Meet Natalie, the newest extern to join the Lone Mountain Animal Hospital team!
She’s currently a 4th-year veterinary medical student at the University of Missouri and will graduate in 2021. Natalie grew up in Mexico in a town called Xalapa and has always had a love for animals. She had a family dog growing up that still lives with her parents in Mexico. When she was younger, she volunteered at a local animal shelter that had a clinic attached to it. Natalie shadowed the veterinarians there and the rest was history.
She received her Bachelor’s in Animal Science from Southern Illinois University before going to vet school in Missouri. Natalie said she’s most interested in exotics, zoological medicine, and conservation. Aside from her volunteer experience in shelter work, Natalie has also volunteered with wildlife rehab centers and at an exotic veterinary clinic while she was attending Southern Illinois University.
“I’ve done some research with horses,” Natalie said. “I worked at the equine center at Southern Illinois, and I’ve also done some research with search and rescue canines with FEMA.”
She initially heard about the externship program for Craig Road Animal Hospital during a job fair but decided to interview for Lone Mountain instead. Natalie said she’s most looking forward to getting more experience with everyday cases.
“We tend to get complicated cases that come to the hospital, so like referrals,” she said. “I’m excited to see more of the general practice side of things.”
In her spare time, Natalie enjoys the hiking trails around Columbia, Missouri, reading, and spending time with her friends. She’s also an avid board game enthusiast!
Welcome to the team, Natalie!
