VMCVM Student Spotlight: Alyssa Blancke
Alyssa Blancke
Degree: DVM, 2026, Small Animal
Hometown: Owings, Maryland
My undergraduate was in…
Animal & Nutritional Sciences and Psychology at West Virginia University.
Best part of being a VMCVM student…
How supportive the faulty is! Everyone wants you to succeed, whether it's in the classroom or on clinics.
The moment I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian/public health professional was…
During my junior year of undergrad. My rabbit was dying and there were no emergency clinics open that would see her. As a little kid I always said that I wanted to be a veterinarian, but this moment solidified that for me. I want to help save all animals, no matter their species.
My hidden talent...
I'm a great cook! I learned how to bake sourdough last year. I love experimenting with new recipes and even made a deer curry once! My go-to recipes are shrimp scampi and chicken tikka masala.
A person who has inspired me...
My mother. She raised me as a single mom. She continues to inspire me with her resiliency and kindness each day. I don't know where I'd be without her.
Biggest misconception about being a veterinarian/public health student…
That we get "kickbacks" from pharmaceutical and pet food companies. We don't! We chose to be in the vet med field because of our love for animals.
If I had a superpower, it would be...
Speaking with animals. I'd love to have a conversation with one and see life from their perspective. Plus it would make my job a lot easier!
My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song...
"I'm Still Standing" by Elton John.
The course project/study you're most excited about…
I'm excited for clinics in 4th year. I had such an amazing time on clinics last summer and learned so much. It was rewarding to apply my knowledge to patients.
What excites me the most about the future of my industry...
Exotic animal medicine is continuously growing. I am excited to see the latest advances for pocket pet, reptile, and avian medicine.
Favorite way to end the day...
Either reading a good book with a candle lit and cuddling my cats or going to a brewery with friends!
Top of my bucket list...
Travel the world. I'd love to visit Japan, Belgium, and France one day.
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I have 2 cats; Neko & Ren. Neko is a black Domestic Shorthair and the biggest cuddle bug. Ren is a Maine Coon who follows me everywhere. They are the best study buddies a vet student could ask for :)
