Mediterranean Sea Enthusiast Heals Animals Stateside

Dr. Ramon Almela
Assistant professor, Department of Clinical Sciences
Veterinary dermatologist, Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals

What is your hometown and/or where did you spend your adolescent years?

My hometown is Murcia, a sunny beautiful city with a millenary heritage in southeast Spain, bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, which has served as a melting pot for many ancient cultures. During my adolescent years I typically traveled during the summer to different countries including a train trip around Europe, and a high school academic year in the states (Albuquerque, New Mexico) with an American family with whom I’m still in touch.  

What inspired you to become an educator or researcher? 

As a child, I spent a lot of time assisting my father during his classes at the University of Murcia. He was a pioneer at the University and advocated on students’ behalf to foster a diverse, inclusive, equal, and sustainable community. 

In addition, I was always curious. When I was five, I asked for a microscope as a Christmas present and read a lot of books, most of them about nature and animals. My grandfather bought me a book when I was eight, which had beautiful animal pictures and descriptions. He knew! And I still have the book. 

What do you most enjoy about working at Cummings School?

Cummings School has a great reputation with warm staff and nice students. People are always willing to help, and you feel like you belong. It’s a special community.

What is your passion (professionally and/or personally)? 

My passion is to help lives by healing animals, and to improve the care of animals through education and research. My personal passion is wanderlust, my family; I also love the sea, scuba diving, reggae music, and reading. At home, one of my favorite spots was a huge library with thousands of books—some from the 19th Century. And the Mediterranean Sea is always present, important, and defines and shapes the culture, character, and cuisine.

What might someone be surprised to learn about you? 

I write poetry. I like it a lot and I have contested in some competitions. 

Can you tell us about your pets? 

We brought Trufa, our black labrador retriever, with us from Europe and she lived happily until two years ago when we had to put her to sleep at 15 years old after she lost a battle with cancer. It still hurts and breaks my heart. I have had pets throughout my life—commonly dogs but some cats, a tortoise, and an iguana. I love them and they all survive in my memory with the nice and funny moments we shared.