Akiko Garcia, CVHDP
VCA Animal Hospitals
Akiko Garcia has worked in the veterinary field as a doctor’s assistant and scribe for almost 5 years. With a passion for both veterinary medicine and social justice, she pursued a master’s degree in social work at the University of Michigan with the aim of becoming a veterinary social worker. During her schooling, she also became certified in Trauma-Informed Care, deepening the practice of compassionate care in various, interprofessional settings. She also plans to open a business named Umfelt in 2025 dedicated to teaching courses such as these to veterinary hospitals across the United States and abroad.