For Simi Johnson, veterinary medicine isn’t just a career - it’s been a way of life since childhood. Raised on her family’s farm in Mooresville, NC, she grew up surrounded by horses, sheep, goats, cows, cats, dogs, and chickens. Caring for animals was never optional, but it quickly became something she thrived on. From the moment she could walk, she was helping with chores, shadowing the farrier every six weeks, and eventually learning how to trim and shoe her own horses.
Visits from the local veterinarian, Dr. James Reber, sparked an even deeper curiosity. Every farm call (whether for vaccines, hoof tests, sutures, or emergencies) fascinated Simi. Dr. Reber nurtured that passion by inviting her to ride along, assist with procedures, and even observe advanced cases like artificial insemination. Those moments planted the seed that would keep calling her back to veterinary medicine, even as she explored other career paths like horse training, teaching, financial advising, and sales.
One story in particular stands out as a defining moment. On the way to a show-jumping event, Simi’s horse suffered a devastating cheekbone injury, breaking through skin, bone, and sinus tissue. Unsure if anything could be done, she rushed him to the emergency vet, where Dr. Reber performed a complex repair. The horse made a full recovery but the experience left an indelible mark on Simi. Seeing firsthand how knowledge, skill, and compassion could turn what felt like an impossible situation into healing cemented her desire to work in veterinary medicine.
After gaining hands-on experience at Salt Creek Vet Clinic, Simi returned home determined to find a place where she could continue learning. A working interview at Hambright Animal Hospital revealed a team and culture that immediately resonated with her. She joined in September and has been grateful every day for the opportunity to grow her skills, contribute to patient care, and pursue her dream of veterinary school.
In practice, Simi especially enjoys problem-solving cases like ear infections - using the microscope to identify the cause, then helping craft the right treatment plan. She also loves the simple but rewarding tasks like nail trims that bring immediate comfort, and the precision of preparing perfect blood smears for lab work. To her, every case is a mystery waiting to be solved, and every day brings the chance to learn something new.
Outside of work, Simi continues to live on her family farm with her parents and four brothers. Her family is close-knit, hardworking, and endlessly creative, whether it’s her younger twin brothers building modified dirt bikes from scratch or her mother balancing homeschooling with running a horse boarding business. Her grandfather, a retired biologist and lifelong environmental steward, and her mother, who taught her everything she knows about horses, remain her biggest inspirations.
Her pets are as much a part of the family as anyone else. Apache, her 11-year-old horse rescued from a kill pen, is her dependable “jack-of-all-trades,” while Apollo, another kill pen rescue, is slowly learning to trust after years as a rodeo bronc. Honey, her loyal red Labrador, accompanies her everywhere from school to endurance races, and her energetic Aussie pup, Huck, brings boundless energy (and chaos) to the mix. Around the farm, Oliver, Jimmy, Floof, and Checkers - the resident cats - alternate between hunting patrols and napping on the porch.
For Simi, veterinary medicine is a perfect blend of her lifelong love for animals, her fascination with problem-solving, and her desire to bring comfort to both pets and the people who love them. Her journey is just beginning, but her dedication and passion already shine through in every patient she meets.