In case you haven’t heard the news, Lawndale Veterinary Hospital has recently welcomed a new doctor, Dr. Karen McGlothlin, into the Lawndale family. Our team is so excited to have her on board. Dr. McGlothlin’s patient, polite, and appreciative demeanor has made our transition incredibly smooth and easy!
We recently asked Dr. McGlothlin to share some things about herself so that our clients and staff could get to know her a little better. Here is what she had to say:
When did you decide you wanted to become a veterinarian?
I have always been drawn to animals. In elementary school, we had a female German Shepherd Mix named Chris. She was protective over our family and through interacting with Chris, I realized I wanted to be someone who could take care of animals who were both sick and healthy.
During undergraduate, I really felt like I wanted to be a veterinarian. Unfortunately, I had an advisor who was not very encouraging and steered me in a different direction. I decided to pursue a Masters in Biology, and then a PhD in Zoology. This led me to my position as a biology professor at the University of the South, in Sewanee, Tennessee.
After teaching for six years, I was eligible to apply for tenure. However, veterinary school had still been in the back of my mind the whole time. I realized that when you get tenure, you are basically where you are going to be for the rest of your life…AND I realized I was not doing what I wanted to do when I grew up. So, I resolved that I had to give veterinary school a shot. I applied for veterinary school and tenure at the same time. Ultimately, I was offered tenure at the same time I was accepted into vet school…and you can see which one I chose!
Tell us what you like to do in your spare time.
I love being outside. My dogs, Gatsby, Beatrix Kiddo, and Goldie enjoy hiking with me. We spend a lot of time in Western North Carolina and Northeast Tennessee in the mountains with friends and family.
On my days off, the dogs and I will walk at least 4 miles. I also enjoy riding my bicycle on greenways and rails to trails. Kayaking is another activity that I also find relaxing.
What are some of your favorites?
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Music: Folk
Favorite Movie: Wizard of Oz
Favorite Book: A Walk in the Woods, by Bill Bryson
What helped you decide that Lawndale Veterinary Hospital was the right place for you?
The first time I met Dr. Crawford, Dr. Waterman, and Cassie, it was not for a formal interview. They just wanted me to come to dinner so that we could get to know each other. At dinner, it felt like I had known them all my life. It was a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Then, they invited me to visit the clinic. When I walked in, everyone was just incredible. I immediately felt like this clinic was the perfect fit.
I worked at a small animal clinic in Tennessee for nine years that was full of teamwork and camaraderie. I really enjoyed my time at that clinic, and Lawndale Veterinary Hospital reminds me a lot about how I felt in Tennessee.
What are some things you are looking forward to with Lawndale Veterinary Hospital?
I love seeing whatever comes into the hospital – not only treating the patients, but also just getting to interact with them. I truly enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine, and I have special interests in ultrasound, geriatric medicine, and internal medicine. I believe veterinary medicine thrives when there is a teamwork mentality, and I’m really excited about having access to such a wonderful team here at Lawndale Veterinary Hospital!
Lawndale Veterinary Hospital is very pleased to introduce Dr. McGlothlin to all of our clients – we are sure you will love her as much as we do!
Author: Dr. C. Noureddine, DVM, MS, MS