As a GP doctor, Dr. Thurston gets to see complex internal medicine cases, perform surgery, and consult pet owners on nutrition and behavior, sometimes all on the same day. He strives to provide the highest quality of care to all his patients, utilizing skills in ultrasonography, endoscopy, and more.
Dr. Thurston began his path to vet school at the University of Minnesota majoring in animal science with a minor in business. While there, he worked at a small animal clinic as a technician assistant, volunteered at the university teaching hospital in the physical rehabilitation department, and worked for the swine department, researching new respiratory disease diagnostic methods and helping write a textbook for veterinary students to use during their food animal medicine class.
Dr. Thurston was also heavily involved in the pre-vet club and his church group, and he worked in the admissions office to set up custom tour experiences for prospective students. He enjoyed designing experiences that highlighted areas of interest for the students and connected them with faculty and resources they could use if they decided to attend the University of Minnesota. Dr. Thurston was recognized for his efforts with the National SAVMA John Pitts Award, given to a student for “exemplary service to the veterinary profession.”
When it comes to his approach to coaching, Dr. Thurston believes that every student starts their unique journey in their chosen field, accumulating valuable strengths along the way that contribute to their future success. He begins by exploring each student's individual path, helping them identify the strengths they have already developed. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of the veterinary profession, Dr. Thurston then guides students in presenting these strengths in a manner that resonates with admissions committees, demonstrating how the prospective student would fit into their incoming class and thrive at their institution.
Depending on the timeline before application deadlines, Dr. Thurston works with students to identify areas of their application that can be enhanced. This may involve building upon existing strengths or addressing gaps in experience or education. He recommends additional experiences, honors, or letters of recommendation that can bolster the student's profile.
Throughout the entire process, Dr. Thurston maintains regular communication with each student, ensuring they are comfortable with the pace and approach. He makes adjustments as necessary to tailor the experience to each individual's needs, recognizing that every student's journey is deserving of a personalized strategy.
At Inspira Advantage, Dr. Thurston loves connecting with prospective vet students and guiding them along the journey to achieving their dream of becoming veterinarians. Having worked with many veterinary students, he knows that successful students come from very diverse backgrounds and pre-vet experiences. He enjoys helping students discover and highlight the part of their journey that makes them a valuable addition to an incoming class.