Amiel Sagpao, DVM (Philippines), RVT

Growing up in the Philippines, Amiel Sagpao’s father encouraged him to become a veterinarian.

Amiel's father worked in the livestock industry and could secure his son a job if he earned a veterinary degree.

“Having that connection was a huge deal in the Philippines because the majority of college graduates back then ended up being underemployed,” said Sagpao.

He was also being pulled in another direction. His grandparents were American citizens and lived in the United States. They encouraged him to come to America. While in school, he split his time between the U.S. and the Philippines and obtained a green card. Sagpao completed veterinary school in the Philippines, but ultimately chose to live permanently in the U.S.

Unfortunately, his DVM degree from the Philippines does not allow him to be a practicing veterinarian in the U.S. and completing a DVM degree from an American veterinary school would mean almost starting over from square one. However, Sagpao knew he could earn a RVT credential quickly with his extensive veterinary background and still have a rewarding career as a veterinary technician.

He started his new career in 2001 at a specialty clinic in the Bay Area and also worked at a Sacramento area hospital before his first stint at UC Davis from 2006-2008. After nearly 10 years at other clinics, Sagpao returned to UC Davis in 2017 and is now a technician in the Primary Care Service.

He appreciates how varied a veterinary technician career can be. He was previously a surgery technician – a very different pace, he admits, from working in primary care.

“Even working in one service, though, can have variety,” said Sagpao. “We perform multiple different procedures, assist with anesthesia, and participate in student instruction.”

One of our major goals with students is teaching them ‘Day One’ skills. They already know the science behind the work [from their education]. Their rotation in the Primary Care Service is an opportunity for them to hone their hands-on skills."

 

Sagpao states that common patient case responsibilities he teaches students include collecting blood/urine samples, wound care, administering vaccines or other injectable drugs, general dentistry, and taking x-rays.

“One of our major goals with students is teaching them ‘Day One’ skills,” Sagpao said. “They already know the science behind the work from their previous three years of education. Their rotation in the Primary Care Service is an opportunity for them to hone their hands-on skills to prepare for “Day One” as a general practitioner immediately after graduation.”

Sagpao said he sometimes receives unexpected notes from students thanking him for what he’s taught them.

“I’m usually surprised by this because I think my job is so routine,” he said. “But I’m happy that all the little bits of information and skills I’ve picked up from doing this for 20 years is valuable to them. I sometimes have to stop for a second and realize I’m making a positive impact on these students’ futures.”