Meet Cristopher Pineda, V29, MG29 (M.P.H.)

Cristopher Pineda, V29, MG29 (M.P.H.) 
he/him

What are you passionate about in veterinary medicine?
As a student, I am very passionate about learning about different subjects all within a veterinary medicine lens. I am very interested in improving access to care and community medicine through both a policy lens and engaging with my local communities.

What drew you to Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine to pursue your degree?
What drew me to Tufts [Cummings School] is the amount of opportunities Tufts [Cummings School] provides for students to learn. Whether through clubs or school-wide events, I have always found different ways to engage with veterinary medicine. Being exposed to different forms of veterinary medicine has helped me grow my passion and interest immensely.

Share an experience you loved at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine?
I have had multiple experiences at Tufts [Cummings School] that have been transformative. One of my favorites so far has been doing the TCAT Community and Student Clinics. I think having the opportunity to apply different skills we have learned through classes and working on those skills has been super beneficial for creating a foundation for my own improvement. I have been able to work on my physical exam skills while also improving my client communication.

Share an experience at Cummings School that changed you or changed the way you thought about something?
Being in the D.V.M./M.P.H. curriculum has allowed me to view veterinary medicine in a different way within the scope of public health. In my public health courses, we are often partnered with students outside of veterinary medicine. I think being able to collaborate with these students allows me to see the bigger picture of veterinary medicine while also seeing where exactly that falls into public health issues.

What service or species do you love to work with?
My favorite species or type of animals to work with are waterfowl, my favorite species being the brown pelican. Before coming to Tufts [Cummings School], I worked with waterfowl in Southern California and brought that interest over to working with common loons in Dr. Pokras’ lab.

What brings you joy in life?
What brings me joy is being able to share experiences with my friends and family, being outdoors, and spending quality time with them.