In the heart of Kentucky, amidst the rolling hills and verdant landscapes, a young girl dreamt of a future filled with purpose and compassion. Little did she know that her aspirations would lead her on a remarkable journey, shaping her into the compassionate and inspirational veterinarian she is today.

Dr. Natosha Richardson's story begins with a childhood steeped in a love for animals and a desire to make a difference. From a tender age, she knew that her path lay in the realm of veterinary medicine, a calling that would take her across oceans and continents in pursuit of her dreams. She identifies her time at the Royal Veterinary College in England as a transformative adventure that shaped her profoundly. Living abroad for four years challenged her in ways she never imagined, instilling resilience and fortitude that continue to shape her outlook on life. After earning her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Natosha returned to her roots in Kentucky, eager to apply her newfound knowledge and skills. Her journey truly took flight during a transformative internship at Bluegrass Veterinary Specialists in Lexington, where she discovered her passion for emergency medicine—a field that would become her calling.

Fuelled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a desire to provide the highest standard of care, Dr. Natosha pursued a rigorous three-year residency in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care. Emerging as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, she stood at the forefront of her field, armed with expertise and compassion. But Dr. Natosha's journey was not solely defined by professional accolades; it was also marked by moments of personal growth and reflection.

Amidst the challenges and triumphs, Dr. Natosha's unwavering commitment to kindness and empathy remained a guiding light. She believes in the power of individual actions to create meaningful change, emphasizing the importance of fostering compassion and understanding in our interactions with others. For Dr. Natosha, purpose is paramount—a guiding force that anchors her in times of uncertainty and adversity. Whether it's through her career, her family, or her community, she finds fulfillment in making a positive difference, one small act of kindness at a time.

As she looks ahead to the future, Dr. Natosha approaches life with a sense of openness and anticipation, eager to embrace the journey wherever it may lead. While the path may be uncertain, one thing remains steadfast: her unwavering commitment to spreading joy and compassion in every space she enters.

In the tapestry of veterinary medicine, Dr. Natosha Richardson's story stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion, resilience, and purpose. Through her unwavering dedication and compassionate care, she continues to inspire others to pursue their dreams and make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and their human companions.

Q/A with Dr. Natosha Richardson:

1.    If I wasn't a vet what would I be:

From the time I was in second grade, I've only ever really wanted to be a veterinarian. For a short period of time in college, I considered moving to human medicine and did a stint shadowing a human physician – it was definitely NOT for me. If I was being really honest with myself, I'd likely work in the non-profit arena. In college, the thing that brought me the greatest joy was serving as Co-chairman for our Relay for Life team. Cancer research is near and dear to my heart so I'd likely work with a non-profit organization that helps to provide care and funding for families dealing with cancer or other life-threatening diseases.

2.    Best career advice I've received:

No hospital is perfect! I feel a lot of students/interns/residents finish school or their respective programs and think they are going to find that perfect job in the perfect hospital in the perfect location. If that happened for you, that's great! However, for many, that simply isn't realistic. When a co-worker/fellow veterinarian shared with me that I needed to find a hospital that generally matched my goals as a clinician in a location that made me happy and allowed me to enjoy my life OUTSIDE of work, it completely changed my perspective on my job and my hospital in general.

3.    How did I make my first dollar:

Lemonade stand as a kid! My parents were having a garage sale and I asked if I could sell lemonade so I could buy whatever toy was popular at the time and they said yes.

4.    Advice I have for my younger self:

This one is tough! Some combination of don't take life too seriously and work hard so you can play hard. There are a lot of things I would go back and do differently if I was younger but traveling more and experiencing life with friends is a big one. Oh – and take a financial planning course in college!

5.    What is a change I would like to see in the world:

More kindness and patience, and I think that starts with us as individuals. It's very easy to forget that every action we take and word that we speak, particularly in the clinical or public setting, creates a ripple effect. We have the power as individuals to create significant change just by changing how we interact with a communication with those around us. A kind word or just listening to a co-worker can go a long way.

Want more? Check out Dr. Natosha Richardson in Vet Candy’s Master Course in Urgent Care, brought to you by KRUUSE and Covetrus: https://www.myvetcandy.com/ce-on-demand