My Vet's the Best contest finalist, Dr. Nick Brown. How much do you love your vet? In 2010, Pets Best developed the My Vet’s the Best Contest—the first of its kind—to allow pet owners to acknowledge veterinarians around the nation for outstanding service and compassionate care. We’ve again received hundreds of submissions for our second contest of 2016, and are pleased to announce our latest finalists. Once more, we’re pleased to see the tremendous impact veterinarians are making in their local communities. Meet Dr. Nick Brown, who is one such individual.
Dr. Brown knew from a young age that he enjoyed working with both animals and people. He grew up in Chicago, then moved to Washington State at the age of 15 “and fell in love with everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer.” Dr. Brown received his Bachelors of Science from The Evergreen State College, completed pre-clinical veterinary education at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, and then finished his clinical curriculum at the Oregon State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
During veterinary school, he spent some of his free time researching a vaccine to protect tilapia against disease, and became comfortable working with less commonly studied species and their respective challenges.
Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Brown was employed at South Bay Veterinary Hospital for five years as a veterinary assistant. Today, he is again a member of the team, only this time as one of their veterinarians. At the clinic, Dr. Brown enjoys helping a variety of animal species including cats, dogs, and a few pocket pet and exotic species such as fish. When Dr. Brown is not practicing veterinary medicine, he enjoys such outdoor activities as SCUBA diving, kayaking, hiking, and photography. Read on for our Q&A with Dr. Brown.
Why did you decide to become a veterinarian?
I’ve known from a young age that I loved working with both animals and people. Veterinary medicine has allowed me to not only to fulfill that desire, but also gives me the pleasure of knowing I’m making a positive difference in the lives of both the patient as well as their owner.
What do you enjoy most about being a veterinarian?
I enjoy the diversity of both the patients but also the conditions they present with. I’m able to see a variety of species, health conditions, and perform surgery all in the same day.
What makes you unique in your field?
I’m not sure if this makes me unique, but I try and treat every pet as if it were my own. It’s important to work with clients to figure out the best possible treatment plan for their pet while also working within their limits. I try to offer not only the gold standard therapy options, but also alternative options that may work just as well and be more within an owner’s financial limitations.
Do you talk to your clients about pet insurance?
I try to discuss pet insurance with clients as much as I can; specifically at new puppy and kitten appointments before there are any pre-existing conditions.
What does it mean to you to be nominated for this award?
It’s very flattering to be nominated for this award; especially being such a new graduate.
What would you like to say to your clients and community who nominated and voted for you?
I would like to thank my clients and community for letting me be a part of your lives and allowing me to help where I can.
If you win the contest with the most votes, how do you plan to use your $1,000 prize?
I will use the prize to help pets who are suffering: those with owners who deeply care about their pets, and want what’s best for them, although they may not be able to afford it.
Fun Pet Fact:
After veterinary school, Dr. Brown and his wife (also a veterinarian) were thrilled to return to the Olympia area where they now live with “a wonderful blended family of pets” that includes two dogs, four cats, a couple dozen fish and a few cleaner shrimp.
If you enjoyed reading about Dr. Brown, stay tuned to our blog, where we will share in-depth Q&A sessions we held with the remaining finalists. Learn more about the My Vet’s the Best Contest by clicking here. You may vote for Dr. Brown or any of the other finalists once a day through Thursday, July 28th, 2016 on the Pets Best Facebook page.