Joel B. Akin, Veterinarian Work

Dr. Joel B. Akin is a veterinarian in Texas with twenty-nine years of experience. He has always been an animal lover and knew his future would be in veterinary medicine. During holidays and summers while in high school he worked for the Akins’ family veterinarian and fell in love with veterinary medicine.  After high school Joel attended Texas A&M University in College Station, studying Animal Science/Beef Cattle Production, and obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1980. While enrolled in his undergrad classes Joel B Akin worked for a large animal veterinarian in Navasota, Texas for 4 years, learning the science and practice of large animal medicine. This experience furthered his passion for veterinary medicine.

Following graduation, Dr. Akin wasn’t accepted into veterinary school his senior year of undergrad and chose to enroll in the Graduate College of Business, Masters of Business Program.  After 2 years in Graduate School he moved to Austin, Texas and obtained his real estate license. Initially, his real estate career was lucrative but in 1984 the Oil and Gas embargo caused the Texas real estate market to crash, leaving Joel B Akin at a critical time in his life.

Dr. Akin made the decision to move to his family of origins home town, Ames, Iowa, in August of 1985 to try to get into Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.  After taking the MCAT (Medical College Aptitude Test) cold turkey the last week of August 1985, Dr. Akin enrolled for the Fall Semester of 1985, taking 21 hours of course work including BioChem, Genetics, Organic Chemistry, and Quantitative Analysis plus labs and made a 4.0 Grade Point.  He applied to Veterinary School in December of 1985, and was accepted into the graduating class of 1990. Joel B Akin thoroughly enjoyed the rigors of veterinary school and couldn’t wait to be a Veterinarian.

As much as Dr. Akin loved caring for horses, sheep, goats, pigs, and cows during veterinary school, he chose small animals as his specialty because it allowed him to help the pets that mean so much to their owners. Dr. Akins’ family always had several dogs, including bird dogs for hunting and inside dogs to lay around on couches. Any time they needed care, he would go to the vet’s office with his Dad and watch their veterinarian work with the family dogs.

After graduating from veterinary school in May of 1990, Dr. Akin finally began working in the field he had always wanted.  He was intrigued by how similar diseases are between humans and animals and has always enjoyed comparative medicine. An avid learner, Dr. Akin filled his free time with studying as much possible. The medical field is a constantly changing atmosphere and Dr. Akin wanted to be sure he had the most up to date information available. It is the continuous love for learning combined with his love for animals that has helped make Dr. Akin such an excellent veterinarian.

What’s your favorite thing about your chosen profession?

I think my favorite part is the diagnostic work up needed for diseases. It’s the mystery of it and figuring out exactly what it is. So many conditions present with very similar symptoms and you’ve got to differentiate between the various possible causes. For example, if a dog has recently started urinating everywhere, it could be something as simple as a urinary tract infection. It could also just be a sign of a larger issue, like Diabetes Mellitus or Cushing’s Disease. It’s the detective work that is my favorite part, finding out the exact cause and then, of course, treating the animal appropriately.

What keys to being productive can you share with us?

Always keeping busy is the best way to stay productive. You have to know as much as you can about everything in your field. The medical field, whether for people or for animals, is constantly changing. We are constantly updating our diagnostic testing and are improving treatment methods. I am always reading the newest information available so I know I am treating my patients with the most up to date technology.

Tell us one long-term goal in your career.

I would love to have long-term employment with one veterinarian where I can finish out my career. I had my own clinic at one time, but I find the management to be tedious. I want to make a difference in the care of animals and it’s easier to do that when you actually see patients.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned throughout your career?

I have learned to never be scared to ask questions. Things are not always as they seem, so you have to be prepared to learn the right things. You have to know the right questions to ask. Again, it’s a nonstop learning experience. Don’t be afraid to take a moment to review what you know and what it could be. One of my favorite sayings is when you hear hoof beats, it’s usually horse, but it could be a zebra. In other words, just because it looks like one thing, doesn’t mean you should rule out all other options.

What advice would you give to others aspiring to enter your field?

First and foremost, you have to LOVE it. There is so much going on all the time, you have to have the determination to succeed. You need to embrace the idea that you will always be learning and that it’s impossible to learn too much.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I enjoy all sports. I try to watch as much as I can. I follow all of them, from golf to football. I love to spend time with my daughters also. I have learned how important it is to make time to spend with family, so I make it a priority now as often as possible.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell myself to value relationships more. I think we tend to take the people in our lives for granted sometimes. You never know when someone you care about may be gone, so never wait to tell people what they mean to you. Work is important and making money is necessary, but it is the relationships you have that really make a life. It’s all so fragile and you need to take time to cherish what you have.

Name a few influential books you’ve read or websites that you follow?

The most influential book I’ve read is the Bible. I believe you can find the answer to everything in that book. Whenever I am faced with something difficult, I find myself reading through it again to find guidance.

Website: joelbakin.com

For more information, check out Joel B. Akin’s accounts on Crunchbase, Linked In and Behance.