Early in life, some people know what they want to be when they grow up. Others start in one place and switch gears years later. A few, like DJ Cannon, LVT, MPH, simply never stop learning. To say that Cannon’s career path is unique would be an understatement. Though his childhood dream was to be a veterinarian, life took him somewhere else. After starting as a licensed veterinary technician, he went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education and preventive medicine and a master of public health in epidemiology and biostatistics. He’s also in the final stages of earning a doctor of public health in public health practice and leadership.
“I always joke when I say I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up,” Cannon said. “I began volunteering at the local zoo when I was 13, and then after high school, I moved to the mountains of Virginia to attend a veterinary technology program. After finishing that program, I went on to complete an internship at Memphis Zoo. My first job as a credentialed veterinary technician was at a veterinary teaching hospital in small animal intensive care.”
EDITOR’S NOTE
This article is the fourth in a series on veterinary nurse empowerment and the people accomplishing great things in the field.
Next, Cannon set his sights on completing an animal science program at George Mason University with the idea that he would then go to veterinary school. During that time, he worked overnight Friday through Monday and attended classes full time.
While working at the teaching hospital, he began to question his goal of becoming a veterinarian. So, he moved to Washington, D.C., and began working in infectious disease research, specialty veterinary hospitals, and primary veterinary clinics while finishing his undergraduate degree in biology.
“I took an elective course in epidemiology and fell in love with it,” Cannon said. “This is what sparked my curiosity for public health. So, I changed my major and completed my undergraduate degree in education and preventive medicine. On the last day, my favorite professor encouraged me to apply to graduate school to complete a master in public health, and that I did.”
Not one to rest on his laurels, he began pursuing a doctoral degree in public health while working in the veterinary industry and gaining experience in public health through projects involving Ebola, other diseases and HIV.
AAHA and FBI Assignments
Today, the 33-year-old is a veterinary consultant and communicable disease epidemiologist, though he still considers veterinary technician his foundation. His work experience is vast, spanning zoos, private veterinary hospitals, large veterinary corporations, government agencies and educational institutions. Currently, he’s employed as a practice consultant with the American Animal Hospital Association and as a biosurveillance and biosecurity consultant with the FBI. Add to that his duties as a part-time assistant professor at Tidewater Community College in Virginia and a content writer for the Veterinary Information Network.
“I always wanted to bridge my background in veterinary medicine with my love for epidemiology,” Cannon said. “I’ve managed clinics, traveled to complete research in developing countries in need of prevention for tick-borne disease in companion animals, and partnered with nonprofit organizations to help mitigate disease in wild animal populations.”
His greatest career challenge, he said, was adapting to corporate practice after years of working in private practice.
“It took a lot of adjustment,” he said. “For me, it was beneficial because there’s project management, there’s IT, there’s a whole different field out there that was never really a part of the vet med I got exposed to. I learned new skillsets and more about myself.”
Some people find change difficult or uncomfortable, but Cannon thrives on it. He learned how to navigate ambiguous paths by keeping an open mind about what could come next.
“I never closed doors on an opportunity to learn or experience something different,” he said. “I also maintained close relationships with those that helped me be a better person every single day and provided guidance on many vital decisions I faced.”
To Infinity and Beyond
When he’s not working or volunteering, Cannon spends time with his five nieces and exploring with his miniature Australian shepherd, Dahlia.
“I enjoy all of the adventure Dahlia brings to my life; she’s the perfect companion,” he said. “We go camping together, kayaking, have lazy days. We simply enjoy life as a pair.”
Having accomplished so much in such a short time,
Cannon sees a future of endless opportunity.
“I am fortunate to have experienced what I have so far. I will continue to keep an open mind to opportunities and collaborative ways to advance animal health and human health together,” he said. “Success is greater when you share it with others. You can make a greater impact when you have an open mind for doing things in an unconventional way for the greater good.”
MEET DJ CANNON
- Age: 33
- Home: Newport News, Virginia
- Credentials: Licensed veterinary technician
- Degrees: Bachelor of science in education and preventive medicine and master of public health in epidemiology and biostatistics
- Years active: 12
- Pets: A saltwater fish tank and Dahlia, a miniature Australian shepherd
GIVING BACK
Volunteer work is a big part of DJ Cannon’s life. In fact, one of his favorite work experiences was at a chimpanzee sanctuary. He talked about it so much that he earned the nickname Chimpy.
“Seeing retired research chimpanzees thrive in natural habitats and live free as they wish simply melts my heart,” Cannon said.
The pandemic put a lot of volunteer opportunities on hold, but with travel opening more, he looks forward to returning to an outreach program called eagleYcondor. Named for the connection between North America and South America, eagleYcondor provides veterinary care and education in a different community in Ecuador twice a year. During the one- to two-week stop, Cannon usually oversees the anesthesia of animals being spayed or neutered or undergoing other surgeries, such as fracture repairs.
“It’s probably the most exciting time for me every year because I have fallen in love with Ecuador itself and the people and community,” he said.
Before offering veterinary services, eagleYcondor volunteers spend the first day at a community center, hanging out with residents and playing soccer with kids.
“Even if we can’t speak to each other language-wise, we’re still having a good time,” Cannon said. “The next day, they are willing to bring their pets to us for care, and they trust us.”