The 2023 commencement speaker for the St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine commencement on June 4 is Brittney Kilgore, DVM. Dr. Kilgore is an SGU SVM alumna and a veterinarian at Lifeline Animal Project in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to her work as a veterinarian, Dr. Kilgore is actively engaged on social media, bringing awareness to special cases and alternative therapies in veterinary medicine.
SGU News sat down with Dr. Kilgore to ask her a few questions about life as a veterinarian and her advice for future SGU graduates.
St. George’s University: What is your ultimate career goal?
Dr. Kilgore: To open a feline-only clinic emphasizing integrative approaches to medicine and therapies.
SGU: Do you plan to incorporate your social media influence into your career? If so, how and what do you think about the potential of social media for other veterinarians?
Dr. Kilgore: I currently try to show special cases and bring awareness to alternative therapies. I’m huge on education, so I like expanding other people’s knowledge on the options for animals, whether as pets and owners or even just participating in veterinary medicine in unique ways such as podcasts, pop-up events, etc. Social media growth requires dedication, but many out there love to see what their pet’s veterinarian is like and what makes them stand out.
SGU: Is there a standout memory/moment from SGU that you feel exemplifies your experience?
Dr. Kilgore: This is a hard one, as so many memories exemplify my time at SGU. I’d say giving tours as an ambassador. From giving tours of the school and answering questions about SGU to making vlogs around the island to show what all Grenada was about outside of SGU was one of my most impactful memories. SGU was an amazing experience to receive my DVM degree, and living in Grenada played a huge role in that experience as well.
SGU: Do you have advice for prospective/entering students?
Dr. Kilgore: I always tell people to keep their heads up. It’s a long journey and not easy, but it’s so rewarding when you can finally say and do the things you’ve always dreamed of. Keep that dream alive and front and center at all times.
SGU: What would it be if you had to leave your graduating class with only one message?
Dr. Kilgore: Always remember to experience life outside of this career, as we did as students on our island home. We will dedicate so much to this profession throughout the years, but we must find time to discover ourselves and live life to the fullest.
—Madeleine Otto
