Welcome Dr. Shehnav Sekhon!
Earlier this year, we were happy to welcome a new veterinarian at Southpaw Vet, Dr. Shehnav Sehkhon! To learn a bit more about him, we asked him some hard hitters — see below! And be sure to say “hi” the next time you’re in!
Welcome, Dr. Sekhon!
Where are you from? Tell us about your background.
I'm from a little bit all over. I was born in Fresno, California, which is where my grandparents emigrated originally from India. From ages 3-6, I lived in India, specifically in the Punjab region, with my uncle and aunt.
My parents took this time to establish their business in Las Vegas, Nevada, and eventually brought me back over and spent most of my time there until I went off to undergraduate school in Reno, Nevada. While in Reno, I joined the Nevada Air Force National Guard and took a one-year hiatus for training in Texas and Mississippi. I discovered a passion for the outdoors in Reno and picked up snowboarding, hiking, and trying any way to be outdoors, especially after living in the desert for 10 years.
When applying for vet schools, I had originally accepted admission to The Ohio State University. But when I heard Colorado State took me off the waitlist one week before school started, I took my shot and haven't regretted it since. I got to enjoy the beautiful state of Colorado during vet school and then decided I wanted to live near the beach and learn to surf, which now brings me to San Diego.
What sparked your interest in the veterinary world?
Living in India, I was surrounded by animals that most only dream of interacting with. There was an elephant that lived in the neighborhood, that I'd feed jelly sandwiches on the weekends, and monkeys from the temple nearby that would occasionally rampage through our house.
Along with the myriad of dogs, goats, sheep, and cows that roam the streets. When deciding what I wanted to do with my life in high school, I looked back and always had vivid memories of the animals I interacted with. Volunteering at dog shelters, shadowing at local animal hospitals, and watching veterinarians on Animal Planet fly in helicopters, darting rhinos around Africa inspired me to go all in for the animals.
I discovered that my bond with animals was often stronger than it was with people and I decided I wanted to help those that can't help themselves in order to create a stronger bond with pets and their people.
How did you end up at SPV?
When SPV first opened up last year, I began following them on social media because I loved their aesthetic. I've always had an interest in design and love it when clinics engage with their clients on social media.
I ended up finding a job posting several months back and decided I would apply. After meeting Dr. Yonas, Dr. Mayne, Matt, and the team, I knew it would be a great fit. I wanted to join a practice that shared similar values, which included vulnerability, communication, growth, and taking care of their people. The modern design and happy staff convinced me I had to stay.
What's something you'd like to see change in regard to veterinary medicine?
One thing I'd like to see change in regard to veterinary medicine is the role veterinarians play in combating climate change. With regard to extreme weather events, habitat loss, overexploitation, and pollution impacting biodiversity, the wildlife population has felt a big impact. I believe it is our responsibility to help find ways to protect these animals and further educate the public on the large-scale effects we've caused on our planet.
Do you have any pets of your own?
I do! I grew up with several birds, including budgies, parakeets, and a conure parrot. But now I have a pitbull named Mrs. Puff, and a cat named Paul. There also may or may not be a kitten arriving here in the near future.
What's something we'd find surprising about you?
When I was 12 years old, I broke both my arms.
It was the day before freshman year of high school and there was a leak in the attic. I decided to put on my big boy pants and check if the bucket catching the leak was full. Little did I know, you were only supposed to step on the beams in the attic. I ended up falling about 35 feet through a high ceiling, hitting my head on the banister of the stairs and landing on a cold, marble floor.
The next thing I remember is an EMT saying, "I hope you don't like this shirt!" ( I did, in fact, like that shirt). I ended up needing surgery on my right hand, which required a screw and about four pins. I spent the next two months with two casts on my arms and watching TV in bed. I got pretty good at using the remote with my feet.
What's your favorite food?
I LOVE Mexican food. Specifically, street food. On second thought, street food from any country gets me going.
Recommend us something: A book, movie, TV show, etc.
I just finished reading "Talking to Strangers" by Malcolm Gladwell, which was a fun read on communication, interactions, and assumptions people make when meeting new people. I love to read about social psychology and what makes people tick. Brene Brown is also a favorite of mine that I'd recommend.
TV shows that I really enjoy and recommend include Black Mirror, Barry, and a new show that I started watching called “The Bear” on Hulu.
Contact us to make an appointment today!
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