Meet Courtney Potter, Assistant Supervisor, Veterinary Assistant
Courtney Potter, Assistant Supervisor, Vet Assistant, she/her/hers
Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals
Emergency Medicine & Critical Care (ECC)
What drew you to veterinary medicine and Cummings School?
From a very young age, my empathetic nature has been very noticeable. I am a very sensitive person who feels very deeply for those around me. Another thing about me is that I love science and biology. Growing up, I knew I wanted to work in the medical field, a perfect combination of compassion and science. I always had pets growing up: cats, hamsters, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and our family dog, Katrina, who we unexpectedly lost too soon. After losing Katrina, it took our family 16 years to get another dog, Lucy, a very happy yellow Labrador Retriever. Animals have a way of connecting with you and your emotional side. Lucy made me realize that I wanted to work with animals for a lifetime.
I attended animal behavior colleges to earn my veterinary assistant certificate. I began working in general practice and remembered the emergency room visit Lucy needed at Tufts when she was a puppy. I realized that emergency medicine is what I wanted to do, and Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine was where I wanted to do it.
In 2017, I began working in the Emergency Medicine and Critical Care section as an Animal Care Attendant eventually becoming a Veterinary Assistant. Most recently (July), I became the assistant supervisor, and veterinary assistant for the Emergency Medicine and Critical Care department. This is a new position that is quite unique, as many other teaching hospitals do not have something like this. I hope that it will continue to benefit the department as it has so far!
What do you like/love about your role at Cummings School?
At Cummings School, I love that everyone is in the mindset of teaching and learning. On the same day, I can teach students important skills and learn from those around me. Currently, as a supervisor, I mentor veterinary assistants and help them grow.
What’s a favorite experience from your time at Cummings School?
I don’t have a specific favorite experience, but any time a complex case teaches me something new, it is especially exciting!
What brings you joy in life?
What brings me the most joy in life is achieving my goals and watching others achieve their goals as well.
What do you enjoy in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dog, Lucy, and my three cats: Cassidy, Harry (yes, Harry Potter is his full name), and Benjamin. We are often found watching reality TV or Marvel movies. I also enjoy spending time with my family, especially the time I have with my nieces and nephew. I often travel to Walt Disney World, and my favorite park is Animal Kingdom!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I thoroughly enjoy my time at Cummings School. There is no place like it and no place I’d rather be.