For Sue Chen, DVM, DABVP (Avian), the most affirming moments of her career don’t come from personal accolades — they come from watching others soar. Mentorship has become the cornerstone of her professional purpose, and seeing interns grow into confident, accomplished leaders is what continually reminds her why she’s here.
As the Avian & Exotics Specialty Internship Program Director at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS), she has had the privilege of mentoring extraordinary individuals who have gone on to excel across academia, zoological medicine, and private practice. Whether they’re presenting groundbreaking work at major conferences or leading academic departments, she takes immense pride in seeing her former interns reach the top of the field, and, just as importantly, pay that success forward to the next generation of veterinarians.
For women beginning their journey in veterinary medicine, her advice is grounded in both honesty and care: advocate for yourself, and take care of yourself. The emotional weight of caring for sick patients and supporting their families can be profound, and over time, it can quietly take a mental toll. While many women in the profession naturally step into caretaker roles — for patients, clients, and colleagues — she emphasizes the importance of slowing down and intentionally making space for personal well-being. Caring for others, she believes, should never come at the expense of caring for yourself.
Balancing clinical excellence with well-being is a priority she takes seriously, especially for interns and residents navigating the intensity of advanced training. At GCVS, that balance is supported by a dedicated social work team that plays a vital role in the house officer experience. Social workers assist with complex client situations and help trainees process difficult cases.
Beyond formal support, the hospital fosters meaningful social connections. Simple yet intentional efforts, such as catered dinners during intern grand rounds, create space for learning, mentorship, and informal interaction with senior clinicians. These moments help reinforce that no one is navigating the demands of training alone.
Success, in her view, isn’t limited to titles or years of experience. At her hospital, everyone is a learner — from a brand-new technician to a visiting veterinary student to a clinician with decades of experience. Curiosity and growth are celebrated at every level. Success might look like placing a first catheter, refining clinical efficiency, or discovering a better way to document care. What matters most is a shared commitment to learning and improving together.
Looking ahead, she wishes more young veterinarians understood that challenges are not setbacks; they are opportunities. Advanced training demands resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to learn from mistakes. Complex cases and moments of uncertainty are inevitable, but they are also where growth happens. Developing the capacity to reflect, adapt, and persevere is, in her eyes, essential to thriving in both training and a long-term veterinary career.
Through mentorship, advocacy, and a deep commitment to well-being, she continues to shape not just skilled clinicians but confident, resilient leaders, ensuring the future of veterinary medicine is both excellent and sustainable.