King named 2024 Gentle Doctor award winner
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Media Contact: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu
As a kid, Dr. Lindsay King loved nature, wildlife and all things science.
King didn’t grow up thinking she wanted to be a veterinarian like some. However, two years after receiving her Bachelor of Science in neuroscience from the University of Notre Dame, King took a family trip that changed everything.
“I remember I was at the local zoo with my family when I lamented that I wished I could work with animals every day,” King said. “They reminded me that there is a job where I could do that and utilize my science background and love for all things medical. A week later, I was interviewing for a position as a receptionist at a local small animal clinic.”
After realizing she could use her passion for science and medicine in the veterinary field, King started working as a receptionist, which later led to her starting as a veterinary assistant at a local small animal clinic. In addition to loving the medical aspect of veterinary medicine, King quickly realized that she loved the people aspect of the career, too.
“I love being a part of the care team for pets and getting to know their owners,” King said. “I know it might sound unexpected, but working with people and my clients is my favorite part of veterinary medicine.”
King’s list of influential faculty members is long. The warm and supportive community she was surrounded by significantly impacted the veterinarian she has become.
Seated among her classmates at the 2024 Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine graduation ceremony, King was filled with emotion as her name was announced as the Gentle Doctor award recipient.
“I am incredibly honored to have received this award. I have always tried to follow the example set by preceding Gentle Doctors, like Dr. Jennifer Rudd,” King said. “They have always acted as a role model during my veterinary education, and I always said I wanted to be like them when I grew up.”
King plans to specialize under the umbrella of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. She will soon move to Connecticut for a small animal rotating internship, which is the next step in the specialization process.
King said she can’t say “thank you” enough to all the educators, faculty members and staff who made her time at OSU CVM some of the most challenging but fun years she has ever had.
“The Gentle Doctor award recognizes an individual who embodies love and care for all God’s creatures — great and small,” said Rudd, OSU CVM assistant professor in pathobiology. “Lindsay extends this same level of care to the people connected with the animals in our profession, too. I am so pleased to see her genuine love for all recognized through her peers with this prestigious award.”
Photos By: Taylor Bacon and Genesee Photo Systems
Story By: Kinsey Reed | Vet Voices Magazine