Her Story
About Nikole
Nikole Ortiz is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who practices emergency medicine in California. Her career path began with studies at LaGuardia Community College in New York, where she pursued veterinary technician training and then biology. She continued her education at St. George University in the Caribbean for three years before completing her clinical training at the University of Illinois. After passing her boards on the first attempt, she now handles a wide range of emergency cases, including trauma, seizures, and rattlesnake bites, often working long shifts while providing both medical care and emotional support to pet owners. Ortiz is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and credits her parents for recognizing her potential and guiding her away from an initial accounting path toward veterinary medicine. She values transparency in her practice and finds opportunities in performing hands-on procedures such as surgeries and endoscopies.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nikole
01What do you attribute your success to?
My parents. They sat me down when I signed up for accounting classes and told me this is not you, you need more, and supported me through vet school. They saw the potential in me that I didn't see in myself.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Good things don't come easy. You know more than you think you know. Live in the moment, be grounded, and understand that where you are is because you worked to get there. If it's an easy path, it's probably not good enough. Keep moving forward even when it's hard.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Start from the bottom, even if it's scraping poop or cleaning litter boxes. Get your foot in the door, network, and get people to know you in a positive light. The veterinary community is very small. Everything is networking. I've done every position from assistant to doctor.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges: emotional and financial fatigue from dealing with people's financial constraints and high bills in emergency cases, which affects everyone in the hospital. Opportunities: being very hands-on with surgery, endoscopies, and other procedures in emergency medicine rather than just stabilizing patients.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency is very important. Being very honest and open with clients about options, which builds trust so people are more open to doing more. I like to be outwardly transparent.
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