By Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the Hispanic population in the United States heavily due to the many health inequities that this community faces. In order to provide greater support to minorities, these disparities in the healthcare system must be addressed.

Many veterinarians will tell you they’ve known since childhood that they wanted to work with animals. 

As she embarked on her quest to become a veterinarian, it seemed to Jovanna Radillo that she was behind from the start. She had to work her way through college, so she got a late start accruing the 3,500 hours of experience with animals needed in order to apply for veterinary school. 

Dr. Zabell’s favorite things in the world as a kid were his pets. He loved going to the zoo and into the woods to look for animals. Today, he’s a veterinarian who also specializes in supporting clients and coaching veterinarians through communicating with pet owners. His work extends beyond veterinary professionals and clients, as he also spends time at elementary schools talking with kids about responsible pet ownership and his work with pets. 

Andrea Sanchez was eight years old when she got her first cat, Tabitha.

After just a few months, she already loved Tabitha so much she decided she wanted to be able to give back to pets for the rest of her life.