Hometown: Spokane, WA
Undergraduate Degree: Biology (Eastern Washington University)
Area of Interest: Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery
For Michael Estrella, veterinary medicine is about combining skilled surgery with meaningful client relationships.
“I want to be a veterinarian so I can help animals live their best lives possible,” Michael said. “I will strive to do this not only through my medicine and surgery but also through educating clients and building strong, lasting, and trustworthy relationships.”
Michael has built that foundation at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine through hands-on training in the simulation lab and coursework focused on client communication. Learning to combine technical skill with thoughtful, effective communication, he said, has prepared him to create the best possible experience for the client, patient, and doctor alike.
After graduation, Michael will move to the New England area to pursue small animal practice, with interests in soft tissue surgery, orthopedic surgery, and eventually practice ownership.
He enjoys strategy board games, skiing, riding motorcycles, and watching movies.
Fun Fact: Since 2019, he and his brother have taken an annual motorcycle trip — including one year when they logged 600 miles in a single day.