Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Lily Chen.
Dr. Chen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Taiwan and moved to the states when I was 13 – my parents came with us and stayed with us for a year – however, it was too difficult for my dad to get a job here. He was an orthopedic surgeon back home in Taiwan and to get appropriate license and ability to practice to the level he was used to back home was nearly impossible, especially with a language barrier. My parents made a very difficult decision to transition my brother and I to a boarding school in upstate New York. I’ve essentially left home and parents since I was 14.
I’ve had one dream for as long as I can remember – to become a veterinarian. I remember as little as three years old, I wanted to rescue dogs off the streets. My love for animals has always fueled everything I did in life. I worked in a zoo in high school, then started working in animal hospitals when I was in college. I applied for veterinary school right after college, however, I did not get in on my first try.
I remember being really disappointed, but I wasn’t willing to wait around for another year to re-apply to see if I could get in the following year. I remember thinking – “I know I can do this!”. So I applied for a Caribbean school that same year for their rolling admission and I got in. That summer, I packed up all my stuff, left my life in the US behind, started long distance relationship with my then-boyfriend (now husband) and moved to the island for vet school. I thought it was a few years of my life and I was finally beginning the journey of realizing my dream. But it was only two weeks into moving there and before school even started that two men broke into my place – robbed and raped me. I was 22. After it happened, I remember being angry – really angry this happened and all I wanted was to be a vet and help animals and people. I put my anger and hurt into productivity and I sent in my application for the next round of vet school within two months of getting back from the Caribbean while I was on some heavy dose HIV preventive medicine and dealing with legal and medical repercussions of the incident while trying to piece my life back together in the US.
I did get into my dream school the following year. And I am now a veterinarian, loving this job I am doing. The incident happened 18 years ago – eighteen years really seem like it would be long enough to erase the trauma and mend the wounds. However, in the beginning, I built up a lot of walls around me and emotionally closed myself off to most people. It was through my profession and connecting with people that I began to break down those walls. I think being a vet saved me because of all the people I met along the way – people who allowed me into their lives to share the most intimate stories, people who I held hands with and comforted during the most vulnerable of times, people who I guided and connected with. I think being a vet is so much more than just making pets healthier, we are changing people’s worlds. Sometimes I think putting myself out there is hard, putting my emotions out there is hard, pouring my heart and connecting deep with people can open myself up to get hurt, but the despair that comes with loneliness is even harder. I am so grateful to the people who have opened their hearts to me and extended their hands. People who helped me break down my walls, little by little. Through being a vet, I learned kindness and vulnerability really has a way to heal and strength to lift.
I started as a small animal veterinarian in general practice practicing conventional and western medicine. However, I started to see many chronic diseases and painful issues were not resolved by conventional medicine leaving many pets to suffer long term. I began studying Eastern Medicine and became certified in veterinary acupuncture. I use acupuncture, along with food therapy, herbal medicine, supplements and holistic therapies to complement the western medicine I already know. I have found using an integrative approach combining Western and Eastern modalities have given my patients the best options in being healthy and happy. I firmly believe there is not one approach to treat – as every pet is different in terms of their genetics, lifestyle, and how they respond and heal from different conditions. I believe pets’ treatments are really customized to each pet.
I started a housecall practice because I saw a need for patients who cannot get to the hospital easily or pets who are more comfortable and relaxed at home for exams and treatments. I am working on opening an integrative pet wellness center that will combine western and eastern medicine in an open, comfortable and home-like setting where people can stay with their pets and really understand the needs and care for their pets. I have a vision to provide veterinary services by building a community of pet lovers so we can support each other.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
After becoming a veterinarian, the biggest struggle was finding how I want to practice. I feel I am never satisfied with where I am – I have always wanted to know more, learn more, explore more and grow more. I am always looking for innovative and more efficient ways to provide more transparent and quality pet care. But it was not easy in the beginning trying to figure out exactly what I was looking for – I felt like something was missing but it took me years in practice to begin to refine my vision. Initially finding a tribe and a group of people who understood and supported my vision was hard, but as time goes on, I am connecting with more and more similar-minded people who want to improve and revolutionize pet care.
We’d love to hear more about your practice.
Currently, I have an integrative veterinary practice. I specialize in combining eastern and holistic modalities into the existing western diagnosis and treatments. I also love getting new puppies and kittens so we can start their lives with the best choices possible. I enjoy spending time getting to know the people and pets – I think one of the most important factors in keeping pets healthy is open communication between the pet parents and the veterinarian. I see my role as being the guide to help explain to people the different options so we can arrive at the best decision together for the family. Every pet receives an individualized recommendation that works for their family.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I often think of myself as being very lucky. Lucky to do the one thing I absolutely love as my job day in and day out. I feel this has always been my calling. Every time I feel stuck along this journey, there has been a sign, a person, or an opportunity that leads me to where I need to go. I am also very lucky to find mentors, friends, and colleagues who believe in me and continue to fuel me in pursuing my vision.
Contact Info:
- Address: 739 Deep Valley Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
- Website: www.drlilychenvet.com
- Phone: (213)316-6886
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lilychen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlilychenvet
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dr-lily-chen-mobile-veterinary-acupuncture-rolling-hills-estates
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