Get to Know Dr. Melendez

All About Dr. Vivian Melendez

We’re so excited to welcome our newest associate veterinarian, Dr. Melendez DVM, to Advanced Pet Care Clinic. We had the opportunity to sit down with her and learn more about her journey into veterinary medicine and how speaking both English and Spanish helps her connect with even more pet owners.

Check out her interview below, available in both languages!

Dr. Melendez, can you tell us a little about your background?

Since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to study veterinary medicine. During college, I played volleyball and also worked as a volleyball referee, which I enjoyed a lot. In my final years of school, I decided to focus on laboratory training and bloodwork testing to complement my clinical skills.

My family still lives in Mexico, though I have a cousin and his wife who live in San Antonio. Being a veterinarian is hard daily work, but it is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. I feel grateful every day that I chose this path.

Desde que tengo memoria, siempre quise estudiar medicina veterinaria. Durante la universidad, jugué voleibol y trabajé como árbitro, lo cual disfruté mucho. En los últimos años de la universidad, decidí enfocar mi formación en análisis de laboratorio para complementar mis habilidades clínicas. Mi familia vive en México; solo un primo y su esposa viven en San Antonio. Ser veterinaria es un trabajo exigente diario, pero es realmente satisfactorio y gratificante. Me siento muy afortunada de haber elegido este camino.

How Has Speaking Multiple Languages Helped You Connect With Pet Owners as a veterinarian?

Yes! Many clients are interested in my Mexican roots, and they’re curious about my work with Dr. Stevenson and everything I’m learning from her. Being bilingual allows me to build stronger connections with pet owners and make them feel comfortable during visits.

Sí, los clientes muestran interés en mis raíces mexicanas y sienten curiosidad por mi trabajo con la Dra. Stevenson y por lo mucho que puedo aprender de ella. Ser bilingüe me permite crear mejores conexiones con los dueños de mascotas y hacer que se sientan cómodos en cada visita.

Can You Describe a Time When Being Bilingual Made a Difference in a pet Patient’s Care?

Dr. Stevenson has a patient named Pirata, whose owners are from Mexico. They’ve been clients for several years, but they find it difficult to communicate in English. I’ve been able to help by translating their concerns and questions so Dr. Stevenson can address them. They were very grateful that I was there to explain her instructions and treatments in Spanish—it made the experience easier for them and better for Pirata’s care.

La Dra. Stevenson tiene un paciente llamado Pirata, cuyos dueños son mexicanos. Han sido sus clientes durante varios años, pero les cuesta hablar inglés. Desde que estoy aquí, los apoyo para comunicarse con la Dra. Stevenson y resolver todas sus inquietudes y preguntas. Estuvieron muy agradecidos y felices de que pudiera explicarles en español las indicaciones y tratamientos, lo cual mejoró la atención de Pirata.

What Would You Like Spanish-Speaking Pet Owners to Know About Coming to See You?

I want Spanish-speaking families to know that I will treat their pets as part of my own family. I will always do my best at every appointment to provide the highest level of care—and I’m excited to hear their stories about moving to Cedar Falls and becoming part of this community.

Quiero que las familias hispanohablantes sepan que cuidaré de sus mascotas como si fueran parte de mi propia familia. Siempre daré lo mejor de mí en cada cita para ofrecer la mejor atención, y me emociona conocer sus historias sobre mudarse a Cedar Falls y formar parte de esta comunidad.

Schedule an exam with Dr. Melendez at Advanced Pet Care Clinic

If you would like to make an appointment with Dr Melendez, please call us at 319-277-7675 or email us at [email protected]! We would be happy to assist you.

Learn More About Dr. Melendez

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