Oyshie Khan didn’t initially plan on working in veterinary medicine, but her passion for helping people and animals eventually led her to VHA. “I wasn’t happy with where I was in my job and knew it was time for a change,” she explains. Encouraged by her sister, who worked at VHA and spoke highly of the core values and opportunities the organization offered, Oyshie applied and soon found herself growing a career she loves. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve fallen in love with this field, and I’ve decided to grow within the company,” she shares.
Though she didn’t have any prior veterinary experience before joining VHA, Oyshie quickly embraced the rewarding aspects of her role. “Seeing pets go from injured or ill to healthy and being able to connect with clients during those moments is incredibly fulfilling,” she says. Working as a CSR, Oyshie is one of the first faces clients see, and she takes pride in being there for them, no matter the circumstances. She also feels fortunate to work under leadership that truly cares about the community, mental health, and employee growth.
What drew Oyshie to VHA was Dr. Nation’s desire to make a meaningful impact on animals, as well as the organization’s motto and core values. “Vet Med is definitely a career path driven by empathy, and VHA reflects that in everything they do,” she says.
One of her most memorable moments at VHA involved a dog in medical boarding who went into cardiac arrest. “She was unresponsive for 5 minutes, but the doctors and team performed CPR and brought her back to life,” Oyshie recalls. “It was such an emotional moment, and now she’s living her best life despite her ongoing medical challenges. She’s a fighter.”
At home, Oyshie’s love for animals continues with her Goldendoodle, Phoebe. Outside of work, her happy place is Disney, where she loves to unwind and find joy. She also enjoys traveling with friends and trying new cuisines—always seeking new adventures.
Balancing the emotional demands of her job, Oyshie prioritizes her health and well-being through self-care practices like journaling, reading, and taking time off to recharge. “I remind myself to take a deep breath and step away when I need to. VHA’s resources, like the meditation pod and gym, have been a huge help in decompressing after tough shifts,” she explains.
When your dreams are bigger than the places you find yourself in, sometimes you need to seek out your own reminders that there is more. And there is always more waiting for you on the other side of fear. Elaine Welteroth
