Dr. Nam Kim

For me, veterinary medicine required a career change: in my previous life I worked in the business field. After obtaining an MBA in finance and working for around 10 years in the finance and non-profit sectors in New York City I realized the business field wasn’t right for me. I remember one night just thinking I couldn’t see myself doing what I was doing for the next 20 years. I’ve always loved animals and knew I would find so much more fulfillment working to try to better their lives, so I submitted my resignation the next day and enrolled in science classes to get prerequisites I needed to get into veterinary school. After so many years out of school, it was a bit intimidating walking into Chemistry 101 with a room full of freshman undergraduates, but fortunately it went smoothly and a year and a half later I started studying at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. While at Ross, I was able to meet so many like minded faculty and students with a love for animals and a deep desire to help better their lives. While at Ross I served as student class president, represented Ross University at the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and co-founded the Pain Management Club. I have very fond memories of my time there, especially the opportunities I had to work with a wildlife preservation group in South Africa and a non-profit organization offering free spay/neuter surgeries and veterinary services to small towns in Central America. After completing my course work, I finished my clinical year at The Ohio State School of Veterinary Medicine.

After veterinary school I returned to New York City where I began my career at a small animal clinic in Brooklyn and East Village. It felt so good to start putting into practice what I had been studying for the past four years. But after a year of practicing, I realized two things: 1. as veterinarians, we’re not educated enough on proper nutrition; and 2. we prescribe too much medication that cover symptoms but have long term negative effects on our patients. I knew there were better ways to treat my patients, so I began studying veterinary acupuncture, herbal medicine and food therapy at the Chi Institute of Chinese Veterinary Medicine.  It was there that I met a native Ohioan. A year later I packed up my two dogs and cat and moved to Cleveland. Although I miss aspects of New York City, I find living near the Shaker Square area a great compromise with it being walkable with nice restaurants and shops and full of diverse interesting people without all the traffic. It’s been a busy time since moving to Cleveland, but I’m really looking forward to our future here and am excited to become a part of the Cleveland and Shaker community!

Chelsea

Lead Veterinary Technician

Shaker Square Animal Hospital has now been my second home for about four years now. I am a graduate from Juniata College with a degree in Biopsychology. Upon graduation, I immediately began working in research labs and the mental health field. These experiences have been challenging and rewarding, but I am thankful for them. I’ve always had a love for animals and an aspiration to work in the veterinary field, so I began the switch to veterinary medicine and have loved it ever since. I’ve been welcomed in by wonderful staff throughout the years and hope to continue by applying to veterinary school in the near future. 

You can find me with my four cats, two dogs, and an ancient guinea pig in Downtown Cleveland. I enjoy running, stargazing, and hiking. Most importantly, I enjoy being a couch potato with my dog, Vinnie the best.

Emily

Receptionist/Assistant

I have always been an animal lover. Growing up in the country I had plenty of opportunities to feed that love; from the cats we always had to deter any mice, plenty of neighborhood dogs, and even horses I could pet on my walk around the block. Add that to the lack of self preservation instincts. I’m a little surprised it took me so long to find the right fit as a Veterinary Assistant.