Kat Baker, DVM

What is your educational and veterinary medicine background?
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences in 2010 from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. I graduated from the Michigan State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016.

What made you decide to become a veterinarian?
As a child I always loved animals. As I matriculated through school I loved everything science-y. I knew by watching Trauma: Life in the ER that working with people would make me queasy. So during my sophomore year in college, I began to pursue my veterinary medicine dream.

What is your most memorable moment as a vet?
Finding out that I passed my veterinary board exam. I knew then that I was living in reality.

How did you come to join Hyde Park Animal Hospital?
Dr. Wake hired me as a kennel/vet assistant during my sophomore year of undergrad in 2007 and I worked here on my breaks. I took a break before I was accepted into vet school and was the previous kennel manager in 2011. During vet school, I worked as a vet tech during breaks.

What are the best things you find about being a veterinarian?
Seeing the tight bond between animals and their humans

What is the most common problem you encounter in the pets you see?
Allergies

What was the most rewarding case you have had as a veterinarian?
A dog had idiopathic chylothorax (chylous fluid in lung space), this particular dog was very important to the family, as they got him after losing a member of their family. He had a 5-hour surgery and recovered well. It was very touching seeing them reunited and hearing the story of why he is so special to them.

What are your special interests in the field of veterinary medicine?
Dermatology

What is the most unusual pet you have helped treat?
Chameleon

What are your favorite activities outside of treating pets?
Cooking, working out, playing video games, watching football

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Shoe shopping for heels… my feet are long and narrow, so it’s hard to find the perfect pair

Favorite place to eat?
Pappadeaux

Favorite place to visit?
Las Vegas

Favorite movie?
The Dark Knight

Favorite food?
I’ll eat/try anything except okra

What is your favorite sports team?
DA Bears

Name 3 things most people might be surprised to learn about you?
1. I play the clarinet
2. I had facial paralysis due to fainting while singing
3. I know all of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air episodes by heart