Veterinarian Overview
What is your educational and veterinary medicine background? I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Kinesiology and then received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. What made you decide to become a veterinarian? Ive had a love for animals since I was a kid, but pursued careers in human medicine early on during my college career. One day I woke up and realized that veterinary medicine was the perfect way to combine my love for animals and science, while still being able to help people who are concerned for their pets. What is your most memorable moment as a vet? I will always remember one of my first patients in school, Penelope, who had blastomycosis (a fungal disease) in her lungs, eyes, and joints. She would come every other day for extensive treatment and was always so happy to see me. Her owner was the first client I had that gave me a card thanking me for caring for her pet and I still have it today. Im happy to report that Penelope responded very well to treatment! How did you come to join LePar Animal Hospital? I started working at LePar as a kennel attendant in 2010 and then worked my way through the ranks of becoming a veterinary assistant and now veterinarian! What are the best things you find about being a veterinarian? Being able to nurture the human-animal bond that I know so well myself. What is the most common problem you encounter in the pets you see? Allergies and dental disease are issues I encounter every day. What are your special interests in the field of veterinary medicine? Preventative care, dermatology, ultrasonography What is the most unusual pet you have helped treat? While in school, I helped care for a very sick 12 week old liger! Yes, ligers are real and they are a cross between a male lion and female tiger. What are your favorite activities outside of treating pets? Traveling and spending time outdoors What is your biggest pet peeve? Procrastination Favorite place to eat? Giordanos- best deep-dish pizza in Chicago! Favorite place to visit? Anywhere warm with a beach! Ive had the opportunity to visit several Caribbean islands and my favorite so far is Turks & Caicos. Favorite movie? I dont think I have one; I prefer seeing new movies to watching a movie Ive already seen over again. Favorite food? Seafood; it goes along well with my love of traveling What is your favorite sports team? Im a huge college basketball fan and have to support the university I spent 8 years at- Go Illini! Name 3 things most people might be surprised to learn about you? 1. I didnt officially decide to become a veterinarian until my junior year of undergrad. 2. Im an only child. 3. While in college, I helped train mobility service dogs and still continue to work with the organization today.
