DR. CHRIS LIN, DVM, MEDICAL DIRECTOR
What is your educational and veterinary medicine background?
I received my DVM from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign – College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. I received my BA in Economics and minored in Cognitive Science as an undergraduate at University of California, San Diego in 2008.
Why did you decide to become a veterinarian?
Like many others in veterinary medicine, I have always loved animals and grew up with pets. However, being a veterinarian is a second career for me. I wanted to innovate and introduce technological products that change people’s lives for the better. Over time I realized that I enjoy working with my hands and bringing a product from concept to market simply takes too long. I am fortunate to have a veterinarian sibling, so I shadowed her to learn what being a veterinarian means. The rest is history.
What is your most memorable moment as a vet?
My most memorable moment was watching on fluoroscopy (video X-ray) a Ductal Occluder (a device that blocks blood flow) deploy to correct a congenital defect called Patent Ductus Arteriosus (where the blood flows inappropriately from the aorta to the pulmonary artery). I was scrubbed in with a board certified veterinary cardiologist during this procedure and I thought to myself “I’m exactly where I want to be.”
How did you come to join Companion Animal Hospital?
I was approached by Companion Animal Hospital’s founding members, Scott Petereit and Derek Williamson. Their practice philosophy for high quality medicine with the human-animal bond with mind resonated with me. It is important to me that we take care of the owner or “pet parent” while helping their beloved family member.
What are the best things you find about being a veterinarian?
There’s nothing better than curing an ailment or relieving discomfort. I especially love it when my client and staff work as a team to diagnose and treat a patient. Often times my clients are an integral part of their pet’s recovery.
What was the most rewarding case you have had as a veterinarian?
My favorite patient happens to be the star of my most rewarding case. He is a little white Shih Tzu who showed up on a Thursday afternoon for an ear infection that just would not go away. His ears were so inflamed that they were practically shut closed. I told the anxious owners that the ears might end up requiring surgery from how badly shut they were, but I will try my best to clear his infection. Thanks to owner’s perfect compliance (they never missed a recheck), we actually cured his ear infection and restored his ear canal to it’s former glory! What made this case special was that the pet was acting like a puppy again – full of energy and playing all the time. His ears must have been so uncomfortable that he just wasn’t himself.
What are your special interests in the field of veterinary medicine?
I love the variety of ailments we see in general practice! However, I do enjoy ultrasound and cytology.
What is the most unusual pet you have helped treat?
A Liger kitten. Yes, they are real! He is a cross breed between a male lion and female tiger. Luckily for us, he was only 30 lbs. and presented for a wellness exam by the rescue organization.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Metal utensils on non-stick pans. Hell hath no fury.
Favorite place to eat?
The Beacon Tavern in Chicago.
Favorite place to visit?
Boston
Favorite food?
I love my protein – steak, sushi, tofu!
Favorite movie?
The Alien series, including the recent additions.
What are your favorite sports teams?
Team USA!
Name 3 things people might be surprised to learn about you:
- I moved here from California for the weather. Yes – it’s because I love the freezing cold and the abundant snow!
- Folks have mentioned that they’re surprised to see me with an American Eskimo Dog. No one has explained why to me yet, but I love the breed.
- Prior to veterinary medicine, I was once an engineer intern at a Volkswagen laboratory.