I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a veterinarian.  My affinity for animals was undeniable then and still is as an adult.  It was my dream to become a veterinarian and that became a reality in 2003 when I graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.  From there I went on to pursue an internship and residency in Veterinary Internal Medicine of which led to my Internal Medicine Specialty Certification.  

 

I have never once regretted my career choice and this profession has treated me very well over the years.  However, there is a dark side to this profession that begs to be exposed.  Unfortunately, I have personally witnessed and have been affected by the issues that plague our profession. 

 

It is these reasons that I set out to change the veterinary landscape.  I wanted to impact veterinary medicine from outside of the exam room.  So I chose to establish the Paisley Paws Charitable Veterinary Foundation as a way to do just that.  The mission of this 501c3 non-profit is threefold and includes:

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• A need to provide necessary financial support during time of medical crisis for pet owners,

 

• A need to provide support for newly graduated veterinarians, paving an opportunity for them to succeed, make a greater impact in the field and reach their full potential, and

 

• A need to address the emotional and mental burdens that veterinarians often carry in silence, which sadly and far too often leads to suicide.

 

It is my vision and hope that through the Paisley Paws Charitable Veterinary Foundation  we can and will fill that gap and meet those needs.  Consider becoming a partner and lend a paw 🐾  to help us make a life-saving impact throughout the veterinarian profession.

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Brian Hamm, DVM, DACVIM