Veterinarian Overview
Dr. Van Pelt is the co-founder of Family Pet Animal Hospital in 1990, graduated with honors from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987, and is currently advancing her ultrasonography skills. In addition to being a practicing veterinarian at Family Pet, Dr. Rae Ann also serves as the president of Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Service board of directorsIn second grade my teacher asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I replied that I wanted to be a veterinarian she told me that I would change my mind. I was a determined child and I took it as a challenge. When I reflect, I am grateful that I love my career so much and did not err out of stubbornness. In school I was drawn to the sciences and medicine was the obvious choice. I prefer veterinary medicine to human medicine because we focus on the well being of the entire patient and not just one organ system.Every time I send a patient home healthy I find my career rewarding. I always call my clients after a serious procedure on their pet, or late at night if there is a turn for the better, or too early in the morning if there is good news, because I find it rewarding to relay my excitement and concern for their pet and to hear the relief or joy in the ownerÂ’s voice.
