Meet the Class of 2023: Claudia LaBianca

Fourth-year veterinary student Claudia LaBianca was drawn to veterinary medicine because she is fascinated by gross stuff. She also wants to be a voice for animals that don’t have one.

Claudia plans to work in a small animal general practice when she graduates from #WSUVetMed, but she has special interests in small animal surgery and exotics medicine. In fact, if you’re looking for a future veterinarian, she’s in the process of considering offers.

“The emphasis on communication skills in the WSU curriculum has prepared me very well for daily communication challenges in my career,” she said.

In her first years of veterinary school, Claudia served as an assistant patient service coordinator at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, working with clients and referring veterinarians to triage emergency cases. She also spent time working as a time-slip in the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital.

Originally from Arizona, Claudia completed her undergraduate studies in veterinary science and biochemistry at the University of Arizona. She has one cat, a domestic shorthair named Ms. Gravy, whom she adopted in her first year of veterinary school.

Claudia enjoys visiting the Moscow Farmers Market for fresh produce. 

Not-so-fun fact: She broke her leg when she was 6 in an attempt to karate chop a coffee table in half.