By Kathy Gaillard
Dr. Ramard Wright, veterinarian and owner of Wright’s Brown Deer Animal Hospital, recalls how trips to his grandfather’s cottage in Dodge County as a young boy influenced his career choice. He loved going there, being immersed in nature, and, ultimately, those trips helped him decide to become a veterinarian.
Dr. Wright and his two siblings were raised by a single parent in the WAICO housing area of Milwaukee, located just north of downtown Milwaukee next to Carver Park. After graduating from Riverside High Schol, he attended Tuskegee University for two years before returning to Milwaukee and completing his education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Once he earned an undergraduate degree in biology, he headed to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with a degree of Veterinary Medicine in 2008.
For the past 20 years, his passion for veterinary medicine has never waned. He not only cares for animals of all species at work, but his home mimics his office—sort of.
“We have five dogs, two cats, a snake (boa constrictor), and a large parrot,” said Dr. Wright.
Fortunately, he and his wife, Candice, have a large family to help take care of those animals. After a busy day’s work, Dr. Wright returns home to 10 children, including his triplet girls. His oldest child is 25 years old and the youngest is 1-1/2. He said that he hopes at least one of his children will one day take over the practice.
Dr. Wright admits that as a veterinarian, every day is different and brings with it unique challenges. On any given day he may have to operate on animals, take x-rays, or guide animal owners through their grieving process.
“There’s never a mundane day. Human doctors tend to engage in medical specialties—pediatrics, OB-GYN, ophthalmology—but veterinarians are basically ‘jack of all trades.’ Everybody thinks they want to become a veterinarian, but with this profession comes blood, surgeries, and euthanasia. A veterinarian does everything, for all kinds of animals,” he said.
Veterinary doctors are always busy and more veterinarians are needed, especially Black veterinarians. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest data in 2018, only about 2% of the U.S. veterinarians are Black Americans.
Dr. Wright said that during the covid pandemic, since people were ‘hunkered down’ at home many decided that it would be a good time to buy and care for pets.
“Veterinarians were already busy but, since covid, it is even more busy and there is a shortage of veterinarians. I visit schools and festivals to try to talk to students and encourage them to consider veterinary medicine as a viable career option. It is a tough but fulfilling career.
“Veterinary doctors experience some of the same issues with pet owners as human doctors. There are issues of obesity, exercise, diet and behavioral issues. Sometimes I’m even called upon to become a therapist, helping pet owners understand why they should not spoil their pets, or explaining the proper way to foster good, healthy relationships with animals. I become part of the family. They trust me and follow my advice. Sometimes I deal with 50 animals a day. When they have to be euthanized (which I do), I try to be the rock for pet owners to lean on when these decisions are necessary,” he said.
Dr. Wright recognizes that the seed for his profession were undoubtedly planted during those visits to Dodge County as a young boy and he recognizes that he stands on his grandfather’s shoulders.
“My grandfather will be 95 years old. We’re taking him to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic to celebrate his birthday. He’s a hell of a man. He taught me to have responsibility, courage and dedication to be successful. He gave me lots of advice, but I always remember that he told me to “do your best at whatever you’re good at, and you’ll never fail,” said Dr. Wright.
