Meet Dr. Heather McCrary

Dr. Heather McCrary, Resident, Large Animal Surgery
Woman standing and smiling, wearing a green collared shirt inscribed with “Dr. McCrary” and “Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine” in front of a blue clothed table and whiteboards.
Dr. Heather McCrary is completing her residency in large animal surgery at Hospital for Large Animals at Cummings School. Photo: Jeff Poole, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Heather McCrary, Large Animal Surgery, Resident, Hospital for Large Animals 

Veterinary School: Ross University, and I completed my clinical year at the University of Tennessee.

What drew you to this position at Cummings School?
What drew me to Cummings School was that a position in the residency program had opened up and I had heard great things about it, so I applied immediately.

What have you been surprised to learn during your tenure here (about veterinary medicine, Cummings School, or yourself)?
What I have been surprised to learn is that this field is unique in its diversity and inclusion, and you can always find a safe haven. In addition, I learned to love (like) pigs!

What are you hoping to do after you complete your time at Cummings School?
After my time at Cummings School, I will be moving to Washington state for an emergency surgeon position at WSU [Washington State University].

Can you share an experience from your time here at Cummings School that stands out to you – a patient, case, owner, faculty, etc.?
An experience I will never forget is the first colic surgery I did by myself, and how exciting it was to finally be performing something that I had been working towards for a long time! One of my best friends from work was scrubbed in with me, and everything went well! I’m happy to report that the patient is still doing great!

What brings you joy professionally?
What brings me joy professionally is when your team gets along, completes a task (usually an operation), and we have a good outcome. I love working with people who understand each other and work together like a well-oiled machine.

Anything else you would like to share?
I would like to share that the time I’ve spent here, the friends I have made, and everything I have learned will stay with me forever!