Camia Tonge, MS, LVT, VTS (SAIM), Director of Dentistry, Exotics, Interventional Radiology, Neurology, and Ophthalmology on the Schwarzman Animal Medical Middle (SAMC).
Picture by Corey Towers for the Schwarzman Animal Medical Middle
Camia Tonge, MS, LVT, VTS (SAIM), is a first-generation immigrant from Antigua and the present director of dentistry, exotics, interventional radiology, neurology, and ophthalmology on the Schwarzman Animal Medical Middle (SAMC).
Individuals could also be stunned to study that Tonge enjoys spending time alone and is an enormous fan of Soca music. She shared how rising up in Antigua was very totally different from dwelling within the US and the way that have helped form her profession.
“I used to be raised in a small, close-knit village the place we had a bakery and a farm. We grew vegatables and fruits and raised animals. My life again dwelling drastically influenced my love for animals. By pursuing a profession in veterinary medication, I’m able to keep linked to my childhood whereas sharing my experiences and experience with purchasers and people beginning their careers within the subject,” she mentioned.
Tonge says her grandmother, Madrina Baltimore, has had probably the most vital affect on her path. “She embodies power, love, motivation, and success, going through each problem head-on with unwavering religion, love, and dedication, “ she added.
Earlier than getting her first place at SAMC in 2011 as a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) in Inside Medication, Tonge participated within the veterinary program at LaGuardia Community College, which helped her study the required expertise since she had restricted expertise earlier than she began.
“Attending a faculty that supplied each didactic studying and hands-on expertise all through this system, together with externships and internships, allowed me to develop important technical expertise akin to venipuncture, IV catheter placement, and varied surgical and nursing methods. I additionally gained useful information in consumer communication and schooling, which I utilized each day throughout my time on the AMC,” she said.
As well as, Tonge was one of many first individuals within the tri-state space to obtain a veterinary technician specialist (VTS) license in Small Animal Inside Medication (SAIM), and in accordance with her, this is among the best accomplishments of her veterinary profession. Nevertheless, the method isn’t straightforward because it usually takes about 3 to five years to finish absolutely.
“I obtained the information throughout a shift within the Inside Medication division on the AMC, and I used to be thrilled to have fun this achievement with my mentors, supporters, and coworkers who helped me alongside the way in which. Being one of many few credentialed technicians with this designation on the time crammed me with delight and a profound sense of accomplishment,” Tonge defined.
In 2018, Tonge was then a medical educator at SAMC, the place she skilled vet techs throughout hospital companies to turn out to be assured LVTs. She was in a position to mix her ardour for veterinary medication together with her love for educating.
“Throughout that point, I supplied assist and mentorship to externs, interns, and new Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) who have been simply beginning their careers. I aimed not solely to supply medical coaching and assist but in addition to function a mentor and position mannequin for these new LVTs. I needed to make use of my expertise to show their objectives have been achievable,” she shared.
Tonge’s position at SAMC has developed over time, positioning her to supply assist and management to Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) at varied phases of their careers. As a result of she has a robust ardour for consumer schooling, she continues to include this into her present position by ongoing schooling and lecturing.
“I’m concerned and supported, in any manner I can, in quite a few packages and profession pathways right here on the AMC. By elevating the career and supporting LVTs, we make sure that each sufferers and purchasers profit from the gold commonplace of care that credentialed technicians present,” she continued.
Moreover, she is actively concerned in associations such because the New York State Affiliation of Veterinary Technicians (NYSAVT) and the Academy of Inside Medication for Veterinary Technicians (AIMVT).
Tonge needs her legacy to give attention to empowering and galvanizing youthful generations in Antigua by schooling, inclusivity, and group engagement.
“I imagine {that a} robust basis in schooling opens doorways and fosters alternatives. I wish to be part of a motion that emphasizes studying as a pathway to success. Tales like mine of people from numerous backgrounds who’ve succeeded in opposition to the chances will be notably impactful,” she said.
Moreover, she hopes to encourage youthful generations in Antigua to dream massive and work onerous.
“I would like them to know that their backgrounds, irrespective of how totally different, contribute to any profession they select. Finally, my legacy could be one in every of hope and empowerment, encouraging the following era to construct upon the foundations we lay right this moment,” she mentioned.
