May 11, 2026
Contact: Sara Diedrich, diedrichs@missouri.edu
Photos courtesy of Paige Durham
Paige Durham grew up in Marshall, Missouri, where her father manages farmland and her mother works as a nurse. Surrounded by both animal care and a commitment to helping others, she developed a deep appreciation for service and community.
Over time, those influences guided her toward a career in veterinary medicine.
“Veterinary medicine felt like the perfect combination, allowing me to care for animals while also supporting the people who love and depend on them,” she said.
Durham chose University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine for its emphasis on hands-on training and real-world clinical experience, after completing a bachelor’s degree in animal science at Missouri State University. On Friday, she will graduate from Mizzou and continue her studies through the Veterinary Emergency Group’s New ER Doctor (NERD) program in Utah. There, she will train under the mentorship of experienced clinicians while working on emergency cases.
At Mizzou, Durham learned to navigate challenges and grow into a more balanced, confident professional by leaning on her support system, staying connected with friends and building strong time-management skills.
“Veterinary school pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, but it also showed me that I can adapt, grow and succeed even in challenging situations,” she said. “I also learned the importance of asking for help and relying on others. This experience reinforced that success isn’t about doing everything alone; it’s about being part of a supportive team.”
Read on for a Q&A with Durham about her Mizzou experience.
Why did you choose Mizzou?
I was especially drawn to the 2+2 program structure, which allowed me to build a strong academic foundation during the first two years and then transition into two years of hands-on clinical training. It felt like a program that would support both my learning style and long-term goals as a veterinarian.
Who at Mizzou played an instrumental role in your college experience, and what lessons did you learn?
There were so many faculty members, clinicians, residents and classmates who played important roles in my experience. What stood out most was the culture of support within the program. Some of the biggest lessons I learned were that you are never alone in this process, you were chosen for a reason and, even when things feel overwhelming, you are capable of getting through it. I also learned the importance of leaning on your support system, whether that’s friends, family or teammates, because collaboration and support are essential in this field.
What were you involved in during your time at Mizzou?
I’m glad I stayed involved throughout veterinary school because leadership and community are important to me and help keep me energized and engaged. During my second year, I served as president of Mizzou’s chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association, where I advocated for students, coordinated events and worked to enhance the overall student experience. I was also vice president of Mizzou’s Internal Medicine Club and participated in the student chapters of several organizations, including the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and the Veterinary Business Management Association.
What was the most meaningful hands-on learning opportunity you had at Mizzou, and how will you apply what you learned to your career?
It’s difficult to choose just one experience because Mizzou provided consistent hands-on learning opportunities, both during clinical rotations and in lab settings during our didactic years. What made these experiences meaningful was the opportunity to build confidence in my clinical skills while learning how to think critically in real-time situations. I plan to carry those skills forward into my career, especially in emergency medicine, where adaptability, decision-making and hands-on competence are essential.
One particularly meaningful hands-on experience I had was traveling to South Africa with a small group of classmates, where we worked alongside a veterinarian providing care to wildlife and game animals. During this experience, I was able to assist with procedures and observe how veterinary medicine is practiced in a very different setting. It challenged me to adapt, think critically and communicate effectively in unfamiliar situations, which reinforced the importance of staying open-minded and flexible.
What are your favorite Mizzou memories?
Some of my favorite memories include attending externships and conferences, where I was able to meet new people and grow both personally and professionally. I also really value the everyday moments such as studying in the library with close friends, supporting each other through challenging exams, and celebrating milestones such as our white coat ceremony, finishing clinics and now preparing to graduate. Those shared experiences made my Mizzou journey incredibly meaningful.
