VCA Animal Medical Center of Omaha (www.vcahospitals.com/animal-medical-omaha) is an AAHA-accredited, 4-doctor practice that has been serving Omaha for over 40 years. Dr. Sharon Mix is a well-established veterinarian who serves as the Medical Director at VCA Animal Medical Center of Omaha.
How did you get started in the business? – I started working at a kennel run by the vet my mother took my sick cat to back in 1984. I did dog walking and bathing for him when I was 16 years old. I became a veterinary assistant when I was 18 and have been working in this industry ever since. I got my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University in 2009.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The work-home life balance. Being a veterinarian and the mother of two young children means having two full-time jobs. Some days it can be challenging to give 100% to both areas and still be able to take care of myself. I am very blessed to have both a family and a career that I love—and a lot of energy which luckily I have (or so I’ve been told)!
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Being the medical director of two VCA hospitals within the first five years of joining the company.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have been married to my husband Gordon for 19 years. We have two children: Carl (10) and Caroline (7). Gordon is originally from Germany, and my kids were both born in Oklahoma where we lived for nine years and where I went to vet school.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Meeting my husband. After we met, he supported me while I earned my degrees, had children and became a vet. He’s encouraged me every step of the way.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spend time with my family. On Sundays the children get to pick a recipe and help make the evening meal. My son likes to cook.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – My grandfather helped paint the Disneyland theme park in California when it was first built, and my great grandfather was the first person to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. He was from Ohio, got lost in San Francisco and ended up in a line of cars about five cars back. They wanted the first car to cross the bridge to be an out-of-state car so he got to go ahead…the rest is history!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Never underestimate the power of random acts of kindness.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – To fly. It would cut down on a lot of travel time and give me more hours in my day!
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Teaching.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with? – Hearts United for Animals (www.hua.org) and Matilda’s Kitchen (www.matildaskitchen.org).
What is your favorite local restaurant? – I don’t eat out very often, but I do love Red Lobster. I grew up by the ocean so I love sea food, especially a good crustacean in butter!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Robin Williams.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Give us a call at (402) 558-1522.