Employee of the Month: January 2021

Name Elizabeth Kurdziel, DVM
Practice name Animal Hospital Highway 6, Sugar Land, Texas
Occupation Associate veterinarian
Alma mater Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, class of 2011
Started in veterinary medicine 2011
Years at practice 3

What Makes Elizabeth So Awesome?

Elizabeth is always looking for ways to learn and grow in the profession and is not afraid to step outside her comfort zone. Her attention to detail is second to none. She’s extremely thorough when it comes to client education and is particularly patient with the recent influx of first-time pet owners. She goes out of her way to help improve team morale by posting funny memes and jokes in the hospital pharmacy and participating in appreciation week with gifts of her own to the team.

In Her Own Words

What brought you to the profession? I really like science and animals, and it seemed like a great way to combine my two passions. Growing up, I had a pair of cats who lived to be 20 and 22 years old, and I saw how our family veterinarian helped them through hyperthyroidism and kidney disease, among other issues. At one point, our family had two cats, two guinea pigs, a parakeet, a box turtle, and three chickens. Having those pets as a child led to an interest in exotic medicine, and I enjoy seeing small exotic pets from time to time in practice. Recently, a client brought in a near-lifeless baby bunny, and it was so rewarding to see the bunny recover rapidly and start hopping around after careful supportive care.

Favorite part of practicing medicine: I get to use my head and my heart every day at my job. At this hospital specifically I like that we all work well as a team and have each other’s backs. Practice owner Scott Driever, DVM, is a true mentor, helping me learn all the time about veterinary medicine and about what it takes to be a successful part of the veterinary team.

Hobbies outside of work: I have played the clarinet as a member of the Lone Star Symphonic Band for seven years and look forward to performing when the group is able to gather again. In my free time I also enjoy yoga, gardening, and spending time with my family.

Favorite book series: Just finished reading the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.

Pets at home: Beau, a 5-year-old three-legged terrier mix; Chloe, a 14-year-old domestic shorthair; Ivy, a 12-year-old three-legged domestic shorthair; and Loki, a 14-year-old leopard gecko.