Like many veterinarians, I connected with my career path in early childhood because of my strong compassion for and interest in animals. Although I initially studied for a career in production animal medicine, I was drawn to companion animal medicine because of the opportunity to educate clients, improve pet welfare, and implement preventive medicine at the individual-animal level. I seek to have edifying, compassionate conversations with clients about their pet care. Working as a small animal clinician piqued my interest in the development and implementation of evidence-based medicine. In particular, I am strongly invested in the appropriate and sustainable use of antimicrobials in pet animals.