Katie Clark: Why did you become a veterinarian?

Like many others, I have always loved animals and enjoyed caring for them. When I was young, I became very interested in horses and started taking riding lessons. I was immediately hooked. I surrounded myself with horses and spent all my free time at the barn. Every weekend my parents would drop me off at the barn in the morning and I would spend the entire day doing chores, riding and just spending time with the horses. I was always fascinated when the vets would come to the barn, especially for emergencies. I was always thankful they were there to help, and knew I wanted to help animals too. I realized that I wanted to become a veterinarian too.

I focused on my dream throughout high school and attended college as an animal science major. There was a short period though when I knew I still wanted to be a veterinarian, but I wasn’t sure if it would be equine. Before vet school, I got a job working in a small animal hospital. I gained so much knowledge and hands-on experience, and for the first time I had a job I truly enjoyed. While that job was amazing, it did also help me realize small animal just wasn’t the perfect fit. I missed being outdoors, and I especially missed working with horses.

I focused on equine medicine throughout veterinary school, and after graduating I came to ECO for my internship. I was lucky enough that there was a position open, and I was able to stay here at ECO after my internship.

I’m thankful every day for my decision to pursue equine medicine. I love that I get to work with horses, and horse people. There is something very special about the bond we share with horses, and I’m grateful that I get to be a part of that in a small way.