Alumni Spotlight: Corinne Woodson '14

From the moment she discovered Animal Planet, Corinne Woodson ’14 knew she was destined to work with animals, even before she could put a name to the profession. “I didn’t grow up with a lot of pets,” she laughs, “but I was obsessed with animals on TV. I loved Animal Planet, and I loved biology. So I asked myself, what can I do that combines those two things?”

That question led her straight toward veterinary medicine. The spark was fanned into a flame in sixth grade at Indian Creek, in Ms. Tukarski’s science class. “That’s when I really fell in love with biology,” Corinne recalls. “We were in the Double Helix Science Club, and I just became obsessed with life science. By the time I got to high school, it was already cemented. I was going to be a vet, and nothing was going to stop me.”

Today, Dr. Woodson is a veterinarian in Baltimore with a fascinating specialty: exotic pets.
“I see dogs and cats, of course, but also small mammals, birds, and reptiles — rabbits, chinchillas, bearded dragons, parakeets, snakes, hamsters,” she says. “Basically, anything that’s legal to keep as a pet!”

Her patients are anything but ordinary. “Right after this call,” she shared during the interview, “I’m heading into surgery on a tortoise.”

One of her favorite success stories? A rabbit whose liver had twisted on itself. “We were able to go in surgically, remove a portion of the liver, and he made a full recovery. He’s out there living his best life, and with one less piece of liver!”

Looking back, Dr. Woodson credits Indian Creek for giving her both inspiration and preparation. “Ms. Tukarski was so formative,” she says. “She really solidified that love for life science in me.”

And it wasn’t just the spark, it was also the academic rigor. “Taking AP classes at the Creek helped me so much,” she explains. “Because of those courses, I was able to graduate college early. That gave me the chance to work in a vet clinic for eight months before vet school, and that hands-on experience was invaluable.”

Dr. Woodson went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, followed by her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech.
 

When it comes to advice for students dreaming of becoming veterinarians, Dr. Woodson encourages early exploration.  “If you know this is what you want to do, start shadowing veterinarians now,” she says. “Volunteer at shelters, intern, get into those environments, and make sure this is really what you want. There are so many kinds of vets, and the earlier you explore, the better prepared you’ll be.”

If she could go back and give her high school self one piece of advice?  “Stop stressing so much,” she says with a smile. “It all happens how it’s supposed to. I was freaking out over every grade, thinking I’d never get into vet school. But it worked out. I got in, passed my boards, and got licensed. I wish I’d slowed down and enjoyed high school and college more. Real life happens fast!”

Now, just three years into her career, Dr. Woodson continues to grow and refine her skills. “When I chose exotic pet medicine, I signed up for a lifetime of learning,” she says. “It’s called a practice for a reason.  You never stop improving. My next big goal is to really hone my craft and become excellent at everything I do. That takes time and experience, but I’m excited for the journey.”

Still living and working in Baltimore, Dr. Woodson remains close to her roots — and to the Creek community that helped her start down this path. “I’m so grateful to have had that foundation,” she says. “It made all the difference.”