Dr. Talbot-Wurlod is a clinical associate professor in our small animal emergency and critical care service.
Tell us about your background.
I grew up in Switzerland and earned my veterinary degree from the University of Bern, where I also completed a rotating internship. I then moved to the University of Illinois to complete my residency in emergency and critical care.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in both academia and private specialty practice in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland before recently returning to the University of Illinois. I have always enjoyed combining clinical work, teaching, and research, and I feel fortunate to have experienced different veterinary healthcare systems and approaches to specialty medicine around the world.
How did you become interested in emergency and critical care?
I discovered emergency and critical care during my internship and quickly realized it was where I belonged. I enjoy the challenge of taking care of the sickest patients, piecing together complex medical problems, and working alongside a dedicated team to make a difference. Every day is different, and I love that the specialty pushes me to keep learning. Seeing a patient that was close to death walk out of the hospital is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Tell us about a favorite case of yours.
One of my favorite cases was a cat named Pretty, whom I treated while working in Switzerland. Pretty had been hit by a car and suffered multiple life-threatening injuries, including a pelvic fracture, a ruptured abdominal wall, severe blood loss, and several complications during her recovery, including heart failure and a mild kidney injury. She required weeks of intensive care, multiple surgeries, blood transfusions, and nutritional support through a feeding tube.
Cases like Pretty’s remind me why I love emergency and critical care. Recovering from such severe injuries requires not only intensive medical care but also close collaboration between specialists, nurses, and the pet’s family. Despite the many setbacks along the way, Pretty made a remarkable recovery. Today, she is back home with her family and has even welcomed a “baby brother” to the household.
What are your special interests inside or outside of the clinic?
Clinically, I’m particularly interested in transfusion medicine, extracorporeal therapies such as therapeutic plasma exchange and dialysis, and the management of complex critically ill patients. I also enjoy mentoring students, interns, and residents and helping them build confidence in emergency medicine.
Outside of work, my husband and I recently moved to Illinois with our two young daughters and our dog. Much of our free time is spent exploring our new community, discovering parks and local activities, and enjoying family adventures together. I also enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time outdoors whenever I have the chance.
