Ask Natalie Katz what her favorite animal patient is, and you will probably be surprised. 

She’ll give you a hint: it’s a mammal with long legs, big lips, and a humped back. If you guessed, “Is it a camel?” then yes, you are correct!

Today, we are overjoyed to highlight the incredible work of this upcoming Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine graduate, Class of 2023. With her unique experience at the Dubai Camel Hospital, passion for wildlife advocacy, and wonderful sense of humor, the future Dr. Katz is a soon-to-be vet with so much to offer. 

Let’s get to know her. 

Tell Us a Little About Yourself

Originally from Los Angeles, Natalie has spent her days trekking through the Andes in Peru and roaming the sandy dunes of Dubai. In 2016 she graduated from Scripps College where she holds a B.A. in Molecular Biology. Shortly after, she then attended Tel Aviv University and received a M.Sc. in Genetics.

But nowadays, Natalie Katz is on route to becoming one of the coolest camel-loving vets in the world. 

Currently in her third year of the DVM program at Cornell University, Natalie aspires to “live life as true to myself as I can.” Persistence, drive, and ambition are the qualities that have enabled her to travel all over the world. However, it was a summer internship in Israel – at a wildlife hospital – that truly had the biggest effect on her life’s direction.  

From there, deciding to be a veterinarian was the easiest decision Natalie ever made. 

In terms of goals, Natalie is a proud HPSP (Health Professionals Scholarship Program) student who also looks forward to serving her country as an Army Veterinarian one day. 

Sharing Her Love for Camels on #vetstagram 

What’s the difference between a bactrian and dromedary camel?

Those who follow Natalie’s Instagram account know! Her handle: @thatbitchdoctor

That’s because she shares valuable veterinary information via social media on the regular. In fact, her Insta page is filled with posts that are as equally educational as they are hilarious. For example, followers get an inside look into #vetmedlife from a student perspective. With heartfelt candor and amusing wit, Natalie Katz shows us that laughter really is one of the best types of medicine.   

Plus, there is an adorably fuzzy camel named Kramer…

How could anyone resist? 

With just one year to go, we cannot wait to see what the future holds for this talented young veterinarian to be!