BOARD SPOTLIGHT: DR. BONNIE BARR (CONT.)
Looking 15 years down the line. In 2035, are we envision a strong veterinary profession or are there issues that need to be addressed? Te veter- inary profession will be strong. Tere will always be individuals with the lifelong love of animals and the desire to help them. Veterinarians will continue to be the experts in animal health care and well-being. Life is ever changing but veterinarians are able to adapt to change and embrace innovation/technology.
What made you want to become a veterinarian? I grew up riding horses and grew up on a small farm in Western Pennsylvania. My father, mother and grandfather rode horses. In addition we always had a dog and many cats. I have always loved animals but initially I wanted to be a horse trainer. When I was 15-years-old my mother convinced me to spend some time volunteering with our local veterinarian. I was hooked after that and I wanted to be a veterinarian.
Tell us about your history in the veterinary pro- fession and what have you done to get you where you are today? I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary medicine in 1997. During the last year of veterinary school I de- cided I wanted to do an equine internship and was fortunate to be able to intern at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. During veterinary school and my internship I was drawn to internal medicine and especially loved taking care of neonates. My residency in large animal internal medicine was done at New Bolton Center (Univer- sity of Pennsylvania). After that I spent a year as a clinician at Texas A&M in the large animal clinic. In 2001 I joined the internal medicine department at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital.
At what point did you finally feel comfortable with what you are doing every day as a veterinarian? With each year of experience you begin to feel com- fortable with cases but I am not sure you ever feel 100% comfortable with what you do as a veterinar- ian. A new challenge can be encountered each day and that’s what keeps our job from getting stale.
Any advice to recent graduates who aren’t that confident yet? Find a mentor or several mentors who you can comfortably discuss cases with and can provide practical advice, encouragement and support.
Why should more people attend the KVMA con- ferences? Te KVMA conferences offer exceptional CE with current scientific information and practical experience presented by local and nationally known
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speakers. Tere is an opportunity to network with fellow Kentucky veterinarians and industry repre- sentatives. Te conferences are held locally within driving distance.
Do you have a favorite moment from past con- ferences? A favorite moment is hard to identify. I enjoyed the boat ride on the Belle of Louisville and the Kentucky Derby Museum. But mostly I enjoy visiting with colleagues and meeting new veterinarians.
What did you do to prepare to be a veterinarian? As a teenager I volunteered at a local mixed animal veterinary practice and then eventually worked at that practice during undergraduate and veter- inary school summer vacations. Volunteering or working at a veterinary clinic is something I rec- ommend to any young person who wants to be a veterinarian.
What milestones in your veterinary career are you most proud of? I am most proud of being a member of the KVMA board of directors and president of the KVMA. Being on the board and president of KVMA has helped me to grow per- sonally and professionally.
Tell us about your family, do you have any pets at home? My husband and I have a small horse farm in north Fayette County. We mostly breed thoroughbreds to sell but have kept a few to race. Also we have my retired show horses. Favorite vacation place? Kauai, Hawaii A good book that you have read lately? Te Rooster Bar by John Grisham A movie you could watch repeatedly? “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “White Christmas” A quote you try to live by? “Treat others the way you want to be treated” A fact about yourself that may surprise people. I like 80’s music- Michael Jackson, Whitney Hous- ton, Duran Duran, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. A celebrity or person you admire? My parents. If I were not a veterinarian, I would be... Forest Ranger Do you have an all-time favorite animal or pet? Not really, I love all of my animals!
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