Dipa Brahmbhatt
Veterinarian
Colorado State University
Specialty: Large Animal Veterinarian
Nominated by: Heena Brahmbhatt
Excerpt from nomination: "I am nominating Dipa Brahmbhatt not only because she is my sister, but because I truly believethat she will make a difference globally with her vision of how to help developing world countries strenghten their agricultural sectors. She is one of the few female large animal (food producing) veterinarians I know, and the only Indian female veterinarian myself and anyone I know, has heard of. When she graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a degree in veterinarian medicine, one of her professors said that he had called Colorado State University and recommended Dipa bysaying that "if you are looking for a person who will change the face of veterinary medicine globally, Dipa Brahmbhatt is your choice" Her rich and diverse experiences before vet school also helped pave her path into this field: She worked with veterinarians in Botswana, helped farmers with restructuring their environment to increase their productivity ... this was quite a challenge for her because most farmers in Africa are not used to women working with them and telling them what to do ..."
Dipa once told me that the reason she wants to become a vet is so that she can help developing countries strenghten their economies by focusing on their most reliable sector: the agricultural sector. She gave the example of Zambia which was lead to an overnight ruin due to the copper crash in the 80s.We need to take our knowledge base and skills and help countries strenghten sectors that will stay stable over time. Dipa is currently one of 3 chosen interns in the "Food Animal and Surgery" program at Colorado StateUniversity which is rated one of the top programs in the country for large animal medicine.
I recommend Dipa not only because she is one of few select minority women who has made it ina field historically dominated by men, but because she is an embodiment of tenacity, courage, humility and compassion for all living things. "
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was as a research assistant in the Animal Science Department at Cornell University. My responsibilities included analyzing feed material that dairy cattle ate, trying to quantify substances that could be harmful to the health of the animal and finally to learn how to analyze data that we had collected. I learned the importance nutrition played in preventing diseases in dairy cattle which inspired me to be a food animal veterinarian that focused on preventing diseases rather than only treating them.
Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
My sister, Heena Brahmbhatt. She is an excellent role model in terms of her passion, dedication and enthusiasm at working in the public health field. I have had the privilege of accompanying her in conferences where she was presenting her work on HIV and AIDS, she is one of the most dynamic, approachable and comprehensive speakers I have heard. She has always been there for me not only as a sister but also a friend, advisor and active supporter in the decisions I make to achieve my goals.
What is your favorite book?
"Their Eyes are Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston.
What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?
I envision myself being part of a team active in eradicating, preventing and controlling harmful diseases that affect both humans and animals in developing countries.
What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
Trying to use my mind rather than my strength in working with large animals. To ensure the safety of people working around large animals, conducting diagnostics on the animal in order to decide proper treatment and accomplishing it all in a humane manner
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
Trying to teach students what I know best. I get excited when I know that I have helped students understand a topic that was difficult. My imagination is most active when I am in front of a class teaching and I have to use different ways to reach out to all the individuals in the room. I think teaching, sharing and discussing what I have learned is my greatest accomplishment.
What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?
My greatest challenge was the first time I failed in my life, in veterinary school. I had always been in the top 10% of my class and because of an economically stressful situation I was unable to keep my grades up. I had to retake my exam and studied most of the summer to prepare myself. It was difficult to start all over again and try to pick up myself to face the challenge. My family and friends helped me through the situation. I learned that I should never be overconfident in my abilities, the experience was very humbling. Suddenly I was one of themı, who failed and I learned that it is from our falls that we build concrete character. It takes more courage to pick oneself up from an undesirable situation than having things always go as planned.
What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
Always keep time aside for my family, friends and myself that helps me develop my inner strength. Most importantly changing the way I think to better a situation.
What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
To never let anyone decide what phenotype is required to become a large animal veterinarian. You do not have to be masculine to progress in this field but hardworking, honest and dedicated to your role as a large animal veterinarian. Most importantly, do not depend on others to judge your competency: try to have confidence in your abilities and be constructive about your faults so that every day you have a challenge to improve on. I wish all those interested in this field the best of luck.
