Care for Patients and Clients

“Our work has so much variety to it. In one day, I could put it in a jug cap, place a catheter, I could draw blood, collect urine. I could be in the pharmacy coordinating medications. And I'm also calling clients to see how their pet is doing, checking in to see if they have any other questions about their recent visit.”

Melissa Palomares, a registered veterinary technician (RVT), is the lead RVT at the UC Veterinary Medical Center, San Diego. It’s that variety she was describing that she feels is most interesting about her work, and what many people who aren’t in the veterinary health profession may not understand.

“A human nurse specializes in one particular thing,” she continued. “But a veterinary technician needs to know how to do all of those things to not just one species, but multiple species.”

Melissa’s interest in veterinary medicine began early – when she was in high school. She volunteered at a rescue center, and the primary care veterinarian offered her a job in kennel care. “And from there, my career blossomed. I really enjoyed working with animals and learning from the primary care veterinarian about the field.” A pet owner herself – she has a cat named RiRi – she understood early the importance of good veterinary care.

Now, ten years with UC Veterinary Medical Center, San Diego, she still loves the field, and especially her work with the center. “I think the unique thing about this clinic is the expertise and the experience that not only our doctors have, but that our technical staff has. There is so much knowledge and experience at the center – everyone is so skilled. I think that’s very special and unique, especially for the Southern California region.”

Another part, and it makes her tear up to talk about – is the fact that at the center of every patient who comes in to see the clinic, there is an entire team that supports that patient. “Any doctor needs a team of knowledgeable technicians that understand them and can work well together to make everything run well and smooth and effectively. Our team here at the clinic really listens to each other. We make sure we're all working cohesively together.”

The center’s care is specialized to that patient, every time, Melissa said. She enjoys working with clients and sharing information about their pet and any condition they may have. “When you don’t understand what’s going on with your pet, it can be very stressful. I enjoy working with the veterinary faculty to determine what information, links, and reading that they can do if they wish to learn more,” she said. “And I really feel like that way, the clients really feel like they're part of their pets care.”

Looking to the opening in 2026 of the new Janice K. Hobbs UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center Southern California, Melissa is eager for the expansion. “I’m excited to offer more to our clients and our patients – more options, more specialties, and everything will be in-house. I hope that our clients and patients will see the difference and that they’ll love coming to the center – we have a family feel to our center, and that won’t change.”

Donors to the center have been, and will continue to be, pivotal to the care that patients receive, Melissa said. 

“Our donors are extremely important and special to us. We have seen the difference that donations of funds and equipment can make to the care. It would be harder for us to provide services to our patients, such as dialysis, without having those machines. The fact that we have donor support is an immense relief, and we are so grateful.”