Nomi Khan’s journey into veterinary medicine wasn’t planned, but it was driven by a lifelong passion to help others. “As a kid, I was bold, extroverted, and walked to the beat of my own drum. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to be, but I knew I had the passion to help people,” she shares. When Nomi first joined Veterinary Healthcare Associates (VHA) as a receptionist, she quickly discovered the care, compassion, and love that animals give. This sparked her passion for veterinary medicine and changed the trajectory of her career.
Without any previous veterinary experience, Nomi found her place at VHA and couldn’t imagine being in any other field. “VHA is not just a place to work; it’s a community, a haven, and a bond,” she says. What has been the most rewarding part of her role is knowing that she’s helped reunite pets with their families. “Helping someone by helping their pet makes all the hard days worth it,” she reflects.
Nomi was particularly drawn to VHA by Dr. Nation’s leadership and dedication to his employees. “Dr. Nation genuinely cares for his employees’ mental health, and every decision he makes for the clinic has us in mind. His ambition and support have transformed veterinary medicine and pushed me to change the way I view it,” she explains.
One of Nomi’s most memorable cases involved a Pomeranian named Diego. His family brought him to VHA for euthanasia due to constant seizures from toxicity and a previous head injury. “When I saw him giving everyone love and kisses, I couldn’t let it happen,” Nomi recalls. Thanks to VHA’s resources, she was able to help him recover, and six months later, Diego was thriving with only one seizure a week. Nomi rehomed Diego to a client, Kathy Watson, who has since become one of her dearest friends. “Diego and Kathy showed me the power of second chances,” she says.
At home, Nomi shares her life with two dogs: Luna, a 6-year-old Shiba Inu/Husky mix, and Venus, a 3-year-old Dachshund/Husky mix. Outside of work, she loves thrifting and going to Disney, hobbies that surprise many people.
To balance the emotional demands of veterinary medicine, Nomi focuses on creating separation between work and home. “I try my best to leave work at work and not take it home with me. VHA helps by offering resources like mental health meetings and the meditation pod,” she shares.
You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. Maya Angelou
