Tell us about your background.
I am originally from northern Ohio, but I have lived in many states due to being in a military family. I grew up showing rabbits in 4-H and spent a lot of my time as a kid outdoors. I have always had a love for animals, and there was at least one pet in my parent’s house at all times, but it never occurred to me that I could follow a path like this.
How did you become interested in being a pharmacist?
Being a pharmacist was not my original plan; however, I always had an interest in medications and how they worked in the body. When I figured out I was not going to be able to be an anesthesiologist (I don’t do so well in the OR), a pharmacist seemed like the perfect route as I would still get to focus on medications and be involved in patient care.
What are your special interests?
During my residency I completed research in pharmacogenetics that focused on toxicities in non-domestic felids. This project has piqued my interests in feline medicine, pharmacogenetics/genomics, and zoo medicine.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I have a second degree in anthropology. Part of obtaining this degree was the requirement to go to multiple dig sites and actively participate, which included relocating an unmarked grave. In fact, I wrote my honors college thesis on an archaeological site consisting of two prehistoric earthwork mounds in Mississippi, with a focus on where the site fit in the prehistoric timeline.
Tell us your favorite part about working as a pharmacist in a veterinary hospital.
There is always something new to learn. With the abundance of species and medications and new studies coming out almost every day, it keeps me on my toes and makes every day interesting!
