Dr. Kimberly Kahn was born and raised in New York City. She received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Amherst College in 1998. A few years later she decided upon a career in veterinary medicine and began post-baccalaureate pre-veterinary studies at Columbia University. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in 2009. Returning to New York City, she completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at NYC Veterinary Specialists (now Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners). Since then she has worked in private practice and shelter medicine in Manhattan and Brooklyn, treating small animals and exotic pets.
Dr. Kahn’s veterinary interests include behavior and pain management. She earned her Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture from IVAS in 2014. She enjoys making veterinary visits easier for anxious and fearful patients, and is a Fear Free Certified Professional.
In her free time, Dr. Kahn enjoys being with her husband and daughter, reading, sewing, and exploring her hometown.
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Video Transcript:
We're introducing Dr. Kimberly Kahn today. She discusses everything from what made her want to be a vet and her specialties to her free time activities and what she did before becoming a vet.
Why did you want to become a veterinarian?
I decided in my mid-twenties that I wanted to go back to school and become a vet. And it was because I rescued a dog who had epilepsy, and I started to learn a bit about his condition so that I could better treat him. I found it really interesting, so I kept learning, and I kept learning, and I kept learning.
And something clicked where I said, "I find this fascinating. I find the science fascinating. I find the idea of understanding how this condition affects my pet and how this condition affects our bond together fascinating. And it just led me to say, "Hmm, maybe there's an untapped interest and love that I should be pursuing."
What did you study before you majored in veterinary medicine?
When I went to undergrad, I majored in psychology, and tried a couple of different professional avenues during summers and right after school. At the time, I said, "Now, I find this fascinating, but I can't find the right fit for me." And then I took a total left turn and did a little bit of work in publishing.
Publishing is cool. I love language. I love words. I decided to hang out there until I figured out what I wanted to do. And then I said, "Great, I'm going to go back to school and do all the prereqs for vet school, and apply to vet school, and go down that road."
What interests you professionally?
I have a big interest in behavior. I like to help pets and their people manage behavior concerns. Pain management is another interest, and I underwent training in acupuncture as part of that interest in pain management and expanding what I could offer to my patients.
I also love primary care. I love the variety of it. I love the relationships you can create with clients and patients over the long term. And I love the educational aspect of it. Just doing something to a patient is one thing, but explaining to a client why we're doing it, what the benefits are, what the repercussions could be, and what our alternatives are is what I find really satisfying.
What do you like to do on your spare time?
I have a toddler, so my spare time is spent wrangling a child. So basically this means trips to the playground, eating pretend food, and playing with Play-Doh.
Would you like to share anything else with our clients?
I'm thrilled to have joined this practice—it's a great professional home. I love the ethic that guides all of my colleagues, veterinarians, assistants, LVTs, and receptionists. There's a real warmth and caring here at Hudson, and I'm pleased to be part of that.