Classmates award Brace 2023 Gentle Doctor Award
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Media Contact: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu
One of the most impactful educators for Dr. Amanda Brace during her time at the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine was a Holstein steer named Clyde.
Despite not considering herself much of a cowgirl or a large animal enthusiast, Brace’s experience with Clyde imparted a lesson that no textbook could offer. Clyde was brought to OSU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with severe medical issues during Brace’s fourth year of veterinary school. He exhibited petlike docility and relished the company of people, often curling his head and neck around them for affectionate snuggles while they treated him. Despite the deep affection the students and veterinarians felt for Clyde, a time came when they had to question the extent of their treatment.
“That situation was when I realized what compassion looked like,” Brace said. “We could try as many treatments as we could, but ultimately, it was best to euthanize him. I still think about Clyde all the time. He has a huge impact on me in knowing when to stop and when that’s best for the animal.”
It was Clyde who taught Brace what it meant to be a gentle doctor.
Each year, the OSU CVM graduating class selects one member to receive the Gentle Doctor Award. The class of 2023 selected Brace.
Brace was a high school senior when she decided she wanted to be a veterinarian. A decision that she made much later compared to her classmates.
“I was a senior in high school when I shadowed at a vet clinic,” Brace said. “I’ve always loved animals, but while shadowing at the clinic I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this is really cool.’ Everything changed in that moment. I fell in love with it and veterinary medicine became my goal from then on.”
Seated among her fellow classmates at the graduation ceremony, Brace’s ears perked up and she filled with emotion as her name was announced as the recipient of the award.
“I was shocked when I heard my name called,” Brace said. “My class is filled with people who embody the Gentle Doctor Award. They love animals, and they’re gentle, compassionate and they remember that there’s an owner attached to that animal. I definitely expected someone else to get it, but I am honored that my class would choose me.”
The bonds Brace formed with classmates in vet school are unique due to their shared experiences. She values those connections and people to empathize with as they each navigate their initial year in practice.
When Brace contemplated focusing on clinical pathology, she spent time working alongside Dr. Susan Fielder, an assistant professor in the veterinary pathobiology department, whose passion for knowledge challenged Brace to want to continue learning, even after graduation.
“Mandy is a very kind and compassionate person with an innate ability to connect with people, all skills that will help her to be a fantastic veterinarian,” Fielder said.
Currently, Brace is a veterinarian at Care Animal Hospital in Tulsa, where she has enjoyed her first several months of general practice.
“I’ve had so much fun just learning,” Brace said. “Yes, it’s challenging when you have a case that doesn’t go well or when there’s a client with a challenging patient, but overall learning the art of veterinary medicine has been amazing.”
Brace sees each case as a puzzle — a challenge she looks forward to daily.
“What I love about vet med is the diversity that you see every day, especially as a general practitioner. I also love people,” Brace said. “I love making relationships with clients while caring for the animals they love.”
Wherever she ventures and however extensive her experience becomes, Brace remains dedicated to seeking mentors and learning opportunities akin to the ones that inspired her at OSU CVM.
“Having a hunger and a thirst for learning is something I want to continue to embody, because things are constantly changing,” Brace said. “I was challenged by my professors’ love of learning and want to continue to learn not only for my personal understanding, but ultimately for the benefit of my patients.”
Photos By: Gensee Photo Systems
Story By: Sydney Trainor | Vet Cetera Magazine