Veterinarian Overview
Dr. Clarkson was born and raised in Southwest suburban Chicago, where she enjoyed living with dogs, cats, fish and various small rodents, rabbits and other exotic pets. She obtained her BS in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1994 and went on to complete her doctorate in veterinary medicine at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. While in veterinary school, she enjoyed volunteering at the U of I Wildlife Ward, a student run wildlife rescue and rehabilitation clinic, where she first started learning about non traditional species medicine, guiding her toward a career in exotic pet medicine. She also completed an externship at The Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, NY. Dr. Clarkson spent her first two years after graduation in Charlotte, North Carolina as a veterinarian at a dog and cat general practice. She returned to her family and friends in Chicago in June 2000 to pursue her interests in exotic and emergency veterinary medicine.