After spending years away in Utah and Washington State for college, 2004 M-CHS grad and veterinarian William Brock is now back in his hometown of Cortez practicing at the clinic he started at when he was just 11 years old.
His life-long interest in animals led him to an apprenticeship at Vibrant Pet Animal Hospital in Cortez under veterinarian Angela Berry in 1997.
“I really started from the bottom cleaning kennels, and then started shadowing Angela, going into exam rooms and doing observations,” said Brock. “It was experience that I think really helped me in school. I walked in with a good foundation.”
After high school, Brock went on to obtain his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Biotechnology from Utah State University, and became a vet tech, making it down to Cortez to work summers at Vibrant. From there he completed Veterinary School at Colorado State University and went on to the greater Seattle area to complete a rotating internship at a small animal surgery center, where he strengthened his knowledge in a speciality areas like cardiology and oncology.
With his education under his belt and his doctor of veterinary medicine degree secured, Brock moved his wife and infant daughter back to his hometown of Cortez two months ago to practice at the clinic that gave him his start 18 years ago.
“It’s great to be back. Angela has taught me a lot and she’s like family. We work well together,” he said. “I learned a lot of new things while I was away that I’m excited to bring to the table here.”