Like many veterinarians, Kristi Crow chose veterinary medicine because of a childhood passion for animals. She has always loved them from her earliest memory, and new one day she would want to help them as part of her career.

At first, Kristi thought she would specialize as a veterinarian, but after her time at Purdue University, she realized that general practice is where her heart is. With her own practice, she can define the workplace culture she wants to have, and also meet and build long term relationships with clients.

A taste for traveling

Although Kristi wanted to base her work at home, she also loves taking her veterinary skills abroad as well. During a trip to Africa, she discovered how much she enjoyed conservation and working with wildlife.

They would learn about something in a lecture one day, and then go out and practice it the next day. One of her first experiences was capturing, deworming, and relocating 8 sable antelope. They would later capture and relocate giraffe, water buffalo, and many other species.

Caring for others

Kristi loves animals, and understands how hard it can be to know what to do with yourself as a veterinary student, or even before that time. In order to help she has set up in online presence as “Dogtor Kristi” and offers up a real taste of what its like to be in veterinary medicine, as well as help for those who need it.

She has a blog, website, and instagram where you can get questions answered, as well as hear about her own journey in detail.

A passion for flowers

Although Kristi loves animals, she also knows what she would do with her life if veterinary medicine wasn’t an option. Her other passion is flower arranging, and becoming a florist would be the next best option in her world.

Kristi was introduced to flowers through a flower arranging class she once took, and fell in love with the relaxing pastime. She loves receiving flowers, but also often arranges them herself and gives them to others.

Caring for herself

When Kristi has a stressful day, it’s not just flowers that make her feel better. She often relaxes by cuddling with her goldendoodle (who is always down for snuggles) and taking a bubble bath or drinking a nice glass of wine.

Veterinary medicine can be intense, and learning to step away from it and do things that relax you and pull you away can really help. A healthy work life balance is very important, and it’s easy to let work consume you when so many animals seem to need help right now.

If she could advise her younger self on anything, it would be to ‘enjoy the moment’ instead of stressing about the past or the future.

Kristi Crow is working hard to make a difference in the lives of animals, both wild and domestic. She has accomplished so much in her life already, and is dedicated to helping others enjoy a veterinary career.

Follow her on Instagram:

Dogtor Kristi