Melanie Narvaez, DVM

Dr. Melanie Narvaez was born and raised in Chicago’s South Side up until 2015 when she moved two hours down south for her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During her time at UIUC, she regularly volunteered at a local humane society, studied abroad in Costa Rica and Peru, and held leadership positions within a Latina-oriented sorority. Upon graduating in 2019, Dr. Narvaez worked at a veterinary clinic in Champaign to gain more experience before starting her veterinary school journey in 2021 at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.

While in veterinary school, Dr. Narvaez was very involved in student life. She was the President and co-founder of the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association, Secretary for Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment (VOICE), Wellness Committee member, Purina Student Representative, and was part of a student-led group called “Meeting of the Minds” that included leaders from other affinity groups that promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Narvaez’s greatest accomplishment while in school was managing the very first “Vet Med Latin Night”. While in school Dr. Narvaez was also nominated by the Dean to receive the Chewy Veterinary Leadership Program Scholarship, making her part of the very first cohort of Chewy Veterinary Leaders across the nation.

After graduation, Dr. Narvaez will be returning to the Chicagoland area and starting as a DVM at Hyde Park Animal Clinic. Dr. Narvaez has a special interest in Zoo Companion Animal (Exotic) Medicine and has a soft spot for geriatric and pediatric patients!

Dr. Narvaez has a black cat named Majesty, and a silver corn snake named Duke Silver. During her free time, she enjoys sketching, playing video games, watching reality TV, and hanging out with family and friends. She enjoys gardening and has a growing collection of house plants.