Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Cortright
Hi Sarah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into veterinary medicine began on my parents’ dairy farm in rural Mansfield, New Jersey. Growing up surrounded by animals, I developed a deep connection with them from a young age. I was captivated by the work of our local veterinarian, and it inspired me to pursue a career in animal care.
As a child, I actively participated in 4-H and sought out opportunities to gain experience by shadowing veterinarians in both large and small animal practices. My dedication led me to the pre-veterinary program at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. During my time there, I furthered my hands-on experience by working on the Cook Campus farm and as a veterinary technician at a small animal hospital.
Encouraged by my mentors, I decided to attend St. George’s University for veterinary school. Moving to Grenada was a transformative experience where I immersed myself in the local community, providing care for a wide variety of animals. After completing my education, I transitioned to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, for my clinical year, where I honed my focus on small animal medicine.
Today, I’m passionate about general practice because of the diversity of cases it offers. I’m particularly interested in challenging medical cases, soft-tissue surgery, diagnostic imaging, and integrative medicine. I’m also committed to using fear-free practices to reduce stress in my patients, and I’m currently studying Spanish to better communicate with non-English-speaking pet parents.
Beyond my work in the clinic, I’m dedicated to community service. I serve as the chief veterinarian for Underdog Community Project, a non-profit organization that provides free veterinary care to pets of unhoused and minority individuals in Los Angeles. I also created a social media platform, @dr.sarah.cortright, to offer accessible and reliable information to pet parents.
Outside of my professional life, I cherish my time with my four rescue animals—two cats, Kaia and Zoey, and two dogs, Mac and Franklin. My commitment to enhancing the well-being of animals and supporting my community remains the driving force behind my work in veterinary medicine.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to becoming a veterinarian has definitely not been smooth. As a first-generation college student, navigating the process of higher education was challenging. I didn’t have the same resources or guidance that others might have had, which made figuring out the path to veterinary school a bit daunting.
Financially, it was tough as well. I had to overcome a significant student loan burden, and to help offset the costs, I lived in a scholarship house. Even with that support, I still worked 20-30 hours a week while attending school full-time. Balancing work, school, and gaining the necessary experience in the veterinary field was exhausting, but it taught me the value of resilience and determination.
These challenges shaped me into the veterinarian I am today. They instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the opportunities I’ve had. Despite the obstacles, my passion for animals and my commitment to this profession kept me going, and I’m grateful for where I am now.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my work as a veterinarian, I’m passionate about general practice because it allows me to encounter a wide variety of cases and provide comprehensive care for my patients. I specialize in challenging medical cases, soft-tissue surgery, diagnostic imaging, and integrative medicine. The constant evolution of the veterinary field keeps me on my toes, and I’m committed to continually adapting my approach to ensure that I’m providing the highest quality care.
One of the aspects of my work that I’m most proud of is my dedication to fear-free practices. I believe that creating an environment that reduces stress, fear, and anxiety is crucial to providing effective care. By working closely with both the veterinary team and pet parents, I develop considerate and gentle care plans tailored to each animal’s needs. This approach not only improves the experience for the pets but also strengthens the trust and communication between me and the pet parents.
Client communication is another area where I focus my efforts. I’m currently studying Spanish to better connect with non-English-speaking pet parents, ensuring that everyone feels understood and supported. Additionally, I’ve created a social media platform, @dr.sarah.cortright, on TikTok and Instagram to offer accessible and reliable information to pet parents. This outreach allows me to extend my impact beyond the clinic and provide valuable resources to a wider audience.
Outside of my clinic work, I’m the chief veterinarian for the Underdog Community Project, a non-profit organization that provides free veterinary services and support to the pets of unhoused and minority individuals in the greater Los Angeles area. This work is incredibly meaningful to me, as it aligns with my commitment to addressing socio-economic and humanitarian issues within the community.
What sets me apart from others in my field is my holistic approach to veterinary care, combining medical expertise with a deep commitment to reducing stress in my patients and enhancing communication with their owners. My involvement in community service and my efforts to make veterinary knowledge more accessible through social media further reflect my dedication to making a positive impact on both animals and their owners.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, my primary focus is on expanding the Underdog Community Project and the vital services we provide. Currently, we concentrate on wellness and preventative care, offering vaccinations, food distribution, and spay/neuter clinics. However, the need for continued and accessible healthcare in these communities is significant, and I’m committed to addressing it.
One of my goals is to expand our services to include dental cleanings, as many of the pets we see are in desperate need of dental care. Additionally, we often encounter pets with illnesses or injuries that we can only provide short-term care for at the moment. I want to extend this care, offering more comprehensive treatment options and better support for emergency cases.
By expanding the range of services we offer, I hope to ensure that these pets receive the quality care they deserve, regardless of their owners’ financial situation. This is a crucial part of my commitment to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of animals and their owners, and I’m excited to see how the Underdog Community Project can grow to meet these needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/dr.sarah.cortright/?hl=en
- Instagram: @dr.sarah.cortright
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554327599922
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.Sarah.Cortright
