Riley Returns Home to Care for Community

Alyssa Riley, recently graduated Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, has returned home to Southeastern Montana to practice her trade. While in vet school, Riley interned and worked at Broadus Veterinary Clinic, and even before she graduated this spring the decision to return home was an easy one: "These guys at the vet clinic are so great to work with. The people here at the clinic and in the community were what made me want to come home."

Riley is the daughter of Mike and Margie Riley of Coalwood. She grew up on the family ranch, and went to school in Broadus, graduating from PRCDHS in 2014. She then went on to college in Bozeman, graduating with a degree in Animal Science, and continuing on to the Washington State University Veterinary Program. Online data suggests that around 8% of those applying to the program are eventually enrolled, so Alyssa's graduation from the program is impressive indeed.

When asked what led her down the path of a Veterinarian, Alyssa replied that she had always liked science, animals, and medicine, so combining the three into a career seemed like a natural fit.

While working at Broadus Vet Clinic, alongside Drs. Clint & Lynne Pedersen & Dr. Abbie Schoonover, Alyssa has helped to heal not only the large animals such as cows, sheep, and horses that one would encounter on a ranch, but also the full gamut of pets – everything from dogs and cats to guinea pigs, hamsters, turtles, and a bearded dragon. "I'm happy to work on anything that's out there," she commented.

When she's not working to help heal the diverse number of species that come through the doors, Alyssa spends time with her fiancé, Kyle, her two cats, Cloud and Momma Jelly, and their dog, Grace. Alyssa is also working on her EMT certification, where she will help treat the humans of the community when she's not busy helping so many of the community's animal population.