her time as an undergraduate. This helped solidify her choice to one day return home and serve the veterinary needs of the region that helped raised her.
“I see veterinary medicine not just as a profession but a way to support the people and animals that make rural and regional communities so special,” Chen said.
Her passion for providing high quality veterinary care to rural and regional communities aligned with the school’s purpose. Her decision was set, and she moved 11-and-a-half hours away from home to Amarillo, Texas to be part of a brand-new program so that she could bring her skills and knowledge back to the Rio Grande Valley.
Let’s get to know Kyli Chen through a series of questions.
What are you passionate about in veterinary medicine?
I am particularly passionate about internal medicine, clinical pathology and critical care. The complexity of disease processes fascinates me, and I enjoy the challenge of diagnosing and treating intricate cases. Clinical pathology, in particular, feels like the key to unlocking the bigger picture in cases.
What truly drives me is the opportunity to see patients recover and reunite them with their families. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a sick pet improve over time and witnessing the joy and relief on the owner’s face when they’re finally back together. That’s the heart of why I love veterinary medicine.
What are some life experiences that led you to that passion?
One of the most impactful experiences that sparked my passion was working as a technician at a local mixed animal practice. One of my main responsibilities was caring for patients in the isolation unit, where we frequently treated parvo cases. This is a common and serious illness in puppies, especially in the Valley.
Treating dogs with parvovirus is all about supportive care. Since there’s no direct cure for the virus, the goal becomes stabilizing the dog by managing their hydration, nutrition and comfort while their immune system does the rest. These patients often had to be hospitalized for several days, and I had the chance to care for them throughout their recovery.
Watching those puppies gradually improve and gain strength day by day, wagging their tails again, was incredibly rewarding. It was in those moments of patient care that I realized how much I loved being part of the healing process.
What inspired you to be a veterinarian?
My mother, a registered nurse, raised me in an environment surrounded by medicine. I was fascinated by the clinical side of how diseases develop, how they’re treated and the science behind it all. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine.
As an undergraduate majoring in Biomedical Science, I was part of a fast-track program geared toward medical school and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). While I loved the science and coursework, I realized I didn’t share the same excitement as my peers about becoming a Doctor of Medicine (MD).
During my freshman year, I began volunteering at a mixed animal clinic and was soon hired as a technician. That experience changed everything. I loved every second of it, even the tough days. Working hands-on with animals and practicing veterinary medicine felt like a natural fit in a way that human medicine never did.
What really sealed the decision for me was recognizing the critical need for veterinary care in my community. Veterinary medicine combines my love for science, problem-solving and animal care, and I knew I had found my calling.
How do you plan serve the veterinary needs of rural and regional communities after
graduation? 
After graduation, I’ll be joining Altas Palmas Animal Clinic in Harlingen, Texas as an associate veterinarian. My primary focus will be small animal medicine, though I will also have opportunities to treat exotic animals.
There’s a critical need for veterinary services in the Rio Grande Valley. The nearest emergency hospital is 45 minutes north of Harlingen, and general practices are frequently booked two months in advance. I’m committed to returning to my community to help bridge this gap and improve access to care for pet owners in the region.
Why did you choose Texas Tech?
I chose Texas Tech because of its strong sense of community and the welcoming atmosphere that made me feel at home from the start. From the very beginning, it was clear that I wasn’t just another number. Everyone knew my name, where I was from, and was truly invested in helping me achieve my goal of becoming a veterinarian. One of the school’s core values is kindheartedness, and that shines through in every interaction.
Texas Tech’s mission to serve the veterinary educational and service needs of rural and regional communities aligns perfectly with my own goals. I wanted to be a veterinarian so I could return to my hometown and meet the critical need for veterinary care. This program has empowered me to do just that.
How are you involved with the school?
During my time at the School of Veterinary Medicine, I was involved in several student organizations, including the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) and the Small Animal Club. I also worked as a tutor at the vet school, which gave me the opportunity to support my peers academically.
One of the most meaningful experiences for me was being involved in the admissions process for incoming classes. During school breaks, I would return to assist with interview days by giving campus tours and participating in student panels for prospective students. Over time, my role grew to include sitting in on interviews, asking questions and even participating in the selection process. It was incredibly rewarding to help shape the future of the program, and I hope to continue contributing to admissions as a clinician.
The practice I’ll be joining is also a clinical partner of the school, and I’m excited about the opportunity to mentor fourth-year students during their clinical rotations. My goal is to help provide a hands-on, supportive experience that builds both confidence and competence in the next generation of veterinarians.
How has your clinical year experience been?
My fourth-year clinical experience has been nothing short of amazing. I’ve rotated through a variety of clinics across Texas, including Navasota, Gonzales, Corpus Christi, Freeport, Harlingen, Dilley, Eagle Pass and Beeville.
Throughout the year, I’ve worked with a wide range of species – small animals, horses, food animals and even exotics. The hands-on experience has been invaluable, and I’ve learned so much that simply can’t be taught in a classroom. I’m incredibly grateful to the clinicians who took the time to guide me. They made a genuine effort to help me grow and prepare for my transition from student to clinician.
How have you felt the clinical year has prepared you to be a better veterinarian?
The clinical year has been one of the most valuable parts of my education. It allowed me to see different practice styles, learn what I like and don’t like and discover the kind of veterinarian I want to be. I had the chance to work with a wide variety of experienced veterinarians, all eager to share their knowledge, tips and hard-earned wisdom with the next generation.
One of the biggest takeaways has been that there’s rarely just one right way to approach a clinical case. I learned that what works for one veterinarian might look completely different for another and both can be effective. Seeing that firsthand gave me a toolbox full of techniques and approaches that I can adapt to best serve each individual client and patient.
When I started my clinical year, I was terrified. The thought of being just one year away from practicing on my own felt overwhelming. But as I near the end of this journey, I feel confident, prepared and excited to begin my career. I’ve built a strong foundation of skills, formed meaningful relationships with mentors and created a support system I know I can rely on even after graduation.
Can you talk about your excitement for graduation?
As graduation approaches, my excitement grows with each passing day. It’s a moment my classmates and I have dreamed of since the day we were accepted, and one that so many others have eagerly anticipated since the vision of the school first began to take shape. This milestone represents years of dedication, perseverance and purpose, and not just for us as students, but for everyone who helped build this program from the ground up.
I am deeply honored to be part of this inaugural class. To be among the first graduates stepping into the world as Texas Tech trained veterinarians is something I’ll carry with pride. I truly believe this is just the beginning of a legacy and a future filled with compassionate, capable veterinarians from Texas Tech who will make meaningful impacts. I’m thrilled to be part of that beginning.