Veterinary Heroes: Camia Tonge, MS, LVT, VTS (SAIM)

Camia Tonge, MS, LVT, VTS (SAIM), is the director of dentistry, exotics, interventional radiology, neurology, and ophthalmology at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York, New York. She is also an honoree in the 2024 Veterinary Heroes program supported by corporate sponsor Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, as the award winner in the credentialed veterinary technician category sponsored by Banfield Pet Hospital.

Photos courtesy of Camia Tonge, MS, LVT, VTS (SAIM)

Tonge is a valued member of the veterinary care team at AMC and has 17 years of veterinary career experience. She is currently responsible for clinical and operational management, as well as the supervision, mentoring, and training of the clinical nursing staff at AMC.

Tonge’s journey into veterinary medicine is one of fate. A first-generation immigrant from Antigua, she was the recipient of a full-ride scholarship to veterinary school. When life threw a wrench into her plan, she began researching alternatives and found a veterinary technology program. She knew immediately it was what she was meant to do.

“I was like, ‘What is this?’ You know? [I realized that] I didn’t want to be a vet, I wanted to be [a veterinary technician],” Tonge said in an interview with dvm360. “Fate, or life path, or whatever it is, it really steered me in the direction, inspired me, and made me realize that this is actually what I wanted to do.”

Her role as a clinical educator for the nursing staff is also fate, as her backup plan. Had she not gone into veterinary medicine, she was planning to teach English to elementary school children. The ability to help animals and their owners makes her career rewarding, and she encourages all technicians to pay it forward.

According to her award nominator, Tonge is more than her leadership and professional achievements. “Camia is a veterinary hero because of her warmth, energy, and passion,” the nominator wrote. “Camia truly cares about her colleagues and always exudes a positive attitude. She is inspiring to all those who work with her for her strong work ethic and ability to navigate any situation. Camia is an amazingly kind person, a strong leader, and so very deserving of this award.”

Outside the clinic, Tonge spends her free time listening to music; traveling; reading. She also enjoys spending time with her family in Antigua and relaxing with her beloved bluecoat chihuahua mix, Mr Pupcake.

Tonge plans to receive her award alongside 11 other distinguished inductees of dvm360’s Veterinary Heroes program during a luncheon celebration at the Long Beach Convention Center. The special event will take place during the Fetch dvm360 conference on December 8, 2024, at 11:30 AM PST. All conference attendees are invited to attend.

The 2024 Veterinary Heroes program is supported by corporate sponsor Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.

The credentialed veterinary technician category for the 2024 Veterinary Heroes program is supported by Banfield Pet Hospital.