Welcome Dr. Ojeda-Rosenthal
Dr. Vivian Ojeda-Rosenthal, Small Animal Surgery at Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals
Veterinary School: Colorado State University
- What drew you to this position at Cummings School?
I was drawn to Cummings School because of the wide reach of the hospitals across New England, which provide such a large and diverse caseload. I’ve lived in the Northeast, West, and Midwest, and whenever I say I’m from New England, people like to joke about how prickly folks are here. Honestly, I think New Englanders are some of the kindest people I know—and I really appreciate straightforward, blunt people too, so maybe that has something to do with it.
- What have you been surprised to learn during your tenure here (about veterinary medicine, Cummings School, or yourself)?
Even though I’ve only been here a short time, I’ve already learned how much better it feels to show up to work when you’re passionate about what you’re doing. Residency is definitely overwhelming and stressful at times, but it’s also energizing and exciting. I’ve made sacrifices for this career, but being surrounded by patients and colleagues who live the same mission makes it all feel worthwhile.
- What are you hoping to do after you complete your time at Cummings School?
I really enjoy teaching and mentoring, and I can see myself staying in academia so I can continue supporting the next generation of veterinarians. At the same time, I’ve always been intrigued by cardiac physiology, so the idea of cardiothoracic surgery is especially exciting to me. If I ever get the chance to break into that subspecialty, I’d love to see where it could lead.
- Can you share an experience from your time here at Cummings School that stands out to you – a patient, case, owner, faculty, etc.?
One of my favorite patients so far has been Captain, a Labrador Retriever puppy who works as a comfort dog with the Blackstone Police Department. He suffered a leg fracture getting out of a vehicle while training. It was rewarding to be able to give him the best possible outcome for his working career. He’s turning into a land-shark teenager, but he’s still ridiculously cute and will be really good at his job. Knowing that he’ll be able to return to his work in the community made the experience particularly meaningful.
- What brings you joy professionally?
I get a lot of joy from the puzzle-solving and teamwork that surgery demands, and I truly love being in the operating room. There’s a rhythm and coordination to surgery that feels almost like a carefully practiced dance — every person on the team moving with purpose and focus. One of the unexpected joys of this profession is that it’s perfectly normal to let your guard down with patients — using playful tones, gentle voices, or chatter to comfort them.
- Anything else you would like to share?
Outside of the hospital, I’m passionate about building community and supporting others in their growth. I believe that veterinary medicine is not just about science and skill, but also about empathy, communication, and resilience—and I hope to carry that perspective forward throughout my career. I’m also really proud to represent my communities as a first-generation Hmong-American and Latina. Veterinary medicine hasn’t always been the most diverse field, so being here, pursuing this career, and hopefully setting an example for others coming after me means a lot.