Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Adria Flowers and Dr. Cherese Sullivan. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Dr. Adria Flowers, is a small-town girl who always had big dreams and always wanted to be a vet. She received her Bachelor’s in Entomology from Texas A&M in 2006. She then continued on to receive her doctorate in veterinary medicine in 2011 from Tuskegee University.
Dr. Cherese Sullivan graduated from Cornell University with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She attended undergraduate at Penn State University, graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience. She then attended Tuskegee University with a master’s degree in Veterinary Science before going to veterinary school.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Dr. Adria Flowers – No, it has not been a smooth journey, I was not accepted into veterinary school initially but accepted into many master’s programs but I knew that wasn’t the end. I did get accepted into veterinary school the following year. Veterinary school is its own obstacle; it’s a very rigorous program.
Dr. Cherese Sullivan – Absolutely not. I was rejected from the only vet school I applied to when I graduated from college. After asking them what I could do to strengthen my application, they told me to enroll in the master’s program. I did well in the master’s program and was then accepted into four vet schools. Navigating being one of few minorities and many times the only minority in the room at PWIs and the profession, in general, has been a challenge as well. Even now, I am still learning how to find work-life balance as a mother, wife, vet, entrepreneur, and board member of several non-profits.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Dr. Adria Flowers – I obtained my master’s in public health, and my goal is to bring the One Health Initiative into my daily practice. One Health Initiative helps bridge the bond between environmental health, human health and animal health. My other specialty is that I am a high-volume spay/neuter surgeon.
Dr. Cherese Sullivan – I’m co-owner of Skyline Animal Hospital and a small animal/exotics veterinarian. I have experience in general practice, shelter, and emergency medicine.
I think what sets Skyline apart from other veterinary clinics is that we are a Black-owned clinic that values and reflects the diversity of the surrounding community. We are proud to bring veterinary care back to the Greater Third Ward community. We value and respect our clients and are committed to providing personalized care for our patients. Our tagline is: Pets. People. Community. That’s what we are all about in a nutshell.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Dr. Adria Flowers – Stay focused and Stay on the path and the journey is never easy.
Dr. Cherese Sullivan – There is no magic key to success. To quote Jay-Z, “The genius thing we did was we never gave up.”
Contact Info:
- Website: skylinevetshtx.com
- Instagram: skylinevets_htx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkylineVetsHTX/
Image Credits
Jerren Willis photography www.godfreyimaging.com Dr. Charlene Lawson- Dr. Flowers styling
