Dr. Gardner, D.V.M.

Dr. Kate Gardner, D.V.M.

Like many of my colleagues, I decided at a young age that I was going to be a veterinarian. I grew up in Cincinnati, and neighbors knew our house as the menagerie. We had all sorts of pets- cats, birds, turtles, rabbits, hamsters, reptiles, even a crawfish once. I was fascinated by our family vet and the career she had, and I remember attending an open house at her clinic when I was about seven and telling my mother as we left, " That's what I want to do." In high school, I enjoyed reading and re-reading the books of James Herriot, picturing myself in his shoes.

After attending Purcell Marian High School, I attained Bachelor of Science in biology (scholar's program) from Xavier University, and was accepted to The Ohio State School of Veterinary Medicine. I also held various jobs in the veterinary field- from kennel to receptionist to vet's assistant. I volunteered at the Cincinnati Zoo, and spent one summer with a large animal vet in Kentucky. These experiences reinforced my desire to become a veterinarian, and OSU gave me a foundation of knowledge and skills on which to build as I entered the profession.

My first job as a vet was at a small animal practice in Batavia, Ohio. There I was mentored by a doctor, learned new skills, and also learned to value the bond between clients and their pets. I learned to enjoy fostering that relationship, and that the best medicine is given with compassion. I continually learn from my clients as well as their pets.

I came to Twin Maples the summer of 2000. I knew right away that this was an exceptional practice, and I wanted to be a part of it. I am continually challenged to grow in my medical and surgical skills, and I have formed some wonderful relationships with clients and colleagues. I also met my husband here, when he brought his American Bulldog in for an exam. Jeff and I were married the next year, and we have two dogs (the A.B. named Sabo and a black lab named Bella), two cats and two children. Our son loves to come up to the hospital to visit the clinic cats.
The everyday joys and challenges in this profession continue to energize me. I have developed an interest in pocket pet medicine- small "fuzzy furries" like rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and rats. Veterinary medicine is constantly growing and evolving, and I look forward to practicing for some time to come!