When Dr. Anil Regmi came to the United States from Nepal a second time (he had worked in Alaska before returning to Nepal), he arrived with only $150 in his pocket. He lived with his brother and sister for a short time and worked for a dairy farm in North Dakota before moving to Des Moines to take the test to get into veterinary school. After earning a degree in veterinary medicine at Purdue University, he returned to Des Moines to work at a friend’s animal hospital on the South Side. Now he runs his own business, Urban Pet Hospital, in Urbandale, which the Iowan Asian Alliance voted as this year’s Outstanding Asian Business.

Why did you leave Nepal?

Better opportunities.

What do you like most about being a veterinarian?

The best part of the job is that it’s not the same every day. Actually every moment is different. You never know what you’re going to be seeing. People may not agree, but you can understand animals’ feelings, such as gratitude, as well.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I wanted to be my own boss. But it was really tough.

Did you receive any financial assistance?

The thing is, when you start your own business, you don’t have any income source. The bank won’t give you anything. I actually maxed out all my credit cards to open the clinic.

Are you still close to your family?

My siblings, yes. My brother does research for a pharmaceutical company in Indiana. My sister works for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. My mother still lives in Nepal.

What do you miss most about Nepal?

The mountains. Of the top 10 mountains in the world, Nepal has seven or eight of the highest. The Rockies are really nothing.

What was the 2006 AdmirAsian Achievement Award ceremony like?

There were close to 350 people, there including the ex-governor Robert Ray and Councilwoman Christine Hensley, who gave me the award. I really was not expecting it because there are lots of better people who deserve it. I was very honored to be recognized for my hard work.

What is the greatest challenge Asian-Americans face?

Comparatively less, but you definitely see some discrimination. Asian-Americans have to overcome that and have to prove themselves, too. I think you can prove yourself if you work hard. For me, I have to be better in all aspects to be successful, because if somebody wants to go to a vet, wherever they go, they have to spend the money. Why would you come to me with the accent and the different color? You would rather go to someone else who you can understand easily. So I have to be better to survive.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Practicing. Establishing myself in Des Moines.

Is there a philosophy you live by?

The only country in the world where if you want to do it and if you work hard and set the goals, you can do it, is the United States.

Do you think you could be successful as a veterinarian in Nepal?

I could, but not like this. I wouldn’t have as much equipment. Financially I would not be able to do it, too. The training is not like in the States. It still has been a struggle here, but I work hard and I’ve been lucky.

What do you like about Des Moines?

Des Moines is a laid-back town and I’m very laid-back.

Describe your family.

I am married. My wife is from Nepal. I have a daughter, age 9.

What do you like to do outside the office?

Most of the time I’m working, but I like to take my daughter to the movies.

Is there a community of people from Nepal in Des Moines?

There are about 30 people of Nepali origin in Des Moines. WE just celebrated Deepavali, festival of lights, which is when we worship the goddess of wealth.

– Sarah Bzdega