Dr. Shermaine Wilson Cox, SA Veterinarian
CEO, founder of Royal Paws & Purrs Mobile Veterinary Services and Sankofa Medical Scrubs
Written by: Dr. Tierra Price
Original Date Posted: April 24, 2020
Dr. Shermaine Wilson Cox, a small animal veterinarian, is the CEO and founder of Royal Paws & Purrs Mobile Veterinary Services and Sankofa Medical Scrubs. She has worked in a variety of fields including retail and customer service, medical billing and even as a flight attendant.
She, however, discovered her passion at 25 and developed an interest in veterinary medicine when her cat was diagnosed with lymphoma. Dr. Cox became a veterinarian to help sick pets and advise pet owners on how to care for their animals.
Aside from Vetmed, her other passions are traveling, going to the beach and learning sign language. She hopes to someday visit different countries, immerse himself in their culture through learning about their history and trying the native food. Her last vacation was in Nairobi, Kenya.
Interview with Dr. Shermaine Cox
What inspired you to pursue veterinary medicine?
I have always loved animals! I grew up with several during my childhood (dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hermit crabs, rabbits, you name it!). I can’t recall a time where we didn’t have a pet in the house. However, I didn't always know I wanted to be a vet. I have had many odd jobs throughout the years from my first job working at Burger King to a CVS and Big Lots cashier, JC Penney customer service, medical billing, and even a flight attendant. When I first started my undergraduate studies, I was a criminal justice major.
It wasn't until I was about 25 that I realized what my passion truly was. I had a cat named Merlot that I acquired from my sister. I had Merlot for about 5 years before she became very ill. After several trips to the vet for diagnostics such as bloodwork, cytology, and ultrasound, Merlot was sadly diagnosed with Lymphoma, which is cancer. Following her diagnosis, I had to take her to the vet on many different occasions. During these exams, I was very intrigued and inquisitive about learning how the animal body works, ways disease in pets can be treated, and know what I needed to do at home to prolong Merlot’s life. After Merlot’s diagnosis, I gave her medications at home and spoiled her until her final days when she passed away peacefully at home. The exposure I received from frequently going to the vet hospital and interacting with the doctors sparked my interest in veterinary medicine. I wanted to be able to help other pets that were sick and also educate owners on how to properly care for their pet. I did some research and figured out what the requirements were to attend vet school and that is how my path to becoming a DVM began!
What's your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is when a pet comes in sick and I can diagnose the issue, discuss and prescribe a treatment then the pet comes back for a recheck and is doing much better. I love seeing the joy in the owner's face and seeing the pet happy again. It is very satisfying and the reason I do what I do.
What are your hobbies outside of veterinary medicine?
My most favorite hobby outside of Vetmed is traveling. I love to go to different countries, immerse myself in their culture by learning their history and trying the native food. Other hobbies include learning sign language and going to the beach. My goal is to go to a different country every year. My last trip was to Nairobi, Kenya. It was an experience like no other! I even got to go to a children's school and talk about veterinary medicine and give out school supplies while I was there!