Danny Sack

Name: Danny Sack

Medical title/credentials: Veterinarian 

School/Program: Cornell University (Veterinary School) Penn State University (Undergrad)

Favorite Hobby: Surfing and Playing Drums

Why did you choose your profession? I have wanted to be a veterinarian since kindergarten.  I have always loved working with animals and being an advocate for their wellbeing.  As a veterinarian, not only do we work with animals to diagnose and treat their ailments, but we also are responsible for educating and advising pet owners to provide the best care possible to our patients.  I have always been a “people person”, so veterinary medicine is the perfect combination between helping animals and working with people every day in the most rewarding way possible.

Biggest Inspiration: I am hugely inspired by my mentors in both general and specialty practice.  Without their life and professional lessons, I would not be the veterinarian or person I am today.  There is not one person who I draw complete inspiration from.

Current Passion Project: I’m working on developing a veterinary student network to help bridge the gap between veterinarians and students in order to improve networking and mentorship within the profession.

What sort of challenges have you faced in your life? How have you overcome them?: I have never been the student with a 4.0 GPA or one who can memorize everything I read in a textbook.  I have always had to overcome this with hard work and perseverance.  In school, I relied heavily on mentorship and additional experience I gain through extracurriculars and externship to boost my understanding and performance in the clinic.

Fun fact: I am a huge batman fan.

Do you have any advice for others interested in entering your field? Don’t be afraid to try things out.  Sometimes knowing what you don’t like is more important than finding what you love.  Open yourself to any opportunity that presents itself as you navigate your professional career because you never know where they will take you and which experiences will change your career for the better.

Any other piece of advice, motivational quote, or message you would like to share? There is never one right answer, or secret recipe for how to achieve your goal, and anything worth having does not come easily.  If you have the passion and the drive to work tirelessly towards your dream, you will get there.