John Kuitu, DVM, remembers the day that he was accepted to Texas A&M University, where he studied veterinary medicine. “I was ecstatic,” he said. More than 30 years later, Kuitu is a veterinarian at the Great Plains Veterinary Clinic, an AAHA-accredited hospital in New Mexico.

His first job was at the Knowles Animal Hospital in Florida, where he worked for three and a half years with Dr. Robert P. Knowles. “I could not pay for the experience,” he said.

When asked about his favorite case, Kuitu is hard-pressed to answer because — as he said — “My favorite case is the next one. I am lucky to have many great cases. To choose one would be difficult.”

Kuitu knew he wanted to be a veterinarian when he was seven years old, and he credits his mother for his love of animals. “My mother would take care of all the baby birds, wild animals and strays that needed help,” he recalls. “I wanted to impart her special loving touch with animals. She and my father encouraged my passion for animals and this love of the healing arts is with me today. What a wonderful profession we have.”

A younger Kuitu, who has worked in the veterinary profession for 36 years, is shown here with his mother.

This article originally appeared in PetsMatter Volume 2 Issue 5, published by the American Animal Hospital Association. Copyright © 2009 AAHA. Find out more.