A Q & A with Dr. Kwane Stewart, The Street Vet
- What is some advice you can share with veterinary students about getting the most out of veterinary school and following their passions?
Soak up as much information and ask as many questions as needed to feel prepared. One thing I regret about my time in school is not taking advantage of this amazing wealth of talent and information from my professors. As soon as I got out of school, and was on my own, I thought “ Oh No!”
- What experiences in your life changed you and why?
The best part of my journey was being unafraid to try new things in the first 10 years of my career. It gave me an experience, wisdom and confidence.
- What do you feel are the challenges in veterinary medicine or as a veterinarian at this time? How do you feel these can be addressed?
Fair pay for vets while keeping costs down for vet services is our biggest issue. The two are working in opposition right now but working with corporate America and demanding a change in ‘business as usual’ is the first step.
- Your talk is titled “The Immense Power of Kindness.” How did you find the kindness needed for your work and how to cultivate to stay motivated and engaged?
The ‘kindness’ was always there. I think it’s inherent in most vets by their very nature. I just needed a moment to unlock it (one which I’ll share). The continued motivation and reward is baked into every pet I help, that otherwise never would’ve received it.
- With your work, what are you trying to solve or achieve? Who or what are your partners and why are they vital to success?
On a smaller scale, I’m simply trying to provide care for pets that don’t have access or resources and show humanity to their parents. On a bigger scale (the dream) I want to create a movement for the next generation about the power of donating your time and talents, even just in tiny moments - and the immense change you will create. The partners vital to my success are YOU.
- How can students take inspiration from your work and effect change in their local communities?
My ask is to just try helping someone who’s not in a position to help themselves. THAT is the fire starter!
- How do you balance things and still get fulfillment both professionally and personally?
I have a personal mandate (and it took me most of my career to land here) that I will do something that gives me great joy at least once a week.
- Any words of wisdom to share with our students or anyone considering working in the veterinary field?
This is the most diverse profession in the world. You can try or do almost anything with that license. Experiment, learn, fail, succeed - rinse and repeat.
The Immense Power of Kindness…and YOU!
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to hear CNN’s 2023 Hero of the Year, Dr. Kwane Stewart, on Friday, April 24.