Dr. Jennifer Lopez built her early career around a dermatology research colony, helping develop a model for atopic dermatitis while a technician at the University of Florida, work that landed her in Veterinary Dermatology and the American Veterinary Journal of Research. She went on to earn an MBA in Multi Sector Health Management, run a 24 hour VCA hospital in Pittsburgh, and now consults with practice owners as a Professional Services Veterinarian at Antech. Along the way she has kept a hand in relief work, squeezing shifts into weekends, holidays, and time off. This profile first ran on Relief Rover, the relief-vet community platform that joined Hound in 2023.

In Her Own Words

What is your niche, and do you work in general practice, ER, or shelter medicine?

"GP, dermatology, surgery, and emergency care."
Dr. Jennifer Lopez

What inspired you to become a veterinarian?

"Born and raised in Miami Beach, Florida, I have always been a Florida baby. There was never a doubt that I would become a veterinarian, as I grew up caring for my family's seven pet Rottweilers, blue and gold macaw, and various other animals that my family rescued."
Dr. Jennifer Lopez

What roles have you had within the veterinary profession?

"I began my veterinary career as a technician at the University of Florida in the Dermatology department. I helped in both the clinical and research departments of dermatology, the ICU, and the blood donor ward. Opportunities allowed me to work closely with the dermatologist in charge of clinical trials with their in house high IgE research beagles, where I was a part of developing the model for atopic dermatitis. My passion grew for clinical research and skin diseases, resulting in being published in several journals such as Veterinary Dermatology and American Veterinary Journal of Research. While at St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, The West Indies, I was able to stay active in community programs to educate the local Grenadians on pet care, parasite control, and preventive medicine, representing both Zoetis and VCA as a student ambassador. After graduating, I began general practice in Miami, while also working towards and receiving my MBA in Multi Sector Health Management. I then took a position with VCA as a medical director for a 24 hour, 12 doctor general practice and emergency hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I love to interact with clients and pets, which is why I recently left clinical practice to take on the position of Professional Services Veterinarian at Antech. This was an opportunity to continue to be a part of the veterinary community but also provide consultative services to practice owners and veterinary staff supporting goals of growth while promoting best medicine practices."
Dr. Jennifer Lopez

So, you've made the switch to relief practice. Why?

"Despite the access to community involvement, I missed getting my hands dirty and began to do relief during the weekend, holidays, and time off."
Dr. Jennifer Lopez

How do you feel that relief practice supports the veterinary profession as a whole?

"I feel that being a relief veterinarian is a fantastic opportunity to establish great personal and professional relationships and collaborate with so many amazing teams."
Dr. Jennifer Lopez

Keeping it PG, what is your most memorable relief job?

"I had a blast working in a clinic that does a lot of rescue and non profit work. Who doesn't love a mangey mutt! Being able to provide a support system to organizations that are selfless reminds me of how we all as veterinarians want to save the world and are able to do it, one pet at a time."
Dr. Jennifer Lopez

What are your least favorite things about being a relief vet?

"Leaving the friends and teammates at the end of the day. You might be back, but never soon enough when you find a great hospital."
Dr. Jennifer Lopez

Pathologically prepared or minimalist, what supplies or equipment do you bring with you on the job?

"Lots of coffee, snacks, and also a bag or two of Sour Patch Kids. Sugar fuel is important!"
Dr. Jennifer Lopez

What advice would you give someone thinking about becoming a relief vet?

"We are all nervous walking in the first day in a new practice. We all want to please everyone, that is our veterinarian way. But know that you are appreciated and valued, and that the practice is happy to have you there even if you don't know everything! No one knows it all."
Dr. Jennifer Lopez

What states are you licensed in, or working to obtain licensure in?

"North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Colorado, and Texas."
Dr. Jennifer Lopez

Aside from English, what languages do you speak?

"I speak English and Spanish, but am great at Google Translate, too, with other languages."
Dr. Jennifer Lopez

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

"Lopez fur babies include two French bulldogs, Roxy Razzle Dazzle and King Pickle, and a miniature red poodle, Clifford, who I call Poodle. My hobbies include gardening, cooking, scuba diving, all water sports and traveling. And I thoroughly enjoy learning histories and cultures of the world, exposing myself to new languages and people. I cannot wait to get back to Africa for safari."
Dr. Jennifer Lopez