Melissa Geerlof

As a TRP, I connect with veterinarians (or soon-to-be veterinarians) and match them with practices that best fit their personal and professional goals.

 

I hire Veterinarians for UrgentVet locations across the East Coast of the United States. Our hospitals are committed to providing high-quality care to sick pets, with a Fear-Free certified staff which enhances our client and patient experiences. The teams include skilled professionals such as licensed veterinary technicians, many of whom have a background in emergency medicine. Our teams foster a collaborative environment focused on animal welfare and exceptional client service.

Prior to being a TRP, I worked as a Relief Staffing Specialist with AVG and hired relief doctors for both general practice and UrgentVet hospitals from South Carolina up through New Hampshire. Before joining AVG, I worked at a global recruitment agency in NYC and prior to that, I worked in both learning and development and expansion at a high-growth startup. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory and spent six years performing professionally in Boston and New York.

• I met my fiancée when he was an audience member at a show I was performing in.

• I am a proud “Jersey Girl”, born and raised!

• I once made Toby Maguire coffee.


Why I Chose the Veterinary Field:

Animals have always felt like home to me. Growing up, my household was full of pets—including two dogs (a Golden Retriever and a Lhasa Apso), two cats, a guinea pig, a bunny, and what felt like an endless rotation of hermit crabs, fish, and even sea monkeys! No matter where life has taken me, animals have always been a constant. My passion for marine biology and ocean conservation led me to volunteer at the New England Aquarium during college, and my love for rescue dogs, especially pit bulls, drives my volunteer work at my local animal shelter. My rescue pit bull, Roadie, changed my life, and I know so many others share that deep bond with their pets. I’ve built my career around helping others find meaningful opportunities, and my goal is to connect veterinary students and veterinarians with careers that make them feel the same way animals make us feel—at home.

Show up as your authentic self—there’s no one else like you! Leading with authenticity will guide you toward the right career fit, where your skills and passions align. Trust your instincts, communicate your needs, and stay curious—learning never stops in veterinary medicine.