VETERINARY VETERAN

Meet DR. JOYCE ASHAMALLA, the driving force behind Hinsdale Animal Hospital’s success for the past 17 years of its 60-year operation. She has transformed the hospital from its long-standing Ogden Avenue location to a stunning, state-of-the-art facility on York Road. Since the move in 2019, the hospital has been a neighborhood gem, providing cutting-edge medical care, boarding, grooming, and doggie daycare. Her dedication and vision continue to elevate the standard of pet care.

Most rewarding part of what you do? It is very important for veterinarians to nurture that human-animal bond. I find it extremely rewarding to help a pet achieve health and wellness and see the happiness it provides for the family. With both sick and well visits, it is my goal to perform the best medicine possible and provide the best preventive care.

Best piece of advice for anyone starting out? This applies to all industries, however when entering the veterinary industry in particular, it is really important not to let the small things you can’t control affect you. Don’t take these little things home with you every night. Sadly, it may be a little-known fact, but both burnout and even suicide are major issues in this industry. Learning to focus on the good and letting go of the small things that you should, is a very important and challenging skill to hone.

What did you dream of doing when you were younger? My childhood dream was to become a veterinarian, and I am so blessed that with hard work, determination, and support, I was able to achieve that dream!

Habit you’ve adopted that has had a significant positive change on your daily routine? It takes a strong team to make an animal hospital great with each member utilizing their strengths to support critical activities. As medical director, identifying the team’s capabilities and enabling them has helped us run smoothly.

For more information, visit hinsdaleanimalhospital.com and follow @hinsdaleanimalhospital on Instagram.