Texas A&M DVM Student Finds Community Through Unique Opportunities

Story by Ainsley Treesh, VMBS Marketing & Communications

April 22, 2025

Having grown up in a small town, fourth-year veterinary student Alexandria Butler knows the importance of building a strong community where everyone feels connected and welcomed.

During her time at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS), Butler has taken advantage of every opportunity that has come her way, including completing an externship in Spain and living at the Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center.

These unique experiences have inspired her to continue expanding her horizons as she prepares to begin her veterinary career at a small animal and pocket pets clinic in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Rural Roots

Originally from Victoria, Texas, Butler began at an early age to develop a deep love for animals, which led to an interest in veterinary medicine. Her interest grew as she shadowed veterinarians in her hometown during high school.

“I saw a lot of low-cost, shelter medicine,” Butler said. “I learned you can’t do everything for every patient, but you figure out what you can do to provide the best care for your patient, given the circumstance.”

After high school, Butler left her hometown for the Texas Panhandle to pursue her undergraduate degree in animal science at Texas Tech University.

“Moving away was a big change, but it made me put myself out there,” Butler said. “I got involved in several clubs because I wanted to build a strong community.”

Throughout her undergrad experience, Butler remained focused on attending vet school. After applying to multiple veterinary schools and receiving several acceptance letters, Butler was faced with a big decision.

“I thought I would have a harder time choosing, but once my acceptance letter arrived from Texas A&M, the choice felt easy,” Butler said. “Texas A&M is close to my home, has excellent rankings, and the legacy speaks for itself. I knew this is where I wanted to be.”

Expanding Horizons

When beginning her veterinary education at Texas A&M, Butler was eager to remain involved and keep an open mind when presented with new opportunities.

This mindset led Butler across the world to Barcelona, Spain, where she recently completed a four-week exotics externship at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.

“I decided to complete an exotics externship, since A&M doesn’t have an exotics program,” Butler said. “I saw lots of rabbits, different species of turtles, an African spurred tortoise, ferrets, and multiple birds. I wanted to learn how to treat common issues, and I feel confident I learned that.”

During her time abroad, Butler also gained insights from her professors and peers abroad. Although there was a language barrier, Butler was able to learn how to better interact with clients in a clinical setting.

“My biggest takeaway was how to improve my client interactions,” Butler said. “Because of the language barrier, I got really good at reading body language. This helped me really focus on client interactions and know how to have a treatment plan that is going to be best for the animal but also best for the client, too.”

Despite the differences, Butler still saw the same dedication and commitment to treating animals and clients with the highest quality of care.

“It opened my eyes to the standard of care that we have established,” Butler said. “The way you think and organize a case and then decided to treat an animal is pretty much the same. Although some things are different, we are all committed to practicing good medicine.”

Seeing the similarities inspired and encouraged Butler to one day explore working abroad as a veterinarian.

“I would recommend studying abroad to everyone that is considering completing an internship abroad,” Butler said. “Seeing the similarities inspired me and made me realize that one day I would love to work in another country.”

Involvement With An Impact

Throughout her four years at Texas A&M, Butler immersed herself in the VMBS through her involvement in several clubs, including serving for two years as president of Veterinarians for One Inclusive Community for Empowerment (VOICE).

“VOICE was a really fun way to get involved in the college,” Butler said. “We held fun meetings, like Food Fest, where people bring foods from a variety of cultures, and we all get to hangout and share a meal.

“We also focused on more serious topics, such as working with clients who have disabilities. You can’t see all disabilities, so it is important to be considerate of everyone. We discussed ways to make their visits to the veterinarian easier, such as walking out to greet them at their car and helping them into the clinic.”

Butler also was a member of the VMBS’ White Coat group, which is a team of veterinary student leaders who work to foster a positive culture at the college through assisting at orientation and other events.

“When I came to Texas A&M, I loved orientation and my student leaders, so I wanted to give back and help other people entering vet school,” Butler said. “I still have people who were in the orientation group I led reach out to me and ask me questions. It reminds me I really made an impact as their mentor.”

As Butler concludes her time at VMBS, she is grateful for the friendships she has made and the impact she is leaving behind.

“Coming into the program, I didn’t know many people,” she said. “Now I have a group of best friends from my first year that I know I’ll still be in contact with after we all graduate.”

Living And Learning

Butler’s involvement as a veterinary student resident at the Stevenson Center for two years was another experience that had a profound impact on her.  

“When my lab partner mentioned the program to me, I had no idea what it was,” Butler said. “I applied because it sounded interesting, but I didn’t know what I was getting myself into.”

The Stevenson Center is a long-term pet care facility, offering medical care and a home-like environment for residents whose owners can no longer care for them. There, veterinary students like Butler are able to live at the center while caring for the animals.

“The hands-on aspect is super beneficial,” Butler said. “I am incredibly confident in my ability to give a good physical exam due to the practice I gained at the Stevenson Center.”

The Stevenson Center also reminded Butler of her love and passion for animals, which is what originally drove her to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine.

“Living at the Stevenson Center and working with the animals reminded me of my start in veterinary medicine,” Butler said. “I was able to witness the strong bond between humans and animals firsthand.”

Veterinarian In Vegas

Following graduation in May, Butler is eager to return to and begin her career in Las Vegas, where she had previously completed two externships.

“After completing my second externship, I knew I really enjoyed it and wanted to go back,” Butler said. “I really enjoyed the medicine I was practicing and the mentorship I was receiving.”

While Butler might be leaving Texas for now, her Texan roots still run deep.

“I know I want to come back to Texas one day, but I want to use this opportunity to go out and get experience somewhere new.”

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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216

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