I did not match for residency during my internships and became an ER doctor. When Dr. Barb Kitchell contacted me about an off match residency I said no. She called again, I discussed the opportunity with my practice owner and he sponsored by residency. I think all of us have those special people who we meet at the right moments who either guide us or give us opportunities that change our path. I am so grateful for all those mentors from my 8th grade teacher who sparked my interest in science to my current medical director who always supports me.

_{Photo: New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association (NJVMA) representatives at the ground breaking for the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine. From left to right, Dr. Sheila Levie, NJVMA board, Dr. Matthew Edson, Dean, Dr. Jennifer Kim, Dr. Mike Yurkus, former president of NJVMA, and Mr. Phil Russo, NJVMA Executive Director.}

My team sees new consults in the morning and rechecks in the afternoon. We almost always sit for lunch and we leave on time. We laugh a lot. Work life balance is so important. I am glad that in veterinary medicine we are discussing boundaries. However, I think in reality we are oftentimes not as good at practicing what we preach. I have learned that having management that supports their employees can make a world of difference in the culture of the hospital.

I think my biggest success is when a colleague chooses me to treat their pet. Having the respect of my coworkers is the biggest compliment I can get. My second biggest success is when clients tell me that I made the journey with their pet easier. Beyond the medicine I want to know that I support the clients and prepare them for every step.

Learning to slow down a bit. Take the time to make real connections with your coworkers and clients. Listening to clients and learning their stories with their pets. I am so New York that softening my sharp edges was very hard. I am still at heart a New Yorker and it’ll come out when I am upset. However, I think that maturity has made me not sweat the small stuff and see the big picture more.

_{Photo: A shot from Dr. Kim's "happy place:" her paddleboard.}

I do not feel like I am the typical veterinarian. I had lots of breaks in my path. I took a gap year as mentioned above, did research at NCI between college and veterinary school and worked 2 years in emergency before getting an off-match residency. I think those breaks helped me be a better person and ultimately a better doctor.  Most importantly it taught me the importance of service to the community.