Pam Ferrante is a one-stop shop for expertise in a crisis.

For most people, mastering the art and the science of caring for one species would be quite enough. But for Pam, it was only the beginning.

For decades, her office was a field, a barn, or an exam room covered in fur. Ferrante received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell, then proceeded to earn her PhD in animal science from Virginia Tech. Dogs, cows, horses…whatever animal was in need, Pam knew what to do.

Fast forward to 2011, let’s toss humans into the mix. After watching a few close friends serve the Blacksburg and Virginia Tech communities with the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, Pam expanded her resume to include EMT.

“The Double Doctor”, as she’s known around the rescue squad, now works part-time at a local animal hospital and volunteers with the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad is home to more than 200 members who specialize not only in medical treatment, but also unique skills like cave rescue, swift water response, and search and rescue. The squad is comprised of everyone from high school and college students to retirees.

It was a pleasure for us at the Click & Pledge Foundation to meet Pam, hear her story, and prepare to share that story with you. We loved filming her in her many elements, and we can’t think of anyone better to launch our new series, “Heroes Uncovered” (even though we had to forgive her for being a Boston Red Sox fan).

We encourage you to watch, reflect, and act.