The Heart of the Team: A Passion for Patients
For Joseph Castro, RVT, a career in veterinary medicine wasn't planned from the start — it grew from a simple desire to help.
Quick Summary
- Meet one of the center's Registered Veterinary Technicians, Joseph Castro.
For Joseph Castro, RVT, a career in veterinary medicine wasn't planned from the start — it grew from a simple desire to help. Now a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) on the cardiology team at UC Veterinary Medical Center, San Diego, Joseph is one of the familiar faces that greets patients and their owners every day, making sure every visit runs smoothly and every concern is heard. "I started working for a mobile low-income vaccine clinic," he said. "After several months I decided to work in an actual clinical setting. Since then, I've been in veterinary medicine."
That path led Joseph to the cardiology team, where he supports the center's cardiologists through the full range of daily duties — from clinic appointments and client communication to surgical procedures — all with the well-being of the patient at the center of everything he does.
No two days are exactly alike, but Joseph has found a rhythm that keeps things running. Mornings are spent preparing for the day ahead, reviewing upcoming appointments and ensuring all records from referring veterinarians are in order before the first patient arrives.
"Setting up and preparing for the day makes the flow easier," he said. "Once appointments start, we receive the patients, obtain histories, assist with echocardiograms or other diagnostics, and make sure clients have everything they need before they leave."
For Joseph, client communication is just as important as clinical care. He stays available for calls between appointments and always encourages owners to reach out, no matter the question.
For Joseph, that sense of responsibility extends well beyond the exam room.
I always advocate for my patients since they can't speak to their owners. I always remind pet owners not to hesitate to call us if they have any concerns. They know their pet best, and any abnormal behaviour can indicate something is off. We are here for them and their pets."
Joseph is proud of what makes the UC Davis clinic in Southern California different. The university affiliation, he feels, sends an important message to clients.
"Knowing that we are affiliated with the university makes it clear to clients that our focus is always on our patients," he said. "Clients will be grateful to have a university veterinary hospital closer to them that they know they can trust."
That trust extends to the services offered. Joseph points to the center's nephrology, urology, and cardiology capabilities (including dialysis and therapeutic plasma exchange) as a meaningful differentiator for pet owners across Southern California who might otherwise have limited options for advanced specialty care.
Looking ahead to the opening of the Janice K. Hobbs UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center Southern California, Joseph is enthusiastic about what the expanded facility will mean for patients, for clients, and for the team.
"The expanded version of what we currently have will allow our veterinary team to provide top quality care to even more patients," he said. "And having a significantly bigger lobby adds to a more pleasurable experience for our clients."
Philanthropy, he reflects, has already played a meaningful role in making that growth possible — and in shaping the culture of the clinic.
Knowing that there are people passionate and willing to donate to our hospital in order to help other people and their pets boosts my confidence and gives me a sense of pride of where I work. In some instances, philanthropy has allowed us to help pets and their owners that may need financial assistance."
For Joseph Castro, the work is personal. Whether he's preparing for a morning of echocardiograms, answering a client's call, or looking forward to the new center on the horizon, the reason is always the same: the animals who can't speak for themselves, and the people who love them.
***
To learn more about the new center and how you can make a difference, please visit our giving page.