Own Your Unique Lane: Dr. Aziza Glass

When passion, profession, and well-being for everyone merge.

For Dr. Aziza Glass, a childhood fondness for animals transformed into her life’s calling, nurtured through the years with a strong inclination to help our furry friends. Today, she is a veterinarian, one of the few Black women practicing in not just animal health but also in integrative medicine, with an emphasis on acupuncture and other alternative modalities.

Based in Houston. Dr. Aziza graduated from Prairie View A&M University, summa cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture and a concentration in animal science. She is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate from Cornell University, member of several industry organizations, and serves as a member of Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association Executive Board.

She is the owner of the veterinary hospital, CAWLM Veterinary Hospital + Spa in Houston, where she offers a wide range of services including high quality veterinary care, grooming, boarding, and advanced surgeries. She also works with pet food company Freshpet as their expert veterinarian and has been quoted in and appeared on several media outlets as an animal health consultant.

“I’m excited by the opportunity to bring holistic pet wellness to the forefront — both through my partnership with Freshpet and as the owner of CAWLM Veterinary Hospital + Spa. I’m excited to work with a brand that puts fresh, real, whole ingredients first, and Freshpet aligns with my belief that food is medicine,” shares Dr. Aziza. “I’m in a phase of building, scaling, and purposefully pushing the limits of what veterinary medicine can look like when compassion and innovation are centered. Owning my hospital allows me to shape a space that celebrates culturally competent care, cutting-edge treatments, and community connection.”

Speaking with Diversity Professional about the field of veterinary medicine, her focus areas, professional journey, and insights for others, about both the role and the responsibility, Dr. Aziza says, “Although I’m working on growing my practice, I want to explore opportunities to use public speaking to increase awareness about integrative care, diversity in veterinary medicine, and mental health and wellness. Expansion is on the horizon —more access, more impact!”

Given your focus on integrative medicine, acupuncture, and other alternative modalities, what are some issues in animal health you’ve addressed?

Integrative medicine gives me tools beyond conventional protocols. Iʼm grateful to have seen patients benefit from the management of chronic pain, anxiety, arthritis, and post-surgical recovery through acupuncture and herbal therapies. In more specialized cases, I’ve helped paralyzed pets regain mobility and supported cancer patients through complementary therapies that improved their comfort, longevity, and end-of-life care. It’s not about replacing traditional medicine — it’s about expanding the toolkit to support the full animal, body and spirit.

What fueled your interest in pursuing veterinary medicine and especially the focus on integrative medicine, acupuncture, and alternative modalities?

I’ve always been drawn to healing — not just fixing but truly restoring balance. As a child, I loved animals and was curious about anatomy, behavior, and medicine. That curiosity deepened as I got older and I was honored to intern at a rural veterinary hospital where I first learned about veterinary acupuncture. While I couldn’t continue those studies as a veterinary student at Cornell, my desire to learn more never faded.

As a general practitioner, I was also intrigued by how receptive clients were to try out an integrative approach and how it could elevate outcomes. Now, I’m certified in veterinary acupuncture and trained in herbal medicine, laser therapy, and nutrition-based interventions. My goal is to treat the root, not just the symptoms.

Were there any challenges to pursuing your choice of profession?

There were challenges — being a Black woman in a field where we are underrepresented meant that I often had to create my own blueprint. But I’ve been blessed with a strong foundation in my community, especially my family.

I was also fortunate to have strong mentors along the way, especially other women of color in STEM who encouraged me to show up fully and unapologetically. Still, representation matters, and I strive to be the example I needed when I was younger.

Are there any myths of the trade that were dispelled along the way?

One myth is that veterinary medicine is just playing with puppies all day — it’s so much more complex. We’re surgeons, diagnosticians, therapists, business owners. Another myth? That holistic medicine isn’t “real” medicine.

The evidence, the outcomes — they tell a different story. I also grossly underestimated how much emotional labor the profession requires. You’re not just treating pets; you’re guiding families, sometimes through deeply emotional moments.

How does your membership in industry organizations contribute to your career?

Professional organizations have provided mentorship, continuing education, and a powerful network. As a member of groups like the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture and the National Association for Black Veterinarians, I’ve gained access to resources and voices that support both clinical excellence and equity. The biggest benefit? Being in spaces that validate my experiences, offers the space to foster camaraderie amongst colleagues, and pushes me to grow.

For others interested in the profession, what are your words of wisdom?

My advice: Know your why. This profession will challenge you emotionally, physically, and mentally. But if your heart is in it, the rewards are unmatched. Also, there is no one way to be a veterinarian. Explore the specialties, the alternative paths, the business opportunities. You can be both healer and entrepreneur, scientist and advocate. Own your unique lane.